Paddy Procurement Crisis Deepens in Nuapada: Farmers Anxiously Await Lifting Amid Monsoon Threat

Khariar: 14/06 The ongoing Rabi paddy procurement process in Nuapada district continues to face multiple challenges, leaving hundreds of farmers worried as the monsoon season gathers momentum. With rains already making their presence felt in June, thousands of bags of paddy remain stacked in open procurement centres, exposing farmers to mounting uncertainty and potential losses. At the Khariar mandi, large quantities of paddy are lying under the open sky, covered only with tarpaulin sheets arranged by farmers themselves. Despite repeated instructions from mandi authorities advising farmers not to bring additional stock until existing produce is lifted, many cultivators have been compelled to transport their harvested paddy to the procurement centre in the hope of an early sale. Farmers allege that delays at various stages of the procurement process have become a recurring concern. Earlier, issues related to token generation and maximum procurement limits created hurdles. Now, the pace of procurement has become heavily dependent on the availability of transport vehicles sent by rice millers for lifting the stock from mandis. As a result, anxious farmers continue to wait for days, guarding their produce from unexpected rainfall. The situation has become particularly challenging as paddy procurement and transportation are being carried out based on the lifting schedule of millers, creating uncertainty among growers who fear damage to their produce if rains intensify. According to sources, quality assessment of paddy is being conducted in the presence of representatives and agents of rice millers before procurement is finalized. However, the slow movement of stocks from the mandi has led to frustration among farmers, many of whom claim they have already waited far longer than expected. Tension was witnessed at the Khariar mandi on Saturday when only one transport vehicle arrived for paddy lifting. The limited transportation capacity triggered complaints and heated arguments among farmers regarding the selection and lifting process. After prolonged discussions and intervention by officials, a decision was finally taken to proceed with the lifting of paddy. Taking note of the situation, the Khariar Tehsildar visited the mandi and reviewed the ground realities as per the directions of the District Collector. The official interacted with farmers and procurement authorities to assess the challenges and explore possible solutions to expedite the lifting process. With the monsoon season advancing and thousands of bags of paddy still awaiting transportation, farmers have urged the administration and millers to accelerate procurement operations. They fear that any prolonged delay could lead to significant damage to their produce, affecting both quality and income. The unfolding situation has once again highlighted the need for better coordination between procurement agencies, transport operators, and millers to ensure timely lifting of paddy and safeguard the interests of farmers during the crucial procurement season.