Government Assurance Ends Rice Millers’ Protest, 15-Day Deadline Set

The All Odisha Rice Millers Association has withdrawn its statewide strike after receiving assurances from the government to address key demands.

Paddy procurement at mandis will resume immediately, ensuring relief for thousands of farmers across the state.

At a press conference, association secretary Laxminarayan Deepak Ranjan Dash confirmed that the government has agreed to clear pending custody maintenance charges worth Rs 160 crore for 2023–24 and 2024–25 within seven days.

However, three major demands remain unresolved: revision of transportation charges, compensation for drying losses in Arua paddy, and restoration of earlier compensation rates.

Millers highlighted that paddy is procured at 17% moisture, but rice is sold at 14%, resulting in a 3% loss.

The government previously compensated 1% of this loss, but the rate has now been reduced to 0.078%. The association is pressing forthe restoration of the earlier rate.

Food Supplies Minister Krishna Chandra Patra confirmed that procurement has normalised in 19 districts, with 1,93,867 metric tonnes of paddy already procured, benefiting 3,15,431 farmers. Millers have lifted 13,59,974 metric tonnes so far.

The minister assured that the government is committed to resolving all outstanding issues within the 15-day timeframe to ensure smooth operations.

The association has warned that if demands are not met by Makar Sankranti, they will intensify their protest once again.