Odisha Farmer Dies Amid Paddy Procurement Ordeal, Probe Ordered

Kendrapara, Odisha: A farmer’s death has reignited concerns over the state’s paddy procurement process.

Trilochan Nayak, a farmer from Kendrapara district, collapsed after days of stress and financial strain while attempting to sell his harvest.

Nayak had received a procurement token on January 16 but faced repeated delays.

His paddy was not accepted at the local mandi before the February 15 deadline, forcing him to transport the stock to Ramchandi rice mill.

There, he waited three days in harsh conditions, spending nearly Rs 18,000 on transport and unloading. Authorities allegedly deducted 9 kg per quintal from his stock, adding to his distress.

Family members claim the ordeal directly contributed to his fatal heart attack.

Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samant, however, denied a direct link, attributing the death to health issues. He has ordered a departmental probe into the incident.

The minister acknowledged procurement delays due to space constraints but insisted the process has since normalised.

Official figures show 65.83 lakh metric tonnes procured from 15.45 lakh farmers, with payments totalling Rs 19,200 crore.

The tragedy underscores recurring grievances in Odisha’s kharif procurement season—delays, arbitrary deductions, and logistical challenges.

The probe’s findings will determine accountability and potential reforms.