Odisha Millers Agitation Disrupts Paddy Procurement, Farmers Await Government Action

The ongoing paddy procurement process in Odisha has hit a major roadblock as rice millers across the state have intensified their agitation against the government.

The All Odisha Millers Association has declared that they will not resume lifting paddy from farmers until they receive written assurances for their long‑pending demands.

At the heart of the dispute are dues amounting to nearly Rs 350 crore, pending for two financial years (2023–24 and 2024–25), related to custody charges and transportation costs.

The millers are also demanding a hike in transportation fees for distances exceeding 40 km.

Despite multiple rounds of talks with the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation and prior assurances from ministers, the millers say they have lost faith in verbal commitments. “Without a written guarantee, we will not lift paddy,” association leaders stated.

This deadlock has left farmers in distress, as procurement delays threaten their ability to sell harvested crops on time. The agitation, ongoing for over a year, has already disrupted procurement in several districts.

While millers face allegations of irregularities in milling and processing, they insist that the government must honour its financial obligations.

The state government has yet to issue an official response to the latest developments, though sources suggest further negotiations may be scheduled.

Until then, the procurement chaos continues, leaving both farmers and millers in limbo.