Paddy Procurement Resumes in Bargarh After Days of Deadlock

Bargarh – After several days of disruption, paddy procurement in Bargarh district resumed on Wednesday, bringing relief to thousands of farmers.

The impasse was broken following extended consultations among government officials, rice millers, and farmer representatives.

Procurement through the P-PAS system restarted with the lifting of 724.79 quintals of paddy from mandis at Tora, Kalapani, Godabhaga, Gudesira, and Atabira. The Sub-Collector formally inaugurated the renewed process with a traditional coconut-breaking ceremony.

The delay, which began after mandis opened on November 28, stemmed from unresolved issues between millers and the government, coupled with farmers’ concerns over token distribution and procurement management.

On Tuesday, the Joint Farmers’ Organisation convened at Kalapani mandi to press for solutions.

Sub-Collector Prasanna Pande assured farmers that their demands were divided into local and state-level concerns. Written assurances were given to lift paddy within 48 hours, while state-level issues would be forwarded to the District Collector.

Quality checks will now be conducted exclusively by PACS and RMC members to ensure transparency.

Farmer representative Ramesh Mohapatra confirmed that five major demands were raised. While farmers agreed to cooperate if procedures are followed correctly, they warned of renewed protests if lapses occur.

The administration also confirmed that the P-PAS system will continue as implemented last year.

This resolution marks a significant step toward restoring confidence in the procurement process, though farmers remain vigilant about the government’s commitments.