Sambalpur Farmers Announce Shutdown on Dec 19 Over Token Crisis
Farmers in Sambalpur have declared a district‑wide shutdown on December 19, intensifying their protest against the state government’s handling of paddy procurement. The agitation, spearheaded by the Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti, stems from widespread frustration over the distribution of procurement tokens.
Despite mandis opening for the season, thousands of farmers remain unable to sell their produce. Reports suggest that out of 65,143 registered farmers, nearly 6,000 received no tokens, while around 45,000 were allotted only one token each—insufficient to cover their harvest. Official figures differ, claiming 61,892 farmers received tokens, leaving about 2,000 without access.
The crisis has left vehicles loaded with paddy stranded, causing mounting losses. Protests have spread across Rengali, Sindurpank, Rairakhol, and Huma, with farmers blocking roads and demanding immediate intervention. They accuse the administration of ignoring repeated complaints and resorting instead to arrests, further escalating tensions.
Farmers also point to neighboring Chhattisgarh, where procurement reportedly runs smoothly under the same ruling party, underscoring Odisha’s failure to deliver. Leaders warn that if the issue remains unresolved, unrest could spread beyond Sambalpur, turning the procurement failure into a larger agrarian flashpoint.
Innovative protest programs are set to begin on December 16, culminating in the December 19 shutdown aimed at forcing the administration to act decisively.
