Odisha Farmers Demand Simplified Paddy Procurement Process Amidst Crisis

In Odisha, the Kisan Congress is demanding immediate reforms in the paddy procurement process, criticizing the current system as overly complicated for farmers. Chairman Abhay Sahu highlighted the struggles faced by farmers due to natural disasters and systemic failures, urging the government to simplify procedures and address their needs. The Congress has outlined several demands, including direct procurement from farmers and better support systems. If ignored, they plan to initiate statewide protests by the end of October, emphasizing the urgency of their situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 08:44 IST

Farmers Call for Immediate Changes in Paddy Procurement

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Kisan Congress (OPKC) has urged both the state and central governments, led by the BJP, to promptly simplify the verification and procurement processes for paddy. They described the current system as 'complicated' and 'confusing', advocating for a more farmer-friendly approach.

State Kisan Congress chairman Abhay Sahu expressed concerns during a press conference at Congress Bhawan, stating that the e-KYC process, token generation, and land ownership verification through family lineage documents are overly complex for the largely uneducated farming community in Odisha.

Sahu emphasized that these digital systems are not suitable for the farmers, who are struggling to navigate them.

He also criticized the government for favoring corporate interests and mill owners, which he believes is exacerbating the distress faced by farmers.

Citing a report from a Kisan Congress fact-finding team that recently visited several agriculture-heavy districts in western and coastal Odisha, Sahu noted that despite favorable monsoon conditions, farmers are enduring significant challenges due to natural disasters and systemic failures.

He highlighted that relentless flooding in the Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Budhabalanga rivers has led to waterlogged fields in Balasore, ruining seedlings and disrupting transplanting efforts, while regions like Bolangir and Nuapada are experiencing drought-like conditions.

Many farmers are facing delays in sowing due to insufficient rainfall, he added.

During the press conference, the Kisan Congress presented a series of demands to the government, including direct procurement of paddy from farmers without middlemen or digital obstacles, the establishment of cold storage facilities in every block, a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for farmers aged 55 and older, and comprehensive health insurance for farming households that extends beyond just crop insurance.

Sahu warned that if the government does not respond to these demands, the Kisan Congress will initiate statewide protests.

"If the government continues to neglect the farmers' plight, we will begin a phased statewide agitation starting in the last week of October," Sahu declared.