Jagatsinghpur: Even as farmers have been suffering due to delay in opening of paddy procurement centres, unwarranted concession demands by millers has added to their woes.
Despite strict regulation for smooth procurement, farmers have alleged that the millers are bungling 2kg of paddy per quintal. Even as senior officials are well aware of the illegality, no one bothers to question the millers, farmers alleged.
Such fraudulent practices were reported from mandis in Biridi block in Jagatsinghpur district. The farmers are forced to remain silent as they want to sell their produce.
Moreover, the farmers also alleged that they are not receiving their payments within 24 to 72 hours of depositing the produce at mandis as promised by the state government. Some farmers alleged that they got their payments after seven to eight days of procurement.
“Millers are deducting 2-4 kg paddy per quintal based on their whims. We cannot question them as they will intentionally cause problems. We have brought our produce by spending so much money on transportation. We have been spending sleepless nights, guarding the paddy. We cannot take it back. So, we are forced to remain silent,” a farmer said.
Another farmer said, “We are getting money after 7-8 days of procurement even though the government promised that the amount will be disbursed in 2-3 days. We are facing a lot of hardships.”
Earlier, the farmers had sought the intervention of the Collector, but no steps have been taken in this regard so far.
The State Cabinet during a meeting in September decided that paddy procurement money will be credited to the bank accounts of farmers within three days of procurement and there will be no cuts or concessions on the quantity of paddy on account of FAQ (fair average quality).
Block supply inspector Mochiram Das said, “The millers have no right to take concessions from farmers. Action will be taken against those cheating the farmers.”
PNN