Khurda: Several farmers from Kantia village in Odisha’s Khurda district protested throughout the chilly winter night Saturday alleging deduction during the paddy procurement at mandi (procurement centre), a source said Sunday.
One of the protesting farmers alleged that millers and society secretaries deduct 4-5 kilograms of paddy per quintal. The irate farmers vowed not to sell their produce until the system was abolished. They appealed to the government for an immediate ban on such practices.
“We toil day and night, yet they profit from our hard work,” a local farmer said.
The agitating farmers were supported by Krushak Sanghathan and Odisha Youth Students’ Association.
“What kind of people cash in on poor farmers’ hard work? The government must act, or we’ll intensify our agitation.” president of Odisha Youth Students’ Association Md Munawar Ali said.
Comments from administrative officials could not be obtained in this regard.
PNN