BJD Accuses BJP-Led Odisha Government of Paddy Procurement Lapses, Threatens Protests

The opposition frames a sharp shortfall in purchases as evidence that farmers are being shortchanged on price.

Overview

BJD leaders said only 3,40,294 of 19,66,181 registered farmers have managed to sell paddy this season.
Procurement stands at 17.85 lakh metric tonnes against a state target of 73 lakh metric tonnes, with the party contrasting this with Chhattisgarh’s 97 lakh tonnes against an 80 lakh target.
The party alleged mandis remain unopened in eight districts—Puri, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Nayagarh, Jajpur and Kandhamal—despite earlier official assurances.
BJD said farmers are receiving Rs 3,100 per quintal instead of the expected Rs 3,169 after the MSP hike and state input assistance, amounting to a Rs 69 shortfall per quintal.
Leaders criticized a reported statement limiting procurement to 150 quintals per farmer at Rs 3,100 and warned of statewide agitations if issues persist, noting the state had not responded at the time of reporting.