Bhubaneswar, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Odisha and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Naveen Patnaik, has reached out to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging him to consider the severe plight and systemic exploitation of farmers arising from alleged mismanagement in the state's paddy procurement process.

In his correspondence, Patnaik expressed concerns that the ongoing Kharif procurement season has become increasingly challenging for farmers due to administrative negligence. He accused the BJP-led state government of failing to deliver on its promises made in the election manifesto during the 2024 general elections regarding the increase of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the prevention of Katni-Chhatni (unlawful deductions by millers during procurement) at the mandis, and called for his immediate intervention.

Patnaik highlighted the widespread issue of 'Katni Chhatni' at mandis, emphasizing that despite repeated commitments for a 'hassle-free' procurement process, farmers are facing arbitrary deductions of 5 kg to 7 kg per quintal under the pretext of moisture content or quality issues. He further alleged collusion between millers and local officials, compelling farmers to acquiesce to Katni-Chhatni.

“When can this Katni Chhatni be effectively halted as per your election manifesto? Is this not an instance of the false promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the elections? When will your government act to fulfill its electoral commitments? When will farmers receive justice as outlined in your election manifesto?” questioned the BJD leader.

He also raised concerns regarding the government's recent decision on the 150-Quintal Ceiling on the Input Subsidy of Rs 800 per quintal, in addition to the MSP of Rs 2300, arguing this contradicts the Sankalpa Patra which did not impose such limits.

“Why is the government retracting its promise to provide an input subsidy of Rs 3,100 for the entire yield? It is important to note that the Government of India has increased the minimum support price of paddy by Rs 69 per quintal, yet farmers in Odisha are not benefiting from this enhanced price. Is this not a betrayal?” Patnaik questioned.

The LoP also drew CM Majhi's attention to the prolonged delay in the lifting of farmers' paddy stocks, the lack of basic facilities at mandis, and the failure of the token system. He mentioned that, contrary to the government's assurances that payments would be credited to farmers’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) within 48 hours of procurement, this process is taking weeks.

Patnaik claimed that the chaotic situation at the mandis has forced farmers into distress sales at prices far below the Minimum Support Price.

In his letter, Patnaik urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to establish special teams at mandis to eliminate Katni-Chhatni, take strict actions against errant millers and officials, abolish the 150-quintal ceiling on input subsidies, ensure DBT payments to farmers within 48 hours of procurement, and guarantee the complete lifting of paddy stored outdoors within a defined 72-hour timeframe.

“If these grievances are not addressed, the farming community may have no choice but to escalate their protests throughout the state. I hope your government will rise above mere rhetoric and deliver on its promises to the farmers of Odisha,” concluded Patnaik.