Paddy procurement at Shankhajodi Society under Ranpur block in Nayagarh district has come under serious scrutiny after farmers alleged large-scale irregularities and arbitrary deductions by millers.
According to the farmers, 8 kg of paddy per quintal is being deducted during procurement without any official justification, causing significant financial losses. They alleged that such deductions are being made in violation of government procurement guidelines.
Farmers further claimed that no secretary or Regulated Market Committee (RMC) official is present at the procurement centre, allowing millers to function without supervision. In the absence of monitoring authorities, they alleged that millers are making unilateral decisions regarding quality assessment and deductions.
“We have been waiting here for several days with our paddy. The millers are arbitrarily deducting 8 kg per quintal. No officials are present at the centre to hear our grievances,” a farmer alleged.
Another farmer stated that there is no government provision permitting such deductions. He further alleged that those who protest are threatened with additional cuts and pressured to sell their produce at lower prices.
Farmers also claimed that the 8 kg deduction is being imposed without properly assessing the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards, as mandated under official procurement norms. These allegations have raised serious concerns about the implementation of state procurement policies at the grassroots level.
