Bhubaneswar: The BJP Krushak Morcha members gheraoed the office of State Civil Supplies Corporation here on Friday demanding procurement of paddy from all the registered farmers in Odisha.
Alleging irregularities in paddy procurement at different mandis in the state and government inaction against the millers, the protestors said millers are exploiting farmers by reducing the 8-10 kg of paddy per quintal on the pretext of moisture content and gunny bag charges.
Inordinate delay in the procurement has led to lapse of token issued to them and the grains piled at different procurement centres in Western Odisha are getting soaked up in the rain, they alleged.
“We want the secretary of the department concerned or any of his officials to discuss the issue with us. The officials must explain to us regarding actions being initiated against the unscrupulous millers who are exploiting farmers by ‘Katni Chhatni’,” said BJP Krushak Morcha president Pradeep Purohit.