Millers’ agitation disrupts paddy lifting in Odisha

Bhubaneswar/Bargarh: The All Odisha Rice Millers Association (AORMA) has reduced paddy lifting from mandis since Monday, impacting procurement in several Odisha districts. The association says the state government is “failing” to fulfill assurances made more than a month ago.

This decision follows a letter sent by AORMA to Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Krishna Chandra Patra on January 1, warning that work would be affected if pending demands were not addressed by January 3. These assurances were made in meetings held on November 29 and December 1. The impact of the association’s agitation is also being felt in districts like Nuapada, Bargarh, and Kalahandi. In Nuapada alone, sources claim that more than 300,000 bags of paddy are lying in 77 mandis due to the lifting ban. In Bargarh and Kalahandi, token issues and slow movement have further complicated the already delayed procurement, increasing farmers’ concerns. Supply department officials stated that lifting has slowed due to the agitation, but they also stated that discussions are ongoing with the millers’ association. Farmer organizations have threatened to launch protests if procurement and lifting do not return to normal soon, increasing pressure on the state government to intervene.

Specifically, millers are reportedly demanding payment of custody and maintenance charges for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 Kharif marketing seasons, additional incentives for custom milling, changes in transportation charges for distances exceeding 40 km, and the reinstatement of the 1% dry rate for raw rice. The association alleged that despite verbal assurances, no formal government order has been issued.