Berhampur: 3,000 farmers unable to sell paddy due to negligence of officials

Berhampur: Due to alleged negligence by cooperative and civil supply officials, over 3,000 genuine farmers in Ganjam district were unable to sell their paddy during the current procurement season.

According to reports, approximately 1.56 lakh farmers registered for paddy procurement in the district this year, of whom approximately 1.52 lakh were able to sell their produce. However, due to registration errors and administrative shortcomings, over 3,000 farmers were denied procurement tokens. Farmers alleged that paddy harvesting is usually completed by November, but in December, a private agency conducted a hasty satellite survey, incorrectly marking several cultivated lands as non-paddy fields.

As a result, genuine farmers were denied tokens without any ground verification or consultation. As per standard procedure, farmers are registered through societies and women’s self-help groups during June and July.

Subsequently, agricultural extension workers and revenue officials physically verify the fields and certify the paddy cultivation. Despite this multi-level verification, officials reportedly relied on the survey report of a private agency, excluding many eligible farmers.

Affected farmers repeatedly contacted supply and cooperative officials regarding the non-issuance of tokens, but no action was taken. The Rushikulya Raiyat Mahasabha submitted memorandums to the District Collector and the Chief Minister, demanding the purchase of paddy from the affected farmers.