The CPI(M) wing of Baleswar threatened to embark on agitation if the district administration failed to open paddy procurement centres in the district by Sunday.
In a Press meet, the party leaders, besides stating that the district administration miserably failed to safeguard the interest of the farmers, alleged that the farmers are facing a tough time owing to the callous and casual attitude of the authorities.
“It is now to going to be end of December, yet not a single paddy procurement centre has been opened. All the tall claims made by them have proved hollow. The peasants while are passing through an uncertain phase, they are hopeless and resorting to distress sale. The farmers are selling their paddy produce in Rs 700- Rs 800 per quintal. The middlemen and touts are active. The State paddy is being exported to the neighbouring States,” said former CPM MlA Pradipta Panda.
“After repeated discussions with the district administration, it was agreed by the latter that at least 10 centres would be operative for procuring paddy from the farmers directly. Unfortunately nothing has been settled so far. Even it is not decided which miller would procure paddy from which centre.
The system is running in a complete chaotic manner,” alleged another CPM leader expressing concern over the matter.. He added that the party would stage a rasta roko across the district from Monday if the issue was not addressed by Sunday.