Even as there is no let-up in farmer suicides in the State despite several pro-active measures by the State Government, in Jeypore farmers were harassed by the officials by not paying for the paddy collected in various mandis in July last.
While the farmers are running from pillar to post to get their money in lieu of their paddy procured by the Government, the officials pointed out that the paddy was collected illegally in excess of the quantum fixed and hence, no payment could be made for it. Harassed over the standpoint of the officials, now the farmers have threatened to commit suicides.
Sources said the paddy was collected on June 30 last at mandis at Khatlapadar, Kundra and Dangarpaunsi of Jeypore Sub Division. Though not permitted the paddy brought to the mandis was received up to July 4. As a result, an excess of 72, 000 metric tons of paddy was received by the purchasing authorities.
It is a regular practice in many areas of the State that during closing time excess purchase is done if paddy remained un-disposed and generally no written consent is given for that, said an official of the purchasing and paying bank. This year also such instruction was given by the CSO and top officials of district administration to purchase the paddy though it exceeded the target.
Accordingly, in presence of the officials of Civil Supply, RMC, paying bank authority and Government officials, 72,000 MT paddy was purchased. However, when the farners asked for the cash, the administration denied outright on the pretext of excess and illegal procurement.
Meanwhile, the farmers demanded their money without further delay as they are under the pressure of bank and hand loan, lest they warned of committing suicide.