A large number of farmers on Tuesday blocked NH-53 near Berehipali in Sambalpur district opposing the centralised token system for paddy procurement.
They staged the road blockade by parking paddy-laden tractors on the highway, bringing vehicular movement to a grinding halt with hundreds of vehicles remaining stranded on both sides sof the road. “We are unable to sell paddy as we have not received any token as yet,” an agitating farmer said.
The farmers have been demanding revocation of the token system and resumption of the Paddy Procurement Automation System (P-PAS). They are alleging that the introduction of centralised token system has led to delay in paddy procurement. As per the system, tokens would be issued 15 days prior to procurement of paddy and sent to registered mobile numbers of farmers for selling their paddy at the mandis (market yards).
“The whole intention of the Government and its officials seems to harass the farmers in the name of token. The departmental officers at the ground level are not giving the right feedback of the ground to the Government. Even on Monday, no token came from Bhubaneswar, for which not a single farmer could sell paddy in the market yards. Hence, the Government must allow farmers to sell paddy without token,” said a farmer leader, Bibhu Patnaik.