Bissamcuttack, Dec, 24: The paddy mandi at Gajbahal, under Chacharaguda Panchayat (Pandara) in Bissamcuttack Block of Rayagada district, was inaugurated today. The mandi was jointly inaugurated by the local Sarpanch and the Bissamcuttack MLA.
Officials present at the event included Dhurena Sahu from the Bissamcuttack Supply Department, staff of the Gunupur Regulated Market Committee, Santunu Sahu, Managing Director of the Bissamcuttack Cooperative Society, employees of various cooperative societies, farmers, and several millers.
However, it is a matter of concern that till date there are no government godowns at Hat Muniguda, Gajbahal, Chatikana, and Bhaleri for storing farmers’ paddy. Due to the absence of storage facilities, farmers are facing serious difficulties and are being forced to depend on the private godowns of local millers.
Earlier, millers were also reluctant to store farmers’ paddy in their godowns before the mandi became operational, which caused further hardship to the farmers. On the other hand, even though millers are now willing to help by storing paddy, government regulations prevent them from doing so.
As farmers’ token dates are scheduled late, harvested paddy is being left exposed to cold and dew, raising concerns about its safety and quality. Local intellectuals and farmers have therefore demanded that the district administration make immediate arrangements to ensure safe storage of harvested paddy and provide relief to the farmers.