Bhubaneswar, Dec 19: A 12-hour bandh is being observed in Sambalpur on Friday as farmers intensified their protest against the alleged mismanagement in kharif paddy procurement. The shutdown, which began at 6 am and will continue till 6 pm, has received support from various trade unions as well as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), significantly impacting normal life in the district headquarters town.

According to reports, the protesting farmers are demanding immediate intervention by the state government to resolve persistent issues related to paddy procurement. They alleged that despite repeated appeals and representations, their grievances have remained unaddressed, leaving cultivators in distress during the crucial harvesting season.

The bandh has led to the closure of shops, markets, business establishments, schools and colleges across Sambalpur, while vehicular movement in some areas has also been affected. Protesters claimed that inadequate transportation facilities have resulted in a massive backlog of paddy at mandis, preventing timely lifting of produce and causing financial hardship to farmers.

Mandi operations in western Odisha, which began nearly a month ago, have reportedly been plagued by administrative inefficiencies. Farmers have accused the government of neglecting their interests and warned that the agitation may intensify if corrective measures are not taken at the earliest to ensure smooth procurement and fair returns.

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