Bhubaneswar, Feb 9: Odisha Leader of the Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking urgent intervention over alleged distress faced by farmers due to mismanagement in paddy procurement across the state.

In his letter, Patnaik claimed that the ongoing Kharif procurement season has turned into a struggle for cultivators because of administrative apathy. He accused the BJP-led state government of failing to honour its 2024 election manifesto promises, particularly regarding enhancement of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and curbing the practice of Katni-Chhatni — illegal deduction of paddy at mandis.

Highlighting the issue, Patnaik alleged farmers are facing arbitrary cuts of 5 to 7 kilograms per quintal on the pretext of moisture content and quality checks. He further claimed there is collusion between millers and local officials, forcing farmers to accept the deductions.

The BJD supremo also questioned the government’s decision to impose a 150-quintal ceiling on the additional input subsidy of Rs 800 per quintal, alleging it contradicts poll promises and deprives farmers of rightful benefits.

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