Paddy procurement protest: 60 farmers detained in Bargarh

Farmers in Bargarh district intensified their protest Saturday against alleged mismanagement in the ongoing kharif paddy procurement process, prompting the police to detain at least 60 protesters after they blocked a national highway.

- POST NEWS NETWORK

Although nearly two months have passed since the process began in the district, farmers allege that serious irregularities persist. Many cultivators are yet to be registered for paddy sale, while several others have not received procurement tokens. Delay in lifting paddy from mandis and allegations of illegal deductions have further aggravated farmers' grievances.

Angered by the lack of corrective action, members of the Jai Kisan Andolan held a meeting on the Attabira mandi premises Saturday morning. Later, protesters moved to National Highway 53 and staged a road blockade for a brief period.