DHENKANAL: Farmer Gouranga Behera is in a hurry to dispose of his paddy stocked in barns. He has already lost 10 quintals to the marauding elephants. “Traders from other districts are offering less than the minimum support price (MSP) but it’s better than getting nothing. Moreover, the Government agencies take seven to 15 days for payment which creates tension,” he said. Trying to cash in on the uncertainty staring farmers in the face, brokers and millers are approaching them at their doorsteps which would save them the transportation cost. Meanwhile, the district administration has decided to begin the procurement process from December 15. A procurement target of 41,176.45 metric tonne (MT) and 28,000 MT of paddy and rice respectively has been set. The MSP for fair average quality paddy has been fixed at ` 1,080 and ` 1,110 for grade A produce. While primary agriculture cooperative societies (PACS) have been entrusted with the responsibility, agencies are yet to be tagged for the purpose. The Collector recently held meetings with sub-collectors, SP, civil supplies officers and members of district-level procurement committee to chalk out strategies. Civil Supplies Officer Rajendra Dehury said the required instruments like moisture machines, analysis kits, graders and drinking water will be available at different places in the blocks. Members of PACs will be imparted training, he added. There are around 79 registered PACs. The farmers had earlier complained about ill-trained PACs’ members as they were denied payment for their sacks. They also lamented absence of mandis, market yards and an analyst during the procurement of paddy. While Parjang MLA Nrushinga Charan Sahoo stressed opening of market yards during the meeting, Dhenkanal Sadar MLA Nabin Nanda asked the authorities concerned to release the payment in a week.
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