BHUBANESWAR: Paddy procurement to continue in mandis across the state till government purchases entire paddy from the farmers. Food supplies department has directed collectors of 19 districts to take action in case of any irregularities during the process.The government move came in the wake of apprehension raised by farmers that the procurement process would not end by the February 28 deadline. Farmers alleged that the government do not procure paddy stocked at different market yards of the state.Food supplies and consumer welfare department on Monday issued letters to district collectors on this issue. The letter said the government is committed to procure the surplus paddy from the farmers, who are willing to sell the paddy to the government according to the norms.The government told the collectors to direct all Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) to issue token to the farmers. Assistant registrar of cooperative societies (ARCS) and other field functionaries must regularly visit mandis (market yard) and strict action must be taken against the PACS if any irregularities are detected.“If any paddy comes to the market yard without token, the same must be confiscated with immediate effect,” said the direction.Department secretary VV Yadav said this exercise needs to be carried out diligently in the districts as the interest of the farmers is paramount. “It is to be ensured that they do not resort to distress sale of paddy,” he added.Earlier, BJP and Congress party leaders had alleged that farmers faced harrowing time in selling their paddy. The peasants wait at mandis with packets of paddy. Even farmer outfit Navnirman Krushak Sangathan had criticized the state government for not procuring paddy in time.Keeping farmers interest and problems in mind, the state government took this decision.

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