The Opposition Biju Janata Dal has launched a sharp critique of the state government, alleging that nearly 70 percent of the population dependent on agriculture has been betrayed by a chaotic paddy procurement process.
Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan on Tuesday, BJD Vice President Sanjay Dasburma, alongside spokespersons Dr. Lenin Mohanty and Dr. Priyabrata Majhi, accused the administration of gross mismanagement and apathy toward the farming community.
Sanjay Dasburma highlighted a significant disconnect between the government’s election promises and the current ground reality. While the BJP had previously assured farmers that all surplus paddy would be purchased, official data suggests the system is failing. Out of more than 1.9 million registered farmers in the state, only about 340,000 have been able to sell their produce so far. Despite assurances from Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and the Chief Secretary that all district mandis would be operational by January 10, facilities remain closed in eight districts, including Puri, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur.
The BJD further noted that Odisha has only procured 17.85 lakh metric tonnes of its 73 lakh metric tonne target. By comparison, neighboring Chhattisgarh has already exceeded its procurement goals. Dasburma also criticized the State Food Supplies Minister’s statement that procurement at the promised rate would be capped at 150 quintals per farmer, calling it a reversal of campaign pledges. Additionally, the party pointed out a discrepancy in pricing; they argue that following the increase in the federal Minimum Support Price, the state should be paying 3,169 rupees per quintal instead of the current 3,100 rupees.
Dr. Lenin Mohanty reaffirmed that the Biju Janata Dal is already organizing protests to protect the interests of farmers. Adding to this, Dr. Priyabrata Majhi warned that if the state government does not take immediate steps to resolve these procurement issues and address the alleged financial deceptions, the BJD will escalate its movement into a statewide agitation.