Naveen moves CM over farmers’ harassment

Bhubaneswar: Leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP govt in Odisha, accusing it of betraying farmers during the ongoing paddy procurement season.

In a letter to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Naveen alleged that cultivators were facing harassment at mandis, arbitrary deductions in the name of quality checks, delays in payments, and restrictions on subsidies, forcing many into distress sales.


The former CM said the BJP had promised enhanced MSP, removal of deductions, and timely payments in its 2024 manifesto but the ground reality reflected “systemic exploitation” of farmers. He demanded immediate lifting of the 150-quintal ceiling on input subsidy, strict enforcement of payments within 48 hours through DBT, and complete lifting of paddy stocks within 72 hours, warning that failure to act could trigger statewide protests.

Naveen said despite repeated assurances of a “hassle-free” procurement, farmers are being subjected to arbitrary deductions of 5 kg to 7 kg per quintal under the guise of moisture content or poor quality.

While the govt had promised an input subsidy of Rs 800 per quintal to support farmers, the recent decision to cap subsidy at a maximum of 150 quintals per farmer is a clear breach of trust, he said.

Countering the charges, BJP MLA Babu Singh dismissed Patnaik’s criticism as political opportunism, saying the former CM should introspect after ruling the state for 24 years without fulfilling promises made to farmers.

Singh asserted that the Majhi-led govt had already delivered on its commitment of a Rs 800 bonus per quintal soon after assuming office. “Naveen doesn’t know the ABC of farming. The Majhi government is pro-farmer and committed to their welfare,” he said, adding that farming should not be politicised.