Farmers across Odisha face deep uncertainty as the All Odisha Rice Millers Association announced a statewide boycott of paddy collection starting Tuesday. The decision follows the collapse of high-level talks between the association and Supply Corporation MD, K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy.
Despite Food Supplies Minister Krishna Chandra Patra acknowledging the millers' demands as "valid," no formal agreement was reached. The association is demanding a hike in custom milling rates, reimbursement for storage and maintenance expenses, and the restoration of transportation payments.
This deadlock leaves hardworking farmers in a lurch, compounding existing frustrations over "katni-chhatni" (weight cuts) and token delays. With markets stalled, the agricultural sector fears a complete breakdown in the procurement cycle. "We will not collect paddy from any district until our grievances are resolved," stated the Association President, signaling a grim week ahead for the state's grain trade.