Bhubaneswar: In a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the former chief minister and  opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has raised serious concerns regarding the struggles of farmers in Odisha. The message highlights a growing crisis in the state's grain markets (mandis), accusing the BJP government of failing to honor its primary election promises to the farming community. 
Odisha Paddy Crisis: Farmers Betrayed by Broken Election Promises


Broken Promises and Systematic Exploitation

During the 2024 elections, the ruling party pledged to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and completely stop the practice of "Katni-Chhatni" (arbitrary weight deductions). However, the reality on the ground is starkly different. Farmers report that 5 to 7 kg of paddy per quintal is being deducted under the pretext of high moisture content or poor quality.
This practice, allegedly driven by a "nexus" between millers and local officials, is causing heavy financial losses to the "Annadatas" (providers of food). Instead of being centers of trade, the mandis have reportedly become places of harassment for those who feed the state.

The "150 Quintal" Ceiling Controversy

Another major point of contention is the promised ₹800 input subsidy per quintal. While the government initially promised this to all farmers, it recently introduced a 150-quintal ceiling.
Naveen Patnaik also argues that this limit punishes productive farmers who grow more grain. By capping the subsidy, the government is being accused of violating its own "Sankalp Patra" (Election Manifesto). Furthermore, there are questions regarding why the recent ₹69 increase in MSP by the Central Government is not being passed on to Odisha's farmers.

Ground Reality at Mandis

The situation at the procurement centers is described as chaotic. Due to slow processing and a failing "token system," farmers are forced to spend nights in the open to protect their crops from theft and dew.
Key issues reported include:
  • Delayed Payments: Despite a promise to clear dues via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) within 48 hours, many farmers are waiting over a week.
  • Lack of Facilities: Basic amenities for farmers waiting at mandis are largely absent.
  • Distress Sales: To repay urgent loans, many small farmers are selling their produce to middlemen at prices far below the MSP.

Urgent Demands for Action

To prevent statewide protests, the government has been urged to take the following steps immediately:
  • Stop Deductions: Deploy special squads to mandis to end "Katni-Chhatni" and punish corrupt officials and millers.
  • Remove the Ceiling: Withdraw the 150-quintal limit so that all farmers get the full subsidy for their entire harvest.
  • Speed Up Payments: Ensure all money reaches bank accounts within 48 hours as promised.
  • Clear Stock: Lift all paddy currently lying in the open at mandis within the next 72 hours.
Agriculture is the backbone of Odisha. The opposition maintains that farmers do not want charity; they simply want the rights and prices they were promised during the election.