Koraput Farmers Demand Extension of Paddy Registration Deadline
Farmers across Koraput district have urgently demanded an extension of the registration period for paddy sales under the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS). They allege that hundreds of cultivators remain unenrolled, putting their livelihoods at risk.
Registration Closure Sparks Concern
The registration process, which began on March 10, concluded at midnight on Wednesday, March 26. This abrupt closure has triggered significant concern among the farming community. Many farmers claim they were unable to complete the necessary formalities within the stipulated timeframe due to procedural delays.
Procedural Delays Hamper Enrollment
According to multiple farmer reports, the registration process was severely hampered by a critical delay of two to three days in the availability of renewal forms. These forms are absolutely essential for obtaining the mandatory tokens that make farmers eligible to sell their paddy at designated mandis, or procurement centers.
More than 1,500 farmers are yet to be registered and obtain these crucial tokens. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that last year, the registration window remained open until April 7, providing a much longer enrollment period. This year's earlier closure on March 26 has created a significant bottleneck.
Farmers Issue Urgent Appeal and Warning
"We urgently appeal to the authorities to extend the deadline so that all eligible farmers can register and sell their paddy," stated Trinath Muduli, a prominent farmer leader from Kumuliput. He emphasized the economic hardship facing those unable to enroll.
On Thursday, a delegation of farmers escalated the matter by submitting a formal memorandum to the district administration in Jeypore, pressing for an immediate extension. The farmers have also issued a clear warning of potential agitation if their demands are not met promptly.
"We may be forced to take to the streets if our demand is ignored, as farmers will suffer tremendously due to their inability to register," Muduli added, highlighting the growing frustration within the agricultural community.
Official Response and State-Level Decision
In response to the growing unrest, officials have provided their perspective. They stated that approximately 19,000 farmers had successfully completed their registration by the stipulated deadline. However, they acknowledged that the decision to potentially extend the process rests not at the district level, but with higher state authorities.
"The matter will be formally brought to the notice of the higher authorities for necessary review and action," said Manas Ranjan Mohapatra, the Chief Civil Supplies Officer of Koraput. This indicates that while the local administration is aware of the issue, the final call requires state-level intervention.
The standoff highlights the critical challenges in agricultural procurement processes and the direct impact of administrative deadlines on farmer welfare during crucial marketing seasons.
