Farmers block NH in Odisha’s Sambalpur over token system

Sambalpur: Scores of farmers today blocked NH-53 near Berehipali  in Odisha’s Sambalpur district opposing the centralised token system for paddy procurement.

The farmers staged road blockade by parking paddy-laden tractors on the portion of the NH bringing vehicular movement to a grinding halt. Traffic was hit as hundreds of vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the road.

“We are unable to sell paddy as we have not received any token in this regard,” a farmer who had staged dharna on the road said.

The agitating farmers have been demanding revocation of the token system and resumption of the Paddy Procurement Automation System (P-PAS). They are alleging that introduction of centralised token system has led to delay in paddy procurement. As per the system, tokens will be issued 15 days prior to procurement of paddy and sent to registered mobile numbers of farmers for selling paddy at the market yards.