BERHAMPUR: The recent review by Food and Civil Supplies Secretary Madhusudan Padhi at Chhatrapur hinted at distress sale of paddy in Ganjam district. It revealed that only 24,000 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy have been purchased against the target of 2,17,910 MT.
So far only 15 mandis are functional in the district while the administration had decided to open 229 market yards. Irregularities in the procurement process too came to light. In a written complaint, it was alleged that 10 quintals of paddy were procured from one Arjun Bhuyan of Tirida village in Beguniapada block in March, last year but Arjun had died much earlier in 2009. Similarly, paddy weighing nine quintals and 10 quintals were purchased from Surendra Sahu and Simanchal Bhuyan of the block and payments made through cheques, but the duo has no land. As per the norms, a farmer is required to produce land records at the procurement centres while selling paddy.
Expressing serious concern over the allegations, Padhi reprimanded the supplies officials. He would soon conduct an inquiry.