Sambalpur Observes 12-Hour Bandh Over Paddy Procurement Issues

Bhubaneswar: A 12-hour bandh is being observed in Sambalpur on Wednesday as farmers protest alleged mismanagement in kharif paddy procurement. The shutdown, supported by various trade unions and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), is underway from 6 am to 6 pm.

The protesting farmers have demanded immediate government intervention to resolve issues related to paddy procurement. They allege that despite repeated representations, their grievances have not been addressed, prompting the call for a bandh.

Normal life in Sambalpur has been disrupted, with shops, business establishments, schools, and colleges remaining closed throughout the day.

Farmers have particularly raised concerns over the lack of adequate transportation facilities, which they say has led to congestion and delays at mandis. Paddy procurement operations, which began about a month ago across western Odisha, have reportedly been plagued by operational inefficiencies, causing significant hardship to cultivators.

The protesters have accused the state government of neglecting farmers’ interests and warned that the agitation may intensify further if corrective measures are not taken at the earliest.