Bhubaneswar, March 17 -- Tensions flared in Odisha's Bhadrak district on Tuesday as agitating farmers locked employees inside the Ambaroli Service Co-operative Society office in protest against prolonged delays in paddy procurement.

The farmers alleged that around 10,000 quintals of paddy remain stockpiled at the society, with millers yet to lift the produce despite months of waiting, pushing them into financial distress.

The protest intensified as farmers, frustrated over inaction, resorted to locking the office from the outside, demanding immediate steps to clear the pending stock.

Many farmers said their procurement token dates have already expired or are nearing expiry, raising concerns about payment delays and uncertainty over the...