Bhubaneswar, Feb. 14 -- Paddy procurement at Shankhajodi Society under Ranpur block in Odisha's Nayagarh district has come under scrutiny, with farmers alleging large-scale irregularities and arbitrary deductions by millers.

Farmers have claimed that 8 kg of paddy per quintal is being deducted during procurement without any official justification, leading to significant losses.

They further alleged that no secretary or Regulated Market Committee (RMC) official is present at the procurement centre, allowing millers to operate without supervision.

According to the farmers, the deductions are being made in violation of government guidelines. They claimed that objections are met with threats of additional cuts and pressure to sell produce ...