Bhubaneswar, May 19 -- Odisha is facing an unprecedented challenge as bumper paddy production leaves farmers struggling to store their harvest. With 73 lakh metric tons produced in 2026, the state's mandis are overwhelmed, and storage facilities are running out of space.

Farmers in districts like Bargarh and Sambalpur have voiced their frustration, gathering in hundreds outside District Collector offices to protest mismanagement in paddy procurement and token distribution. Despite mandis opening for the Rabi season on the 11th, farmers report ongoing chaos and inefficiencies that have prevented them from selling their crops.

Political Tensions Rise Amid Farmers' Concerns

The issue gained further attention after Odisha Chief Minister ...