Bhubaneswar, May 12 -- A farmer from Sahara Tikra village under Bheden block in Bargarh, Odisha has sought permission for euthanasia, alleging severe financial distress after failing to sell his kharif paddy despite waiting for nearly six months.

The farmer, identified as Rohit Bhoi, submitted a letter to the Bargarh Collector during a public grievance hearing organised at Bheden, seeking permission for "ichha mrityu" or euthanasia. The incident has once again brought attention to the plight of farmers facing delayed paddy procurement and pending payments in several parts of Odisha.

According to Rohit, although the procurement process for the new kharif season has already started, his paddy from the previous season is yet to be purchase...