Bhubaneswar: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has demanded a fair and high-level investigation into the death of a farmer in Odisha’s Nuapada district, alleging that irregularities and mismanagement in the paddy procurement process pushed him to take the extreme step.
The demand was raised after a BJD delegation visited the family of the deceased farmer, Nepal Majhi, and met district officials to seek justice for the bereaved family. The delegation, led by former minister and BJD Vice-President Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, submitted a memorandum to the Nuapada District Collector addressed to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.
The party urged the government to provide adequate compensation to the family, offer a government job to one family member, and ensure free education for the farmer’s children along with necessary financial support.
BJD leaders also called for strict action against officials found responsible for lapses in the procurement system. The party demanded an extension of the paddy procurement period and immediate procurement of paddy lying in mandis across Nuapada district. It further sought government accountability for storage, lifting, and transportation of farmers’ produce.
According to the BJD, Nepal Majhi had received a token on May 30 to sell 36.96 quintals of paddy at a government procurement centre. However, despite waiting for nearly 24 days, he was reportedly unable to sell his produce due to administrative delays and poor management at the mandi.
The prolonged delay allegedly caused severe financial hardship and mental stress. Struggling with debts and family responsibilities, Majhi reportedly consumed poison and later succumbed, triggering widespread concern among farmers and political leaders.
During their visit, the BJD delegation also inspected several procurement centres, including Jadamunda, Dharambandh, Mota Nuapada, and Beltukuri. Farmers at these locations reportedly complained of large-scale irregularities, delays in procurement, and inadequate management of paddy stock.
Appealing to the Governor to intervene, the BJD said immediate corrective measures are necessary to protect the interests of thousands of farmers and prevent similar incidents in the future. The party alleged that the tragedy reflects deeper shortcomings in the state’s paddy procurement system and called for urgent reforms to ensure farmers receive timely support and payments.
