Sambalpur farmers threaten Dec 19 shutdown over paddy procurement crisis

• Farmers' group POKSSS threatens a Sambalpur shutdown on December 19 over alleged irregularities in paddy procurement.
• Key issues include lapses in token generation, leaving paddy-laden vehicles stranded and causing quality deterioration.
• Many farmers received only one token (for 75 quintals), which is insufficient for their harvested paddy.
• The Food Supplies Minister stated that tokens would be issued to all registered farmers to procure paddy.
• The Minister also detailed procurement rates (17-19 quintals/acre) and options for farmers' surplus paddy.

Why It Matters: Farmers' protest over paddy procurement threatens Sambalpur, impacting local economy.