Bargarh: A farmer from Bargarh district has sought permission for euthanasia, alleging that delays in government paddy procurement have left him under severe financial and mental stress.
Gopal Krushna Sahu, a resident of Melchhamunda village in Bargarh district, has written to the district Collector seeking permission for euthanasia after allegedly facing difficulties in selling his paddy at a government procurement centre (mandi).
In the letter dated June 23, copies of which were marked to the President, Prime Minister and Odisha Chief Minister, Sahu claimed that despite applying for a procurement token required for selling paddy at the mandi, the authorities had not issued the token or taken steps to procure his produce.
According to Sahu, he had borrowed money from various sources for paddy cultivation and had assured lenders that the loans would be repaid after the sale of his crop through the government procurement system.
The farmer further stated that he had borrowed around Rs 50,000 for his mother’s medical treatment in Raipur and was now facing constant pressure from creditors for repayment.
Sahu said the delay in paddy procurement had prevented him from clearing his debts and meeting the financial needs of his family.
“I had applied for the token to sell my paddy at the mandi. However, the authorities did not take the necessary steps in this regard. I had raised the issue with the Collector’s office but to no avail. Now, I am under severe mental stress to repay the loans and arrange money for various needs of my family,” he said.
The letter has drawn attention to the challenges faced by some farmers in accessing procurement facilities and receiving timely payments for their produce.
