Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh: With the paddy procurement program nearing an end tension prevails in Chhattisgarh as six and a half thousand farmers are awaiting paddy procurement in the state.

Saturday and Sunday being govt holidays, all procurement centres would be shut down mounting pressure on the farmers. Monday, being the last day would see a colossal crowd of farmers trying to sell their paddy. Moreover, on-spot verification of tokens will also be done on Monday as several claims of a scam.

The state authorities had extended paddy procurement from 31st January to 7 February as the state received unseasonal rains that halted the procurement. So far 1,47,558 metric tonnes of paddy have been procured in Kondagaon district since December 1st. Nearly 44,527 farmers had registered in the district through 57 paddy procurement centres of 47 societies of the district. Under the Paddy Procurement Scheme for Kharif season, 2020- 1,43,463 metric tonnes of paddy was procured by the state. Out of the 44,527, 10,411 registered farmers are left to sell the paddy. Roughly 58,296 metric ton of paddy has been lifted by millers from paddy procurement centres in the