TNI Bureau: The tragic death of farmer Trilochan Nayak in Rajnagar block of Kendrapada district has brought renewed attention to the persistent problems in the paddy procurement system and the hardships faced by farmers.

Nayak reportedly endured nearly 40 days of struggle to sell his paddy after receiving procurement approval. Despite repeated visits to the mandi and cooperative society, delays and procedural hurdles prevented timely procurement. He was eventually asked to transport his produce to a rice mill, adding to his financial burden and mental stress.

Family members allege that the prolonged ordeal, coupled with mounting expenses and uncertainty over payment, pushed the farmer into severe distress. Soon after returning home, he died, leaving his family devastated.

The incident has sparked concern over the functioning of the mandi system, where delays and mismanagement continue to affect small farmers. Many cultivators depend entirely on timely procurement for their livelihood, making such disruptions particularly damaging.

The tragedy has intensified demands for a thorough inquiry, adequate compensation for the bereaved family, and urgent reforms to ensure a transparent and farmer-friendly procurement system. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to protect farmers from administrative lapses and systemic failures.