Sub Collector Promises Raids After Reports of Interstate Cotton Smuggling

Govt initiatives to support cotton farmers in Patnagarh face serious allegations of widespread fraud and hoarding. Officials recently launched the cotton mandi system to ensure fair payments of Rs 8100 per quintal to cultivators. Local millers, however, are allegedly undermining this effort by stockpiling massive quantities of cotton before the market officially opened.

Reports indicate that several mills filled their warehouses with produce purchased at significantly lower rates. Agents and middlemen reportedly bought cotton from distressed farmers for just Rs 6000 to Rs 6500 per quintal. These unscrupulous entities now plan to register this pre-bought stock under the names of local farmers at the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). This strategy allows them to claim the higher government support price of Rs 8100 and pocket the difference, potentially embezzling crores of rupees.

Sources suggest massive irregularities in specific locations within the subdivision. Estimates point to over 3000 quintals stored at Satyabadi Cotton Mill in Mudalsar Rengali and similar amounts at the Chapadia facility in Chingerbandh. Akash Ginning Mill in Bankibahal reportedly holds over 5000 quintals of unverified stock. Further allegations claim that Satyabadi Cotton Mill transports cheap cotton to Haryana and Rajasthan without administrative approval. Vehicles from these states are frequently spotted at the mill premises, raising suspicions of an interstate smuggling racket.

Farmers feel the current system benefits traders rather than the actual cultivators. They argue that nearly 80 percent of procurement happens through middlemen, making the government's awareness campaigns ineffective. Local administration has finally acknowledged these serious complaints regarding the exploitation of agricultural welfare schemes.

Patnagarh Sub-Collector Sunil Meher stated that the matter requires urgent attention. He promised that a special team would conduct raids and take strict legal action against those found guilty of embezzlement. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent the misuse of public funds intended for farmers. Successful raids by the administration remain the only hope for restoring integrity to the cotton procurement process.