Bhubaneswar: While farmers have alleged non-procurement of paddy at many places, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Surjya Narayan Patro on Friday admitted that paddy procurement has been stopped at Mandis at many places due to low FAQ standard.

However, he said that paddy procurement target, set by the State Government, would be achieved by March-end.

It may be noted that, farmers protesting irregularities in Mandis, including non-procurement of paddy, have been reported from different places. Today, farmers of Narasinghapur area have also blocked the road making such an allegation.