India, Jan. 29 -- Paddy procurement in Odisha has slowed significantly this season, sparking widespread farmer protests. Despite record yields, bolstered by a high minimum support price (MSP) and state bonuses, a massive supply glut has overwhelmed the state's storage capacity and outpaced demand from the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

Officials said paddy procurement by the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC), the state's dedicated procurement agency, was at 1.9 million tonnes as of January 12, down from 2.575 million tonnes on the same date last year. As a result, farmers said they were unable to sell their harvest or secure timely payments.

Narahari Roul, a farmer in Cuttack district. "I got the official permission to s...