Bhubaneswar, Jan. 11 -- A recurring issue between farmers and rice millers over paddy procurement in Odisha has resulted in a reluctant agreement. Farmers had been demanding fair compensation for their harvest, while millers allegedly continued the practice of deducting between four and five kilograms per quintal during procurement in various mandis.

Faced with mountains of harvested paddy awaiting processing, farmers had little choice but to engage in negotiations. Meanwhile, the administration has issued strict orders to use words like 'mutual agreements between the farmers and the millers' instead of 'katni chhatni' as the traditional practice persists.

Many farmers, waiting in uncertainty with their unsold paddy remaining vulnerable...