Bhubaneswar, Dec. 1 -- Koraput: At a time when the Odisha government is coming up with a series of initiatives for smooth paddy procurement in the State, allegations about irregularities in the farmers' registration for the process have cropped up at several mandis in Kusumi and Kotpad blocks here in the district.

Many farmers of these blocks have alleged that the officials of the supply department have resorted to foul play to illegally register several ghost farmers leading to the irregularities.

"Many farmers from other blocks along with some ghost farmers have been registered at different mandis of Kusumi and Kotpad blocks. It is illegal to allow these farmers to participate in paddy procurement as this would delay procurement of pa...