India, Dec. 22 -- Farmers under the banner of the Jharigaon Block Krushak Mahasangh on Monday launched a strike for an indefinite period in Odisha's Nabarangpur district, alleging distress sale of maize and irregularities in paddy procurement at mandis.

In Jharigaon block, where nearly 90 per cent of the population depends on agriculture, maize cultivation has been a major source of income for farmers. However, maize prices have sharply declined this year. While farmers sold maize at around Rs 2,300 per quintal last year, the price has fallen to about Rs 1,700 per quintal this season, causing an estimated loss of nearly Rs 600 per quintal.

Farmers also alleged that paddy procurement at mandis has not begun properly, leaving cultivators ...