For many farmers, securing a token to sell their paddy has become a bigger challenge than the sale itself. The Dainik Bhaskar Digital team visited the Mini Stadium procurement center in Anda village, Durg Block, and observed long queues from early morning. Most farmers expressed frustration and disappointment. Many revealed they have been trying for weeks to obtain tokens, yet have been unable to secure them either online or offline. Although the online token system is technically simple, a significant number of farmers do not own Android phones.
Limited Tokens Increase Distress
The system is particularly challenging for elderly and female farmers in rural areas. Offline tokens are available, but farmers allege that this facility is accessible to only a few. The main issue remains the limited number of tokens, which can only be increased with approval from NIC Raipur. The district administration has requested an expansion, but no solution has been implemented yet, adding to farmers’ anxiety.
Geeta Bai, a female farmer, shared her predicament: “I was told to return after 15 days. I have been making rounds for a week. My paddy is ready for sale, but because I cannot get a token, the stored grains are being eaten by rats.”
Procurement Status in Durg
As of December 2, paddy has been procured from 16,380 farmers across 102 centers, totaling 86,190.12 metric tons. With 1,13,327 registered farmers and a target of 6,16,435 metric tons, only 13.98% of the goal has been achieved in 17 days since procurement began.
Farmers fear that at the current pace, they may miss their turn, jeopardizing their ability to sell paddy within the season, with only around 40 days remaining until the January 31 deadline.
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