4th November 2024 (Odisha Taznews) BBSR :-> President & secretaries from 30 districts were present. A vivid discussion was made on new food & procurement policy, operational guidelines & agreement with custom millers of OSCSC Ltd. This year several unilateral points were introduced which are against the interest
of the millers, besides that we had submitted our demands which is yet to be full filled. The All Odisha Rice Millers Association (AORMA) has announced they will not participate in Custom Milling due to the failure of the government to address our long-standing demands related to the Kharif Marketing Season(KMS) 2024-25.
Despite repeated communications and prayers with the authorities, the critical issues raised by the rice millers regarding procurement policies, custom milling charges, transportation rates, agreement and other operational concerns have not been addressed. AORMA had requested FSCW department, Principal Secretary & MD, OSCSC repeatedly for discussion regarding our demands but they have neither obliged nor accepted. AORMA has submitted several proposals to the Government of Odisha, including :
RICE MILLERS DEMAND
1. Increase in Custom Milling Charges: Other states like chhatisgarh (Rs 90 per Qtl), Jharkhand (Rs 80 per Qtl) are getting more than Odisha (Rs 20 per Qtl)
2. Revision of Transportation Rates on Paddy & Rice.
3. Increase of Gunny Usage Charges.
4. Increase in Custody and Maintenance Charges.
5. Storing of New Gunny Bags by OSCSC.
6. Abolition of taking 20 Kg extra on lot of CMR received.
7. Declaration of Incidentals before agreement.
8. One sided unilateral agreement which is not acceptable to AORMA.
The association has continuously sought government intervention to resolve these pressing issues to ensure smooth operations during the upcoming KMS 2024-25. However, with no action taken thus far, the rice millers have been left with no option but not to participate in Custom Milling across the state in protest.
AORMA President stated, “The rice milling industry plays a crucial role in the state’s food supply chain, but we cannot continue to operate under such unsustainable conditions. We have been patient, but the lack of response from the authorities has forced us into this situation. We urge the government to address our demands immediately to avoid disruptions in paddy procurement and rice supply.” This will continue until the demands of the millers are met. The association remains open to discussions with the government to resolve the issue.
