Koraput: Farmers across the district have demanded an extension of the registration period for sale of paddy under the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) alleging that hundreds of cultivators are yet to be enrolled.The registration process, which commenced on March 10, concluded at midnight on Wednesday, triggering concern among farmers who claim they were unable to complete the formalities within the stipulated time.According to farmers, the process was hampered by a delay of two to three days in the availability of renewal forms required for registration. These forms are essential for obtaining tokens that make farmers eligible to sell their produce at mandis (paddy procurement centres).More than 1,500 farmers are yet to be registered and obtain tokens. Last year, the registration window remained open till April 7, but this year it was closed on March 26. “We urge the authorities to extend the deadline so that all eligible farmers can register and sell their paddy,” said Trinath Muduli, a farmer leader from Kumuliput.On Thursday, a group of farmers submitted a memorandum to the district administration at Jeypore pressing for an extension of the deadline. They also warned of agitation if their demand is not addressed. “We may be forced to hit the streets if our demand is ignored, as farmers will suffer due to the inability to register,” Muduli added.Officials, however, stated that around 19,000 farmers had completed registration by the deadline and indicated that any decision on extending the process would have to be taken at the state level. “The matter will be brought to the notice of higher authorities for necessary action,” said the chief civil supplies officer of Koraput, Manas Ranjan Mohapatra
