After completion of eight days of relay hunger strike, there seems to be no solution emerging to the problems of the farmers here.

The agitating farmers have been  sitting on hunger strike in front of the office of the Collector of Sambalpur demanding crop insurance for the year 2018. They are also protesting the report of the ‘satellite survey’ made by Central Government for payment of crop insurance since it is not accurate.

On the other hand, the local administration is waiting for the (MNCFC) Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre’s report for payment of insurance amount to the farmers.

Since the cause is genuine and for the interest of the farmers, hundreds of them from all parts of the district are participating everyday in the relay hunger strike.

Different organisations are also extending moral support to the farmers and taking part in the agitation. The Kulta Samaj, a leading farming community of western Odisha, also backing the stir.

“Farmers have paid the insurance fees. 12, 000 farmers of the district are entitled to get Rs 160 crore as their legitimate dues. But the Central Government is dillydallying the process,” alleged Ashok Pradhan of Krushak Surakshya Sangathan. The worst affected area was Kuchinda sub division of the district. But the crop insurance payment there is almost nil, Pradhan added.

Another front line leader of the organisation, Bibhu Prasad Patanik said: “We fail to understand why every Government is apathetic towards farmers’ causes who are backbone of the country.”