Maintaining that the drought situation in the State is manmade, the Congress on Wednesday demanded waiver of water rent, land tax, agriculture loan and examination fees of students in the drought-affected districts soon.
“The Chief Minister woke up from slumber only on Monday and reviewed the drought situation. Though there is provision in the Odisha Relief code that the district Collectors would submit monthly reports to the Government on Khariff crop and drought issue but it was not happened. The Government also failed to assess the situation suo moto (eye estimation) despite the provision,” PCC president Prasad Harichandan told reporters here.
Slamming the Government that it knew that five per cent deficient rainfall was experienced during paddy seed sowing, 15 per cent during paddy sprouting and 40 per cent during saplings, Harichandan said the Government instead taking precautionary measures sat idle leading to the present situation.
He also took a dig at the Government for the
decreasing extent of agriculture land, production capacity and productivity.
“Between 2005-06 and 2013-14, nearly four per cent of farmland has decreased and paddy production per hectare has come down to 18.21 quintal in 2013-14 from 23.61 quintal in 2012-13,” said Harichandan, questioning the Government’s pro-agriculture approach.
He demanded that the Government facilitate loan to farmers and adequate seeds and fertilisers to farmers for the Rabi crop.
“Though western Odisha people are all set to observe Nuakhai on September 18 but due to drought-like situation the farmers are now in depression,” said Harichandan.
The Congress leader said a nine-member party fact-finding team headed by former Agriculture Minister Kanhu Chanran lenka would visit different drought-hit districts.
He also targeted the Government for the power cut issue, saying it has completely failed to ensure a basic necessity like quality power to people.