The Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS), which is fighting for the cause of farmers of the State, launched an indefinite dharna at the lower PMG here on Monday demanding proper compensation to the Phailin-affected farmers.
The NKS alleged that the State Government’s recent budgetary allocation to compensate cyclone and flood-hit farmers is much less and it cannot serve the purpose of the farmers. “Everybody knows Odisha is an agricultural State, but the farmers are grossly neglected here,” said NKS State convener Akshaya Kumar, adding, “The Phailin assistance is a lollipop to farmers.”
The State Government has forgotten farmers during last 30 years. Still, farmers are waiting for construction of cold storages, godowns and markets for their products. “Due to lack of preservation of the agricultural produces, farmers are facing distress sale and are compelled to leave farming. As a result, we are depending on neighbouring States like beggars,” said NKS joint coordinator Seshadev Nanda. The Sangathan also criticised the State Government for not taking serious steps to stop farmers’ suicide.
The NKS demanded a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs5,000 per quintal of paddy and Rs2,000 per a farmer’s family till the yielding of next crop. It also demanded that the Government come forward to hold discussions about farmer’s problem.