The leaders of the farmers under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Sangha, in a vast congregation in front of the office of the RDC (ND), came forward with many innovative proposals for the development of farmers and farming in the State. Rising above politics unlike many others, they pinpointed the mistakes made by both State and the Central Governments for financial improvement of the farmers.
Farmer leader Bisikesan Pradhan of Boudh district asked as to why the Government was fixing MSP (minimum support price) for paddy and rest other agricultural products and why not a ‘profitable price’ for such products. “When all the farmers of the country do hard work and produce food grains for the citizens, why should they get minimum price and why not a maximum one,” he asked. “Profitable price can only strengthen the economic backbone of the farmers,” he asserted.
Suicide of farmers is not confined to Odisha only. It is a practice all over the country. Farmers are taking this drastic step when they are unable to bear with the huge loss. Hence, it is high time for the Governments to ensure profit for the farmers and also pay them insurance when there is a crop loss for any reason, said the Kisan Sangha leaders. “Not cheap politics but concrete steps can only save farmers,” they emphasized.
They also demanded Rs 500 bonus per quintal for paddy for the farmers above the MSP for the current season since drought and pest attack have shattered the condition of the farmers.
They also gave a number of valuable suggestions to use every drop of water of Mahanadi river and that of the Hirakud reservoir to irrigate all the non-irrigated lands of Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Sonepur and Boudh districts. Proper use of water by curbing the wastage can help change the scenario of this vast region, they said.
They asked the State Government to reform schemes so that farmers interested in groundnut, mustard and all other oilseeds could be immensely benefitted.
They appealed for strong action against dishonest businessmen and manufacturers producing low standard or duplicate pesticides that hardly help to control pest like the current year.
Farmers and farmers’ leaders from nearly 10 revenue districts of the northern division including Janaki Ballav Swain, Radhakrishna Meher, Jayaswara Karna and Mohini Mishra were present. They submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the secretary of the RDC (ND) BB Behera.