The National Krishi Karman Award received by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik last week is an insult to the whole farming community in the State, said Utkala Bikasha Juba Parisada president Debiprasada Prusti.
The Economic Survey 2012-13, prepared by Odisha Planning and Coordination Department itself indicated very clearly that Odisha lags behind in all major fronts in agriculture in comparison to other States and also national level.
“While the survey clearly indicated the real picture of Odisha what was the parameter that the State was adjudged as the best at the national level,” Prusti asked. Prusti further stated that the survey report clearly stated that both agriculture land and production have been shrinking during last few years.
“As per the survey, irrigation, loan quantity is less, so also use of tractors and electricity in agriculture in comparison to other States. Use of both organic and chemical fertilisers is much less. Many districts have no Deputy Directors Agriculture (DDA), District Officers and Village Agriculture Workers (VAW). Similarly, conditions of cold storages in more than 6,000 panchayats are worst because of high power tariff,” said Prusti.