A fast-unto-death agitation of eleven farmers of Kultapada and Arjunpur gram panchyats of Deogaon block before the district Collectorate here demanding immediate release of crop insurance money entered into the second day on Wednesday. They are led by Laxman Meher, Jati Pradhan and others.
“Earlier we had resorted to a Rasta Roko on September 27 on Balangir-Titilagarh road over the issue and district Collector Arindum Dakua had assured us in written to pay the crop insurance compensation within one month. However, as nothing happened, we have begun a fast unto death agitation which will continue till crop insurance money is released,” said Laxman Meher to mediamen.
According to sources, the farmers had insured their crop with Chola Mandalam company. “We had insured our crop in the year 2017 and 2018. But have not received any compensation so far,” rued Prahllad Biswal, an agitating farmer.
Meanwhile, district Collector Arindum Dakua was not available for comment.