A farmers’ demonstration with potato bags at the Bargarh District Collector’s office on Sunday exposed the State Government’s much-hyped potato mission to make the State self-sufficient in the tuber production. The poor farmers of Ambavona block of the district staging the dharna keeping potato bags in line, said, “Due to lack of marketing and procurement facility, potato is rotting in our backyards. If the Government does not take immediate steps to procure our produce, we will face heavy loss this session.” The farmers said they had apprised the Collector about their problem and the latter advised them to consult the Agriculture Department. When they didn’t get response from anybody, they came to the Collectorate.
The farmers returned home after getting an assurance from the Collector, Sub-Collector, officials of the Civil Supplies Department and the Deputy Director of Agriculture. Sources said the Government has stopped procurement after buying 185 tonnes of potato through the Markfed between March 25 and 30. Around 600 tonnes of potato is yet to be procured in Ambavona block, informed Bargarh Collector Anjan Kumar Manik. He said he has discussed with the Markfed MD about the issue and they would come to procure the potato very soon.