The BJD Government has failed to protect the interests of farmers and make the State self-sufficient in food grains, vegetables and allied crops’ production. As a result, Odisha is dependent on the neighbouring States, mainly Andhra Pradesh, in this regard.
This was stated by Congress leaders at a farmers’ meeting held on Sunday at langaleswar under Basta blocky. The speakers included former Union Minister Srikant Jena, former MlA Arun Dey and Jaynarayan Mohanty.
Jena said that only 37 per cent of the cultivable land is so far provided with irrigation facilities due to apathetic attitude of the Government led by Naveen Patnaik which is in power for last 16 years. Farmers are neither getting encouragement from the Government nor finding opportunities to enhance their production, as a result of which they are migrating from the State and working in other States as Dadan labourers to earn their livelihoods.
“Odisha is still largely depending on neighbouring States for egg, fish, banana and other fruits and vegetables due to the inefficiency of the Government. The farmers are migrating to other States in search of livelihoods. As much as `200 crore is lying unspent under the head of PMGSY,” said Jena, adding that the Congress would awaken the rural masses through public meetings at villages.
Arun Dey alleged, “The State Government has made the people lazy and inefficient by providing them their requirements free of cost. The Governments at the Centre as well as in the State are inefficient and busy blaming each other.”