The Nabanirman Krushak Sangathan and the Zilla Krushak Sangha jointly organised a mass demonstration before the district Collector’s office here on Friday pressing for implementation of their various demands.
About 10,000 farmers gathered in the RMC premises and began moving in a rally through the city. A protest meeting was held under leadership of Sangathan national convenor Akshay Kumar in front of the Collectorate. Kumar insisted that the Collector come to them and listen to their grievances.
Even though the Sub-Collector and the Additional District Magistrate came to them, the agitators didn’t hold any discussion with them. Finally, Collector Anupam Shah along with SP Amulya Kuamr Das came and held talks with them.
The farmed demanded that the Government pay appropriate price for their produce, provision of monthly pension of Rs 5,000 for elderly farmers and making of district-wise plans for agriculture development. As many as 18 demands were placed before the Collector.
Among others, State organiser Sheshadeb Nanda, student leader Alli Anwaroor, Zilla Krushak Sangha president Suryanarayan Patnaik and Gajapati Zilla Swabhiman Manch convenor Dr Tirupati Panigrahi were present.