Odisha Krushak Mahasangha (OKM) president Bibhudhendra Pratap Das on Tuesday said the farmer suicide would increase like an epidemic in the State due to failure of the Government policy.
“Suicidal death of more than hundred of farmers in the State within a year proved that the policy and compensation announced by the State Government did not create any impact on the sector,” said Das, adding, “The State Government is yet to implement a realistic policy for development of agriculture.”
Das said the crop loss compensation is not sufficient for the farmers as they normally invest Rs 15,000 per acre of paddy cultivation. He also demanded that the Government take the village as a unit while providing crop loss compensation.
Das further demanded establishment of agro-based industries to create a market for farm produces, agriculture loan at one per cent interest, a proper agricultural policy to help farmers and construction of adequate numbers of cold storages for preservation of farm products.