Farmers of our country have remained a neglected lot even after 69 years of Independence. More than 3.2 lakh of farmers have committed suicide in the country since Independence.
“The number of farmers’ suicide in Odisha has crossed 200 in last few years whereas the Government is not ready to accept that the suicides are agriculture-related. The reason of such pitiable condition of farmers is lack of farmers’ unity," said farmer leaders at a farmers’ convention held at Nuapada on Tuesday.
The convention was organised by the Navanirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS), Odisha with an objective to initiate the farmers’ organisations in Nuapada district and to integrate them into the mainstream farmers' movement headed by the NKS at the State level.
The convention was presided over by farmer leader Ghasiram Majhi. Other speakers included were Krushana Sakti Sangathana convenor Sanjay Tiwari, NKS State executive member Umakant Bharat and District Press Club president Ajit Panda.
A district-level committee of the NKS with representatives from all blocks of the district was formed.