The lok Sammukhya organised a workshop on ‘Development of agriculture and recognition of sharecroppers’ here on Thursday.
Attending as the chief guest, former Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Binayak Rath demanded recognition of sharecroppers through proper documentation and provision of identity cards. “Sharecroppers are the major cultivators in most parts of the State and mostly belong to the backward communities,” Prof Rath said. An Odisha land Reforms Act (OlR) 1960 is required for them, he added.
He also sought for bank loan and special rules and regulations for the sharecroppers.
Former MlA Radhakanta Sethi said the sharecroppers have no avenues to avail agricultural loan. They are also not eligible to receive compensation when there is crop loss. They should have a place in cooperative societies so that they can take crop loan during cultivation.
All India People's Forum leader Mahendra Parida said, “About 20 lakh sharecroppers are living in our State. The State Government should formulate policies to protect their interest.”
lok Sammukhya members would submit a seven-point charter of demands on the issue to the State Government soon, informed Parida. “We would also stage a dharna in front of the State Assembly in coming days,” he added.
lok Sammukhya president Ashok Nanda presided over the meeting. Farmer leader Brahmananda Mallick, columnist Tushar Kant and Shrinivas Rout were present, among others.
Sharecroppers from Puri and Dhenkanal and other parts of the State attended the programme.