Hundreds of farmers of Borigumma block in Koraput district staged a road blockade on NH 26 near the Aunli junction on Thursday demanding fully drought-hit tag for the district and compensation for crop loss.
Around 500 peasants staged the agitation under leadership of former Nabarangpur MP Pradeep Majhi. The farmers sat on the NH holding samples of damaged paddy plants.
“While crops in almost all areas under the district have been damaged due to scanty rainfall, the administration has listed a few places as drought-hit. We demand the district be declared fully drought-affected and adequate compensation for farmers,” said Majhi.
He said the agitation would continue till farmers’ demands are met.
The road blockade continued till evening and police were deployed there to maintain the law and order situation.