The Odisha Krushak Sathi Sangha (KSS) organised its mahasamabesh here on Friday under the presidenship of Bargarh Mandal president Kalasaheb Bhoi.
KSS State president Rushi Kumar Patel attended as chief guest and State secretary Santosh Kumar Behera was the guest of honour.
The speakers lamented that the Krushak Sathis have been given a raw deal by the State Government despite their prime role in the implementation of various schemes in the agriculture sector.
The Krushak Sathis were appointed by the Government for the development of farmers and farming panchayat wise in the year 2006.
They are working in each GP and play a vital role in the implementation of all schemes of the Government on farming.
Their works include selection of beneficiaries on digging deep bore well, formation of pani panchayat, collection of soil for testing, making vermin compost and advising farmers through farmer field school etc. Because of their rich contribution to the agriculture sector, Odisha was awarded four times in farming by the Centre, the speakers said.
They demanded that the salary of the Krushak Sathis be hiked from the paltry Rs 500 per month. Besides, they be given identity card, insurance, ESI, EPF and pension.
More than 2,000 Krushak Sathis from different districts of western Odisha were present in the Mahasamabesh.