The Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS), a body fighting for farmers’ cause, would hold a mega convention of farmers here on February 18protesting the apathetic attitude of the State and Central Governments towards the peasants.
Around 20,000 farmers from across the State would participate in the convention to be held at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in front of the State Assembly.
NKS State convenor Akshaya Kumar told reporters on Tuesday that farmers would start their rally from Cuttack on February 17 and reach the State capital on February 18.
During the convention, the issue of farmers’ right on land, water and forest would be raised. Besides, the farmers’ suicide cases would be discussed.
The Sangathan has been demanding allocation of Rs 21,600 crore towards pension for nearly 36 lakh farmers’ families in the State, which is one fourth of the State budget, informed Kumar.
“If the Government fails to fulfill our demand, we would stage a Jailbharo Andolan,” Kumar added.
NKS State adviser Soumya Ranjan Patnaik said, “The agriculture sector in the State was giving employment to 70 per cent people of the State. But now we cannot depend only on this sector to run a family.” The Government should take immediate action to solve the farmers’ issues, he added.
NKS Co-Coordinator Seshadev Nanda, Umakanta Rout, Rashmi Ranjan Swain and Nimai Ray were present, among others at the Press meet.