Activists of the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) on Thursday gheraoed the Telkoi block office in Keonjhar district over its several demands.
led by NKS convener Akshay Kumar, hundreds of farmers marched towards the block office holding banners and placards and shouting slogans.
Their major demands were a hike of the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy to Rs 5,000 per quintal and provision of Rs 5,000 security allowance for farmers from the age of 20 years.
NKS advisor Soumya Ranjan Patnaik said agriculture is occupation for more than 60 per cent of population of the country. Hence, it is justified to provide them proper value for their produces and pension.
“The new generation is hesitating for agriculture as their occupation due to distress conditions of farmers. If the demands of the farmers aren’t met, it will create a major social imbalance,” Patnaik said.
A memorandum was presented to the Telkoi Block Development Officer (BDO).