To raise the problems of sharecroppers, the Odisha Krushak Sabha (OKS) organised a State-level convention here on Sunday. Members of the body said that while farmers’ suicide continues unabated in the State, a majority of the deceased farmers are sharecroppers.
OKS president Abhiram Behera said sharecroppers, who are the actual farmers, are the worst sufferers. Hence, the State Government must identify them and provide compensations for crop loss. He also demanded that all the assistances announced in the Government package for farmers should be made available to the sharecroppers too.
Inaugurating the meet, Akhil Bharat Krishak Sabha joint secretary Dr Biju Krishnan called upon the sharecroppers to launch a mass movement to demand their rights.
OKS general secretary Yameswar Samantaray said, “like land owners, all agricultural inputs, including loan, crop insurance, marketing facilities, and pesticides should be made available for sharecroppers.” The Government should immediately undertake repair of lift irrigation points, he added.
Journalist Rabi Das said the sharecroppers should be recognised as farmers as they are actually cultivating the land. Around 200 sharecroppers from 13 districts participated in the convention. The OKS threatened to stage a dharna in front of State Assembly during its Winter Session if its demands are not fulfilled.