Opposition members on Thursday alleged in the Assembly that the State Government has not taken any measure to combat the drought-like situation that has emerged due to scanty rainfall in at least 15 districts during the current Kharif season.
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Leader of Opposition Pradipta Kumar Naik said, “Drought-like situation has now emerged in more than 15 districts due to scanty rainfall,. Cultivable lands have cracked and paddy plants have died. But the State Government is yet to make any assessment in these regards.”
Stating that a few farmers have already committed suicide due to loss of crops, Naik demanded that the Speaker ask the Government to make a statement in the House soon.
Supporting Naik, Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mihra said many lift irrigation and mega points are lying defunct, adding to the woes of famers.
Crops in western Odisha have already been lost due to scanty rainfall. Reports of famer suicides are coming in the media often. Despite all these, the State Government has remained silent, alleged Mishra.
Stating that farmers of western Odisha have not yet get insurance claims, Mishra said, “It is very disappointing that the State Government has not taken any measure to resolve the problems. The Government is also not responding to questions put by Opposition members.”
He demanded that the Government inform the House what steps it has taken to provides support to farmers in drought-hit areas.
In response, Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro directed the Revenue Minister to make a statement in the House on the issue by Friday.