Union Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday visited Bargarh and neighbouring districts to take stock of the drought situation and suicide of farmers.
Shekhawat also visited the house of deceased farmer Brunda Sahu, whose case has created a stir all over the country since not only he burnt his pest-affected crops but also killed himself a day after. Shekhawat assured all possible help to the family of Brunda and stayed there for some time to have face to face discussion with the family members sitting on the floor instead of a chair.
After visiting different villages of the district including Chikirdi, Satlama, Barangpali, Kalapani to have direct knowledge on the field situation, the Minister went to the agricultural fields of different villages and directly discussed with the farmers.
Shekhawat while expressing concern over the suicide of Brunda, also assured the family members of every possible help. He asked the ADM present to sanction a house under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana with four decimal of land.
“This should be done within two months from today,” the Minister strictly directed the ADM.
Addressing mediapersons at Bargarh, Shekhawat said, “In spite of presence of two major rivers Mahanadi and Tel in this region, it is highly unfortunate that farmers are not getting water for cultivation and facing drought like situation.” He criticised the apathy of the State Government in this regard for non utilisation of the natural sources of water.
“I am astonished to know that farmers were applying thymate – a particular kind of pesticide which is totally incapable of killing Chakada Poka(Brown grass hopper). Rather it helps to multiply this variety of pest,” the Minister said. The State Government and the agriculture Department have not rightly guided the farmers during such crisis, he blamed. Had they given right advice to the farmers, such unfortunate situation would have been totally averted, he said further.
Meanwhile, the BJP central delegation which also toured the State on Monday said the condition of farmers in the State is grave. Earlier scanty rainfall had destroyed crops; the pest attack has now led to crop loss. But the State Government till now has not taken appropriate steps. Besides, it has not expressed sympathies to the families of the farmers, who have committed suicide. The State Government which does not have any interest in agriculture industry is neglecting the farmers in every sphere, said the BJP delegation’s leader and National Krushak Morcha general secretary P Sugunakar Rao.
Meanwhile, in reaction to the Central Minister meeting Brunda’s family, State Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout in Bhubaneswar said Brunda might be a BJP activist. So the Minister had gone to meet him. “Why should I go and meet him; was he a BJD worker,” he questioned.
In reply BJP MlA Pradip Purohit said Dambabu should not divide the farmers on party lines.