Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 1: The BJD government, which had been facing criticism on several issues relating to farmers, took several decisions that were aimed at boosting the agriculture sector Saturday.
The opposition, however, claims that no decision that was taken would address the problems faced by farmers.
The Cabinet approved a `514.89 crore proposal including 174 lift irrigation schemes that will cover around 2, 14,270 hectares in Bargarh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to an irrigation project worth `757.80 crore that aims to cover 43,047 hectares in Kalahandi.
A decision was also taken to create a corpus fund of `100 crore as interest free loan for sharing among Orissa Seeds Supply Corporation, Orissa Agro Industries Corporation and Orissa State Cashew Development Corporation.
It was also decided to create a corpus fund of `100 crore for enhancing crop production using chemical fertilizer.
A proposal for the formation of the Directorate of Orissa Watershed Development Mission was also approved.
However, opposition parties said no decision was taken that would address problems faced by farmers.
The Congress has decided to stage a mass protest in front of the Assembly February 12 while its youth wing has threatened to protest from the second week of February.
“Paddy farmers are in distress and no decision has been taken to address this,” said Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan.
“First they (BJD) said they will ensure 50 per cent irrigation facility. Later they said 35 per cent irrigation facility in each block. Yet Bolangir district has only 3 per cent irrigation facility,” he said.
The BJP had earlier targeted the state government for not taking concrete measures for addressing farmers’ issues.
The BJD hit back with party spokesperson Amar Satpathy saying, “Why did it (Congress) fail to improve the situation during its rule?”
“The irrigation facility is gradually improving. There is no relevance in the Opposition comments,” he said.