post news network
Bhubaneswar, Nov 19: The sudden decision to withdraw higher denomination notes of `500 and `1000 has only increased the suffering of farmers while giving more bargaining power to the middlemen.
Farmers from across the state who were in the capital city, Saturday for the All India Khet Mazdoor Kisan Sabha (AIKMKS) meeting claimed ignorance about the reasons behind demonetisation of notes.
“We do not have black money. The unexpected decision has aggravated our sufferings and nobody is ready to give us money for buying fertilizers and seeds. The government should understand that we are struggling to survive,” said Trinath Maharana, a farmer from Puri.
The community, which is heavily reliant on cash transactions, is facing a tough time in managing the currency crisis.
“I had planned to use my savings from animal husbandry for buying fertilizers and seeds. But, the so called surgical strike by the prime minister made me to stand in long queues for exchanging notes. This decision is like a natural disaster,” said Pratap Mohapatra, a farmer from Malkangiri.
Some farmer admitted that if the situation does not improve soon, they will be forced to take drastic steps.
“Banking formalities often creates confusion and lack of trust for illiterate people like us. This compels us to depend on private money lenders. Currently, they are not giving us enough money since they are facing currency crunch. I contemplated selling my land but it if hard to find any buyer now. I may take any step,” said Kuber Biswal, a farmer from Brahmagiri, Puri.
Although the government has allowed farmers to withdraw `25,000 a week with Kisan cards, many of them do not even have the cards.
“Only 20 to 30 per cent farmers are getting the benefit of Kisan card. We need more support of the government. The increasing rate of farmers’ suicides raises concern and the government should come up with immediate measure to help us,” said AIKMKS executive member Shambu Mahato. PNN
