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Chikiti, Nov 3: Friday saw more farmers in Ganjam burning down their standing paddy crop. These farmers, too, attributed the extreme measure to severe pest infestation. Such incidents have been reported from 10 districts of the state.
According to the farmers, they found the pesticides they purchased to be ineffective against the pests, which then quickly spread across fields. They said they were further depressed and angered by the district administration’s apathy to their plight, which prompted them to resort to burning the crop. Friday’s incidents were reported chiefly from Rambha village, where about 150 acres of paddy are said to be infested by pests. A farmer in neighbouring Limakudia village also set his crop on fire.
Some farmers who are reported to have burnt their crops are: K Bakeya Reddy, D Dhanalaxmi, K Ganesh, CH Bisambhar, K Ganapati, K Basu Dora, K Kantama, D Yudisthir, K Tanaya and K Harischandra (of Rambha) and P Tarayana (of Limakudia).
Farmers said the pest attacks had dashed the hopes they had placed on the Kharif harvest and alleged that the Director of Agriculture had taken no ameliorative measure although they had alerted the official of the situation. “They do not even spread awareness about the situation,” a farmer claimed.
The farmers demanded an honest investigation of the situation and sought compensation for crop loss and waiver of agricultural loans. They said they intend to hold mass protests if supportive measures were not taken.
The Block Agriculture Officer, however, told Orissa POST that he had visited the villages and taken stock of the situation. He added that necessary steps would be taken soon following a probe.
Minister appeals for calm
Bhubaneswar: Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout Friday appealed to farmers against setting their pest-infested crop on fire. The appeal came in the wake of reports that farmers were setting their paddy crops affected by the brown planthopper pest afire. “The paddy crop is regarded as Goddess Lakshmi in our society since time immemorial. I am requesting the farmers, hit by the pest attack, with folded hands not to set fire to their standing paddy crops,” Rout said. He asserted that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government was with the farmers. “Stringent action will be taken against those selling fake pesticides in the market,” Rout said, and added that compensation would also be provided to the distressed farmers.
