Keonjhar: Upset over delay in getting their payments for paddy procurement, farmers from various parts of this district launched a hunger strike at the district headquarters Tuesday.
Irate over the inordinate delay in clearance of their payments, the farmers had earlier threatened to resort to agitation and even self-immolation if their payments were cleared immediately.
According to reports, 147 farmers from eight panchayats – Naranpur, Dimbo, Raghunathpur, Kathbari, Maisankel, Mahadeijoda, Mandua and Sirisapal under Sadar block had sold paddy at Naranpur LAMPS about four months ago.
“As we have been awaiting our payments for four months, we had no way but to stage agitation against the injustice,” the farmers said.
Civil supplies officer Artatrana Barik, assistant registrar of cooperative societies Kabibara Nayak and district information and public relations officer Sanjib Barik held talks with the agitators, but to no avail.
The upset farmers refused to budge from their stand unless they receive their payments.
Famers in many others parts of the district have also allegedly not got their payments and even crop insurance. With payments delayed, farmers are under mental stress, the agitators said.
As they face problem in meeting expenses of their daily needs and loan repayment, some farmers have threatened to resort to self-immolation if their payments are not cleared immediately.
Orissa Post had carried a report over the delay in their payment, but the authorities concerned have taken no action.
Worried over the issue, farmers led by ZP member Minati Munda had Friday submitted a memorandum to the sub-collector, alleging the administration has been neglecting their cause.
They pointed out that they had cultivated paddy by borrowing from private money lenders and taking loans from cooperative banks. They sold their paddy at different procurement centres in April with the hope of getting the government-fixed price early.
Many farmers pointed out though agricultural activities have started following the arrival of monsoon in the state, they have lagged behind due to fund shortage to bear the input cost.
Sub-collector Bhakata Charan Pradhan had earlier assured the farmers that immediate steps will be taken to sort out the issue, they said. PNN
