Bargarh: Tension prevailed high at District Collectorate, Bargarh as hundreds of farmers picketed demanding 5 point charters of demands. The farmers alleged the government of neglecting farmers’ issues and staged a demonstration.
Several farmers’ outfits joined the rally and shouted at slogans in the collectorate premises. Among the various demands of the farmers included – loan waiver, provide minimum support price of agriculture produce and farm product, pension or allowances for farmers, bonus for farmers and complete crop insurance and drought compensation.
The farmers first gathered at the local Lokmandap field. Later, they took out a huge rally throughout the town before picketing the collectorate. This led to scuffle between the cops guarding the collectorate and the farmers.
Later, the farmers staged a sit-in protest infront of the collector’s office.
District Collector Indramani Tripathy confronted the farmers and held a discussion with them. The farmers then submitted a written memorandum in favour of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While the farmers are reeling under crop loss and debt burden this Kharif season, they are yet to get crop insurance from 2017, they alleged. They warned to continue the protest until a written clarification was given.
Later, the agiators relented after the District Collector assured that the administration was having a talk with the insurance company and the compensation amount would be provided in the next seven to eight days.
However, the farmers demanded a written assurance from the collector and continued the protest till the last reports came in.
Along with District Collector were present Bargarh additional district magistrate Tapiram Majhi, DSP Nagendra Prasad Nayak and SDPO Suresh Kumar Naik.
The rally was led by Farmers’ outfit president Jayakrushna Sahu, secretary Kishor Debata and Rabindra Bisi.
Farmers agitate over crop loss assessment
Paralakhemundi: Farmers of Gajapati district are up in arms over the assessment of crop loss due to the cyclonic storm Titli that had hit the district 11 October.
Farmers’ outfits complained that the 33 per cent estimated by the administration is not correct. All reports have been prepared in the offices without taking into account the realities of the field, farmers alleged. President of the Zilla Krushak Sangha, S.N Patnaik said there is a lot of disparity on what has been reported.
“About 20,000 hectare of cultivated land has been greatly affected and our lands were under water for more than 72 hours.”
A fellow cultivator Ramachandra Rao echoing similarly feelings said “we are not begging for compensation rather the survey should be accurate. Not a single agriculture office or revenue staff visited our land to assess the damage.”
After coming to know of the matter, the district collector Anupam Saha assured the farmers that the survey will be done scientifically and as per relief code assistance will be provided.
PNN