Keonjhar: Farmers in various parts of Keonjhar are seething in anger over the inordinate delay in the clearance of their payments for paddy procurement. As they face problems in meeting the expenses relating to their daily needs and loan repayment, some farmers have threatened to resort to self-immolation if their payments are not cleared immediately. Some famers have warned of a hunger strike.
Both Orissa Post and Oriya daily Dhariti had carried a report over the delay in their payment, but the authorities took no action. Worried, farmers Friday submitted a memorandum to the sub-collector, as the collector was not present at the office. They alleged that the administration was neglecting the cause of the farmers. A delegation of farmers led by ZP member Minati Munda submitted the memorandum.
According to reports, scores of poor farmers are under mental stress for not getting their payments. Over 300 farmers of Chaka, Majuripasi, Dumuria, Kaliabedsa and Keri are awaiting their payments totalling Rs 20lakh.
The farmers pointed out that they had cultivated paddy by borrowing heavily from private money lenders and are taking loans from cooperative banks. They had sold their paddy at different procurement centres in April with the hope of getting the government-fixed price.
Now, they are worried as the authorities have allegedly done little to clear their payments even three months after the procurement. Also, they have to pay back on their borrowings from banks and private individuals.
Farmers had sold 50 to 100 quintals of paddy each in March and April. About four months have passed, but they have not got their payments. Farmers said the agricultural activities have started in many pockets but theirs have lagged behind due to fund shortage to bear the input expenses.
They said that if they faced problems in early clearance of dues from the government, they will not to sell paddy at the procurement centres from now on.
Sub-collector Bhakata Charan Pradhan has promised that immediate steps will be taken to sort out the issue and ensure that famers get their payments soon. PNN
