BHUBANESWAR: AS the ruling BJD launched a State-wide agitation against the Centre for ignoring Odisha Government’s demand for 100 per cent hike in minimum support price (MSP) of paddy, the BJP on Monday asked the State Government to clarify its stand on loan waiver to farmers.
“Distressed farmers of the State are committing suicide as they failed to repay their loans. Writing off their crop loan will provide more relief than increasing the MSP for paddy. The State Government should accept the BJP demand and announce loan waiver of the farmers,” State BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma said.
Holding the State Government responsible for the plight of farmers who are not getting support price for many of their agricultural produces, Sharma said the Government did not come to the rescue of farmers when there was distress sale of moong. The State announced to procure moong from farmers at `5,250 per quintal but it failed to keep its commitment. The famers had no option but to dispose of their produce at `3,370 per quintal in the open market, he said.
“Why is the State Government demanding higher MSP for a single item (paddy), when it failed to ensure the same for other agricultural items announced by the Centre,” he wondered.