BERHAMPUR: The BJP Kisan Morcha has criticised the State Government for its failure in protecting the interests of the farmers in Ganjam district. The team, led by party MPs Sabitri Thakur and Om Prakash Yadav, visited the villages under Mahupadar panchayat in Seragada block on Sunday.
The team took stock of the damage caused by pest attack on crops and interacted with the affected farmers.The Morcha leaders alleged that though Seragada comes under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's Assembly constituency Hinjili, no steps have been taken to mitigate the problems of farmers.
Expressing concern over the negligence shown towards the farmers in the block, the Morcha leaders alleged that while the existing canals have failed to supply water to the fields, no new canals were set up. The lift irrigation points have remained defunct and no steps were taken to apprise the farmers about protecting the crops. The Government has miserably failed in curbing the supply of fake pesticides which led to the damage of paddy and other vegetable crops in vast areas of the block.
They alleged that the ruling BJD was showing favour towards its supporters, but ignoring the plight of the farmers. The farmers are compelled to raise their crop by taking hand loans with huge interest rates, the leaders added.
The team assured the farmers that they will take up their issue with the Union Agriculture Minister. Local BJP leader Debananda Mohapatra handed over a memorandum to the team highlighting the problems of the farmers.