Odisha Congress leads mass rally of farmers

Bhubaneswar: Accusing the BJP and the ruling-BJD of being insensitive to farmers in Odisha, the State unit of the Congress party took out a mass rally of farmers at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar today.

Hike in minimum support price (MSP) of paddy, bonus and pension to farmers, disbursement of insurance money and support for Rabi crop were amongst the major demands that were pressed by the Congress during the rally.

"The condition of farmers in Odisha is miserable and both the State government and the Centre have failed. Since long, farmers have been demanding hike in MSP and farm loan waiver. If the MSP is increased as promised by PM Modi then it should be Rs 3516 per quintal" said senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra.

Congress also demands monthly pension of Rs 5000 for farmers over 60 years, he said, adding that the party will continue its protests if the demands are not fulfilled.

Speaking on the matter, Odisha Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy said that the BJD government has been working for the all-round development of farmers since 2000 under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The State government is taking all measures to resolve the issues plaguing farmers in the State, he added.