Amid crop loss, it's time for Mohan Majhi govt to win farmers' trust

Odisha farmers are confronting a severe crisis due to an unexpected prolonged spell of low-pressure-induced rainfall that hit the state last week. The untimely rainfall has caused substantial crop damage, raising alarm in the agrarian community.

Unable to bear their crop loss and the burden of debts, four farmers chose the path of death within three days. These events have posed a significant challenge for the Mohan Majhi-led first-time BJP government in Odisha. 

As Opposition parties are holding the government accountable for the escalating situation, Odisha government is leaving no stones to check farmers’ suicide and bring the situation under control. All the ministers, including Mohan Charan Majhi himself, have been touring various parts of Odisha and assuring farmers of all help.

The ministers have been directly engaging with farmers and voicing their support. However, farmers continue to be in a precarious situation, burdened by debts.

BJD’s Long-Standing 'Reluctance' in Recognizing Farmer Distress

The previous BJD government, which ruled Odisha for more than 24 years, allegedly hesitated to acknowledge suicides of farmers as consequence of crop loss or agricultural distress. In a state where approximately 70% of the population depends on agriculture, predominantly paddy, tens of thousands were left in uncertainty. Even as BJD came up with the ‘Kalia’ scheme to allegedly grab vote, it miserably failed to bring an end to farmer suicides.

BJP Government Formation A Hope for Farmers

Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2024, promising a procurement price of Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy, there has been anticipation of prosperity. This policy change led many farmers to secure loans and invest laboriously in their fields. Alas, the relentless rainfall, particularly in coastal and southern Odisha, has caused havoc, leaving paddy fields submerged.

Apart from crop loss, farmers continue to face issues with paddy procurement in mandis, katni chatni and other such irregularities leading to widespread discontent. 

Odisha Farmers’ Resilience

In the midst of these challenges, farmers are making desperate efforts to save whatever crops they can, attempting to dry them along roadside pavements. In Western Odisha, issues with mandi (market) management, paddy quality evaluation, and procurement procedures have sparked protests and dissatisfaction.

Regaining Trust

The government now faces the arduous task of restoring farmers’ confidence. The Mohan Majhi government now faces the dual burden of ensuring proper market functionality while restoring faith among farmers, intensified by recent adversities.

By Dilip Sabat