Govt changed, but not the fate of Odisha farmers

Farmers in Odisha continue to face ‘mandi’ issue despite the change in governance after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ousted the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) from power in 2024. Under the BJD 's 24-year tenure, many pledges were made to improve the plight of farmers but nothing fruitful witnessed. With BJP's ascent, expectations of farmers rose as they started dreaming a better future and good returns of their produce.

However, farmers' anticipations have yet to be met, as challenges such as ‘token mismanagement’ and complications with market procurement and mill owners continue unabated. Although an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy to Rs 3,100 per quintal brought initial optimism, widespread protests endure across the state, with farmers resorting to blockades and hunger strikes over problems being faced by them during the sale of their paddy.

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Amid Promises, Farmers’  Suicide Continues

The BJP had promised sweeping reforms, including complete crop procurement, the tripling of farmer incomes, and providing Rs 5 lakh in health insurance alongside compensation for loss due to pests, birds, and animals. Yet, alleged impediments in the mandi operations and exploitation by millers aggravate the situation.

Recent destructive rains have further exacerbated farmers' struggles, with around 2,26,791 hectares of crops damaged across 16 districts, impacting approximately six lakh farmers. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced a compensation package of Rs 292 crore. Despite these efforts, instances of farmer suicides highlight the widespread distress.

Urgent & Meaningful Reforms Need of Hour

In reaction, diverse farmer organisations have initiated state-wide protests, outlining eight demands for immediate redressal in mandi functioning and duly implementing support mechanisms. One notable incident involved Bhadrak's District Collector, Dillip Rautaray, who went undercover as a farmer to understand the grassroots issues, resulting in administrative notices to address these challenges.

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The continuing hardships, exacerbated by poor management and private sector exploitation, threaten the diminishing patience of Odisha's farming community, stressing the need for urgent and meaningful reforms.

By Dilip Sabat