Farmers brace up for mass agitation on March 12

Jajpur: Farmers under the aegis of Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) in Jajpur district protested against the government apathy towards their longstanding demands of price, pension and prestige.

Demanding hike in minimum support price of paddy and pension of Rs 5000 per month, the farmers’ outfit warned the state and Centre of severe consequences as they brace up for a mass agitation in Bhubaneswar on March 12.

Coordinator of NNKS, Akshay Kumar said that the government must come up with a budgetary allocation of Rs 21,600 crore to fulfill farmers' demands of Rs 5,000 per month pension calculated for the last 20 years.

"Farmers in the state have been urging the state government to take prompt action to give price, pension and prestige to farmers which are their fundamental rights. But the government is yet to pay any heed," he said.

"We will ensure that at least 20,000 farmers stage protests in Bhubaneswar on a daily basis for fulfillment of our demands,” Kumar said.

Senior journalist Rabi Das said the government has to ensure farmers get their rights - be it appropriate price for their produce, pension or even prestige. The upcoming budget will clarify its stand on this issue, he added.

No comments could be obtained from the government.