Bhubaneswar: The Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS), a State-based outfit fighting for the rights of farmers, will extend support to the central farm leaders' call for a countrywide shutdown on December 8 against the new farm laws, if discussion on farmers' demands are not fulfilled by the Centre.
NNKS convenor Akshya Kumar on Friday informed that they are awaiting the Central government's move after discussion with farm leaders on key demands of farmers. "If the government doesn't accept their demands, we would join them in the call for Bharat Bandh on December 8," he added.
Kumar also appealed to the farmers across Odisha to come out in support of the bandh and make it a huge success.
The leaders of different farmers’ outfits said that they have planned to stage road blockade across the country and occupy toll plazas.
They maintained that the agitation will be intensified further until the new legislations are scrapped. Farmers have been protesting against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
The government had invited the protesting leaders for fourth round of talks on Thursday, but it remained inconclusive. The two sides are scheduled to meet on Saturday again.
The farmer community has expressed apprehension that the new laws are "anti-farmer", and would pave the way for dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporations.
However, the Central government has maintained that the new laws will bring farmers better opportunities and usher in new technologies in agriculture.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)