Odisha Farmer Sets Crop On Fire

Sonepur: Dejected over extensive losses, a farmer of Chulimal village in Binika area of Sonepur district set his crop on fire on Wednesday. The farmer Mahadev Bhoi took the extreme step after crops were damaged due to lack of irrigation.

As per reports, Bhoi had opted for lift irrigation because of lack of rainfall in the area but didn't receive water due to a defunct lift irrigation point.

He alleged that despite bringing the issue to the notice of the electricity department officials, no steps were taken to resolve it.

"For the last 10 to 12 days, I am trying to meet the concerned officials, but citing different reasons I was returned. Many of us are facing the same situation," Bhoi said.

Extremely stressed and disappointed, he set his farmland ablaze. On the other hand, local administration has said that steps will be taken only after a complaint.

"We have not received any complaint regarding the issue. Only after a complaint we will forward it to the Revenue Inspector and after an inquiry report we will take steps accordingly. Before setting his farmland on fire, the farmer should have informed the administration," said Additional Tehsildar, Rakesh Kumar Agarwal.