Kalahandi farmers hit streets demanding crop insurance

Bhawanipatna: Hundreds of farmers from 11 panchayats in Borda area of Kalahandi district took to streets on Tuesday demanding disbursal of crop insurance.

Though the farmers staged a peaceful protest on the state highway, vehicular movement came to a standstill on Bhawanipatna- Kharial road here. This apart, many trucks and other vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the road bringing traffic to a halt on the route.

According to reports, the State Government had announced crop loss insurance after reviewing drought-like situation in Bhawanipatna area last year. However, the farmers alleged that the insurance money is yet to reach them.

“Despite repeated complaints to the district administration, our requests fell on deaf year forcing us to take to the streets,” said an agitating farmer.

The farmers also threatened to intensify their stir if their demands are not fulfilled at the earliest, sources added.