Bargarh: Farmers of of Bargarh district assembled at Gandhi Chowk of the district headquarters under the banner of “Padampur Krushak Bikash Manch” and blocked the highway to press their five-point charter of demands on Wednesday evening.
Local MLA from ruling BJD party Debesh Acharya joined the agitating farmers.
Earlier, the agitating farmers had demonstrated in front of the District Collector’s office from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Since the Collector didn’t turn up at office till 5.00 pm, the farmers decided to block the highway at Gandhi Chowk.
The farmers were holding placards and shouting slogans against both the state and central governments for ignoring the interests of farmers.
Their five-point charter of demands includes (a) Declare drought and provide adequate compensation; (b) Provide insurance for the loss of crops during 2016 Khariff season; (c) Provide bonus for crops during 2015 Khariff season; (d) Provide special benefit to the Panchyats, where crops were lost; (e) Implement Swaminathan Commission report.
However, the farmers withdrew their protests late in the night after the Collector and Sub-Collector reached the spot and assured the agitating farmers and the MLA to solve their problems as soon as possible.
Ms Kalinga