The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over a farmer’s reported euthanasia plea, saying by its erratic paddy procurement policy, the BJP-led government in Odisha has pushed the farmers into distress.
The distressed farmer, Gopal Krishna Sahu from the agriculturally-rich Bargarh district, has been forced to seek euthanasia after failing to sell his paddy despite repeatedly approaching officials, Bargarh MLA Varsha Singh Bariha and BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty told reporters here today.
Terming the development “deeply unfortunate,” the BJD leaders alleged that the district administration’s acceptance of the farmer’s petition reflected the government’s inability to address the grievances of the farming community.
Bariha said the incident had exposed the shortcomings of the state’s farmer welfare measures.
She alleged that thousands of quintals of paddy remained stranded in mandis across Odisha, with stocks being damaged by monsoon rains due to delayed procurement.
The BJD MLA further claimed that while the government had promised better returns for farmers, rising costs of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs were placing a heavy financial burden on cultivators. She also accused the government of failing to adequately address procurement-related issues.
Mohanty alleged that problems related to mandis, token generation and paddy procurement continue to affect farmers, forcing many to repeatedly protest for the sale of their produce. He questioned the government’s claims of ensuring timely payments and adequate support to farmers.
The Opposition leaders said the euthanasia plea by a farmer from Bargarh, widely regarded as Odisha’s “rice bowl”, had caused concern across the state and highlighted the need for urgent intervention.
Demanding immediate steps to resolve procurement bottlenecks and safeguard farmers’ interests, the BJD urged the government to address the concerns of cultivators on priority.
The regional party warned that it would intensify its agitation if the issues faced by farmers remained unresolved.