Congress Threatens Street Protests Over Alleged Farmer Neglect by State Government in Malkangiri
By Addanki Iswar R.
Malkangiri,12th January 2024:-In a press conference organized by the Malkangari District Congress Committee, Pradesh Congress Kishan Cell chairman Amaya Patnaik expressed concern over the state government’s neglect of farmers. Patnaik warned that if the issues faced by farmers are not promptly addressed, the Congress party will take to the streets. Highlighting the plight of farmers, he emphasized that their backbone is broken, affecting farming activities. Farmers, burdened by loans from cooperatives and moneylenders, are compelled to sell their crops at low prices to brokers. Despite the government’s announcement of a bonus of Rs. 100 per quintal, Patnaik criticized its ineffectiveness and demanded a bonus of Rs. 600 per quintal.
Drawing attention to the deteriorating water supply capacity of the Satiguda reservoir, built 40 years ago, Patnaik warned of an impending water crisis for farmers and disruptions in drinking water supply to Malkangari town. Additionally, he pointed out the lack of cold storage facilities in the district, which forces farmers to sell seasonal vegetables at meager prices. The press conference, held in the presence of District President Gobinda Patra and other Congress leaders, addressed the urgent need for action to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers in Malkangari.
