BJD Urges Odisha Government to Purchase All Paddy from Farmers Amid Crop Damage Crisis

The BJD has urged the Odisha government to waive farm loans and buy all paddy crops, regardless of their fair average quality (FAQ). This demand follows significant crop damage from unseasonal rain across the state. The call for action intensified after a 64-year-old farmer, Banamali Penthei, allegedly died by suicide due to crop loss and debt in Ganjam district's Chhatrapur block.

A five-member BJD fact-finding team visited Penthei's family to gather information. They reported that Penthei allegedly hanged himself in his bathroom after returning from his farmland. Former MLA Bikram Panda noted that the unseasonal rain affected nearly all paddy crops in the district, both harvested and ready-to-harvest, potentially failing to meet FAQ standards.

Impact of Unseasonal Rain on Farmers

Chandra Sekhar Sahu, a former MP from Berhampur, highlighted that Penthei had borrowed several lakh rupees from private lenders. He intended to repay these loans after harvesting his crops. However, the devastation caused by the rain left him feeling hopeless about his financial situation. Sahu also called for Rs 25 lakh compensation for Penthei's family.

The fact-finding team has demanded adequate compensation for affected farmers and loan waivers to restore their confidence and prevent further suicides. "We have also demanded adequate compensation for the farmers, besides writing off the farm loans to boost their confidence and prevent more suicides," Sahu stated.

Government Response and Investigations

BJP MLA Chhatrapur, Krushna Chandra Nayak, acknowledged the government's awareness of the impact of untimely rain on paddy crops. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is reportedly conducting regular reviews of the situation. Nayak mentioned that the exact cause of Penthei's death would be determined after a district administration inquiry.

Nayak had visited Penthei's family earlier in the day, providing Rs 30,000 as financial assistance. The government is expected to take further steps based on the inquiry findings to address the concerns raised by the opposition and affected farmers.