Farm laws row: Western Odisha farmers to take out bike rally to Bhubaneswar on March 1
BHUBANESWAR: Farmers in western Odisha have announced to take out a bike rally to Bhubaneswar on March 1 pressing for repeal of three farm laws by the Centre and withdrawal of the free market ordinance of the state government.
Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti (POKSSS) convenor Lingaraj said they have decided to hold this march to show solidarity to farmer movement along with other demands. Around 1000 people will take out the March 1 rally. “We will also take around four tractors with us to carry food and other essentials,” he added.
He said the rally will be held in the state capital for one day. “We want the Centre to repeal the farm laws and stop harassing farmers. The Odisha assembly should pass a resolution against the farm laws like the Punjab government. If the state government is worried for farmers, they should do it immediately,” he added.
The farmer leader said the state government should withdraw the ordinance recently approved by the state cabinet to open up the market for farmers and remove geographical restrictions for marketing of agricultural produce in the state. “This state government is following the footsteps of the Centre. We request the government to stop this ordinance and ensure a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural products,” he added.
Recently, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella forum of farmer outfits, has decided to hold Krushak Adhikar Yatra across the state between March 1 and March 15 to sensitize farmers about their rights and unite them against the farm laws. Later they will also hold a Krushak Adhikar Rally in the capital city.
They will visit villages and panchayats to tell the farmers about the Centre’s negative attitude towards farmers of the country. The farmer leaders will make the farmers understand about the harmful effect of the newly enacted farm laws.