Why BJD is Rallying Farmers Against BJP's Policies: A Deep Dive

BJD's Farmers' Rally in Bargarh

Bargarh: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has labeled the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as anti-farmer, announcing plans for a significant farmers' rally in Bargarh on August 18. This event aims to inform farmers about the perceived exploitation by the saffron party. During a press briefing, Prasanna Acharya, the convenor of BJD's farmers' cell, criticized both the central and state BJP governments for their actions against farmers' interests.

Acharya pointed out a concerning decline in the state's agricultural growth rate, which fell from 7.6% in 2023-24 to a mere 3.8% in 2024-25. He also noted an 18.19% reduction in overall central assistance to Odisha during the current fiscal year.

Funding for agriculture in Odisha has decreased significantly, dropping from ₹21,011 crore in 2023-24 to ₹17,089 crore in 2024-25. Furthermore, the allocation under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has plummeted from ₹146 crore last year to just ₹32 crore this year, according to Acharya. He expressed that farmers are increasingly frustrated with issues surrounding paddy procurement.

BJD vice-president Sanjay Das Burma accused the government of implementing new paddy procurement registration rules that require legal heir certificates, which he claims are hindering farmers and serve as a strategy to avoid fulfilling the promised ₹800 per quintal input subsidy. Additionally, he stated that farmers are being compelled to sell their produce at distress prices due to delays by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in lifting paddy. Acharya announced that BJD's 'Krushak Samabesh' (farmers' conventions) will take place statewide, starting with the rally in Bargarh on August 18.