Farmers Protest in Odisha Demanding Release of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Benefits

A significant number of farmers in Odisha's Ganjam district staged a protest on Tuesday, raising concerns over the non-receipt of assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The farmers, hailing from Kolathigaon, Loudigaon, and Mendharajapur, expressed frustration as they claimed to have suffered crop losses during the continuous rains in the Kharif season of 2020-21, yet have not received the benefits entitled to them.

The farmers gathered outside the office of the revenue divisional commissioner in Berhampur and submitted a memorandum, urging Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to intervene and expedite the release of the insurance benefits they are owed. While farmers from other areas in the district have reportedly received financial assistance, approximately 6,000 farmers from these three specific regions have been left out.

Suresh Naik, the sarpanch of Laudigaon panchayat, expressed the frustrations of the affected farmers, stating, "We have been tirelessly approaching the district administration since the damage to our paddy crops occurred. However, they continue to ask us to wait without providing any concrete resolution."

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The farmers issued a stern warning that they would refuse to pay the PMFBY dues if their entitled benefits were not released promptly. This act of protest emphasizes their deep dissatisfaction and the urgency they feel for the resolution of their grievances.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a flagship crop insurance scheme in India aimed at providing financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure or damage due to natural calamities. It is designed to protect farmers from potential losses and ensure their economic stability.

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The grievances voiced by the farmers in Ganjam district highlight the importance of efficient implementation and timely disbursal of benefits under the PMFBY. Addressing the concerns of these farmers and ensuring the smooth functioning of the scheme is crucial to maintaining the trust and confidence of the agricultural community.

As the farmers await a response from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the concerned authorities, it remains to be seen how the state government will address their demands and expedite the release of the PMFBY benefits to alleviate the financial burden faced by the affected farmers.

source-PTI

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