Ryots up in arms over low paddy rates, burn crops in protest

Nagpur: Paddy growers in Kanhan-Mouda area of Nagpur district have reportedly burned their crop to protest against prevailing low prices for the produce in the market. They alleged that the traders were manipulating the market and offering a price of Rs3000 now when paddy when six years ago farmers of the region sold it at Rs3800 a khandi (150kg)
According to local leader and farm activist Sanjay Satyekar, farmers had a tough time this year with inadequate release of water for irrigation from Pench -Totladoh. “Because of poor irrigation many farmers let their field to remain barren and suspended cultivation. Those who continued somehow, are now shocked to find a very low price of Rs3000 to Rs3200 for the produce. Its time the government paid compensation to farmers for the losses,” he added.

Satyekar said some farmers resorted to protest by burning the crop as cultivation was no longer remunerative. He has demanded a flat compensation of Rs50,000 per hectare to paddy growers of Nagpur district for the losses they suffered because of crop damage and the subsequent low market rates. “The government made tall promises but failed to deliver. Now farmers should be paid adequate compensation or they will not survive the crisis,” he said. He also demanded a remunerative pricing policy for farmers. The farmers have threatened to intensify agitation and protests in front of the chief minister’s house if their demands are not met.