Paddy MSP: BJD to launch week-long agitation from July 10

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided to launch a week-long agitation across the state from July 10 demanding a hike in the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy.
“The BJP-led NDA government has made a mockery of farmers’ plight by increasing the rate of MSP on paddy by only Rs 80 a quintal. The increase in the MSP speaks volumes about Centre’s intention in dealing with the farmers problem. The Modi government has betrayed the farmers,” BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra told mediapersons here on Saturday.
He said the party would hold demonstrations and protest meetings at all 314 blocks across the state for two hours every working day from June 10 to 18 to make people aware about Centre’s neglect towards farmers.
Earlier, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had described the minimal increase in the MSP for paddy by the Centre as “disappointing”.
Criticising the Prime Minister for not fulfilling the election promise on paddy MSP, Mishra said the hike of Rs 80 will further push the farmer into distress.
The BJP in its election manifesto had promised to increase the MSP of paddy to one and a half time of the production cost, Mishra pointed out.
The Centre should immediately withdraw its decision and increase paddy MSP to Rs 2,930 a quintal, he added.