no fieldwork

Jamshedpur, Dec. 2: The harvest season is here but farmers in the Ghurabandha block of Ghatshila sub-division are not reaping the benefits. Reason: Naxalites.

Despite a rebel diktat not to grow paddy this year, several villagers had sown the crop. But now, they are afraid to reap paddy. Other blocks in the sub-division, however, are not facing this dilemma.

Local residents said non-availability of workers was affecting the harvesting process. “The labourers who worked on my field during the sowing period in July-August are now reluctant to harvest the crop,” said Chain Majhi, a resident of Ghura village in the Ghura panchayat area.

Majhi pointed out the crop is most profitable and even looked good this season but he now apprehends that rebels would not let them reap the benefits.

“They (Naxalites) will take it all. I am sure I will get nothing. Any attempt to harvest the crop, even with help from the administration, is bound to attract wrath of the rebels,” said Majhi, who is solely dependent on farming.

He had taken help from the police during the sowing season, but now he has lost support of the labourers.

Several other farmers in Ghura and Kashiabera panchayat share his fears. Many said they did not have sow any crop at all.

“Why should I grow paddy when I know the Naxalites would bother me later. It’s better to work as a labourer in Musaboni instead,” said Nagrai Hansda, a resident of the Ghura village, who owns a sizeable portion of land.

Shailendra Baske did not want to take any chances either. “When the situation improves, I will resume cultivation,” said Baske, who has an alternative source of income.

Some farmers are preparing to resolve the situation on a common platform. “The majority of farmers in Ghurabandha block are mobilising support to start harvesting paddy,” said Shanker Chandra Hembram, the president of the Nagarik Suraksha Samiti (NSS), who is also working towards a solution.

The police, on the other hand, seem to have no clue. The sub-divisional police officer of Ghatshila Anup T. Mathews said he was not aware of any such diktat. “I have also not received any complaints. I will see what can be done,” he said.

With little support from the police, one cannot be sure how long it will take for the farmers to make hay.