By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, November 3, 2015 : Coming under pressure from the Opposition parties and civil society, the Odisha government has decided to a white paper on growing farmer deaths across the state.

The spokesperson of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Pratap Keshari Deb on Tuesday said the government has received death report of 48 people so far and an inquiry is going on to ascertain the reason behind the deaths.

Stating that the government was concerned about the rising number of such deaths, Deb informed that the government would come out with a white paper on the deaths.

The opposition parties have been demanding for a white paper on alleged farmer suicides in the state.

State Congress chief Prasad Harichandan on Monday announced that the party would gherao all block offices on November 6 in protest against farmer suicides and state government’s negligence.

Notably, a total of 139 out of the 314 blocks in the state in 21 districts have been declared drought-affected.

Meanwhile, agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathi faced hostile opposition with BJP workers on Wednesday showing black flags during the former’s visit to Bolangir district to assess the drought situation.

The minister was shown black flags near Nanuhandi village in Patnagarh and at Mahulibahali village in Turekela block in the district. Police arrested four BJP workers for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Similarly, sports and youth services minister Sudam Marandi was also shown black flags during his visit to Ganjam district.