Bhubaneswar, Sep 25 (IANS): Farmers across Odisha on Friday staged protests against the passage of the contentious firm Bills by the Parliament.

The protests were joined by farmers, trade union workers, activists and students, while several political parties, including the Congress, extended their support to the protests.

Members of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan protested against the bills at the AG Square in Bhubaneswar. The police detained several protesters while they were trying to enter into the state secretariat.

Meanwhile, members of the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) tried to gherao the Krushi Bhawan in the city.

Farmers also staged a protest at the Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar.

"The Bills passed in the Parliament are against the interests of the farmers. We are protesting against the Bills. The Central government is trying to finish the economy of the country. We strongly oppose the Bills, which were passed in an undemocratic way," said a protesting farmer.