Over 300 farmers committed suicides this year

Telangana reported 69 farmers suicides, while Karnataka reported 19, three each were reported from Gujarat , Kerala and Andhra Pradesh .

New Delhi:  More than 300 farmers have committed suicides this year due to agrarian distress, with maximum cases reported from Maharashtra, Parliament was informed yesterday.

Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply to Lok Sabaha said Maharashtra government has reported 204 farmer suicides till April 2014 due to agrarian distress.

Among other states, Telangana reported 69 farmers suicides, while Karnataka reported 19, three each were reported from Gujarat , Kerala and Andhra Pradesh .

"Agriculture including agricultural indebtedness being a State subject, State Governments take appropriate measures for development of agriculture sector in the State including payment of compensation to the bereaved families of suicide victims," the reply added.

The Minister also added that Centre supplements the efforts of states to help the bereaved families of farmers who committed suicide through appropriate policy measures and budgetary support.

Balyan also informed that Centre has taken several steps to revitalize the agriculture sector and improve the condition of farming community on a sustainable basis by increasing public investment, improving farm practices, rural infrastructure, extension and marketing, among others.

The current budgetary allocation for Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation is Rs 22,309 crore which has been finalized based on requirements of various schemes or programs in consultation of planning commission, the reply added.

Source: Business Standard