Post News Network
Bargarh, Oct 29: Crop loss and debt burden have taken lives of 15 farmers including a woman in Bargarh district this year while eight of them committed suicide this month alone.
One of the most tragic incidents is that of Magasir Majhi. Magasir lost one of his hands after a mishap. Despite this he was supporting a family of nine by raising crops. He was however under severe stress due to poor monsoon this season. The loan burden was also taking its toll on him. Failing to bear pressure, he committed suicide October 13 by consuming pesticide. He is survived by his ailing mother, grandmother, wife, a small daughter and five sons. The burden of the family is now on his elderly mother and grandmother.
The family got only `5,100 from a local political leader in the name of compensation. Though some government officials and political leaders visited the house, they are yet to get any government assistance, Magasir’s son Dushmant said. So far they have got only assurances, he added.
“My husband was determined not to let us suffer from poverty. I find myself in sea after his demise,” wife Hansa with tears in her eyes said. Tales behind most of the deaths are more or less the same.
Madha Bariha, father of Pabitra, said he raised paddy in eight acres of land and vegetables in another three acres of land. Pabitra, after returning from Tamil Nadu, committed suicide after seeing the damaged crop on his land. Lack of a permanent solution to drought, poor marketing facilities for the produce and dearth of basic amenities like health and education have resulted in rising cases of farmer suicides. This would come down if the government addresses the issues properly, Jethubhoi, a farmers’ leader of Bargarh, said.
Laxman Pradhan, the district president of Krushak Sangathan, said the outfit has been drawing the attention of the administration to the farmers’ issues. Suicide cases have been on the rise as the officials don’t realise the difficulties properly.
