Brahmapur: A 62-year-old farmer reportedly died by suicide after floodwaters destroyed his crops in Batilikana village under Sheragada block in Ganjam district. The deceased, Arjun Panda, had cultivated paddy and vegetables across approximately 7.4 acres of land, including 2.4 acres of his own land and five acres cultivated on a sharecropping basis.
According to his son, Sunil Panda, he had invested nearly Rs 5 lakh from his savings in farming, purchasing quality seeds, manure and other agricultural inputs. With the crops growing well, he had hoped for a good return this season.
However, floodwaters inundated the agricultural land and destroyed the entire crop, causing substantial financial losses. Unable to bear the loss, Arjun allegedly consumed pesticide in his cattle shed Saturday evening.
After hearing the cattle making unusual noises, family members rushed to the shed and found him in a critical condition. He was initially taken to Hinjilikatu Sub-Divisional Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Brahmapur, where doctors declared him dead during treatment.
Meanwhile, a Biju Jana ta Dal delegation visited the hospital and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. The party demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family and a government job for one member of the bereaved family.
It also criticised the state government over its handling of the floods and demanded immediate assistance for affected farmers and other flood-hit families.
