1 more farmer commits suicide in western Odisha

Sambalpur: A day after a farmer reportedly committed suicide in Bolangir district, one more farmer in Sambalpur district has allegedly taken his life due to loan burden.

According to sources, one Lalit Barik of Khulia village under Tibala panchayat of the district committed suicide by drinking pesticide stashed in his house today.

From preliminary investigation, police found that Barik had taken agriculture loans from different banks but was unable to repay after his crops failed due to adverse weather and pest menace.

Police suspect that he could have taken the extreme step due to mental stress.

Last year, rainwater destroyed our crops while the year before that Chakada pest attack took a toll on our harvest. Distress sale also worsened my father's condition which is why he took the extreme step," Ashwini Barik, son of the deceased said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sarat Majhi of Kamemunda under Tureikela block in Bolangir district took his life by consuming pesticides while on August 5; a farmer from Madiguda village in Kalahandi district had allegedly committed suicide due to crop failure.