Another Farmer In Odisha Ends Life Over Crop Loss

Kandhamal: Has Odisha government failed to fulfill its promise of mitigating the farmers' plight? Concerns were raised as yet again a farmer has allegedly committed suicide due to crop loss in Kilupada village under Nuagaon block of Kandhamal district.

Reportedly, one Gobardhan had sown paddy in his 3 acre farmland. However, pest menace and flood-like situation following incessant rainfall completely damaged his crops.

Following this, Gobardhan attempted suicide on Tuesday by consuming pesticides which he had kept for his paddy cultivation. Though he was immediately rushed to K Nuagaon hospital for treatment, doctors there referred him to Baliguda hospital as his condition deteriorated. He reportedly breathed his last today.

His family members alleged that he was under severe mental duress after suffering crop loss."He took the extreme step due to crop loss in his 3 acre land following flood in the area. He tried to end life by consuming pesticide," Gobardhan's father Gadi Malika said.

In a similar incident, a farmer Baishnav Bhoi of Podamuda village in Bargarh district had reportedly borrowed money from local lenders for paddy cultivation, marriage and carrying out house construction works. But due to erratic monsoon rainfall and possible crop loss, he allegedly consumed poison last month, and subsequently lost his life while undergoing treatment at Bargarh hospital.