Farmer ends life over crop loss

Bargarh: Just when life in Bargarh seemed to get back on track, another farmer allegedly committed suicide over crop loss and loan burden by consuming pesticides in Chicholi village under Ambabhona block of the district on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Seshadeb Saha.

As per sources, Saha had taken a loan of Rs 40,000 from State Bank of India, Rs 18,000 from Axis Bank and Rs 30000 from other private money lenders for cultivation on his 3-acre land.

However, due to deficit rainfall in the area Saha suffered a huge crop loss. His family members alleged that Sahu was under severe mental stress on account of massive crop loss. Finding no other means to repay his loans, Sahu took the extreme step and consumed pesticides in his field this morning, they alleged.

Saha was rushed to Bargarh Hospital in a critical condition where doctors declared him dead. Meanwhile, the district administration could not be contacted over the issue.