Loan burden triggers farmer suicides in Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal: A farmer committed suicide over alleged loan burden in Beltikiri village under Sadar block of Dhenkanal district today.

The body of the deceased, identified as Aswin Sahoo, was found hanging in the backyard of his house.

According to sources, Aswin had planted four acres of paddy crop by taking a loan. He took the extreme step after the crops were damaged, said his family members.

"He had taken loan of Rs 2 lakh from various sources for agriculture purpose but as the crops were damaged due to deficit rain he committed suicide," said brother of Aswin, Prakash Sahoo.

In a similar incident, another farmer at Khandiabandh village in the district also attempted suicide today. The farmer, identified as Artabandu Rout, had planted eight acres of paddy crop by taking a loan.

He consumed poision at his farm land after the paddy was damaged, alleged family members. Artabandhu is presently undergoing treatment at Dhenkanal hospital.