Farmer suicides in Maharashtra, 18 dead

MUMBAI: The issue of farmers' suicide seems to have resurfaced with a vengeance in Maharashtra following the recent bout of unseasonal showers and hailstorms in the state. While sources working closely with the government have said that around 18 farmers have killed themselves between February 22 and March 18, social activists claim the figure could be between 80 and 100 — more than the average for every two months. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's chief minister, Prithviraj Chavan has assured farmers of the area that their plight will be immediately taken into account. He has also appealed to the farmers to not take any 'emotional step' and has reiterated that the government is acutely aware of destruction that has been brought on by the untimely rain. The state cabinet has called an urgent meeting on Wednesday to discuss relief and rehabilitation for hailstorm-hit areas. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's chief minister, Prithviraj Chavan has assured farmers of the area that their plight will be immediately taken into account. He has also appealed to the farmers to not take any 'emotional step' and has reiterated that the government is acutely aware of destruction that has been brought on by the untimely rain. "As per our records, 18 farmers have committed suicide between February 22 and March 18 and some more are being reported," said sources working closely with the government for relief and rehabilitation. Kishor Tiwari, an activist claimed that around 100 farmers had committed suicides across Maharashtra following unseasonal showers and hailstorms. "The situation after the hailstorm is really damaging. Three days of hailstorm has completed damaged the crop of horsegram, wheat and jowar. Earlier bouts of unseasonal showers had damaged the soyabean crop. So it's an irreparable loss to the farmers for which government help is too late and too little," Tiwari said. Maharashtra, according to him, had witnessed 3,400 farmers' deaths every year over the past decade. According to sources, around 16 lakh hectares of crop has got damaged in the recent calamity with losses crossing over Rs 5,000 crore. Tiwari said the assessment of agriculture experts was over 20 lakh hectares, thus affecting the livelihood of over four crore people. According to Tiwari, the highest number of suicides was reported from the Marathwada region. "The crops of fruits such as pomegranates, grapes, mangos (all varieties except alphonso from Konkan), sweet lime, watermelon, papaya and bananas have damaged heavily as a result of which they will be in short supply in the city's markets and may cost up to 30% more. Even the stock of these fruits from within the state would be of inferior quality over the next few months," said state agriculture department sources. Other than fruits, vegetables such as tomatoes and brinjals, and cereals and pulses such as jowar, wheat and horse grams have also got damaged widely. The total damage to these crops is being pegged at almost 120%. According to experts with the state agriculture department, such damages include 20 per cent expenses farmers have to bear to clear damaged crops and prepare the soil again for the next crop. Of the 16 lakh hectare affected land, around 2 lakh hectare is under horticulture and remaining 14 lakh is under vegetables and other crops. According to state officials, Marathwada is the worst hit. Sources said minimum relief fund government would have to shell out might cross around Rs 850-900 crore mark. "If given at a higher rate, then state may have to give double, up to Rs 1600 to 1800 crore, in compensation. Each farmer may get about Rs 4000-4500 per acre," they added pointing out that centre might also contribute towards the help. Agencies