Ban cotton import to prevent farmers' suicides: Patil

Akola, June 12 (UNI) Cotton import should be banned totally to prevent farmers' suicides in Vidarbha region, former state co-operative minister N D Patil has said.

Addressing mediapersons here yesterday, Mr Patil said a state-level conference of cotton growers would be held here on July 1.

He alleged the present government in the state is ''totally emotionless'' towards problems of farmers.

As co-operatives do not provide loans to farmers, they find themselves in a debt-trap of money-lenders, giving rise of several suicides among farmers, he said.

He further stated that the mortgage should be made in proportion to the loan amount.

''For a mere loan amount of Rs 12,000, a field costing Rs three lakh is mortgaged. This is forcing farmers to commit suicides,'' he said.

UNI XR KU MIR DB1327