Farmer suicides continue in Vidarbha

Akola, Sep 4: Despite the state government and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special package for the benefit of farmers in Vidarbha to prevent suicides among them, the suicide rate refuses to abate in the West Vidarbha region comprising of three districts viz: Akola, Washim and Buldana, according to police and official sources.

A 35-year-old farmer identified as Ashok Pahurkar, from Kavthal village in Sangrampur taluka of adjoining Buldhana district committed suicide yesterday, police said.

In a second incident Jairam Baliram Ugle (65), a resident of Sidaji Vetal of Patur teshil town in Akola district committed suicide by consuming poison in his own field yesterday, police said.

Pralhad Zabuji Zambre (36), a resident of nearby village Khadki takli tried to end his life by consuming poison. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he is battling for his life, police added.

Constant crop failure coupled with inability to repay loans from banking and private sector and non-receipt of financial help from the state government has forced several farmers to commit suicide, sources said.

UNI