Kumaraswamy convens meeting to discuss farmers suicide

Bangalore, June 12 (UNI) Expressing Concern over increase in farmers committing suicide, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumarswamy today said that he had convened a meeting of representatives of farmers and experts on June 14 to discuss the issue and find ways to put an end to the issue.

Talking to newsmen here, he said that the government would chalk out program based on the outcome in the meeting with a live coverage in Doordarshan regional channel.

People across the state could take part in the discussion on phone, he added.

The problem of committing suicide by farmers was not limited to Karnataka alone, it was continuing even in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra even after the announcement of a package by the Prime Minister, he added.

He said he had already instructed the district authorities to send atleast 25 farmers representatives besides progressive farmers from their respective districts for the meeting.

Ministers concerned with the problem, Floor leaders of all political parties and the government officials from Agriculture, Finance and Horticulture would participate in the meeting, he added.

He said he would hold a meeting of agriculture officials this evening to get more details on the suicides in the state.

Regarding the Metro Rail project, he said the works are going on in full swing and the government has already announced rehabilitation Package of Rs 30 crore for the 1500 families who will lose houses by the project in the city. The government would give the market value for their property and six months of rent, he added.

UNI