PM urged to come to rescue of Karnataka farmers

New Delhi, Jun 10 (UNI) Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister B Janardhana Poojari has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to arrange good quality seeds and fertilisers in Karnataka on a priority basis to prevent farmers from missing out on an entire crop season.

Mr Poojari's letter comes in the wake of widespread unrest among farmers in several districts of the state protesting over inadequate supply of fertilisers during the sowing season.

The state government has failed miserably to ensure enough supply of seeds and fertilisers which would mean that the farmers and the state will miss out an entire crop season, he said.

Many farmers, he added had borrowed money for agricultural operations in exorbitant rates of interest in an attempt to take advantage of early monsoon but their spirits were dampened by the unavailability of seeds and fertilisers, he said.

This would also cause economic hardship and loss of crops and force them to take extreme steps, he said pointing to instances of suicides.

''I appeal to you to come to rescue of farmers of Karnataka and save them from commiting suicide. If the Centre ensures supply of seeds and fertilisers they would remain grateful, he added.

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