PAU to hold census on farmers' suicides due to indebtedness

Ludhiana, Jun 13 (UNI) Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) would conduct a census on the number of farmers who committed suicides in Punjab due to severe financial crisis.

The Department of Economics and Sociology of the University will conduct a census on farmers' suicides in Sangrur and Bathinda districts of the state on pilot basis.

According to Dr R S Sidhu, Head of the Department, the census aimed at preparing a list of farmers' suicides and scientifically delineate the role of debt in this context.

In this regard, prominent agriculturists and economists met here yesterday to discuss the methodology for conducting the census on ''Farmers' Suicides on account of Indebtedness in Punjab'' at Farmers' Service Centre of PAU.

Speaking on the occasion, the PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Manjit Singh Kang emphasised the need for an objective and comprehensive assessment of this complex issue threatening the contemporary agrarian society.

Leading farm economists from Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr Kesar Singh Bhangu presented the findings of his study on farmers' suicides in Bathinda district and compared it with the studies carried out by Punjab State Farmers Commission, Institute of Development and Communication and others.

Mr Gurpreet Singh of Punjabi University also presented his study on farmers' suicides conducted on the families of 200 suicide victims in Punjab.

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