Two more farmers commit suicide in Karnataka

Bangalore, Jun 21: The spate of farmers suicides in the wake of short supply of fertilisers continued with two more farmers ending their lives in Karnataka on Saturday, June 21.

Official sources said a farmer identified as Narayanaswamy belonging to Anjanapura village in Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's hometown. Shikaripura in Shimoga district consumed pesticide and died. His son claimed that his father was disturbed after he had failed to procure fertiliser even after making continuous efforts for the three days.

In other incident, Muthamma of Merve village in Hassan district took the extreme step by hanging herself allegedly due to mounting debts. The woman, a widow, had continued farming after her husband's death.

Seven farmers have committed suicide in the state which witnessed violent protest by farmers against scarcity of chemical fertilisers.

The demand for fertilisers increased following the early onset of monsoon and widespread rainfall experienced in many parts of the state.

UNI