Farmer suicides: Bhuria flays MP min for ''past sins'' remarks

Badwani (MP), Jan 15 (PTI) Union Tribal Affairs MinisterKantilal Bhuria has strongly criticised Madhya PradeshAgriculture Minister Ram Krishna Kusumaria''s recent remarksthat past sins are behind increasing farmer suicides in thestate.

"Kusumuria''s irresponsible statement shows thementality of the Madhya Pradesh government towards farmers,"Bhuria told reporters yesterday at village Merkhedi here.

Instead of making such statements, the state governmentshould honestly work for improvement in education, health andlaw and order sectors, he said.

Kusumaria had reportedly said that its their past sinsand actions-- involving overuse of chemicals that decreasedthe fertility of land over the years--that are driving farmersto commit suicide.

More than seven farmers have ended their life in lessthan a month in Madhya Pradesh and most of the cases have beenreported from Damoh, which incidentally happens to beKusumaria''s home district.

The Central minister was here to attend the two-day 18thAkhil Bharatiya Adivasi Sanskritik Mahasammelan, organised bythe Adivasi Ekta Parishad.