Farmer Ends Life In Kerala Over Non-Payment For Paddy

A farmer in Keralas Kuttanad region allegedly ended his life due to financial problems as he did not receive payment for the paddy procured by the government.

In a heart-wrenching incident, a farmer in the Kuttanad region of Alappuzha district, Kerala, allegedly ended his life on Saturday, November 11, due to financial problems. The farmer, identified as K G Prasad, left behind a suicide note accusing the Left government and some banks of being responsible for his extreme step. This tragic incident has sparked a political row in the state, bringing to light the plight of farmers and the urgent need for government support.

The Farmer's Plight

According to reports, Prasad, a 55-year-old paddy farmer from Ambedkar Colony in Thakazhi, consumed poison on Friday night. Despite being rushed to a hospital in Thiruvalla, he succumbed to the poison in the wee hours of Saturday. While the police are yet to confirm if financial crisis was the sole reason behind his decision, friends and fellow farmers allege that Prasad took this drastic step due to unpaid dues from the government for the paddy procured from him.

However, the state Agriculture Minister, P Prasad, issued a statement on Saturday night expressing condolences and stating that the reason behind the suicide will be thoroughly investigated. According to the minister's preliminary investigation, Prasad had received all the government benefits, including paddy seeds and other farming essentials from the Krishi Bhavan. The price for the paddy procured from him in the last season had also been paid, and the government had cleared the PRS arrears for the year 2021-22.

However, the minister acknowledged that the due date for the next repayment of PRS loan for the year 2022-23 is yet to come, and further investigation is needed to understand the circumstances that led to the denial of a personal loan to Prasad.

Political Reactions

The incident has triggered strong reactions from political leaders and the opposition. Governor Arif Muhammed Khan, who visited a hospital in nearby Thiruvalla where Prasad's mortal remains were kept, expressed deep concern over the crisis faced by farmers in the state and offered his condolences to the family.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, alleged that the government had failed in paddy procurement, and payments to farmers were due for months. He held the government responsible for Prasad's death.

The Suicide Note

In a purported suicide note written by Prasad, he made serious allegations against the state government and three banks, holding them responsible for his death. Television channels aired visuals of the suicide note and a video call that Prasad allegedly made just before taking his life.

In the video call, an emotional Prasad expressed his despair and frustration, stating that he was a failed man and that banks were denying him loans due to his low CIBIL score. He also alleged that he had received the paddy procurement price for the last season as post-harvest credit under the Paddy Receipt Sheet (PRS) scheme, and the government's failure to repay it was the reason for the banks' refusal to extend him a loan this time.

Government Response

In response to the allegations, Agriculture Minister P Prasad acknowledged the need for a thorough examination of the reduction in CIBIL scores for farmers who settle their bank loan dues in a lump sum, leading to subsequent loan denials. He emphasized the importance of a liberal approach by banks in providing loans to farmers for cultivation.

However, Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil defended the government, stating that PRS arrears were not the reason for the farmer's death. He asserted that money had been paid for the rice procured from farmers and that there was no situation in the state where farmers were unable to avail bank loans due to low CIBIL scores because of PRS arrears.

The suicide of farmer K G Prasad in Alappuzha has brought to the fore the urgent need for the government to address the issues faced by farmers. The allegations of unpaid dues, low CIBIL scores, and denial of loans highlight the financial struggles that farmers endure. It is imperative that the government conducts a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Prasad's death and takes immediate steps to provide relief and support to farmers.

The farming community is the backbone of our nation, and it is the government's responsibility to ensure their well-being. By addressing the financial challenges faced by farmers, implementing effective policies, and providing timely support, the government can prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future. The loss of a farmer's life is a loss for the entire nation, and it is high time we prioritize the welfare of those who toil tirelessly to feed us.