Expressing concern over farmer suicides in Vidarbha, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan today assured to look into the issue with all seriousness and stop the trend completely.
He called for consistent approach to solve the problem and announced that relief measures under the Chief Minister's package for distressed farmers of the region would continue for the next five years.
Chavan, speaking after inaugurating the Rs 593-crore Coordinated Agriculture Development Project for six districts of Vidarbha, said he would request the Prime Minister for additional funds to implement farmer welfare schemes.
The CM said although the number of farmer suicides has come down to 966 in 2009 and 343 till now in 2010 from 1,449 in 2006, he was not satisfied with it. "Unless this number comes to zero and smile returns on the faces of the farmers of Vidarbha, I will continue to focus on this problem." Chavan informed that the term of Vidarbha Statutory Development Board has been extended for five years.
Highlighting the issue of irrigation potential in the underdeveloped region, Chavan said, "It is the endeavour of the State Government to give full justice to Vidarbha."
Funds would be provided to all the ongoing and soon to be launched irrigation projects in Vidarbha to ensure their timely completion, he said.
