Two more farmers allegedly committed suicide in Odisha following damage to crops and rising debt burden, family sources said on Tuesday.
Labanya Jani, a native of Purunapani village in Nabarangapur district, committed suicide by drinking pesticide on Monday night, while Sushil Patra of Khagatipali village in Sambalpur district killed himself on Tuesday, their families said.
Prasanna Patsani, a Lok Sabha member of Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal, on Tuesday admitted that some farmers have died due to their increasing loan burden and crop loss.
"Some farmers may have died due to exorbitant interest on loans taken by them. There should be an inquiry into these cases. A white paper should be issued," Patsani told media persons here.
Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra said "We welcome the BJD MP's demand to issue a white paper over the farmer suicides. We have been demanding it."
