Expressing "pain" over rising incidents of farmer suicides in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today urged the Centre to help the state address the issues faced by the farming community.
"These days our farmers are in distress.The continuance of farmers' suicides has subdued my spirit to enjoy Independence Day celebrations. That suicides are occurring despite government's sincere efforts pains me," he said in his Independence Day speech largely focused on farmers' issues.
Speaking after unfurling the tricolour, the CM said the number of farmers' suicides had been on the decline in the last two years, from 58 in 2013 to 48 in 2014. In April, May and June this year, the number of suicides was 39.
However, the number suddenly shot up to 182 in July. Government was ascertaining the real cause for these cases so that corrective measures could be taken, he added.
Pointing out that his government has given emphasis to agriculture and allied sectors in his successive budgets, he said the state alone cannot address the huge problems of farmers. "The Union Government needs to lend a helping hand."
Siddaramaiah said the response to this has to be above party affiliations.
Though steps were taken to mitigate farmers' miseries, suicides continued "due to factors beyond our control. "
He said he had visited and consoled families of these farmers as also his cabinet colleagues, legislators and officers and had tried to instill confidence in them.
Listing out the steps taken, he said preliminary reports revealed that most farmers took the extreme step as they were unable to repay loans from local money lenders and private financial institutions.
"Therefore, a committee headed by Deputy Commissioners at the district-level and Assistant Commissioners at the Sub divisional level has been constituted to initiate action against unscrupulous money lenders," he added.
The CM said he has mixed feelings on his government's achievements--- satisfaction and pride over accomplishments, but 'deep pain' at the incidents of farmers suicides.
"I have personal experience about the ordeals of farmers. I will not hesitate to declare that agriculture sector will always remain my political and administrative priority."
At this "critical juncture", the government and all people are with the farmers, he said and urged the youth to join hands with them in this effort.
The CM urged educated youth in farmers' families to inculcate courage in the minds of farmers by personally interacting with them and explaining welfare measures taken. They should draw government's attention to discrepancies, if any, in existing schemes, which would be set right.
