BRS committee to study alarming rise in farmer suicides, agricultural crisis in Telangana

Nine-member panel, led by former minister Niranjan Reddy, to conduct two-week tour across State to identify key causes behind farm crisis

Hyderabad: Alarmed by the rising number of farmer suicides and the ongoing agricultural crisis in Telangana, BRS working president KT Rama Rao announced the appointment of a nine-member study committee. The committee, led by former Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy, will conduct an extensive two-week tour across the State to assess ground realities and identify key causes behind the crisis.

The nine-member panel includes former Ministers Satyavathi Rathod, Jogu Ramanna, Puvvada Ajay, MLCs MC Kotireddy, Yadava Reddy, and former MLAs Bajireddy Govardhan, Rasamayi Balakishan and Anjaiah Yadav. A detailed report with recommendations will be submitted to the State government, Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao, State Agriculture Commission and also BRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao, seeking immediate corrective measures.

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In a release, Rama Rao criticised the Congress government for its alleged anti-farmer policies, attributing over 402 farmer suicides in the past year to financial distress, broken promises, and inadequate support. He highlighted the failure to implement crucial promises of the Congress government, such as the farmer loan waiver exceeding 30 per cent, providing the Rs 15,000 per acre under Rythu Bharosa, providing free electricity, and ensuring timely irrigation.

“This committee aims to expose the Congress government’s neglect and bring the plight of farmers to light,” he said, adding that the tenant, small and marginal farmers also will be consulted directly to understand their challenges.

The BRS working president stated that the report, prepared with inputs from field visits and farmer interactions, will be presented at upcoming budget meetings to ensure the implementation of unfulfilled promises. He said the BRS, which worked tirelessly over the past decade to make farmers prosperous, will continue to act as a strong opposition to hold the Congress government accountable.

“The Congress government has ruined the agricultural sector with its apathy and broken promises. This study committee is a step toward addressing the crisis and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods,” he remarked.

In a separate statement, former Minister Niranjan Reddy termed the increasing number of farmers’ suicides as an alarming situation, extending his condolences to the bereaved family of a farmer B Sekhar Reddy at Manavapadu village in Jogulamba Gadwal district. Calling it a murder committed by the State government, he held the Congress government responsible for all farmers’ suicides. He demanded that the State government provide compensation to the bereaved families of all the 402 farmers who committed suicide.