Crop loss, debts drive two farmers to attempt suicide in Telangana’s Mulugu

Hailstorm accompanied by strong winds cause massive damage to standing crops like paddy, maize and harvested chilli across the district

Mulugu: Distressed over crop loss caused by unseasonal rains and mounting debts, two farmers attempted to commit suicide in the district on Thursday.

The farming community in the district was upset as hailstorm accompanied by strong winds that have been lashing the district for the last four days caused immense damage to standing crops like paddy, maize and harvested chilli. The rains have caused huge financial losses to the farmers.

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Farmer Yalam Narsinga Rao of Motlagudem in Mangapeta mandal attempted suicide by consuming pesticide. He was said to be perturbed to find 15 acres of paddy, two acres of chilli and five acres of maize damaged by the heavy rain on Wednesday night. He was immediately rushed to Eturunagaram Government Hospital, where his condition was stated to be stable.

Another farmer, Bota Narsinga Rao, of Dharmaram village in Wajedu mandal also attempted suicide by consuming pesticide. According to family members, he had planted chilli in his two acres of land. But a fertilizer shop owner took away the chilli bags from his field demanding to repay a loan the farmer took from the shop owner. Narsinga Rao was shifted to a local hospital and his condition was stable.

Farmers in Kannaiguem mandal complained that harvested chilli was damaged by heavy rain on Wednesday night. When chilli was taken to the market for sale, they were unable to get back their investment. The State government should ensure a remunerative price for chilly and paddy, said Ch Suman, a farmer.