Farmer couple attempts self-immolation over paddy deduction dispute in Suryapet

A disturbing incident unfolded at the IKP procurement center in Annaram village on Sunday, where farmers Guguloth Keema Naik and Punnamma attempted self-immolation in front of hundreds of people. Fellow farmers quickly intervened, saving them from the desperate act, and then staged a protest at the center to show solidarity with the couple.

Suryapet: A farmer couple attempted to end their lives by self-immolation in full public view after getting distressed over millers deducting as much as seven kilograms of paddy per quintal citing impurities and moisture content.

The disturbing incident, followed by protests by farmers at the IKP procurement centre in Annaram village on Sunday, saw Guguloth Keema Naik and Punnamma attempting self-immolation even as several hundreds of people were around at the procurement centre. Fellow farmers at the centre, who rushed to their rescue and prevented them from the desperate step, sat in protest expressing solidarity with the couple.

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The farmers resented that the millers’ practice has seriously impacted their earnings. While a standard deduction of two to three kilograms per quintal was justified by the millers to account for moisture and waste in the paddy, the increased deductions with the arrival of more paddy led to strong opposition from the farmers.

The paddy, moved to the procurement centre by the family of the tribal farmer, was sent to Venkataramana Traders Mill on November 17. However, the miller rejected the stock and sent back the lorry with the paddy load after a week-long wait for payment, causing further distress and sparking protests.

The local mandal revenue officer rushed to the procurement centre to address the farmers’ grievances. He spoke to the farmers and conveyed the issue to the District Collector and Civil Supplies officials. The Tahsildar was able to pacify the situation by assuring the farmers that the paddy load would be sent to another mill and that their problem would be resolved. The protest subsided with the farmers relenting by calling off the protests.