Hyderabad: Compared to the situation in the united Andhra Pradesh, death by suicides by farmers have been increased in Telangana state, alleges TPCC president and MP A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday.
Official statistics show that around 1,200 farmers die by suicides in Telangana state every year making the state take place in such deaths in the country, he said. “Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao failed to procure paddy by spending ₹ 7,500 crore from the state exchequer and implement the ₹ 1 lakh crop loan waiver as assured are reasons for the deaths”, he said adding that the Chief Minister is directly responsible for the deaths.
On his way to Adilabad, Revanth Reddy on Wednesday on his way to Adilabad to participate in the protest by unemployed youths, visited agriculture fields at Pondurthi village in Kamareddy district. He along with former minister and senior Congress leader Mohammad Ali Shabbir examined the damaged paddy crop due to untimely rains. Farmers, especially women farmers explained their woes due to untimely rains and hailstorms and lack of compensation from the government to the leaders.
“The ‘Telangana Model’ touted by the BRS government is fit for death by suicides by farmers. The Chief Minister blamed the the Centre over paddy procurement to avoid his responsibility of procuring paddy,” he said. ‘What is the role of the state government if it is unable to procure paddy without the support of the Centre,” he questioned.
Farmers incurred heavy loss due to untimely rains and the state government should release ₹ 20,000 compensation per acre, he demanded.
Revanth Reddy opined that farmers need crop insurance not life insurance. He alleged that farmers are under distress due to crop damages, whereas the ruling BRS leaders are busy with the party's cordial meetings and celebrations.
The TPCC president demanded that MLAs and IAS officials visit damaged agriculture fields to assess crop losses and ensure compensation.
“Congress leaders will visit agriculture fields and submit crop damage reports to the government,” he asserted.
Revanth Reddy suggested farmers not resort to any extreme step due to crop damages. He assured that the Congress will form the government in Telangana state in the next months and will ensure farmer-friendly initiatives.
