Four farmers in Kurnool and Nandyal districts commit suicide over mounting debts
KURNOOL: Four farmers have committed suicide in Kurnool and Nandyal districts during the past three days owing to debts incurred for taking up farming activities, apart from family issues.
The victims are Nagesh, 23, from Owk mandal in Nandyal district; K. Beerappa, 33, from Nandavaram mandal in Kurnool district; Siva Kumar, 31, from Dhone mandal of Nandyal district; and Srikrishna Devarayalu, 52, from C. Belagal mandal in Kurnool district.
Nagesh consumed pesticide on Saturday, succumbing to poisoning on Sunday. He had taken up farm activities following his father’s demise and also had to manage family expenditures. He ended up borrowing money for the purpose. Unable to clear his debts, he committed suicide.
Beerappa of Gurajala in Nandavaram mandal consumed pesticide in his fields late on Friday and was found dead on Saturday. Police are investigating but his family members indicate he took the extreme step due to debts.
Siva Kumar from Koccheruvu in Dhone mandal incurred debts for digging borewells in his fields. But these wells did not yield sufficient water. Upset over the expenses not yielding results, he consumed pesticide on Friday. He died while undergoing treatment at Kurnool Government General Hospital.
Srikrishna Devarayalu of Inagandla village in C. Belagal mandal incurred debts up to ₹5 lahks. Late on Friday, he went to his field and hanged himself from a tree using a saree.
Respective police stations have registered cases related to these incidents.
On knowing about the four suicides, TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep concern over the crisis farmers are facing in the state. He criticised the state government for not supporting farmers with enough subsidies and ensuring fair prices for their crops.
