13 Suicides in 3 Weeks: A Bitter Reality for Karnataka's Sugarcane Farmers

Mandya, Karnataka: Death of farmers due to financial stress is being reported from the sugarcane growing areas of Karnataka. Pending dues in factories and low sugar prices this year have added to problems. At least 13 farmers have reportedly committed suicide in the last three weeks in Mandya region.

A differently abled man, Ninge Gowda, died in the field where he was growing sugarcane, after setting it on fire in Pandavapura taluk in Mandya district last month.

Mr Gowda's son, Heere Gowda told NDTV, "We used to get Rs 2,500 per tonne of sugarcane. The jaggery units told him they would pay Rs 600 to 700 and he felt he couldn't repay the loans. He set to the fire and did this."

According to sources, securing bank loans are restricted to a maximum of Rs 75,000 per acre, that too with conditions, sending many farmers to moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates.

Compared to a price of between Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per tonne of sugarcane, jaggery units were offering only Rs 700 or less, which does not cover the production cost.

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Farmer organisations have been demanding that the government should fix a minimum base price for sugarcane farmers. Many of them have not been paid their dues despite having a law, the Karnataka Sugarcane (Regulation of Purchase and Supply) Act, 2013, that mandates sugarcane growers being paid their dues within two weeks.

District Collector of Mandya district, Ajay Nagabhushan said, "They allege that it is a case of suicide because he had run into debt of around 2 lakhs. On verification, it is found to be a very small holding. Less than half an acre, which is also not in his name, it is in joint name of his father."

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NDTV visited the family to see what had been done for them in the days since the death. Given the unusual manner of the death, there have been many visitors, from former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda to former Chief Minister, BS Yeddyurappa. The family has received financial help, the promise of a house and a government pension as both mother and son are disabled.