Sangrur, Punjab: The bread basket of India, Punjab, makes the largest contribution to the central pool of wheat and rice and faces the high levels of debt that leads to high rate of suicide.
Tired of promises, the farmers of Punjab want action from the government. An assured income, easier loans, cheaper inputs for production and relief for the families of those who committed suicide. And till their demands are met, the victims say, they will not vote.
"When the promises to us have not been fulfilled why would we vote? My children are going hungry, we've nothing," said Jasbir Kaur, a daily wager.
A mother of two, Jasbir, lost her husband to farming debt. She earns Rs 50 as a daily wager and owes Rs 12 lakh to the moneylender. She is one of thousands who have decided to boycott the election.
A Punjab agricultural university report - not made public because of the elections - says there have been 3000 deaths between 2000-08 in just two districts of Punjab, Bhatinda and Sangrur.
Experts say the UPA government's 650 crore loan waiver to farmers didn't really help the poor farmer.
"Loan waiver is a temporary solution, like ventilator support. Once you remove it, the person dies," said Umendra Dutt, an activist.
Sukhwinder Singh has just sold 20 quintals of wheat but couldn't bring any money home. He's had to pay back interest on the money his father borrowed. His father committed suicide five years ago. Worried that Sukhwinder may follow in his father's footsteps, his wife constantly watches over him.
"We don't have enough to buy vegetables," said Sukhwinder's wife.
"Waive off all the loan, give us assured income and create conditions that farmers don't need so much farming loan," said Balbir Singh, farmers' union member, Sangrur.
The farmer of Punjab feeds the country but his family survives on bare minimum. Stuck in a vicious cycle of debt, his mistrust of authorities is deep rooted.