This Article is From Mar 19, 2015

In Madhya Pradesh, Farmers Battle Unseasonal Rains, Mounting Debt

450 villages in 14 districts of Madhya Pradesh are affected by unseasonal rains this year.

Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh:

Farmers in 450 villages of Madhya Pradesh's are battling unseasonal rains, damaged crops and a mounting debt.

Last week in Alirajpur, 400 kms from capital Bhopal, Raju Davar committed suicide after rains destroyed his wheat produce. The 26-year-old farmer, who owned two acres of farmland, was struggling to repay a loan of Rs 1, 44, 000.

His uncle Kesar Singh told NDTV, "My nephew was under a lot of pressure because of the debt. But for the last two years we have been facing losses because of unseasonal rains."

Mr Davar, who was the sole breadwinner of the family, is survived by his 22-year old wife and two sons, one of whom is six months old and visually challenged.

State Revenue Minister Rampal Singh says that financial assistance will be provided soon. "We are sending officials on the ground to do the survey of the losses. We have also instructed the officials to get accurate surveys and correct assessments of the damage. As soon as we have the data we will give them compensation," said Mr Singh.

But not many farmers are relying on government's assurance. Neeraj Dikshit, a farmer from Pameri village in Vidisha district, told NDTV that he pays crop insurance premiums regularly but is yet to receive his compensation. "We have not got any money because the Tehsildars who come to do the survey show less damage in their reports. It is the private insurance companies who benefit and not us," says Mr Dikshit.

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