Bidar, Karnataka: In the first six weeks of the New Year, at least 22 farmers have killed themselves in Karnataka's Bidar district.
With an estimated crop loss in 70 per cent of sown area, the state has become the first in country to declare drought in the Rabi season. It has sought a Central aid of Rs 1400 crore.
But it is too late for 38-year-old Dhulappa Chandrappa, who hanged himself on Sunday -- the the 22nd farmer to commit suicide in Bidar.
His wife Nirmala said he felt heartbroken that he could not provide for their four small children. She could not allow him sell off their land to repay a loan of more than Rs 3 lakh.
The latest drought is the fourth in a row.
Last year witnessed more than 1,000 farmer suicides - the highest in a decade. Even well-irrigated areas like Mandya reported several instances. And this year looks set to be worse, say farmers. There has been no word about relief from the government.
''Everyone is in deep trouble... There is no water, no fodder, no food, nothing, no help,'' said Tukaram, a farmer in Mangalgi.
The state government had sought and received Rs 1,540 crore Central aid in the kharif season. Now it has asked for Rs 1,400 crore as Central aid.
"I don't care if it is the Congress government in Karnataka or the BJP government at the Centre. They must reach out and save us. Help families like that of Dhulappa,'' said Syed Abbas Ali, his friend and neighbour.
With an estimated crop loss in 70 per cent of sown area, the state has become the first in country to declare drought in the Rabi season. It has sought a Central aid of Rs 1400 crore.
But it is too late for 38-year-old Dhulappa Chandrappa, who hanged himself on Sunday -- the the 22nd farmer to commit suicide in Bidar.
The latest drought is the fourth in a row.
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Nirmala said Dhulappa Chandrappa felt heartbroken that he could not provide for their four small children.
''Everyone is in deep trouble... There is no water, no fodder, no food, nothing, no help,'' said Tukaram, a farmer in Mangalgi.
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"I don't care if it is the Congress government in Karnataka or the BJP government at the Centre. They must reach out and save us. Help families like that of Dhulappa,'' said Syed Abbas Ali, his friend and neighbour.
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