Silent Protest To Stop Farmers Suicide
According to Telangana Rythu Joint Action Committee (TRJAC), at least 134 farmers have committed suicide in Telangana in August and September owing to crop failures and debts.
As per The Indian Express, JAC convener, Dr Jalapathi Rao said that normally farmers expect their crops yield high in August and September, but due to lack of support from the government, they face despair. Even the compensation from crop loss due to last year’s drought was not distributed to farmers until now. The third installment of Loan Waiver payment by the government was delayed resulting in a burden on farmers.
An event has been announced by the JAC which will be conducted on October 23 at Indira Park Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad, as reported by The Indian Express. The event “Deeksha” is meant to draw attention to the plight of farmers in the state suffering from severe neglect by the state government. Also to point out the impact of drought and severe flooding. A lot of farmers across the state are expected to participate in this event.
The takeaways of the silent protest are:
The government should make full payment of loan waiver in single installment. The government should ensure that the crop loans reach all farmers. Drought affected farmers should be given input subsidy by the government. Crop compensation to all the farmers whose crop has been damaged in this season. Land Acquisition Act should be implemented with complete transparency. All the Project-Affected Families (PAF) should be given irrigated land in the command area. Comprehensive Agriculture Policy for the state should be made which will prevent suicides in Telangana. Revised Drought Manual should be adopted with inputs from farmer organizations.
