They were mired in heavy debt that could not be paid to money lenders because their crops failed to yield enough. The agricultural state of Chattisgarh, a widely agricultural region in India, has been devastated by poor water resources that farming badly needs, with water levels dipping below 250 feet from 40 feet during the past years. There were hardly any rains.
Driven by desperation about their seemingly hopeless situation, 1,500 farmers from the district ended their lives in a massive mass suicide. One family was up in debt in the amount of £400. The head of the family was one of those who committed suicide. Last year, economic distress also caused 206 farmers to take their lives.
“Farmers’ suicides are increasing due to a vicious circle created by money lenders. They lure farmers to take money but when the crops fail, they are left with no option other than death,” said Bharatendu Prakash of the Organic Farming Association of India.
Some parts of India have been reeling under the pressure of extreme poverty, in a country where development has been uneven and inconsistent. Many have criticized that development in India has not been for all. Add to that are commonly observed problems such as poor political governance and unsustainable public policies. At the bottom of the socioeconomic pit are the impoverished farmers whose livelihood has been heavily affected by the cruelties of nature and failures of government.
Via The Independent
