Waive loans for farmers: Ramadoss

Citing statistical evidence from the National Crime Records Bureau, Ramadoss noted that 623 farmers in 2011, 499 in 2012, 105 in 2013, 895 in 2014 (including 68 land holders and 827 laborers) and 300 farmers in 2015 have killed themselves due to debt burden. Farmers in the state are receiving multiple assault as natural fury, lack of affordable procurement price for their produce, incomplete payment of minimum procurement price and corporate friendly government policies are few factors causes their death, said Ramadoss. Another important reason is pilling debt. 

Water from Mettur dam was not released on time for the last 4 years (except in 2011) which caused distress for the farmers. Untimely rains also caused damage to crops waiting for harvest during Samba crop. Current year heavy rain and floods totally erased crops that are ready for harvest. 

Cash crop cultivation also faces several issues including low procurement price, private sugar factories even refuse to pay the already low procurement prices and input costs have raised which resulted agriculture as a loss ridden profession. 

Debts added year on year force farmers to commit suicide. Andhra and Telengana written off loans of both crop and jewel worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore and Rs 1 lakh Crore respectively. In Madhya Pradesh government provide 10% subsidy on loans. Similarly Tamil Nadu government also write off loans and request PSU banks and co-operative banks to provide loans and announce 10% subsidy, Ramadoss urged.