Shock over samba loss claims lives of two farmers

At Tiruvarur, Alagesan (38) of Athichapuram near Mannargudi went to the field on Friday evening to see the condition of the crop he had been nursing under the direct sowing method. The land appeared dry and the seed has not sprouted even after two months, dejected and overcome with grief, the farmer fell unconscious and died of a cardiac arrest, sources said. 

On Saturday, passers-by were shocked to see him lying dead on his land and alerted the Kottur police station. Police retrieved his body and sent it for post-mortem to Mannargudi GH. Alagesan is survived by wife Arockia Mary (35) and three children. 

Similarly, in Thanjavur, another farmer D Rajesh Kanna (45) of Keezhathirupanthuruthi near Thiruvaiyaru was undertaking samba cultivation under direct sowing method. He has been in a disturbed state of  mind as the crop had withered due to water shortage. 

A dejected Rajesh Kanna went to assist another farmer Sadasivam in his land. While they were working, Rajesh complained of giddiness and immediately dropped dead. He is survived by wife Savitri and three children. Nadukaveri police are investigating. 

It may be noted that body of a 70-year-old farmer Govindaraj was found on Friday at Thiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur. Govindaraj who had taken up cultivation of samba under direct sowing method went missing since October 30. According to his son, Murugadas, he was seen dejected. Murugesan claimed that his father Govindaraj consumed pesticide and died.

Meanwhile, members of various farmers’ associations, political parties staged road blockade at Adichapuram in Mannargudi-Tiruthuraipoondi Road demanding Rs 15 lakh as compensation to the family. 

They also wanted the police to register a case of death due to farm distress. 

Meanwhile leaders of various political parties expressed their condolences and asked the state to extend financial assistance to the farmers. PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss asked when will the state put an end to such deaths by farmers. TNCC chief Thirunavukkarasar wanted the Centre to waive all the farm loans and demanded an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased farmers.