Cotton continues to be a source of predicament for farmers in Maharahstra.
According to latest reports, two cotton farmers in Vidarbha region have given up their lives in last 24 hours. This takes the toll of suicides here to seven this month. These farmers belonged to Buldhana, Bhandara, Yavatmal, Wardha and Washim districts.
About 112 farmers resorted to suicide in Vidarbha during December 2006. Starting from June 2005, total number of such farmers has reached 1264.
Grants from Central and State Governments proved beneficial to district co-operative banks and societies instead of the farmers, which is responsible for deaths. Another reason is that cotton has become an expensive risky crop which fails often.
Cotton growers are in miserable state since Government's support prices are very less compared to constantly rising input costs, according to Shetkari Sanghatana's former leader Vijay Jawandhia.
Private traders pay Rs100 less per quintal of cotton as against support prices declared by Government. Farmers must be remunerated Rs500 per quintal to help them face the situation.
Experts suggest that cutting down debts and offering discounts may protect farmers' interest.
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