As part of his government’s initiative to instil confidence among farmers, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday visited the families of some of the farmers who committed suicide in Mandya and Mysuru districts.
His visit comes close on the heels of the spate of suicides by debt-ridden farmers that has caused concern in the State. While he directed his ministerial colleagues to visit the families of deceased farmers in their jurisdiction during this week-end, he chose to visit Mandya and Mysuru, which have caught the attention of the entire State owing to the high number of suicides by farmers.
During the visit, he made a fervent appeal to farmers against taking the extreme step and assured them of the government being with them.
“The government will initiate steps to safeguard the interests of the farmers who are in distress,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said, besides promising action against moneylenders who harassed them by charging exorbitant interest.
The Chief Minister visited the families of two farmers each in both the districts and consoled them, besides handing over compensation.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Cooperation H.S. Mahadeva Prasad, Housing Minister M.H. Ambareesh, Malavalli MLA P.M. Narendra Swamy and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee member Dadadapura Shivanna, besides senior officials.
The Chief Minister met the family of Rajendra at Chinnenahalli, near Srirangapatna, and the family of farmer Shivalinge Gowda at Honnanayakanahalli. In Nanjangud taluk, Mr. Siddaramaiah visited the house of Mahadeva Naika and Shivalinge Gowda.
The government will take steps to safeguard the interests of farmers who are in distress
