Telangana News

According to the Telangana Rythu Joint Action Committee (TRJAC), at least 134 farmers have committed suicide in Telangana in August and September due to crop failure and debts.

“Normally, the farmers are still hopeful about their crops in August and September, but the lack of support from the government drove them to despair. Even the compensation from crop loss due to last year’s drought was not distributed to farmers until now, even though Rs.703 crores was released by the Centre by April 2016. Crop loans did not reach most farmers even until middle of August 2016, and the 3rd installment of Loan Waiver payment by the government was not only delayed but only released partially – resulting in further interest burden on farmers, and most of them being unable to enroll for crop insurance,’’ the JAC convenor Dr Jalapathi Rao said.

TRJAC announced that on October 23rd, they will be conducting a ‘deeksha’ in solidarity with farmers at Indira Park Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad. 

The silent protest on October 23 will demand the state government

- For the full payment of loan waiver.

- To disburse input subsidy to drought-affected farmers and give assurance of crop compensation to those whose crop is damaged this season.

- G.O. 123 and related G.O.s should be withdrawn, and the Land Acquisition Act (2013) should be implemented. In all irrigation projects, All Project-Affected Families (PAF) should be given irrigated land in the command area.

- To come out with a comprehensive Agriculture Policy for the state.

- to adopt the Revised Drought Manual with inputs from farmer organizations.