Farmer 'kills self' over crop loss

Berhampur: A 42-year old vegetable farmer allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday over crop failure at Kanchana village in Ganjam's Kodala block. The deceased was identified as Ranjan Bhuyan. He was undergoing treatment in MKCG Medical College and Hospital here since last Sunday after consuming pesticides. "He had taken Rs 1.50 lakh loan from different persons in the village.He consumed pesticide after the vegetable crop failed over two acres of land," alleged Sabitri, his wife.
The death sparked tension in the village. People staged a road blockade at Kanchana on Aska-Bhubaneswar road for several hours demanding compensation to family members of the deceased and release of water from Salia dam to save the vegetable crops. They alleged that vegetable crops have withered due to non-release of water from the dam. "Even though they had discussed about the issue with the concerned junior engineer, the problem was not solved. Ranjan committed suicide over crop failure due to lack of water for irrigation," they alleged.
Kodala police convinced the people to lift the road blockade, said IIC of Kodala police station Kalpana Kaunri. "The situation in the village is under control," she said.
Deputy director of agriculture (Ganjam) Sudarshan Mohanty said they would conduct an inquiry to know the exact reason of his death. He said they would take up the matter with the district administration for release of water from Salia dam to save the vegetable crops in the district. Rabi Rath, convener, Chasi Surakshya Abhiyan demanded to provide compensation to the family members of the deceased farmers and conduct a high-level inquiry about the reason of his taking this extreme step.