Bengaluru: Minister of Cooperation and Sugar, H.S. Mahadeva Prasad speaking to a leading daily said that state government is thinking of waiving interest on long and medium term agriculture loans borrowed from co-operative banks by farmers.
The minister however ruled out complete waiver of crop loan as it would be a big burden on the state treasury. This move may be extended to only those farmers who have borrowed long and medium term agriculture loans from co-operative banks.
Since massive advertisement campaigns on television and street plays by the agriculture department, have failed to create awareness and stop farmer suicides, the decision to waive loans will be a hasty remedial measure by Siddaramaiah.
According to reports the number of farmer deaths has crossed 475 in the last few months and there are also reports of farmer suicides everyday.
The farmer suicides have become a big headache for CM Siddaramaiah who has been facing criticism within and outside the party. Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda too faced the wrath of farmers for his failure to tackle the crucial problem.
