Mysuru: There’s a new twist to the IPL betting scandal and the farmer distress – It would seem the two are related, at least in Karnataka. It’s been alleged that farmers borrowed money for agricultural purposes at meager rates of interest and used the money for betting on IPL Matches. This was revealed by the M Mahantesh, Joint Director, Horticulture department, who said that this infomration was given to him During Raitha Samparka Sabhe. The event was organized by Jayachamaraja Urs and Education Trust in association with Vani Vilas Urs Girls Pre University College.
“After getting loan for meager interest for agriculture purpose the farmers are not using the same for agriculture instead using for unwanted purposes including drinking, gambling, betting, luxurious life style, spending more money on marriage of their children and other unwanted purposes. Majority of the farmers who committed suicide have died due to these reasons. I also come from farming community and know how strong our farmers are. Apart from few farmers, most of the farmers committed suicide for different reasons” added Mahantesh. Apart from these farmers during Raitha Samparka Sabhe, the farmers also alleged that some of the farmers also involved in drinking which is being supplied in the village without any valid license.
“Agriculture should be looked as an industry. The farmers in Mandya and Mysuru region are more involved in Sugarcane and paddy cultivation only. Due to more farmers involved in cultivation of these two crops, the supply is more than the demand. Hence the farmers instead of just cultivation these two crops should involve in cultivating multi crops after taking guidance from the horticulture department. To stop farmer’s suicide across the state, collective effort including even from students is important. We are going all out in our effort in creating awareness to farmers” said Mahantesh.
Pushpalatha Amarnath, President, Zilla Panchayat who also spoke on the occasion made a strong plea to farmers not to commit suicide. She said “It is not only the farmers who are having debt; including me most of the people are having debt. Suicide is not the only solution to come out from debt. If you have any problem please approach us or elected representatives or even concern officials we will try to solve your problem. During our investigation it also came light that farmers are spending lavishly for their children’s marriage. Instead of spending lavishly on marriage farmers should provide education to their children. State government also instructed horticulture officials to reach farmers and spend more time on field instead of just sitting in office”.
On the occasion Deepak, a successful farmer who uses his three acres of land productively, cultivating a variety of crops and also farming cattle, spoke about his success.
The students came up with surprising questions: why should government pay the compensation to farmers, why the interest is less for car and more for tractor. A request was made to set up warehouse facility at taluk and hobli level so that farmers can sell their products when there is better prize.
