Protesting farmers in Punjab have laid siege to rail traffic for two days in a row. They are protesting against the supply of substandard pesticides that led to destruction of the cotton crop in the agrarian state.
Several cotton farmers have committed suicide in this southern region of the state famed for its cotton belt. A devastating attack by cotton pest whitefly has destroyed almost 2/3rd of the cotton crop in Punjab.
Sukhminder Singh, a farmer from near Bathinda lost his cotton crop on the small agricultural land holding of the family. Not seeing a way out from the financial crisis, he consumed a poisonous pesticide and hanged himself in his fields.
Sukhminder's case is not the only one. Several farmers have taken this course after the whitefly pest attacked and destroyed cotton crops. The Congress has launched an attack on the Akali government in the state after the pesticide supplied to prevent the attack proved ineffective. Congress has alleged that it is a scam worth Rs 1700 crore. Sukhminder's mother says this is the second son she has lost due to poor returns from agriculture.
Eight farmers' organisations have blocked rail tracks and are demanding action against Punjab agriculture minister Tota Singh. They allege that he was aware of the wrongdoings in the matter.
"We are investigating the incident and will take action against those found responsible," Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal said.
The farmers are demanding a compensation of Rs 40,000 per acre for the damaged cotton crops, support price of Rs 5,000 per quintal for Basmati rice and Rs 20,000 as compensation to each affected family.
For a state government that thrives on claims of being pro-farmer, the cotton crop destruction and farmers' protests has come as a major setback. For the farmers, other than hopes of compensation and relief from the state, there is nothing but worries ahead.
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