Farmers' suicide issue echoes in Hassan Zilla Panchayat meeting

With the number of farmer suicides reaching 27 in the district, the Zilla Panchayat meeting held here recently revolved around the issue and the steps to be taken by the officials to instil confidence among the farmers.

Zilla Panchayat President Jyothi Gangadhar said among them, seven have ended their lives in Channarayapatna taluk, five in Arsikere, four each in Hassan and Arkalgud taluks, two each in Sakleshpur and Holenarasipur, and one in Alur. She directed the officials to visit the houses of the deceased farmers and find out the cause for their death and provide a solution.

Other important issues that were discussed on the day include awareness on dengue and malaria diseases. Jyothi stressed that there should not be any problem in distribution of fertilisers.

Following 25 to 30 per cent loss in potato crop, she directed the officials to submit a comprehensive report to the government on the loss due to scanty rain. The Zilla Panchayat president mentioned about the death of three persons in Arsikere due to water contamination and asked the Health Department officials to be alert to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.

She directed the Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director V Geetha to provide necessary treatment to 153 malnourished children identified in the district so far. Suggestions were also given on providing facilities to inmates of the backward classes and minorities hostels, and to take steps to recruit visiting teachers in schools for the benefit of students.