Tragic Death of Award-Winning Kerala Farmer Sparks Outcry
In a heartbreaking incident that has cast a spotlight on the deepening agricultural crisis in Kerala, an award-winning farmer allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison at his farmland in Cherupuzha, Kannur. The victim, identified as Alias Ambatt (58) of Ambatt House at Edavaramba, was found in critical condition on Wednesday morning and succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Kannur early Sunday.
A Lifetime of Farming Ends in Tragedy
According to relatives, Ambatt had dedicated 38 years of his life to vegetable farming and was recognized for his excellence with the chief minister's award for the best vegetable farmer in Kannur district just a few years ago. His commitment to agriculture was evident in his ambitious operations—he undertook large-scale cultivation on leased land, employed hundreds of workers, and even revitalized fallow land to expand production.
However, in recent months, Ambatt faced severe financial difficulties that ultimately proved overwhelming. He had accumulated debts totaling approximately Rs 40 lakh, borrowing from multiple sources with the hope of repaying through his farming ventures. Relatives revealed that a sharp decline in produce prices, particularly for plantain, exacerbated his financial crisis, leaving him unable to meet his obligations.
Mounting Debt and Delayed Support
The financial strain was compounded by significant investments, including the installation of a sprinkler irrigation system and the recent planting of over 2,500 banana saplings. Unfortunately, these efforts did not yield the expected returns due to market volatility. "It was the mounting debt burden that weighed heavily on him," a relative explained. "He had said he was expecting funds from the agriculture department and had he received the money on time, perhaps he would not have taken this extreme step."
Residents and family members allege that delays in the disbursal of government subsidies worsened Ambatt's financial stress. They claim that the subsidy meant for farmers was released only after he consumed poison, highlighting systemic failures in agricultural support mechanisms.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
The tragedy has drawn strong political reactions, with Irikkur MLA and Congress leader Sajeev Joseph describing Ambatt's death as a "government-sponsored murder." Joseph asserted, "The subsidy meant for farmers was released only after he consumed poison. He had shared his mental distress with many people. Had the subsidy been granted on time, perhaps this suicide could have been avoided."
Joseph also pointed to other instances of farmers in high-range regions committing suicide in recent times, underscoring a broader pattern of distress. He demanded that the government immediately take over the financial liabilities of Ambatt's family to prevent further hardship.
Broader Implications for Agriculture
This incident raises critical questions about the sustainability of farming in Kerala and the adequacy of government support systems. Key issues highlighted include:
- The impact of volatile crop prices on farmer livelihoods
- Delays in subsidy disbursement that can lead to financial ruin
- The mental health toll of mounting debt and unfulfilled promises
- The need for timely intervention and support for struggling farmers
As the community mourns the loss of a respected farmer, calls for reform and immediate assistance to affected families grow louder, emphasizing the urgent need to address the root causes of agricultural distress in the region.
