Two Farmers Attempt Suicide in Korba Over Paddy Procurement Issues
Two back-to-back suicide attempts by farmers in Chhattisgarh's Korba district have sparked a heated debate. The incidents occurred during the current paddy procurement season. They highlight deep farm distress, problems with land records, and flaws in the state's token-based procurement system.
District Administration Denies Direct Link
The district administration has denied any direct connection between the suicide attempts and paddy purchase procedures. Officials claim the incidents are not directly linked. However, farmer leaders and opposition representatives strongly disagree. They blame what they call "systemic failures" for pushing cultivators to the edge.
First Case: Sumer Singh's Struggle
The first case involves a farmer named Sumer Singh. He allegedly consumed pesticide after repeatedly failing to secure a token. This token was necessary to sell his paddy at a government procurement centre. Sumer Singh is currently receiving treatment at Korba district hospital. Reports suggest his token did not generate due to some problem in official land records.
Second Case: Land Measurement Problems
A second farmer attempted suicide around the same time. He faced problems related to land measurement and token generation. This farmer owns 1.3 acres of land. Officials state he had applied for procurement on three acres. Authorities physically verified his plot on January 7. The updated area was in the process of being reflected in the system when he took the extreme step. A Korba official revealed this farmer had also attempted suicide two years ago.
Agrarian Crisis at the Root
CPI(M) leader and Chhattisgarh state kisan sabha vice president Sanjay Parate spoke about the situation. He said these incidents reflect a deepening agrarian crisis rather than isolated disputes. Parate explained that during the paddy-selling season, such cases often rise. An indebted farmer, already trapped in economic distress, simply cannot bear the shock when his paddy does not get sold.
Sanjay Parate, who also comments on Chhattisgarh's rural economy, made a strong statement. He said, "Chhattisgarh is one of the states worst affected by the agricultural crisis. That is why the rate of farmer suicides here was much higher than in many other states."
Flawed System Under Multiple Governments
Parate argued that the system of selling paddy has been flawed for years. He claimed it remained problematic under both Congress and BJP governments. He detailed the issues farmers face. From land records to mapping and token issuance, middlemen interfere at every stage. Officials often act arbitrarily, according to Parate.
"Nothing moves in land-related work without money changing hands," Parate stated. He added that innocent farmers face harassment and humiliation. This pushes them to despair, and economic crisis drives them towards suicide. Parate also noted that greater computerisation has, in fact, increased hardship for many farmers.
Political and Administrative Criticism
The back-to-back suicide attempts have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Korba municipal corporation chairperson Nutan Singh Thakur called the incidents deeply unfortunate. She directly blamed administrative apathy for the tragic events. The situation continues to draw attention to the ongoing struggles of farmers in the region.
