* TDP chief refers to umpteen suicides by farmers and hardships faced by them due to crop loss in floods
* Damage to crops over an extent of 25 lakh acres
* Centre, State blamed for present plight of farmers

Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu has demanded extension of reforms being implemented in every sector these days, to agriculture also to pass the benefits finally to the farmers. Initiating a debate on the woes of farmers in 15 rain-hit districts in the State, which finally took place in the Assembly on Tuesday, Mr. Naidu gave a vivid description of the hardships faced by them following damage to crops over an extent of 25 lakh acres.

Referring to the umpteen suicides by farmers who were unable to bear the agony, he told the government. He demanded that the rain havoc be declared as a national calamity and help ensured to the farmer accordingly. He sought a higher scale of relief to the farmers against the crops damaged as there was a manifold increase in the budget size, ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh against each suicide etc.

Published Date : Wednesday, 15/11/2010 3:34 PM IST

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