A farmer’s suicide attempt shines a harsh light on the financial pressures and illegal harassment plaguing the dairy sector.
The serious financial hardships facing small-scale farmers have been tragically highlighted by the suicide attempt of a dairy farm owner in the Uttar Pradesh region. The farmer, identified as Siyaram Maurya, was rushed to a private hospital after he ingested a poisonous substance at his residence. His family has accused two local money lenders of relentlessly harassing him and demanding payment of a Rs 25,000 loan with an exorbitant interest rate of 10% per month, which they claim drove him to this desperate act.
Maurya, who operates a small dairy farm, was reportedly struggling to pay back the loan, a common predicament for many in the agribusiness sector. His son, Abhishek Maurya, told authorities that he and his father had previously borrowed money from two individuals and had repaid a portion of it. However, the lenders allegedly continued to pressure them for the remaining amount, using threats and harassment that had a severe impact on the entire family.
According to a police spokesperson, a formal complaint has been filed by the family, and an investigation into the matter is now underway. The police stated that they have taken the complaint seriously and are taking necessary action against the two money lenders based on the initial findings of their investigation. This response from law enforcement is a crucial step in addressing the issue and bringing justice to the family.
This tragic event is not an isolated incident and brings into focus the deep-seated financial vulnerabilities of India’s small farmers. Their reliance on informal and often predatory money lenders, due to a lack of access to formal credit channels, leaves them susceptible to exploitation. This has severe implications for the stability of the dairy industry and the well-being of the communities it supports, showcasing the harsh realities of dairy economics.
The unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder for policy makers and industry stakeholders that the challenges facing farmers go far beyond market prices and production costs. The prevalence of such aggressive and illegal lending practices can have devastating human consequences. Addressing this issue is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability and a secure future for the millions of dairy farmers who form the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector.
Source: The Times of India, “Dairy farm owner tries to kill self over harassment by money lenders”
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