The Opposition today demanded a status report on farmers’ suicides in the country since the coming of the UPA government.Demanding an action plan to prevent such suicides, BJP’s Ananth Kumar said in the Lok Sabha that figures showed an increase in suicides after Congress came to power in Andhra Pradesh and other states.‘‘Farmers are forced to commit suicide because they do not get credit, do not get quality inputs, crop insurance and compensation. The compensation for crop failures of 2003-04 have not been paid yet,’’ he said.Asking for a status report on farmers’ suicides, Kumar said, ‘‘Considering that there are almost 14 departments and ministries that govern the agriculture sector, we should have a separate budget for agriculture, like the Railways.’’Countering the charges, Congress MP Chinta Mohan claimed that deaths were being shown as suicides in Andhra Pradesh and that the Congress government in the state was doing its best for the farmers.Initiating the discussion, CPM’s Basudeb Acharya wanted to know from the government why amendments were not being brought to the Patents’ Bill to favour the farmers. ‘‘The government has an obligation to the welfare of the farmers. The US might favour lifting of quantitative restrictions, reducing subsidies. For instance, the agriculture subsidy that we give is 3 per cent while the US gives 26 per cent. Therefore, there can be no comparison,’’ he said.He also said that there was deceleration in investment in the agriculture sector, which is adding to unemployment. He sought an agricultural policy drawn up in consultation with farmers and farm labour.JD (U)’s Nitish Kumar argued, ‘‘The price support scheme for paddy and wheat is only catering to a few states. There should be be an income support scheme so that all farmers in all states get the benefits.’’ In his maiden speech, Congress’ Sachin Pilot said, ‘‘Godowns should be built at Tehsil headquarters so that farmers get to keep their produce there till they get a good price.’’
