'No shortage of celebrations despite severe economic crisis in state, farmers are in huge crisis'; Governor leaves for Kuttanad

ALAPPUZHA: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has lashed out at the state government over the incident in which a farmer committed suicide in Kuttanad due to overwhelming debts.

"There is no shortage of celebrations even when the state is facing a severe economic crisis. Many, including farmers, are in huge crisis," the Governor said before leaving for Kuttanad. The Governor will soon reach Thiruvalla and visit the hospital where the body of the farmer is kept.

The deceased farmer is Thakazhi Kunnumma native KG Prasad (55). Meanwhile, an audio clip of the phone conversation that Prasad had before committing suicide has surfaced. In the audio clip, Prasad can be heard telling his friend that he was a farmer who failed. He also said that he did not receive money after giving the paddy to the government and that he was denied a loan in the name of PRS arrears.

"I cultivated acres of rice and gave it to the government. However, the government did not give us money. I asked for a loan in return. But they said that they would not give the loan as I have PRS arrears. What can I say, brother? I failed. My life also failed. I had stopped drinking 20 years ago. But now, I started drinking again. Brother you must fight for me. I have sown three acres of paddy. I don't even have money to buy manure for it. When I gave them paddy, they gave me Rs 5 lakhs as a loan. I am now a debtor to the government. The banks will give me another loan only if the government gives this amount to the bank. Now, nobody will give me money," Prasad said.