THIRUVALLA: The farmer’s suicide is painful, said Agriculture Minister P Prasad. An emergency meeting shall be convened and delay in the payment of compensation will be resolved, the minister said while talking to a private channel.

If case of crop damage, immediate action will be taken to provide compensation. For this, the insurance system will be renewed. I have demanded to investigate the reason behind the farmer’s death. Let the police investigate, he said.

Farmers with damaged crops will be given as much help as possible, said the minister. The rise in pest infestation is also a result of the climate change. The government will ensure the security of the agricultural sector. There is no need for anyone to commit suicide, he said.

A paddy farmer, identified as Rajeev of Niranam in Thiruvalla, had committed suicide on Monday. He was found hanging near his paddy field in the morning. He had taken ten acres of land on lease for cultivation.

Our crops were damaged in the summer showers, said Rajeev’s mother Shanthamma. With the crop loss, my son behaved as if he had lost his mind’s stability, she said. Rajeev’s wife Pushpa told the media that her husband had taken a loan from the bank. Rajeev committed suicide as he couldn’t bear the financial hardships, said his relatives.