India to assist debt-hit farmers

Many farmers have been hit hard

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has vowed to help cotton farmers facing crisis in western Maharashtra state.

At least 745 farmers have committed suicide in the state this year because of crop failure and debt, reports say.

"I can understand the pain," the prime minister told farmers on day one of a two-day tour of affected areas.

He is expected to announce details of a relief package to ease their burden. Measures are expected to include free distribution of cotton seed.

The BBC's Monica Chadha in Mumbai (Bombay) says Mr Singh's visit to the cotton-growing Vidarbha region in Maharashtra state is an indication of how grim the situation is.

I am aware of your problems. I can understand the pain and anguish you have gone through Manmohan Singh

Nearly 1,000 farmers in the drought-prone region have committed suicide since 2001, campaigners say.

Most of them are cotton growers who have been plagued by crop failure, falling cotton prices, lack of bank loans and little access to cotton seeds.

Lack of loans

The prime minister said the government would provide a comprehensive relief package.

"I am aware of your problems. I can understand the pain and anguish you have gone through," Mr Singh told farmers in one village, AFP news agency reported.

"I heard that irrigation means are not available. We will announce a package to improve the situation.

"I also heard that there should be alternative livelihoods. The package will also take care of that too."

Singh is expected to announce a relief plan

Officials admit that farmers are taking their lives every day as they are unable to pay their debts.

During his visit the prime minister is travelling to villages where farmers have committed suicide and is meeting the families they have left behind.

He is also meeting officials to review the agricultural crisis in the state.

The relief package is expected to include loan waivers of up to $555 per person, free distribution of seeds and interest-free credit for cultivation.

Activists working with farmers in the region say the prime minister's visit has raised hopes.

They say they are fearful that if the financial package announced does not live up to the farmers' expectations, then the number of suicides could well increase in the coming days, our correspondent says.