Policies of previous govts led to farmer suicides: Radha Mohan

Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh blamed the "policies of the previous governments" for farmers' suicides in the country.

"Suicides by the farmers are only cumulative effect of the policies of the previous governments," he claimed, adding they had "failed to bring any effective welfare schemes for the farmers during the 60 year rule".

The Narendra Modi government had brought many welfare schemes to uplift the economy and social status of the farmers, Singh claimed.

He described various policies of the government as pro-farmer and lauded the crop insurance scheme, saying it was most beneficial to the farmers.

Replying to a question, Singh said many parts of the country are facing drought but the government is doing its best to tackle the situation.

Earlier in the day, he visited the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and addressed a gathering. He advised people to use national resources, especially water, judiciously.

"In case we fail to conserve water, the next world war would be fought over water," Singh was quoted as saying in a PAU release.

The Union minister highlighted the depleting health of soil due to indiscriminate use of chemicals and fertilisers and advised farmers to go for soil testing before using fertilisers.

Around three lakh farmers in the country have been given soil health cards. By 2017 every farmer in the country would have soil health card, Singh said.

For village panchayats that want to set up soil testing laboratories, the government will bear 80 per cent of the expense, he said, adding to incur more profit, the farmers will have to move towards drip irrigation.

Singh also motivated the farmers to take up kitchen gardening.

The Union minister informed that the government has put aside a sum of Rs 12 crore for the farmers in Punjab who are willing to grow garlic and carom.