Drought-hit AP farmer ends life

In the first confirmed case of suicide by a farmer due to debt and failure of the monsoon this season,P Chandrasekhara Rao,32,died after consuming pesticide in Jangalapalli village of Chittor district on Wednesday.

The Chittor District Rural Police said Rao had taken 5 acres of land on lease to cultivate cotton,but due to scanty rainfall,the crop withered away. Agriculture Department officials added that Rao had leased the land by paying Rs 70,000,but the crop failure meant he could not repay the amount. Police said on Tuesday evening,Rao consumed pesticide while his family was sleeping. Although his wife and neighbours rushed him to hospital,he died on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile,Leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu said the state should declare drought and seek Central assistance for affected districts. Naidu said as the monsoon had failed,farmers faced a bleak future.