LUDHIANA
The extension system can play an active role in preventing farmer suicides in the state, said Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), while addressing the faculty of PAU today. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras located in different districts of Punjab can contribute vitally in this direction, he suggested. Dr Dhillon further observed, “Despite increase in monthly income of agricultural household in Punjab, improved yield and soil health, farmers’ suicides are rising.” Voicing concern over this serious issue, he called upon the faculty of PAU to participate in the mission of preventing suicides among farmers. It may be mentioned that a research project “Utshah” is also underway in the Department of Agricultural Journalism, Languages and Culture, PAU. Dr Sarabjeet Singh, Professor of Journalism, is a Principal Investigator (PI) of the project, which aims at preventing farmer suicides by promoting simplicity in life, drug free lifestyle and developing positive thinking.

Dr Sarabjeet Singh, while briefing about his project “Utshah,” said PAU is a lead institution in this project along with three other Universities including Telangana Agricultural University, Hyderabad; Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, and Punjabi University, Patiala. He stated, “Through this project, PAU has shown hope to the farmers in distress.” He informed the project will lay emphasis on life skills awareness campaign, selection of student volunteers, baseline survey, designing of customized modules dealing with hopelessness, helplessness, financial distress, etc. Dr Singh lauded PAU VC for suggesting the involvement of NGOs, corporates and philanthropists, in preventing suicides and helping suicide victims.

Dr Sukhpal Singh, Head, Department of Economics and Sociology, PAU, said, “Suicide is a complex phenomena associated with economic, social and psychological distress of a victim.” The crisis is more prevalent in cotton belt of Punjab, he disclosed, adding that Barnala, Sangrur and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts were worst hit. The year 2008 witnessed maximum framers’ suicides, he told. Increase in cost of inputs, decline in farm employment, non-productive use of loan, expensive social sector and high rate of interests contribute to distress, he observed. Cooperative farming, skill development and employment generation, education and health rate facilities at reasonable rates, enhancement in income, fixing of MSP with actual land rent or charging one-third rent of farm produce, etc. can pave way for stress free life.

Earlier, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Registrar, welcomed the VC and the faculty. He said, “In addition to laying thrust on farmer suicide prevention, the University has been contributing to swatchta.” He exhorted the faculty to maintain cleanliness in the University.