In a distressing turn of events, two farmers from different districts in West Bengal have reportedly taken their own lives, pointing to the devastating impact of unseasonal rains on their crops and, allegedly, the state government's inaction. Bapi Ghosh, a 50-year-old potato farmer from Chandrakona in West Medinipur district, reportedly consumed pesticide on Friday night, succumbing to the effects the following day.
According to the police, Ghosh's entire potato crop was obliterated by the rains linked to the aftermath of Cyclone Michong. In a separate incident, Tarun Palui from Arambagh in Hooghly district was found hanging in his house on the same day, with authorities stating that the farmer took this drastic step due to substantial damage to his paddy crop.
State Agriculture Minister Shobhandev Chatterjee assured compensation for farmers facing losses due to crop damage, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting those affected.