The Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh’s statement that it was failed love affairs or impotency which were responsible for the death of more than 1,400 farmers this year, continues to draw bitter criticism from all quarters. In its statement condemned the irresponsible and callous attitude of the minister, the Federation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural Associations (FTAA) said that it was the wrong policies of the government that has increased the incidents of suicides among farmers.

The statement also reflected the animosity of the government towards farmers, FTAA Secretary S. Nallasamy said, and warned of massive countrywide protests if such remarks are not stopped.

Pointing out the irony that only 2.5% of the total budget was allocated to agriculture, which supports 65% of the population, he blamed the failure of the government to fetch decent prices for the agricultural produce, unbalanced industrialization, and urbanization for the worsening state of agriculture in the country.