A tragic incident in Jhansi has brought the plight of Uttar Pradesh’s farmers into sharp focus, as a 60-year-old farmer reportedly took his own life after unseasonal rains decimated his paddy crops. His grieving family is now pleading for financial assistance, while opposition parties are escalating calls for a comprehensive state-wide survey of crop damage and immediate debt relief for all affected farmers. Widespread flooding has left countless fields submerged, ruining crops that were just days away from harvest.
Kamlesh Yadav, a marginal farmer from Kumharar village in Jhansi, was discovered deceased in his home on October 31st. His family revealed that he had taken out loans to cultivate his crops, which were subsequently destroyed by the recent adverse weather.
“My father was completely overwhelmed by the recent rains that wiped out his crops, leading to this incredibly tragic and heartbreaking event,” shared the farmer’s son. He further explained, “My sister’s engagement was set for just two weeks away, but the immense burden of crop losses and mounting debt broke my father’s spirit, pushing him to this desperate act.”
A Devastating Policy Failure
The opposition Congress party has sharply criticized the situation, labeling each farmer death as a collective societal failure and a direct result of inadequate government policy. They are demanding that the Agriculture department conduct an immediate and thorough state-wide assessment of all crop damage.
Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai stated, “Millions of farmers have seen their livelihoods shattered by unseasonal rains and cyclonic storms. No farmer wishes to end their life; they yearn to live. But when their crops, land, and tireless efforts are all lost, the government’s inaction becomes a death sentence. I urge the government to provide ₹50 lakh in compensation to the family of the farmer who succumbed to the immense pressure of crop failure. We have also learned of another farmer’s death in Mahoba, alongside Kamlesh Ji in Jhansi. It’s imperative that all affected farmers receive immediate financial aid following a meticulous on-ground survey by the Agriculture department.”
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Mr. Rai formally addressed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a letter, outlining both tragic incidents and emphasizing the urgent need for farmer support. He asserted, “The farming community is in desperate need of help during this crisis. Our party consistently stands in solidarity with our farmers. These two incidents undeniably expose critical failings within the government’s support system.”
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