Farmers' suicides a matter of shame: Dr Swaminathan

VIJAYAWADA: Eminent agricultural scientist Dr M S Swaminathan today said here that the farmers' suicides was a matter of shame for the country, and holding mere discussions was no solution.

Speaking after receiving Dr Pinnamaneni and Smt Sita Devi Memorial Award here this evening, Dr Swaminathan asserted that welfare of farmers was key to the economic growth.

Better insurance policies were needed for the farming sector, he said, adding that `agri clinics' and `agri business centres' should be promoted and marketing of agro products should be improved.

Success of the Food Security Bill lies only in the hands of the farmers, Dr Swaminathan stated. "Farmers are the custodians of the food security bill," he said.