After coming to know about the plight of drought-affected families in Latur district, a Sikh group has announced monetary help to the affected and have also decided to adopt an entire village in Marathwada – often looked at as India’s emerging farmer suicide capital, DNA reports.
Maharashtra Sikh Association has extended monetary help to 25 drought-affected families in Latur district who they say needed help in the deepening crisis.
“We went to Marathwada and visited many places. The situation is quite grim. We immediately extended monetary help to the 25 drought-affected farmers,” Mal Malkit Singh, spokesperson of Maharashtra Sikh Association told DNA.
He also said that a few days ago, one girl in Marathwada committed suicide for the lack of money to buy a monthly pass for a government bus.
“We met her family and decided to take care of her sister’s education. If she wants to go abroad we are ready to fund her education,” he said.
While announcing to adopt a village, Singh said their focus is to keep drought-ravaged families alive.
“We want to focus on sustainable development. As a part of the adoption we will build check dams so that particular villages do not face water shortage in the summer,” he said.
Currently, the group is hoping that other people will also follow their path.
“Farmers are the backbone of our economy. We have to help and save them,”” Singh added.
The effort comes at a time when almost 80% of the state is facing a drought with more than 600 farmers already committing suicide this year.
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