Award-winning farmer ends life over debt in Kerala

An award-winning farmer allegedly died by suicide due to mounting financial distress at Cherupuzha in Kerala’s Kannur district, police said on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Ambat Elias (62), a resident of Idavaram in Cherupuzha. According to police, Elias allegedly consumed pesticide at his farm three days ago and was found in critical condition. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he remained under treatment.

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However, his condition deteriorated, and he succumbed on Sunday morning.

Elias had earlier been recognised as the best farmer in the district for his contribution to agriculture. He had been cultivating vegetables on leased land for nearly four decades in the hilly regions of Kannur and neighbouring Kasaragod district.

Local residents and relatives said he had been under severe financial strain in recent years. They attributed his distress to mounting debts and inadequate returns from agricultural produce, which made it difficult for him to sustain his farming activities.

Family members also alleged that he had not been receiving government benefits on time, which added to his financial burden. Police said further proceedings are underway.