Nuapada: A 42-year-old farmer from Jadamunda village under Komna block in Nuapada district died after allegedly consuming pesticide on Tuesday.
The deceased farmer has been identified as Nepal Majhi. However, it is yet to be ascertained whether the death was due to agrarian distress or a family dispute.
According to reports, Nepal had received a token on May 30 to sell 36 quintals of paddy at the mandi. However, he did not bring his produce to the market. The token was valid till June 28.
It is learnt that Nepal participated in a protest organised by farmers at the Nuapada Supply Office. After the dharna was withdrawn, he went to sell groundnuts and later returned home.
It is suspected that he consumed pesticide after returning. When his condition deteriorated, family members rushed him to the Nuapada District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The incident has triggered sorrow in the village. Family members and locals are grieving the loss.
The exact reason behind the extreme step remains unclear. While some point to possible frustration over the paddy sale issue despite having a valid token, others have not ruled out a domestic issue. The district administration has initiated an investigation to ascertain the facts.
