After 9 deaths, Ker govt extends moratorium on repayment of farmer loans till Dec 31

With at least nine debt-ridden farmers committing suicide in the last two months in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Tuesday announced a slew of relief measurers, including extending till December 31 the moratorium on repayment of all loans taken by them.

The Left government has decided to extend the moratorium on recovery proceedings on all loans taken by farmers from public sector, commercial and cooperative banks till December 31 this year, Vijayan told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

According to government sources, eight cases of farmer suicides were reported from high range Idukki district alone in the last two months.

One death was reported from Thrissur district.

Taking into consideration the serious situation of farmers in idukki and Wayanad, both devastated during the August floods, the farmers would get benefit on all loans taken till August 31, 2018.

However, in other districts, loans taken by farmers till March 2014, will get the benefit of moratorium.

This was earlier for all loans taken till March 2011.

The cabinet also decided to increase the assistance given by the State Debt Relief Commission for arrears of above