Nothing is more important than a human life: PM on farmer's suicide

Says farmers' problems are deep-rooted and widespread, need to be addressed collectively

Sharing "pain" over the suicide by a farmer here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the agriculture community's problems are "old, deep-rooted and widespread" which need to be addressed collectively and expressed willingness to accept any suggestion with an open mind.

Making a statement in Lok Sabha after members expressed deep anguish over yesterday's incident, he said the farmers cannot be left to fend for themselves and assessment would have to be made about "shortcomings" that occurred before his government came as well as during his tenure.

"Yesterday's incident has caused pain to the entire nation. Members here also expressed the pain. I share the pain," Modi said about the suicide committed by a farmer from Rajasthan at a rally organised by Aam Aadmi Party here.

Observing that nothing is more important than a farmer's life or for that matter a human life, he said, "The problem (afflicting the farmers) is old, deep-rooted and widespread and we have to seek solutions in that context."