Big B says he feels sad when he hears about the repeated occurrences of farmers' suicides
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan says he has tried to save some farmers' homes in the past, but he asserts that collective efforts need to be made to battle the grave issue of farmer suicides in the country.
According to a farmers' watchdog body, a record 1,306 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra in the past one year.
"It is a most sad occurrence to hear of farmer suicides. I have personally tried to do my bit in trying to save several homes by paying off their debts - around 40 families in Andhra and around 50 in Vidarbha. But individual effort is not enough," the 72-year-old told IANS.
"I do read and believe the government of India is seized of the situation and are doing their best to fight this unfortunate happening," he added.
When asked whether he would feature in audio-visuals and radio jingles to promote the newly launched government-backed channel for farmers, Mr Bachchan said, "DD Kisan is a new TV channel for farmer-based programs by Doordarshan. I have worked in the campaign launch of the channel."
So, was the idea to get involved mooted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
Big B, who worked closely with Mr Modi on the Gujarat tourism campaign, said, "The Honourable Prime Minister has not approached me personally to endorse DD Kisan."
Mr Bachchan himself ventured into farming in 2010 when he bought the land in the Muzzaffarnagar's Kakori village for Rs 3.03 crore. He was subsequently registered as a member farmer by the Uttar Pradesh Seed Corporation which also provided him with a hybrid seed programme for his land.