The Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti claimed that the two cotton growers -- Sanjeev Reddy of Arli under Kelapur taluka and Laxman Polandiwar of Salkheda of the same tehsil in the district -- committed suicide out of frustration as they could not repay the loan amount. Their crops were severely damaged due to hailstorm and unseasonal rains, the Samiti pointed out and claimed that as many as 18 farmers of Yavatmal district had committed suicides this kharif season alone for the same reason. Over 100 farmers committed suicide in the last kharif season.

In a letter, addressed to Chief Minister Narayan Rane, the Samiti requested a proper relief package for the families of the affected farmers immediately.

The district administration and the local police station confirmed that both thefarmers committed suicide due to crop loss and a heavy loan burden.

The Samiti also demanded immediate release of the compensation amount of Rs one lakh announced by then Chief Minister Manohar Joshi for the family of deceased farmer PG Agarkar who had also committed suicide. The announcement was made on the floor of the State Legislature during the last winter session.

The organisation also demanded a government resolution (GR) notifying a relief package for the members of affected farmers. ``There is no fixed rule for it and hence issuance of a GR is essential,'' it further pointed out.