Concerned over suicide of “103 farmers” due to crop loss, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to immediately distribute among farmers Rs. 506 crore given to it by the Centre for disaster relief.

Mr Singh, who visited some areas hit by recent unseasonal rains and hailstorm on Thursday, told farmers that the Central government was fully aware about their plight and taking all possible steps to provide them succour.

I want to appeal to the Chief Minister to distribute among the farmers Rs.506 crore given to the state disaster relief funds.

- Rajnath Singh

Mr Singh, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, said he was not visiting the rain-hit areas for the sake of politics but was really concerned about their problems and asked all political parties to join hands in providing relief to the distraught farmers.

“I am not here to blame anyone or criticise the state government. I appeal to everyone, all political parties, to join hands and give relief to farmers in whatever way possible,” he said.

The Home Minister said “as a son of farmer” he understood the problems of the community well.

(With PTI inputs)