India is the nation of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan, but in the light of recent events, it seems that our country has failed both of them. Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in India. It employs a majority of India's population residing in rural areas. But farmers in India have been hit by poverty and hopelessness in the worst fashion. Representational image | Source: PTI/ livemint

Last week, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis toured the drought hit Marathwada region "extensively", leaving behind helpless farmers who are waiting for survival opportunities, following futile harvests. But promises and political blame games are all that they got, as tragic suicides are still on the rise.

In yet another heart breaking incident, a woman from a drought-hit district set herself on fire in her house. On Saturday, when Rakshabandhan was being celebrated, this family was struck by a tragedy after 40-year-old Manisha Gatkal took the step after failing to feed her five children.

Representational image | Source: Reuters/livemint

The woman and her husband were left unemployed after their crop was destroyed in the drought and her husband could not find employment through government schemes like MNREGA which promise jobs. While her husband was out looking for employment, Manisha sent the kids out and took a step that her 3-year-old child still can't come to terms with.

Unlike those who killed themselves for not being able to repay loans, the Gatkals are too poor to even afford a loan. Despite assurances by CM Fadnavis last week to increase jobs under schemes, there is no sign of promises being fulfilled.

Manisha's husband Laxman and her children | Source: News Nation