I feel ashamed: Modi on farmers woes

New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he felt "ashamed at times" about the sufferings caused to farmers and farm workers by the ruling class.

Addressing farmers in his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', he said he was pained to hear about poor crops due to rains or not getting fertilizers on time or being forced to drink dirty water.

"I feel ashamed at times on what we (the ruling class) have done... I don't have any answer for that but I can assure you that I would make my government aware on issues related to you," he said.

Modi regretted that unseasonal rain had created problems for the farmers.

"I know the farmer is in trouble. He who works so hard throughout the year has lost everything because of these problems... I assure you that I am with you in these difficult times," Modi said.

He said all departments and officials concerned had been asked to study the situation related to farmers so that the government could help them.

Opening his heart out to the farmers, he said he did not imagine that they would pose so many questions to him ahead of his radio talk.

"When I thought of doing 'Mann Ki Baat' with farmers, I did not imagine these many questions would be asked," he said.

"I was amazed to know how active and aware you are... I learnt about your pain after reading your letters," he said.