India
557 farmers died by suicide in Maharashtra in first 6 months of 2024: state government report – Times of India
NEW DELHI: More than 557 farmers have died by suicide in five districts of Maharashtra from January to June this year, a government report revealed.
The report shows that of the 557 deaths, the highest number of suicides were recorded in Amravati at 170, followed by 150 in Yavatmal, 111 in Buldhana, 92 in Akola and 34 in Washim.
The report was prepared by the Divisional Commissioner of Amravati.
Balwant Wankhade, Congress MP from Amravati, listed some reasons for the high suicide rate: “Crop losses, lack of adequate rainfall, existing debt burden and non-disbursement of farm loans on time are some of the major reasons that are pushing farmers to take this extreme step.”
“The government must fulfil its promises to double farmers’ income and provide them with assistance,” he added.
Talking about the steps taken by the government, Vasantrao Naik Shetkari Swavlambi Mission chairman said, “The local government is approaching farmers at the gram panchayat level with various government schemes to help them increase their income, and also in the education of their children and medical expenses of the family members. The government is standing by them.”
“Farmer suicide is a serious issue and the mission is working to find solutions to reduce such deaths,” he added.
Last year, 2,851 farmers in Maharashtra took their own lives amid financial distress, the state’s relief and rehabilitation department said. In 2022, the number rose to 2,942, while in 2021 it was 2,743.
The report shows that of the 557 deaths, the highest number of suicides were recorded in Amravati at 170, followed by 150 in Yavatmal, 111 in Buldhana, 92 in Akola and 34 in Washim.
The report was prepared by the Divisional Commissioner of Amravati.
Balwant Wankhade, Congress MP from Amravati, listed some reasons for the high suicide rate: “Crop losses, lack of adequate rainfall, existing debt burden and non-disbursement of farm loans on time are some of the major reasons that are pushing farmers to take this extreme step.”
“The government must fulfil its promises to double farmers’ income and provide them with assistance,” he added.
Talking about the steps taken by the government, Vasantrao Naik Shetkari Swavlambi Mission chairman said, “The local government is approaching farmers at the gram panchayat level with various government schemes to help them increase their income, and also in the education of their children and medical expenses of the family members. The government is standing by them.”
“Farmer suicide is a serious issue and the mission is working to find solutions to reduce such deaths,” he added.
Last year, 2,851 farmers in Maharashtra took their own lives amid financial distress, the state’s relief and rehabilitation department said. In 2022, the number rose to 2,942, while in 2021 it was 2,743.
