The latest data acquired under the Right to Information (RTI) by Mumbai-based activist Jeetendra Ghadge shows a distressing development regarding farmer suicides across various districts in Maharashtra between January 1 and May 31, 2024. The report highlights a staggering number of suicides, emphasising the urgent need for interventions to address the underlying causes. The total number of farmer suicides in this period is 1,046, with a monthly average of 209. The data shows a worrying trend in the Amravati division, which has the top four worst-affected districts.
A total of 143 suicides were recorded in Amravati district alone, according to the data obtained by Ghadge. Neighbouring district Yavatmal is second on the list, with 132 cases recorded. Buldhana district recorded 83 cases, while Akola district, which also falls in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, recorded 82 in the same time frame. This means the Amravati division has reported almost half (461) of the total cases in the state.
Mumbai-based activist Jeetendra Ghadge, of The Young Whistleblowers Foundation, who has been closely monitoring the agrarian distress in the state, said, “The alarming number of farmer suicides in the Amravati division is a clear indication of the systemic failures in addressing the needs of our farmers. Immediate and comprehensive measures are needed to provide financial relief, mental health support, and sustainable agricultural practices.”
Observers say the rising number of farmer suicides in Maharashtra is a clarion call for action. It is imperative for the government, NGOs, and the community to come together and implement effective solutions to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the farmers who form the backbone of the country. At the heart of this crisis lies a web of interconnected issues. Farmers face mounting debts due to failed crops, lack of access to affordable credit, and inadequate irrigation facilities. Additionally, the psychological toll of continuous financial stress and uncertainty pushes many to the brink of despair.
News18 reached out to the office of the Maharashtra agriculture minister but is yet to receive a reaction despite several attempts.
The government has initiated some measures in the past, such as loan waivers and crop insurance schemes. However, the persistently high number of suicides indicates that these measures are either insufficient or not reaching those in dire need. There is a pressing need for a multi-faceted approach that includes enhancing financial aid, improving irrigation infrastructure, and providing mental health support, say observers.
In this year’s additional interim budget, keeping the farmers at the forefront, the state government has announced a Re 1 crop insurance for farmers. The second phase of the Nanaji Deshmukh Agricultural Sanjeevani Project, worth Rs 6,000 crore, will be implemented in 21 districts. The Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project approved 767 sub-projects worth Rs 1,561.64 crore, benefiting about 9 lakh farmers. The state government also announced a new scheme called Gaon Tethe Godam (godown in every village). In the first phase, the construction of 100 new godowns and the repair of existing ones will be undertaken.
As the monsoon season approaches, there is hope that timely rains might provide some respite. However, sustainable and long-term solutions are necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future. The situation calls for empathy, solidarity, and immediate action to heal the heart of Maharashtra.
If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)
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