Summer sees 269 farmer suicides, beed tops with 109 deaths

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The suicide of a debt-ridden farmer from Malsonna village in Parbhani district, followed by the death of his wife who consumed poison, has reignited discussions on the ongoing crisis of farmer suicides in Marathwada.

In the summer of this year, 269 farmers in Marathwada have taken their lives, largely due to mounting debt. From January 1 to March 31, there have been an average of three suicides per day. The highest number was recorded in March with 106 suicides. Key reasons include high farming costs, crop failures, unremunerative market rates, debt, loan sharking, and damages caused by excessive rainfall. Despite various government initiatives, the trend continues unabated.

According to the Division Commissioner’s office, 87 suicides were reported in January, 76 in February, and 106 in March. The government provides ₹1 lakh in financial assistance to the families of deceased farmers, with 79 claims approved. However, 13 cases were rejected for various reasons, and 177 cases are still under investigation.

District-Wise Farmer Suicides

• Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 50

• Jalna: 13

• Parbhani: 33

• Hingoli: 37

• Beed: 71

• Latur: 18

• Dhara Shiv: 31

Total: 269