Trustworthy Sources on Farmers’ Suicides in India

Source Article Title Link Summary
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Cultivating distress: cotton, caste and farmer suicides in India Visit Source Discusses the alarming rate of nearly 400,000 farmer suicides in India between 1995 and 2018, highlighting the daily average and underlying causes.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Prevention of farmer suicides: Greater need for state role Visit Source Analyzes the reasons behind farmer suicides, including bankruptcy, indebtedness, and crop failure, emphasizing the need for state intervention.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) Crop-damaging temperatures increase suicide rates in India Visit Source Presents research showing how high temperatures during India’s growing season increase suicide rates among farmers, linking climate change to agricultural distress.
Brookings Institution A Reality Check on Suicides in India Visit Source Provides data on farmer suicide mortality rates, with a focus on high rates in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and the growth of these rates over two decades.

Farmers’ Suicides in India

Explore the issue of Farmers’ suicides in India, including Agricultural workers’ suicides and the rates of Farmer suicide rates India.

In India, agriculture is the main industry. Nearly 70% of the people in India is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture, making it a country with a mostly agrarian economy. The vast majority of people in India still rely on agriculture for their living, despite the secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy expanding quickly. India is now self-sufficient in the production of food grains for everyday use thanks to the Green Revolution.

The farmer’s community must be given priority attention if the nation is to experience full economic development. The Indian economy is said to be supported by agriculture, which has been practiced there for centuries. Despite the fact that they provide the country with food, farmers’ living conditions are appalling. The agrarian crisis was among the worst catastrophes to strike our nation in the previous few decades.

Table of Content

  • Reasons for Farmers’ Suicides in India
  • Government Responses to India’s Farmer Suicides
  • Agricultural Workers’ Suicides
  • Farmer Suicide Rates India
  • Causes of Farmer Suicides in India
  • Maharashtra Farmer Suicides
  • Agricultural Distress in India
  • Cotton Farming and Suicides
  • Climate Change and Farmer Suicides
  • Government Response to Farmer Suicides
  • Farmer Suicide Statistics India
  • Suicide Prevention for Farmers
  • Economic Crisis and Farmer Suicides
  • Debt and Farmer Suicides in India
  • Trustworthy Sources on Farmers’ Suicides in India

It is concerning that Farmer suicide rates India are on the rise in India. Rising farmer suicides are attributed to unpredictable monsoons, unpaid loans, rising debt, poor agricultural procurement rates, low crop yields, and successive crop failures. While external variables, such as uneven rainfall, hailstorms, droughts, and floods, have a negative impact on crop production, internal issues, such as pricing rules and insufficient marketing facilities, cause post-yield losses.

The majority of them became bankrupt, and the pressure of their huge debt repayment and other family obligations drives them to commit suicide. The state with the most damage is Maharashtra.

Historical accounts of discontent, uprisings, and high mortality rates among Indian farmers, particularly those who grow cash crops, date back to the 19th century. Suicides caused by the same, though, were uncommon. In 2021, 5,563 farm laborers committed suicide, according to the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) most recent statistics. From 2020 to 2019, there was a 9% increase in suicides, and a 29% increase from 2019. Of the 5,121 suicides by agricultural laborers there were 442 girls and 5,121 males in 2021. 

According to the study Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, Maharashtra reported 1,424 suicides, followed by Karnataka (999) and Andhra Pradesh (584). The data are available at a period when more farmers are working as farmers and the average agricultural household is more dependent on wages than on the farm. In the meantime, there has been a significant rise in the percentage of daily wagers among suicide deaths in the nation in 2021. 

Daily wage earners made up the largest profession-wise group of suicide victims in 2021, accounting for 25% of all suicides in the nation (42,004 suicides). The number of 42,004 suicides represents a significant increase from the 33,164 daily gambler suicide deaths recorded in 2020.

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Reasons for Farmers’ Suicides in India

Issue Description Natural Disasters Excessive rain, floods, droughts, and cyclones, often exacerbated by global warming and deforestation, lead to loss-making in agriculture. Marginal and small farmers, lacking alternative income sources, face insolvency and despair. Water Level Fall Lack of irrigation infrastructure and systems to conserve rainwater results in failed irrigation projects, leaving farmers unable to benefit from good rainfall. Low Productivity and Monsoon Uncertainty The unpredictable monsoon and uneven distribution of arable land affect agricultural output and livelihoods, pushing marginal farmers towards desperation. Farmers’ Debt Due to Crop Failure The disparity between cultivation costs and the prices of produce makes agriculture unprofitable, leading to unsustainable debts and suicides among farmers. Costly Modern Agriculture Methods Advances in agriculture, such as hybrid seeds and pesticides, are unaffordable for poor farmers, making farming economically unviable. Reduced Agricultural Subsidies Reductions in subsidies and regulation of fertilizers increase input costs and decrease agricultural profitability, affecting the environment and soil health. Insufficient Education Farmers’ inability to afford education for their children perpetuates a cycle of poverty and lack of awareness about government programs. Lack of Transit Systems Poor transportation infrastructure leads to significant agricultural waste, hindering effective marketing and profitability. Lack of Essential Infrastructure Inadequate infrastructure, such as power and clean drinking water, impacts farmers’ mental and physical health, leading to substance abuse and increased mortality. Economic Policies of India Policies favoring urban consumers, such as price controls, reduce farmers’ profit margins, trapping them in debt cycles and negatively impacting their livelihoods....

Government Responses to India’s Farmer Suicides

The following is a summary of some of the significant debt alleviation and debt cancellation programs announced by the government:...

Agricultural Workers’ Suicides

Reflects the severe stress and challenges faced by farmers. A critical social issue impacting rural communities....

Farmer Suicide Rates India

High rates reported, with significant variations across states. A concerning trend that highlights the need for urgent interventions....

Causes of Farmer Suicides in India

Crop failure and unpredictable weather conditions. Heavy debt burdens and financial instability. Lack of government support and market access....

Maharashtra Farmer Suicides

One of the states with the highest number of farmer suicides. Linked to drought, debt, and cotton crop failures....

Agricultural Distress in India

Widespread issue affecting the livelihoods of millions. Results from a combination of economic, environmental, and social factors....

Cotton Farming and Suicides

High input costs and low market prices contribute to financial pressure. Particularly problematic in regions like Vidarbha, Maharashtra....

Climate Change and Farmer Suicides

Alters rainfall patterns and increases temperature extremes. Exacerbates agricultural challenges and distress....

Government Response to Farmer Suicides

Initiatives include debt relief schemes and crop insurance. Efforts to improve access to credit and agricultural support services....

Farmer Suicide Statistics India

Thousands of suicides reported annually, indicating a deep-rooted crisis. Data underscores the need for comprehensive policy solutions....

Suicide Prevention for Farmers

Community support programs and mental health services. Education on sustainable farming practices and financial management....

Economic Crisis and Farmer Suicides

Economic downturns exacerbate the vulnerabilities of farming communities. Leads to increased instances of despair and suicide among farmers....

Debt and Farmer Suicides in India

Loans from informal sources at high interest rates common. Debt traps from failed crops or investments major cause of suicides....

Trustworthy Sources on Farmers’ Suicides in India

Source Article Title Link Summary National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Cultivating distress: cotton, caste and farmer suicides in India Visit Source Discusses the alarming rate of nearly 400,000 farmer suicides in India between 1995 and 2018, highlighting the daily average and underlying causes. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Prevention of farmer suicides: Greater need for state role Visit Source Analyzes the reasons behind farmer suicides, including bankruptcy, indebtedness, and crop failure, emphasizing the need for state intervention. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) Crop-damaging temperatures increase suicide rates in India Visit Source Presents research showing how high temperatures during India’s growing season increase suicide rates among farmers, linking climate change to agricultural distress. Brookings Institution A Reality Check on Suicides in India Visit Source Provides data on farmer suicide mortality rates, with a focus on high rates in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and the growth of these rates over two decades....

Conclusion

As an agrarian economy, India has seen an increase in farmer suicide over the years, thus we need to prevent it for a variety of reasons. To overcome a helpful remedy for farmer’s suicide, institutional support is required. The government must provide favorable conditions for small and marginal farmers to get timely and adequate support through lending to farmers, with a focus on helping these farmers acquire modern equipment for increased agricultural productivity....

Farmers’ Suicides in India – FAQs

How many farmers have committed suicide in India?...

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