As many as 138 farmers in the Nanded district have committed suicide in the past 11 months due to various reasons, including infertility in the farms, natural calamities, and overwhelming debt. Despite this, the series of farmers’ suicides continues in the district.
Farmers in the region face severe hardships, grappling with issues such as infertile land, drought, floods, and mounting debt from financial institutions. These challenges have made it increasingly difficult for them to survive. Financial struggles have left many families unable to afford even one meal a day. Astonishing figures show that between January 1, 2024, and November 30, 2024, 138 farmers took their lives. Yet, the government’s response to the ongoing crisis appears to be indifferent.
Experts suggest that if the government were to take appropriate action and ensure fair pricing for agricultural products, the situation could improve significantly. However, the government’s apathy continues to hinder any real change.
In addition, the government offers a meager compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the families of farmers who commit suicide. This amount is insufficient to sustain the families, making it of little use in transforming their circumstances. So far, only 90 families have received government aid, while the applications of around 40 families remain pending.