How Many Farmers Committed Suicide in Maharashtra Between January and March 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 767 farmers committed suicide in Maharashtra from January to March 2025.
- Financial aid was approved for 373 cases, with compensation provided for 327.
- The government offers Rs 1 lakh as compensation for farmer suicides.
- Various support measures are in place to address the crisis.
- Efforts include crop damage compensation and counseling services.
Mumbai, July 1 (NationPress) The Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation, Makarand Jadhav-Patil, informed the state council on Tuesday that there were 767 reported cases of farmer suicides in Maharashtra from January to March this year.
Out of these 767 cases, 373 were deemed eligible for financial assistance, while 200 were found non-eligible, and inquiries are still pending in the remaining 194 cases.
The minister mentioned that the government has disbursed financial support to the families of deceased farmers in 327 out of the 373 eligible cases, with compensation processes ongoing for the others.
Moreover, the government has instructed all divisional commissioners to expedite the resolution of pending cases.
According to a government decision dated January 23, 2006, the state provides Rs 1 lakh as compensation for farmer suicides but noted that increasing this financial aid is currently not being considered by the Maharashtra government.
Regionally, Minister Jadhav-Patil reported that from January to March 2025, 257 suicides occurred in Yavatmal, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, and Washim in the western Vidarbha region. Of these, 76 were eligible for aid, 74 were not, and inquiries are ongoing for 107 cases. Financial assistance has been provided to families in 71 out of the 76 eligible cases, with the remaining cases still processing.
In the Hingoli district of Marathwada, there were 24 reported farmer suicides from January to May 2025. Out of these, 13 were eligible for financial aid, five were non-eligible, and inquiries are pending for six cases, with compensation already given in 13 cases.
The minister emphasized that various measures are being implemented by different departments to reduce farmer suicides. In instances of crop damage due to natural disasters, the relief and rehabilitation department provides compensation. Farmers receive an annual amount of Rs 12,000, which includes Rs 6,000 under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sanman Yojana and Shetkari Mahasanman Fund.
Additionally, the government is executing several district-level schemes aimed at ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce, enhancing irrigation, and operating counseling centers to mitigate farmer suicides. Benefits are also offered to the widows of farmers who have tragically taken their own lives.