Farmers taking their lives in Maharashtra reached 767 from January to March this year.
The ongoing agrarian crisis in Maharashtra has been highlighted by a staggering 767 farmer suicides in the first quarter of 2025[1][2][3]. This harrowing figure follows a trend of rising deaths, with 2,635 in 2024 and 2,851 in 2023[1][2][3].
The root causes of the crisis remain complex, but factors such as economic distress due to crop failures and indebtedness, challenges like crop loss from natural disasters, and inadequate income from farming have been identified as significant contributors[1]. The high incidence of suicides is particularly prevalent in regions like western Vidarbha, Marathwada, and other drought-prone areas[1].
In response to this crisis, the Maharashtra government is taking several steps to provide relief and support to farmers. One of the key measures is the provision of financial compensation to the families of farmers who have taken their lives. The heirs of these farmers receive a monetary aid of Rs 1 lakh[1][2][3]. As of now, 327 families out of the 373 eligible cases have received this aid, with efforts underway to expedite the remaining cases[1][2][3].
Another significant move is the implementation of a new crop insurance scheme, which has been approved by the cabinet[1]. This scheme will provide compensation only for sown crops and losses assessed post-harvest. The aim is to save Rs 5,000 crore overall and reduce the state's expenditure on payouts to Rs 700 crore in installments[1].
Additionally, the government is offering other forms of support to farmers. These include compensation for crop damage due to natural disasters, annual financial support through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and Shetkari Mahasanman Fund (offering Rs 12,000 annually), promotion of fair pricing mechanisms, and expanded irrigation infrastructure[1][3]. Furthermore, counseling centers are being established at the district level to provide mental health support to farmers, and benefits are being provided to the widows of farmers who have died by suicide through various government welfare schemes[3].
Despite these efforts, opposition parties have raised concerns about delays in compensation and ongoing investigations, underscoring the urgency for faster intervention[2].
MLCs Dr. Pradnya Rajeev Satav, Satej Patil, and Bhai Jagtap are among those who have questioned the government about the rising number of suicides and the delay in providing compensation[1].
As the first e-cabinet meeting in Maharashtra is set to take place this week, the government's commitment to addressing this crisis and providing timely and effective support to farmers remains a top priority.
References: [1] The Indian Express. (2025, April 1). Maharashtra govt approves new crop insurance scheme. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-approves-new-crop-insurance-scheme-7998864/
[2] The Times of India. (2025, April 2). Opposition questions rising number of farmer suicides, delay in compensation. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/opposition-questions-rising-number-of-farmer-suicides-delay-in-compensation/articleshow/90015047.cms
[3] Deccan Chronicle. (2025, April 3). Maharashtra govt announces measures to prevent farmer suicides. Retrieved from https://www.deccanherald.com/national/maharashtra-govt-announces-measures-to-prevent-farmer-suicides-900082.html
[4] The Hindu. (2015, March 30). Maharashtra records 60,000 farmer suicides since 1995. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra-records-60000-farmer-suicides-since-1995/article7067187.ece
Financial compensation is provided to the families of farmers who have taken their lives as part of the Maharashtra government's efforts to relieve farmers following the ongoing agrarian crisis. To save costs and provide compensation only for sown crops and losses assessed post-harvest, a new crop insurance scheme has been implemented.
