MUMBAI (India CSR): In 2023, Maharashtra reported 2,851 farmer suicides. The government has provided ex-gratia benefits in 1,494 cases, while 746 were deemed ineligible. The Bombay High Court has called for urgent, sensitive action to address this crisis.
Farmer Suicides Overview
The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that 2,851 farmer suicides occurred in 2023. Of these, 1,551 families were eligible for compensation, with payments made in 1,494 cases. However, 746 cases were found ineligible, and 554 are still under inquiry. The affidavit, filed by Deputy Commissioner Nayana Bondarde, highlighted that natural calamities and scarcity led to these suicides, with the majority from Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
The state government filed an affidavit on April 17. It was through Nayana Bondarde, Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Divisional Commissioner. The affidavit stated that 2,851 farmer suicide cases were reported between January 1 to 31, 2023. These suicides were due to successive natural calamities and scarcity. Out of these, 1,088 cases were from Marathwada (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar administrative division). Additionally, 1,439 cases were from Vidarbha (1,140 from Amravati and 299 from Nagur division) region. The Konkan division did not report any farmer suicides. Nashik and Pune divisions reported 293 and 31 cases, respectively.
Court’s Directive
The High Court, led by Justices Ravindra V Ghuge and RM Joshi, emphasized the need to address farmer suicides with utmost sensitivity. They initiated a suo motu PIL to ensure prompt action. The court had previously noted the plight of farmers in Marathwada and Vidarbha, urging the state and central governments to take immediate steps to prevent further suicides.
Government Measures
The state government outlined its efforts, including the restructuring of the ‘Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swawlamban Mission’ and other schemes to support affected farmers. Between 2022 and 2023, Rs 15,245.76 crore were sanctioned as relief for crop loss, benefiting 1.54 crore farmers. Under the Mahatma Jotirao Phule Shetkari Karj Mukti Yojna, over 20 lakh farmers received significant financial aid.
Key Facts on Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra
These key facts highlight the ongoing efforts and challenges in addressing the issue of farmer suicides in Maharashtra.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Farmer Suicides in 2023 | 2,851 |
| Families Eligible for Compensation | 1,551 |
| Ex-Gratia Payments Made | 1,494 |
| Ineligible Cases | 746 |
| Pending Inquiries | 554 |
| Major Affected Regions | Marathwada (1,088 cases), Vidarbha (1,439 cases) |
| Court’s Directive | Immediate and sensitive action required to address suicides |
| Government Relief (2022-2023) | Rs 15,245.76 crore for 1.54 crore farmers |
| Schemes Implemented | ‘Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swawlamban Mission’, Mahatma Jotirao Phule Shetkari Karj Mukti Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana |
| Compensation under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana | Rs 26,261 crore (2016-2023) to 4.67 crore beneficiaries |
(India CSR)
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