698 suicides in eight months, pitiable condition of farmers in Vidarbha

*Amravati: Even though the central and state governments are implementing various welfare schemes for farmers, the rate of farmer suicides in West Vidarbha (Amravati division) does not seem to be decreasing. In the last eight months, 698 farmer suicides have been reported in the department. This information has come out from the statistics of Relief and Rehabilitation Department. The central and state governments are implementing various schemes for the welfare of farmers, yet in the eight months from January 1 to August 31, 698 farmers have died in Amravati division. In this, Yavatmal district has the most 204 cases, Amravati 180, Buldhana 155, Akola 106 and Washim district 53 cases. Out of these 218 cases are eligible, 215 are ineligible, 265 are pending investigation. In only 65 cases, government assistance has been provided. A farmer commits suicide every three hours in the division.*A record of farmer suicides is being kept since 2001 in farmer suicide prone districts of Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Yavatmal and Washim. According to this, 20 thousand 772 farmers have committed suicide in Amravati division so far. Out of these 10 thousand 763 cases have been disqualified due to various reasons, while 9 thousand 735 cases have been qualified. Government assistance has been given in 9 thousand 537 cases. Still 274 cases are pending for investigation. Farmers’ heirs are eligible for government assistance in case of suicide due to only three reasons: crop failure, inability to repay loans from nationalized banks/cooperative banks or recognized moneylenders, and failure to repay loans. Despite implementation of various schemes such as interest rate loan etc., the stigma of farmer suicide on the state is not erased. The announcements of the political leaders to free the farmers from suicide in the state are disappearing. * What are the main reasons? Difficulties faced, electricity and water issues, financial strain for livelihood and resulting indebtedness are cited as major reasons for farmer suicides.