Farmer suicide crisis deepens in Maharashtra, 767 deaths reported in 3 months

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday revealed that 767 farmers took their lives in the state during the first quarter of 2025, highlighting a deepening crisis in the agricultural sector.

In a written response to the Legislative Council, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil addressed concerns raised by opposition MLCs Dr Pradnya Rajeev Satav, Satej Patil, and Bhai Jagtap regarding the increasing suicide rates and delays in compensation.

According to the minister’s statement, of the 767 reported cases between January and March this year, families of 373 farmers were deemed eligible for financial assistance, while 200 were found ineligible.

Investigations into the remaining 194 cases are ongoing. Of the eligible cases, 327 families have received financial aid of Rs 1 lakh each, with actions underway to address the pending cases. The government has directed all divisional commissioners to expedite the resolution of these cases.

The minister outlined several measures aimed at curbing farmer suicides, including compensation for crop losses due to natural calamities and the provision of Rs 12,000 annually to farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and Namo Shetkari Mahasanman schemes, jointly funded by the state and central governments.

Moreover, the government is ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce, providing irrigation facilities, and operating counseling centers at the district level to support farmers’ mental health and well-being.

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