Farmer suicide in India is a tragic phenomenon that has been on the rise over the past few decades. India is predominantly an agrarian society, and farming is the primary source of livelihood for millions of people across the country. However, the harsh reality is that the life of a farmer in India is far from easy. Farmers in India have to deal with a plethora of problems such as lack of access to credit, inadequate irrigation facilities, unpredictable weather patterns, and low crop prices. These factors, along with others, have contributed to a sharp increase in farmer suicides in India.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 10,281 farmers and agricultural laborers committed suicide in India in 2019. This translates to approximately 28 suicides every day. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh were the worst affected states, accounting for more than 50% of all farmer suicides in the country. The NCRB also reported that debt and farming-related issues were the primary causes of farmer suicides.

Credit- Wikipedia

The debt trap is one of the leading causes of farmer suicides in India. Most farmers in India are small-scale farmers who do not have access to formal credit. As a result, they often resort to borrowing from moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates. In many cases, farmers are unable to repay their loans, which leads to a vicious cycle of debt and poverty. The pressure of debt can become so overwhelming that farmers see no way out but to take their own lives.

Apart from the debt trap, farmers in India also face a host of other challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, crop failure, and low crop prices. Farmers are at the mercy of nature, and a single drought or flood can wipe out an entire season's crop, leaving farmers with no income to sustain themselves and their families. Moreover, low crop prices mean that farmers are unable to earn enough to cover their expenses and repay their loans.

The government has implemented several schemes and programs to address the issue of farmer suicides in India. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), for instance, is a crop insurance scheme that provides financial assistance to farmers in case of crop failure. The government has also launched several loan waiver schemes to provide relief to farmers burdened with debt. However, these measures have not been sufficient to address the root causes of farmer suicides in India.

To address the issue of farmer suicides in India, there is a need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues faced by farmers. This includes increasing access to formal credit, providing better irrigation facilities, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce. Additionally, there is a need for greater investment in rural infrastructure and the creation of non-farm employment opportunities to reduce the dependency of farmers on agriculture.

In conclusion, farmer suicide in India is a complex issue that requires a multi-pronged approach to address the root causes. While the government has taken several steps to alleviate the issue, there is a need for sustained efforts to improve the livelihoods of farmers in India. Only then can we hope to put an end to this tragic phenomenon and ensure a better future for the farming community in India.