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What does the report say?
An alarming government report revealed that 557 farmers committed suicide between January and June 2024 in the Amravati administrative division of Maharashtra which includes the districts of Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Washim and Yavatmal.
The report states that Amravati district recorded the highest number of suicides with 170 cases followed by Yavatmal with 150, Buldhana with 111, Akola with 92 and Washim with 34. Key reasons for these suicides were crop failures, insufficient rainfall, heavy debt and the absence of timely farm loans. The report mentions that the government has provided assistance to the families of 53 deceased farmers but 284 cases are still under investigation.
Gov officials speak up
Balwant Wankhade, Congress MP for Amravati voiced his deep concern about these figures highlighting that Maharashtra consistently reports one of the highest number of farmer suicides in India with Amravati being a significant contributor. He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises to double farmers’ incomes and offer necessary support.
Nilesh Helonde-Patil the Chairperson of Maharashtra’s Vasantrao Naik Shetkari Swavlambi Mission described the situation as dire and outlined ongoing efforts to tackle the crisis. Wankhade and Helonde-Patil both underlined how urgently comprehensive steps are needed to stop more farmer suicides. The collaborative efforts of the local administration and missions like the Shetkari Swavlambi are focused on providing the necessary support and solutions to help the farmers overcome these challenges.
(with inputs from news agencies)
