tailieunhanh - Farmers suicides in Marathwada region of India: A causative analysis

The present investigation was undertaken in eight districts of the Marathwada region of Maharashtra State (India) to study the socio-economic, psychological and situational causes of farmers’ suicide. Data was collected from the family members of the victims with the help of a specially designed interview schedule. Statistical tools like mean, standard deviation, percentage and frequency were used. Results revealed that majority of the victims were in middle age, educated up to high school, annual income between Rs. 50001 /- to 150000 /-, and marginal to small land holders. Only per cent of the victims had subsidiary occupation. Majority of the victims are rainfed farmers with no access to irrigation. Majority of victims had substantial outstanding of the loans from banks and money lenders. Crop failure due to drought / lack of access to irrigation was the primary cause, followed by high indebtedness. Drop in socio-economic status, addiction and huge expenses on marriages of daughter were other social causes. Remedial measures received from family members included remunerative prices for farm produce, simplification of procedure for crop insurance and timely crop loan at minimum interest. Support for digging wells, subsidised seed and fertilizer supply to poor farmers, technical back stopping and subsidy to take up subsidiary occupation were other major suggestions received from family members of the victims. | Farmers suicides in Marathwada region of India: A causative analysis