A total of 767 farmers died by suicide across Maharashtra between January and March 2025, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil informed the state council on Tuesday, highlighting the ongoing agrarian crisis.
Of these 767 cases, 373 were deemed eligible for government compensation, while 200 were declared ineligible. Investigations remain pending in 194 cases. Jadhav-Patil said compensation has been paid in 327 of the 373 eligible cases, and efforts are underway to clear the remaining payouts, with divisional commissioners directed to expedite the process.
As per a 2006 state decision, heirs of farmers who die by suicide receive ₹1 lakh compensation; however, the minister clarified there is currently no proposal to increase this amount.
Region-wise data showed western Vidarbha districts—Yavatmal, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, and Washim—reported the highest number of suicides with 257 cases in the first quarter alone. Of these, 76 were eligible for aid, 74 were ineligible, and 107 are still under inquiry, with payments completed in 71 cases so far.
In Hingoli district of Marathwada, 24 farmer suicides were recorded between January and May 2025. Thirteen of these cases qualified for aid and have been compensated, while five were ineligible and six are pending investigation.
To combat the rising number of farmer suicides, Jadhav-Patil outlined several ongoing initiatives, including compensation for crop damage from natural disasters, annual financial support of ₹12,000 through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and Shetkari Mahasanman Fund, fair pricing mechanisms, expanded irrigation, and counseling centers. He added that widows of farmers who die by suicide receive benefits through various government schemes.
