Farmer Suicides: Issues and Complexities

This book offers an in-depth examination of farmer suicides in India, with a particular emphasis on household-level primary data collected from the families of victims. While it incorporates extensive background analysis using secondary data at the national, state, and district levels, the core of its discussion is rooted in primary field research. The focus is on two of the most affected districts in Maharashtra-Yavatmal in the Vidarbha region and Usmanabad in the Marathwada region-which have consistently ranked among the highest in farmer suicide cases over the past three decades.

By employing a census survey approach, the book unpacks the multi-layered challenges faced by farmers who have taken their own lives. It delves into the socio-economic, cultural, psychological, and policy-related factors contributing to this persistent crisis. Through this micro-level perspective, readers gain a deeper understanding of the everyday struggles, systemic neglect, and policy failures that have driven many farmers into a cycle of despair.

This book is a crucial resource for scholars, policymakers, and social activists seeking to comprehend the root causes of agrarian distress and formulate meaningful interventions to address one of rural Indias most tragic and pressing issues.