Marathwada reports over 300 farmer suicides, highest in Beed

"Every year, nearly 400 suicides are reported from Marathwada in the first six months of the year. By the end of the year, nearly 1,000 suicides are registered...," said an official of the divisional commissionerate.

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Farmer suicides in the drought-prone Marathwada region has been a long saga, primarily due to a vicious circle of poor rainfall, crop failure and rising debts. (Representational)

In the first six months of 2020, Marathwada region has witnessed 310 farmer suicides. This is a lower number than last year when, during the first six months, 413 farmers had committed suicide.

Farmer suicides in the drought-prone Marathwada region has been a long saga, primarily due to a vicious circle of poor rainfall, crop failure and rising debts.

The eight Marathwada districts of Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, Osmanabad, Nanded, Latur and Hingoli fall under the Aurangabad Division. Beed district, which usually reports the higher number of suicides, reported 96 cases this year, followed by Osmanabad at 56, Jalna at 55 and Nanded at 53. Hingoli has reported 20 suicides, the lowest among the eight districts.

The drop in the number of suicides this year is significant as this is the first time in several years the number has reduced, according to agriculture officials and experts. “Every year, nearly 400 suicides are reported from Marathwada in the first six months of the year. By the end of the year, nearly 1,000 suicides are registered…,” said an official of the divisional commissionerate.

There were a number of factors behind the dip in the number, Agriculture Commissioner Suhas Divase told The Indian Express. “… There was good rainfall and subsequently farmers earned a good yield. Besides, farmers were also satisfied with the insurance compensation they received. Another factor worth considering is the farm to home direct selling plan implemented by the government, which also helped boost farmers’ earnings,” he said.

On whether the lockdown that lasted for months played a part, Diwase said, “It could be one of the psychological factors but not the primary one. When families are together, it is bound to have a positive affect on any individual.”

Farm activist Kishore Tiwari said, “If the trend persists, we hope in the future, farm suicides will drop to zero.” “It also reveals that if there is good rainfall and good yield, farmers remain positive… farmers should not lose hope, things are changing…,” he added.

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A senior officer of the Agriculture department said after implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Vima Yojana, farmers in Maharashtra, especially in the drought-prone region of Marathwada, have benefitted. “From 1999 to 2015, under Rashtriya Krishi Yojana, claims of only Rs 3000-4000 crore were disbursed to farmers. But from 2015 till date, claims worth over Rs 12,000 crore have been disbursed.”

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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