Andhra ranks third in farmer suicides: NCRB report
More than 889 people working in the farm sector have committed suicide in 2020. They include farmers, tenant farmers, and agricultural laborers.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 29 Oct 2021 6:26 AM GMT
Vijayawada: More than 889 people working in the farm sector have committed suicide in 2020. They include farmers, tenant farmers, and agricultural laborers. Andhra Pradesh stood third in the country as far as farmer suicides are concerned. Maharashtra and Karnataka rank first and second in farmer suicides.
As per the data, a total of 1,029 farmers ended their life in 2019. 664 farmers ended their life in 2018. In 2019, Andhra Pradesh stood third place in the country in terms of farmer suicides.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report on accidents and suicides reveals that Andhra Pradesh ranks third in farmer suicides. Maharashtra stood first with 4,006 farmer suicides. Karnataka stood second with 2,016 suicides. Andhra Pradesh stood third with 889 farmer suicides. It is despite the fact that the number has considerably decreased from 2019.
However, the reasons behind farmer suicides have not been specified in the report.
Of the 889 farmers who committed suicide in Andhra Pradesh, 805 were male and 84 were female. The data also showed that 424 farmers had their own farmland, 140 had leased out their land, and 325 were engaged as agricultural laborers.
Experts said most of the people who committed suicide were either small farmers (who own around two acres of land) or tenant farmers. Mounting debts, lack of market price for their agricultural produce, and the lack of benefits from the government were the main reason for the farmers to take the extreme step in Andhra Pradesh.
It may be recalled that the YSR Rhythu Bharosa scheme was launched by Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in October 2019. The scheme provides Rs 13,500 to the farmers per annum. Over 44.92 lakh land-owning farmers and 1.58 lakh tenants benefited from the scheme.
Left leaders said most of the suicides were reported from the Rayalaseema region. Home Ministry has failed to specify the exact reason for the farmer suicides.
