452 farmers end lives in Marathwada this year

Mumbai: Marathwada has witnessed 452 instances of suicide by farmers in the first half of 2018. Marathwada is the worst affected region in terms of suicides in the state, with Beed district recording the highest number of such cases. The vicious circle of suicides has continued despite the state government’s much-talked-about loan waiver scheme. The failure to repay loans is the single-largest reason behind most suicides.  

The picture that is emerging about farmer suicides in the first six months of 2018 is disturbing. Almost 452 farmers committed suicide till June 30 in Marathwada, the reason being failure to repay loans.

“The state’s so called largest loan waiver scheme is ineffective. The pattern of suicides continues. The failure in implementation is now being proved,” said Opposition leader Dhananjay Munde.

Beed district has seen the highest number of suicides in Marathwada region. Over 85 farmers committed suicide here whereas 69 farmers ended their lives in Aura-
ngabad district. Osmanabad is number three where 67 killed themselves. Maharashtra had announced rs 34,022 crore worth loan waivers in June 2017 to curb suicides in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.