Five States did manage a significant decline in the average number of farm suicides between 2003 and 2010. However, more States have reported increases over the same period.
The television story was genuine and sensitive. At least 90 farmers, it said, had committed suicide in two months in Andhra Pradesh. These were cotton growers. Actually, last year, Andhra farmers killed themselves at the rate of 210 each month on average, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. But it is heartening that somebody took note of what's going on. The more so when dishonest bureaucrats feed gullible sections of the press awful crud on farm suicides being at ‘a 15-year low.' NCRB data show Andhra Pradesh has seen the second worst increase in farm suicides among all States (after Maharashtra) over the last eight years for which data exist.
However, five States did manage a significant decline in the average number of farm suicides each year between 2003 and 2010. Andhra Pradesh was not amongst them. Of those who did, only Karnataka is amongst the worst five States which account for nearly two-thirds of farm suicides in the country. On average, 2,259 farmers killed themselves each year in Karnataka between 1995 and 2002. In the next eight-year period, that figure was 2,123 — a fall of 136 in yearly average. But the fall is fragile, and the last two years 2009 and 2010 have seen the State's numbers rising again. And Karnataka remains the second worst State for farm suicides (in absolute numbers) after Maharashtra. It has seen 35,053 farmers kill themselves since 1995, according to the NCRB.
The NCRB data on farm suicides now cover 16 years. Let's divide that into two halves of eight years each. By comparing the first half (1995-2002) with the second (2003-10), we can figure out whether things are getting better or worse in the major States.
What qualifies as a significant decline? That's when a State's yearly average in the second eight years is at least 100 farm suicides less than in the first eight-year period. Tamil Nadu (-126) and Uttar Pradesh (-109) are two others in this bracket. But there's better. Kerala managed a drop of 221. And West Bengal pulled off the biggest decline among all States. Its 2003-10 average is 436 lower than its figure for 1995-2002.
Except Karnataka, all the Big 5 States show terrible upward spikes in their 2003-10 annual averages. The yearly average of farm suicides in Andhra Pradesh in this period was 711 higher than it was in 1995-02. In Maharashtra, the figure was 1,294 higher. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were one composite State for six of the 16 years and what has happened in that region is best understood by still treating them as one unit in terms of data. They show a rise of 525 in the second eight years.
But comparing the two eight-year periods doesn't work for the smallest States with very few farm suicides. For instance, Manipur's average for 1995-2002 was one farm suicide. It was two during 2003-10, a massive ‘increase' in percentage terms — and quite meaningless. However, among small States that have seen farm suicides, Tripura brought down its annual average by 90 in the second half, a drop of 78 per cent.
The decline Kerala has managed (-221) is in many ways the most significant one. Kerala is perhaps India's most globalised economy. Its agriculture is hugely cash crop-based and fragile at the best of times. Cash crop prices are highly volatile, and often rigged by powerful corporations at the global level. This makes Kerala more vulnerable to price shocks than any other State in India. In the early years of the last decade, for instance, vanilla fetched Kerala farmers prices of up to Rs. 4,000 a kilogram. It then crashed to under Rs. 80 a kg or less (where it remains), wrecking farmers who had invested huge amounts of (borrowed) money in its cultivation. Most plunged into debt, several committed suicide in despair.
Price shocks have also hit Kerala in coffee, pepper, and other cash crops into which the State is deeply locked. The price of coffee, for instance, is controlled by about four major global corporations. These companies always seek to drive down the share of the original producers to boost their own profits. They will do that even more strongly as economic problems mount in Europe — to where much of our coffee is exported. Across India, suicides amongst cash crop farmers are far higher than those amongst food crop growers. Cash crop farmers run far greater risks, incur much higher cultivation costs, and have to borrow a lot more money than their food crop-growing counterparts.
So that drop of 221 in Kerala's yearly farm suicide average is remarkable and came against the odds. The period from 2008 to 2010 was better for that State than any other in the entire 16 years for which data are available. Kerala set up a debt relief tribunal in 2005, raised support to the farm sector and took other steps to mitigate distress. Even its troubled food crop sector received a boost. Between 2005 and 2010, Kerala doubled the support price for paddy from Rs. 700 to Rs.1,400. Yet, the State will take a worse hit than any other due to the multiple free trade agreements the Union government has signed or will enter. And reports of rising farm suicides again in the cash-crop citadel of Wayanad signal which way Kerala is now headed.
West Bengal's (-436) drop in farm suicide yearly averages is perhaps best understood in comparison with Maharashtra. Bengal has a smaller population (91 million) than Maharashtra (112 million), but is a more rural State and has many more farmers. Yet, the annual averages are starkly different. During 2003-10, almost four times as many farmers (3,802) killed themselves each year in Maharashtra. In West Bengal that figure was 990. Though Bengal has its own sharp concentrations of cash crop, it produces more food crop than Maharashtra and has been the country's largest producer of rice for some years. In the latter, cash crops continue to overwhelm food crop. In 2010-11, as Maharashtra's Chief Minister informed his colleagues at a kharif review meeting earlier this year, the area under cereals and pulses dropped further by about 3.7 million acres. (BusinessLine May 28, 2011). West Bengal had, in fact, begun procuring grain through the panchayats (a scheme derailed by the Centre) and pushed other measures to promote rice and vegetable cultivation.
Overall, 15 of 28 States showed worse averages in the second eight years. Across the entire 16 years from 1995-2010, more than a quarter of a million Indian farmers have committed suicide.
Keywords: farmers' suicides
Perhaps the real solution to farmer's plight would be a paradigm shift from 'roti-kapada-makhan' to 'roti-roti-roti-everyday' in the mindset of society. Awareness of the central role of food, and only food, in the eons old globalized tapestry of the biosphere of which we are a part, would perhaps rid us of current infatuations with globalized greed; and pave the way for a rural resurgence that could sustain the growth and flowering of other human dreams and ideals.
But that would require far greater honesty and commitment from the power-wielders of the day, beholden to their beliefs in the 'trickle-down' effect - ignorant of fricative forces in small pipes, or the 'trickle-up' phenomenon in capillary tubes. How else would you explain the slow awakening from slothful slumber of the Agriculture Minister disturbed by the initial numbers just reaching him through the official chain - only to suggest another committee for on-site investigations, with due fanfare, for the true picture!
I wish the real issues had made their way out to the mainstream media
more than they actually had.These issues need a larger bandwidth.I am
glad that THE HINDU continues to pursue these issues doggedly and
brings these on the stage.
Last night, for the first time I saw a mainstream english news channel cover this topic of farmer suicides.It is incredible that such an alarming number of deaths occupy such a small portion of our mindspace. What I hear from more knowledgeable people is that the system is so designed to be unprofitable to poor farmers, irrespective of the monsoon and irrespective of the land.
If this is true ,it is a serious systemic flaw which needs to be ironed out ASAP. No sector will do well unless substantially incentivised.
need to be reviiew abt welfare of farmers
This is the sign of apathy towards the real original inhabitants by the rulers much worse than that of foreign rulers. Lack of vision and selfish nature of the rulers makes the situation in the country more worse. Also the talent of Country is slowly draining towards the west which in fact should watch this situation and make some solid solution. The suicidal death of farmers is leading the country towards leader less country. This condition is more worse than any dynasty of the India. Monsoon are best, lands are fertile and above all farmers are fit and proper person to cultivate the land still farmers are committing suicide. This is really a shame on the Government and its forefront runners. They must suicide for their plausible failure to curb this situation.
dear Editor
the plight of kerala farmer is beeter because
1.the presence of a well developed cooperative banking system
2.awareness of farmers and general public
3.they have a support system in the form of remittance from Gulf
4.reach of media and access to news media and channels
5.last but not the least the political intervention especially by left parties
80% farmers are small and marginal and out of them 48% are indebted.
Small and marginal farmer are more vulnerable to suicide because the
policies which are in existence are of no avail for them. To curb the
situation of govt have to focus on this section. MSP should be
replaceable with MRP. Govt should give priority to small and marginal
section to curb suicide among farmers and organic farming in rainfed
area is more reasonable and economical to escape from debt as
practically proved.
Excellent article. Today even mr.katju has applauded you on your great
work regarding issue of farmers suicide. As far as the misery is
concerned, it seems that this misery is unending for indian farmer.
Take for example , whenever there is chance of farmer getting better
rate of its produce, immediately a vast organised section of middle
class in cities which form the backbone of BJP start crying inflation-
inflation. The last week event of retailers closing their shops was a
live example as to how the known evaders of VAT, income tax and other
duties brought the govt on knees when their interests largely watched
by BJP were in jeopardy. The only way out seem to be that the next
generation of farmers may start shifting to nearby towns and start
doing petty services like drivers, petrol pump attendants, chat
vendors, painters etc. where at least they are able to fill the belly.
After that they may try to do something for a better life.
It is true that the states producing cash crops than food crops have
more number of suicides compared to the states doing the vice versa.But
producing only food crops will not be the solution. The question should
be how to make food crops and cash crops work synergistically to get the
farmers out of poverty.
The failure of the Government to curb and prevent farmer suicides is not surprising at all. One needs to understand that policy decisions like the Rupees 60,000 Crore farm loan waiver are only temporary solutions to a persistent problem. Such incidences of repeated policy failure are not alone to blame, for the Government lacks the political will to tackle corruption that prevents the funds from reaching those in need. There is no doubt that several schemes have been created to benefit the farmers but the future looks bleak as long as initiatives to implement these policies are not taken at the grassroots level.
The higher numbers in states like Maharashtra are a proponent of the higher living standards in the cities of the state. The farmers in these states are more likely to take loan for their farming needs. But in states like UP and Assam, the living standards and aspirations of the farmers are lower. The technology employed in these states are also of the primitive grades, thereby requiring less investment for equipment etc. Majority of small farmers in these states grow food crops that in turn are less capital intensive. So, I think this explains the number of suicides being less in those states despite of having greater population density.
It's a pity the author doesn't focus on what needs to be done. Should the public and private sector set up support systems, such as finance management training, public-private-partnership institutions who can support farmers in need, etc?
It seems that the key statistic is the number of suicides per 100,000. And yet that statistic is nowhere to be found in this article! According to these numbers, if you take population into account, the rate of suicides in Kerala is many times greater than the rate in UP. Given the higher standard of living in Kerala, this makes little sense. I would suggest that the use of these numbers is entirely bogus. And then to further link these suicides to free trade is ridiculous. There isn't even an attempt to gauge what proportion of the suicides are linked to poverty or what their income levels are. This article is callous ploy to push an ideological agenda on others misfortune.
How do these figures control for the number of farmers in each state? For instance, if the number of farmers decreases, then it's possible that the number of suicides will also decrease. These numbers need to be shown as percentages for the relevant periods to ensure that increases and decreases are proportional to the number of farmers in that state.
This article speaks clearly about the formers plight in this country and their deplorable conditions.Politicians from all the parties are responsible for this situation and they shoud be booked under criminal laws for cheating and neglegence.
"Across the entire 16 years from 1995-2010, more than a quarter of a million Indian farmers have committed suicide", This summarizes the situation for many a folks to step back and re-think of their approach and priorities. Perhaps a generation of farming community is gone in some sections of societies, beyond the figures are poor families and the problems they're grappling with not getting the attention of polity nor public compared to the savvy and immune corporates(not known for committing suicides for debts, instead gets bailed out with taxpayers money in some countries) who despite all their abilities(strategies, professionals and deep pockets) lobby for policies that can ensure they always win on the premise of economic growth and job creation.
Sainath has dispelled the myth that Statistics is always boring. The planning commission that earned utter ridicule for its rating of poverty has to take leaf from the author's data compiled on the trend of suicide by farmers analyzed state-wise.Many states have to score through puissant measures to rescue the farmers.However, the life line to agriculture sector has to be ensured only by the central government, that now turns a blind eye to the owes of the farmers.The thrust and the focus given to Industry by centre is missing in agricultural sector.
The best thing about Sainath's article is that he provides figures to strengthen his point. It is a meticulously designed article. Well done!!!
There are many reasons for farmer suicides, but most dominant factor seem to be the growing high risk, high reward crops, such as cotton. Primarily three reasons a) high input costs b) sudden fall in prices c) crop failure. The reason for the less suicides in UP may be due to Sugarcane, the main cash crop, which as assured prices, which goes up every year. This year it is Rs.2500 per tonne. While government should make all efforts, but there is a need for awareness campaign about these high risk crops. Farmers should also be informed about the risks and also provided required training such as reducing input costs while improving the yields. The methods like SRI (for rice) SSI (for Sugarcane) precisely provide such options. Government should invest more on training, awareness and options to use produce more with less. It is possible to significantly reduce these sucide. Even one suicide by farmer is too much.
Dear sir, In my opinion, by not paying compensation to families farmers who commit suicide shall not help in any way.Reforms are required in the agricultural sector.The idea of making agriculture a lucrative venture can only prevent these suicides. Maharashtra has been banking on industrial establishments and successive govts have completely ignored the plight of poor farmers. Emphasis should be given to agro-based industries. Govt intervention is a must as farmers are they are the producers and there sorry state reflects the loopholes of our economic system.
Globalization and Free trade definitely has hit badly when its come to Farming.The situation is even equally precarious in those rural household whose members have survived the destiny of suicide and are facing huge poverty and deprivation.The state has simply let the farmers to the mercy of market man.Though cash crops sometimes give large benefits,yet the scenario remains vulnerable and fragile for small land holding farmers and situations becomes more worse when there are huge fluctuations in market and whether conditions.One thing 'the State' has to realized that the farmers are a 'priority group' and more attention is needed right from the phase of planning of agricultural policies to disaster management.We are still an agrarian society due to huge population depending on it and the transition to either Manufacturing or Service sector can be smooth only when the huge sufferings of its primary sectors are addressed first. Thanks to P. Sainath, again for running the issue alive.
Even after the YSR government in Andhra Pradesh waived most of the farm loans in the state, the number of farmer suicides in AP still increased. What is the reason for this? I request Sainath to write on this topic.
To stop suicide of cotton grower farmers Government must do two thing.[1]Stop to pay compassion to victims.[2] Make it very strict compulsion to BT seed manufacturers to give training to farmers how to take care of cotton growth farming. Those BT seed manufacturer don't obey this order government must punish them.
The fact that the health of the farm sector in the country is measured in terms farm suicides reflects the utter failure of the Central and many State governments in addressing the pitiable condition of the farm economy in the country.The country's opinion makers help the powers that be in diverting attention from the deteriorating agricultural economy to the thriving industrial economy by generating euphoria over it while the farm economy is languishing.
The irrational optimists with leaps of faith may argue, historically, farmer suicides are no by no means an unprecedented novelty.Of course not.But a minor corrigendum-at this astronomic pace, over this compact a time span,it is definitely an enviable, novel achievement!When figures conceal more than they reveal,Sainath has done a commendable job in disentangling the conceit,in an incredibly lucid manner.The deceleration of farmer suicides in an immensely volatile,cash-crop economy like Kerala leaves no room for a sigh of relief.With its unwavering determination to defeat its farmers,the Indian state will inevitably conjure with the neo-liberal caucus to erase that one line from the destiny-'and they lived happily forever'. No,this is not to accuse the state being deaf,may be it is hearing,but definitely not listening to(specially when it comes from the so-called 'periphery')!
These statistics comes at the wrong time for Kerala's farmers. If there is one political party which feels the pulse of farmers that is the Communists. I sincerely hope all other states emulate the Kerala and Karnataka model (2003-10) and contain the upward spike in the farm suicides. For the author, an increase by 50% in Manipur sounds meaningless!
A day will come when there won't be anyone doing farming and the people living smoke filled cities will realise that they cannot eat the money they have earned. Farmer is the victim of all the decisions made in this agricultural country.
The main reason for the increase in suicide rate is climate change which has lead to scarcity or abundance of water(varies in different parts of India). Govt should be innovative to help farmers as the greatest threat for India is food scarcity. In my opinion farmers should be provided with free seeds, bio fertilizers & machinery so that the farming will become more profitable. This will generate interest in young people to endeavor into cultivation.
Farmer suicide occur in those parts of India where industrialization is more,mining and other government should involve in developing industry and not oversee agriculture sector.Due to lack of subsidy in fertilizer and seed financial institution farmer unwillingly take debt through moneylenders in much more higher interest and also in this states farmer grow cash crop like cotton in which high input is taken and when after harvesting crop dose not fetch good price then farmers are commits suicide because no other option is found in front of farmer other than suicide. moneylender also impose pressure on farmers to pay debt.In this particular area government enforce a co-operative society who give loans to farmer and can motivate to grow other crop also other than cash crop and financial assistance given by rural bank and also a agriculture officer is found every blocks who see and give suggestion to farmers that what type of crops is suitable for a particular season and fetch good price.
The main reason for these unfortunate suicide deaths is inability to repay heavy debt taken at high interest rates from private sources. And the inability to repay high interest rate carrying debt is on account of either crop failure or unremunerative price paid to farm produce. The solutions for the problem are: i.extending institutional credit to all eligible farmers including tenant farmers at DIR interest rate of 4% for loans up to Rs 1 lakh, ii.crop insurance scheme with universal application and iii.of course ensuring payment of remunerative price of cost plus 50%as per the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission. When these measures are implemented suicide deaths of farmers can be eliminated completely. Hope that the central and the State Governments will work on the lines suggested above. Provider of food and fiber should not be allowed to commit suicides under any circumstances.
Excellent article. The author could have commented on the reasons for why Assam, UP and Tamil Nadu have shown lower numbers compared to the other states. Assam is a small state with a smaller population base. The low numbers seen in UP is remarkable. Some analysis will help.
Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2010-11 [page no. 21] says - Contribution of Vidarbha and Marathwada combined is just 25.5% whereas, that of rest of Maharashtra (i.e. Mumbai, Pune, Konkan and Nasik Divisions) is - 74.5% Even with adjusting for population, the regional inequality remains more or less same. No wonder that there is demand for separate statehood for Vidarbha.
Please Email the Editor