Tragedy Strikes Marathwada: Farmer Suicides Amid Floods and Ineffective Aid

In Marathwada, Maharashtra, 899 farmers have committed suicide from January to October 2023 due to devastating floods that destroyed crops. Despite government schemes and a Rs 32,000 crore compensation package, aid has been inadequate. Experts call for long-term disaster management plans and policy changes to ensure sustainable farming.

Marathwada, Maharashtra, faces a grave crisis as 899 farmer suicides were recorded between January and October 2023, with 537 of these occurring amidst floods that ravaged crops and livelihoods. Government data highlights the severe impact of excess rain on the region's farming community.

Minister of State for Agriculture, Ashish Jaiswal, acknowledges the crisis, assuring that the government is addressing it by increasing spending on relief schemes to Rs 1 lakh crore. Districts like Beed and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar were hit hardest, further illustrating the scale of the tragedy.

Despite a Rs 32,000 crore relief package, compensation has been inadequate. Former MP Raju Shetti and organisations like Shivar Helpline urge for long-term solutions, citing the need for strategic disaster management to combat climate change effects on agriculture.

(With inputs from agencies.)