Maharashtra sees 479 farmer suicides in March-April; aid hike not being considered, says minister

250 farmer suicides were reported in March in Marathwada and Vidarbha, while 229 suicides were reported statewide in April, state minister Makrand Patil said.

Mumbai: A total of 479 farmer suicides were reported in Maharashtra in March and April this year, state relief and rehabilitation minister Makrand Patil said in the assembly on Friday.

In a written reply during Question Hour, he said 250 farmer suicides were reported in March in Marathwada and Vidarbha, while 229 suicides were reported statewide in April.

Of the 250 cases in March, 102 were found to be eligible for financial aid as per government rules, with amounts being disbursed in 77 cases.

A total of 62 were found to be ineligible, while inquiries are pending in 86 cases, Patil added.

"In April, 229 farmers committed suicide. Of these, 74 were found to be eligible for aid. Funds were released in 33 of these 74 cases," the minister informed the House.

As per a government resolution (GR) of January 24, 2006, farmer suicides due to crop failure, inability to repay loan from nationalized and cooperative banks or licensed money lenders, burgeoning debt etc are considered eligible for financial aid. The kin of such farmers are given Rs 1 lakh.

A hike in the financial aid is not under consideration, the minister said.