2,801 farmers committed suicide in three years across state, shows govt data

BENGALURU: A total of 2,801 farmers committed suicide between 2019 and 2022, according to data disclosed by the state government. Although the situation remains unchanged, there has been a slight decrease in cases compared to previous years.

Farmers’ suicides are usually a result of crop damage, bank loans, personal loans, excessive rain, price drops and also lack of help from government agencies.

Picture for representation only.

Despite several initiatives, the government has been unable to stem farmers’ suicides. The highest number of suicides were reported in Belagavi and Haveri districts. Kalaburagi, Mysuru and Dharwad districts too have witnessed more suicides of farmers.

As per the government data, during 2019-20, a total of 1,091 farmers ended their lives while in 2020–21, 851 farmers and in 2021–22, 859 farmers committed suicide.

In the districts, 263 farmers committed suicide in Belagavi, 232 in Haveri, 211 in Dharwad, 208 in Mysuru, 190 in Kalaburagi, 175 in Chikkamagalur, 148 in Yadagiri and 145 in Vijayapura. Of the total of 2,801 cases, total compensation of Rs 115.65 crore was distributed in 2,313 cases.