Maharashtra Farmer Suicide Cases Cross 13,000 In 4.5 Years; Leader Asks Government To Deliver On ‘Double Income’ Promise

Between January 2022 and June 2026, Maharashtra witnessed a staggering 13,128 farmer suicides, with an average of more than eight deaths occurring daily. The Relief and Rehabilitation Department, however, declined to provide district-wise breakdown of these tragic incidents. Farmer Leader Vijay Jawandhia, a Shetkari Sanghatana founder, called for urgent agrarian reforms and urged the government to implement the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations while fulfilling the election promises of doubling farmers' income.

Jawandhia blamed agricultural imports for hurting farmers during market price hikes, suggesting that the government should prohibit imports at prices lower than the minimum support price (MSP), and incorporate this condition into the US trade deal. Additionally, Jawandhia highlighted the need for increased incomes for agricultural laborers in line with the Pay Commission's recommendations.

The department's data showed that 8,145 cases were eligible for assistance, while 4,042 were rejected, and 941 cases remained under inquiry. Of the eligible cases, 7,850 families received financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each, with 295 families still awaiting payment. In response to a request made by Jitendra Ghadge of the Young Whistleblowers Foundation, the Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil explained the two-level verification process before assistance approval.

The minister also noted that assistance could be denied if the inquiry identifies reasons other than indebtedness. Earlier in June 2026, the Maharashtra government cited National Crime Records Bureau data, stating that 6,669 farmers and agricultural laborers took their own lives in 2023, including 4,150 farmers/cultivators and 2,519 agricultural laborers.

The RTI applicant expressed concern over the withholding of district-wise data, alleging pressure from senior officials to keep the figures concealed.