Maharashtra farmers' suicide: Govt to hold talks with stakeholders

government will initiate talks with representatives, farmers and or stakeholders to find out reasons behind Maharashtra reporting maximum 2,239 suicides by farmers out of 5,763 across country in 2018, Rajya Sabha was told on Friday. During Question Hour, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Parshottam Rupala said it was a matter of concern that despite a number of steps taken by Maharashtra government as well as Centre, state reported maximum suicides by farmers. 

"Maximum number of suicides have been committed by Maharashtra farmers. It is a matter of pain. re are several schemes by Government of India and Maharashtra government and re is a system to monitor it. Maximum suicides are re despite efforts of both govenrments...We are trying to assess why such a situation is re...We will hold talks with representatives, farmers and stakeholders," Rupala said.

Of 5,763 suicides by farmers in 2018, Karnataka accounted for 1,365 followed by 900 in Telangana, 365 in Andhra Presh, 303 in Mhya Presh and 229 in Punjab, as per National Crime Records Bureau, he said. Detailing efforts by government to benefit farmers, he said Prhan Mantri Kisan Yojna was launched to directly benefit farmers and for first time Rs 12,000 crore was directly deposited in accounts of 6.11 crore farmers.

agriculture department has data of 8 crore farmers w for first time, he said, ding a number of steps have been taken to empower farmers. Through new Prime Minister Crop Insurance policy, Rs 58,592 crore was paid to farmers and steps are on that insurance companies provide receipts to farmers on paying premium of insurance.

On natural calamities, he said, a Central team visits affected areas on state's request and accordingly Home Ministry recommends funds on basis of assessment. He said so far re has been information of funds t reaching farmers.