The Macro and Micro Point of View of Farmer Suicides in India

Abstract

Agricultural researches, development of innovations, their dissemination and Government funding behind the whole process all come to a grinding halt when the ultimate beneficiaries of the process are left to their fate, are left to die. Yes, the most sensitive yet controversial phenomenon of farmer suicide in India is being indicated. In 2015, 12,602 farmers committed suicide in India (NCRB in Accidental deaths and suicides in India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, 2015). Agriculture and farmers ensure the food and nutritional security of the nation; hence, any danger to the well being of farmers is a cause of national concern. Therefore, it necessitates an understanding of the possible reasons which compel farmers to end their lives. Hence, this article attempts to study farmer suicides over the years and state-wise variations in suicide rates. The normalised farmer suicide rate across the states has been calculated as per the latest available suicide data of 2015. An attempt has been made to identify the correlates of farmer suicides with state-level variables related to agriculture and socio-economic development. The results establish the Durkheimian theory; farmer suicide is an individual phenomenon. A compilation of micro-level studies is presented to support the argument.