Parliament Question: Reasons for Farmers' Suicides

Executive Summary: This document is a response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1594 regarding farmers' suicides in India, to be answered on July 29, 2025. It outlines the Government of India's position, the reasons for suicides, and the steps taken to address the issue, including financial assistance, modern farming methods, and various welfare schemes. Data on farmer suicides is compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Key Points / Main Content: * **Data Collection and Dissemination:** * The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and disseminates suicide information in its Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) publication. * The report till 2022 is available on the NCRB website. * Reasons for suicides are wide ranging. * **Government Support and Initiatives:** * Agriculture is a State Subject. * Ex gratia or relief is provided by State Governments as per State provisions rules. * The Government of India supports States through policy measures and budgetary allocations for farmer welfare schemes. * Schemes aim to increase production, provide remunerative returns, and offer income support. * **Budgetary Allocation:** * The budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DAFW) has increased from Rs. 21,933.50 crore (BE) in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,27,290.16 crore (BE) in 2025-26. * **Major Schemes and Programs:** * Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKISAN) * Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY) * Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) / Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) * Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) * Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) * Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs) * National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) * Namo Drone Didi * National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) * Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PMAASHA) * Agri Fund for StartUps Rural Enterprises (AgriSURE) * Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) * SubMission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM) * Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) * Soil Health Fertility (SHF) * Rainfed Area Development (RAD) * Agroforestry * Crop Diversification Programme (CDP) * SubMission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) * SubMission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP) * National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) * Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM) * Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) * National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO-Oil Palm) * National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO-Oilseeds) * Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region * Digital Agriculture Mission * National Bamboo Mission Impact Analysis: * **Farmers (including marginal and small farmers):** * *Impact:* Intended beneficiaries of schemes for increased income, financial assistance, and modern farming methods; potentially impacted by policies affecting agriculture. * *Action Required:* Avail themselves of the schemes and resources provided by the government to improve their livelihoods and farming practices. * **State Governments:** * *Impact:* Responsible for providing ex gratia or relief to farmers as per State provisions and rules; expected to implement and support Central Government schemes. * *Action Required:* Implement state-level support and relief measures; coordinate with the Central Government on the implementation of national schemes. * **Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DAFW):** * *Impact:* Responsible for implementing and managing various schemes and programs aimed at enhancing farmer income and agricultural productivity; manages a significantly increased budget allocation. * *Action Required:* Effectively manage and implement the allocated budget; monitor and evaluate the impact of various schemes and programs. * **National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):** * *Impact:* Responsible for compiling and disseminating data on suicides, including those of farmers. * *Action Required:* Continue to collect and publish comprehensive data on suicides in the ADSI publication; ensure data is accessible to relevant stakeholders.

Key Entities Referenced