Parliament Question: Suicides by Farmers

Executive Summary: This document presents the Indian government's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 336 regarding farmer suicides since 2014. It outlines the government's initiatives and schemes aimed at improving farmers' welfare and increasing their income. The response references data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and details various programs implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DAFW). Key Points / Main Content: Data on Farmer Suicides: * The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and disseminates data on suicides, including those of farmers, in its annual "Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI)" report. The report is available on the NCRB website until 2022. Government Support and Compensation: * Agriculture is a State subject, and ex gratia or relief is provided by State Governments according to their rules. * The Government of India supports the States through policy measures and budgetary allocations for farmer welfare schemes. Government Initiatives and Schemes: * The Government aims to increase production, provide remunerative returns, and offer income support to farmers. * The budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DAFW) has significantly increased from Rs. 21,933.50 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,27,290.16 crore in 2025-26. * Major schemes and programs initiated by DAFW include: * 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 Start-Ups Rural Enterprises (AgriSURE) * Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) * Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM) * Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) * Soil Health Fertility (SHF) * Rainfed Area Development (RAD) * Agroforestry * Crop Diversification Programme (CDP) * Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) * Sub-Mission 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: * Impact: Farmers are the primary stakeholders, and the schemes aim to improve their economic and social security, increase income, and provide support in case of crop failure or other hardships. * Action Required: Farmers should be aware of the various schemes available to them and apply through the appropriate channels to avail of the benefits. State Governments: * Impact: State governments are responsible for providing ex gratia relief to the families of farmers who commit suicide and for implementing agricultural policies at the state level. * Action Required: State governments should continue to provide relief and implement effective agricultural policies to support farmers. Government of India (DAFW): * Impact: The Department is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and schemes for the welfare of farmers across the country. * Action Required: DAFW needs to continue to monitor the effectiveness of its schemes, allocate adequate budgets, and coordinate with State Governments for effective implementation.

Key Entities Referenced