620 Farmer Suicides Reported in Karnataka’s Mandya District Over a Decade

Swift Summary

• A decade-long review in Karnataka’s Mandya district reveals 620 farmer suicides between 2015-16 and 2024-25.
• Data was disclosed during the Karnataka Development Program (KDP) meeting chaired by district in-charge Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy on Saturday.
• The peak year for farmer suicides was reported as 2015-16, with 124 incidents, followed by 100 in 2017-18; a decline has been observed as then with minor fluctuations, culminating in just 39 cases reported for the year 2023-24.
• Authorities noted compensation was awarded for a total of 531 cases linked to these suicides.

Indian opinion Analysis
Mandya’s decade-long struggle with farmer suicides raises critical questions about rural distress and agrarian challenges across India. Although the decreasing trend from its peak years suggests some improvements-possibly due to interventions or policy measures-the persistence of even reduced numbers is meaningful and underscores ongoing issues like financial stress or inadequate support systems within agriculture-dependent communities. Compensation being issued for most registered cases indicates efforts made toward support; however, real success will lie in addressing root causes rather than responding post-crisis alone.

Improved monitoring, financial literacy programs tailored to farmers’ needs, and sustainable agricultural practices could emerge as focal points going forward-not just regionally but nationwide-as similar patterns may exist beyond mandya’s borders.

For those experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts: KIRAN helpline at 1800-599-0019 | Arogya Sahayavani at 104

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