Consequences of Farmers Suicide and Suggestions Perceived from Victimas Households to Prevent Suicides in Vidarbha Region

Abstract

The present research study was carried out with an exploratory design of social research in suicide hit six districts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. These districts were Yavatmal, Washim, Buldana, Akola, Amravati and Wardha. Researcher had selected 200 victims by proportionate method of random sampling and data was collected from victim’s households by conducting detail interview. Interview was conducted at residence of respondent so as to review over all situation of the family by researcher. In addition to personal interview, RRA technique, time line study for historical perspectives, observations, discussions with family members and discussions with key informants (Police Patil, Sarpanch, local leaders, other farmers of that village), reviewing victims’ actual records of institutional debts etc. were some important methods used for data collection. Findings of the study revealed that the economic consequences of suicides are fatal for the family of the incumbent– includes loss of income, asset depletion and deterioration of human capital among others. The above mentioned consequences faced by the family members need to be taken into consideration by various government and non-government organizations and social workers for planning various measures for survival, rehabilitation and future of the victims’ families. Majority of the victims’ family members suggested for remunerative prices to their farm produce and provision/ creation of irrigation facilities for their farming as the important measures to be taken to prevent the recurrence of suicide tragedies. All these suggestions should also be considered by the policy makers to prevent the suicidal tendency by farmers in distress prone districts of Vidarbha.