More than one farm worker in India dies by suicide every hour
Government data shows over 10,700 deaths in agriculture sector in 2023, with state of Maharashtra and Karnataka recording highest toll
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — More than one person working in India’s farming sector died by suicide every hour in 2023, according to newly released figures from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The report recorded 10,786 suicides among farmers and agricultural laborers, accounting for 6.3% of the country’s total 171,418 suicides. Experts say the figures underscore persistent distress in India’s rural economy, which employs nearly half of the country’s population.
Of the 10,786 deaths, 4,690 were cultivators — including 4,553 men and 137 women — while 6,096 were agricultural laborers, comprising 5,433 men and 663 women. The state of Maharashtra accounted for the largest share with 38.5% of cases, followed by Karnataka with 22.5%. Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu also reported significant numbers.
Several states and territories, including West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Lakshadweep, reported no suicides in the farming sector. In contrast, Uttarakhand, which had recorded none in 2022, reported deaths in 2023.
While the total represents a slight decline from 2022, when 11,290 agricultural suicides were recorded, the regions most affected remain unchanged. Nationwide, the total number of suicides across all sectors rose marginally by 0.3% compared to the previous year.
For community workers on the ground, the statistics mask profound social consequences. “Each number represents a family shattered by despair, highlighting the urgent need for better support systems and financial relief for those who feed the nation,” said rural activist Meera Patil.
Analysts note that the continuing high numbers reflect deep-seated vulnerabilities in agriculture, where dependence on rainfall, debt burdens, and price fluctuations often push families into crisis. Despite multiple government programs aimed at rural welfare, the NCRB report suggests farm workers remain among India’s most at-risk populations.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
