Section Article

Agrarian Distress and Farmer Suicides in India
Author(s): Varsha Jha

Abstract
Agrarian distress in India has emerged as a persistent and deeply troubling phenomenon manifesting most tragically in the form of farmer suicides. Despite being a country where nearly half the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture the farming community faces a continuous crisis marked by low incomes mounting debts price volatility policy neglect and ecological degradation. This research paper examines the structural causes and sociological consequences of agrarian distress and farmer suicides in India. Drawing upon government data field studies and policy critiques it analyses the economic institutional environmental and psychological factors contributing to the crisis. The paper also explores the regional patterns of suicides evaluates existing interventions and proposes a rights-based and inclusive approach to restore dignity and security to Indias farming population.