Young Latur farmer, 28, dies by suicide over Rs 6.2 lakh private loans

A 28-year-old farmer, Datta Suryakant Kumbhar, died by suicide by hanging in Ankulga Rani village of Shirur Anantpal taluka in Latur district, driven to despair by debt. The death of another indebted farmer in Marathwada has cast a pall of mourning over the area, and farmers have voiced anger and grief.

According to the information available, Kumbhar had fallen into financial trouble because of crop losses and repeated crop failure. He owed private finance companies a total of Rs 6.20 lakh. Weighed down by the debt and the constant pressure to repay it, he had been under severe mental stress for several days. He took the extreme step out of this despondency.

Before his death, Kumbhar left a suicide note. In it he described the helplessness the debt had brought on him and made a heartfelt appeal that his family be looked after. Many who have read his last words have been deeply moved.

Kumbhar is survived by his elderly mother, his wife and two young children. With the family's earning member gone, they have been left without support.

Villagers say drought conditions in Marathwada, mounting debt and a lack of government aid have left farmers distraught. The death of a young farmer so early in life has once again raised serious questions about the policies of the administration and the government. Villagers are demanding that the bereaved family be given immediate financial assistance.

Drought-like conditions are worsening in Maharashtra because of inadequate rain and climate change. Many districts in Marathwada, Vidarbha and North Maharashtra face an acute water shortage. Water levels in wells and borewells have fallen sharply, and tankers have to supply water in many places.

For lack of water, crops have suffered heavy damage and withered, and farmers are in deep financial distress. Fodder for livestock and drinking water have also become serious problems. There are demands that the government increase the number of tankers, set up fodder camps and take urgent measures to ease the water shortage.