When Weather Turns Unfavorable, Farmers Lose Hope

Tragic farmer suicides sweep India

According to a report by Al Jazeera, “agricultural investment in India is a big gamble. Farmers usually take out bank loans against land to buy seeds and fertiliser, pay salaries, and acquire irrigation equipment.”

However, unforeseen and unwelcome weather patterns can strike at any time, and with less than 20% of Indian farmers insured, this can lead to disastrous results. And for many farmers, in the face of enormous debt, feeling like there’s no other way out.

The suicide rate among Indian farmers was 47 percent higher than the national average, according to a 2011 census. Forty-one farmers commit suicide every day, leaving behind scores of orphans and widows.

You can read more about this tragic epidemic here.