Economic Distress Main Driver Behind Farmer Suicides in India, Study Finds

Research based on Telangana and Andhra Pradesh highlights debt, crop failure and unstable farm incomes as major causes

28 May 2026, New Delhi: A study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has found that economic distress remains the primary factor behind farmer suicides in India, particularly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The research, titled Farmers’ Suicides in India: A Qualitative Study of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana States of India, was conducted by researchers Laila Memdani, Azim Memdani and Anisha Memdani. The study examined the socio-economic conditions and mental health patterns among farming families affected by suicides in remote villages of the two states.

According to the research, between 2005 and 2020, India recorded 319,598 suicides among farmers and agricultural labourers. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh together accounted for 89,496 of these cases, representing nearly 28 percent of the national total.

The study noted that while farming is globally considered a high-risk occupation for mental health-related issues, the findings from India indicate that economic pressures are the primary trigger behind farmer suicides.

Study Conducted in High-Distress Villages

The research was carried out in Adilabad district of Telangana and Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh. Researchers selected villages with high suicide rates based on records available with district authorities and conducted interviews with close relatives of farmers who died by suicide in 2020.

According to the study, many of the villages surveyed lacked proper road connectivity and had high poverty levels. The researchers also observed a significant presence of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe populations in these areas.

The study used qualitative research methods involving in-depth interviews lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring causes and patterns associated with farmer suicides.

The demographic analysis showed that most affected households belonged to economically weaker communities. Among the respondents, 43 belonged to backward classes, 38 to scheduled castes, and 17 to scheduled tribes, while only three respondents belonged to the open category.

The study also highlighted low education levels and limited ownership of agricultural assets among the affected families. Nearly half of the respondents were illiterate, and most families did not own tractors or even two-wheelers.

Debt and Crop Failure Emerging as Major Factors

Researchers identified economic issues such as indebtedness, poverty, crop failure, lack of irrigation, drought and unstable income as the leading contributors to suicides among farmers.

About 90 percent of respondents cited economic distress as a major factor. Many families reported repeated crop losses due to drought, pest attacks, natural calamities and insufficient rainfall.

The study found that several farmers had taken loans from multiple sources, including banks, commission agents, relatives and informal lenders. When crops failed, many borrowed additional funds to repay earlier debts or manage household expenses, resulting in a cycle of indebtedness.

In one case cited in the report, a farmer cultivating turmeric on 10 acres reportedly accumulated debts of ₹50 lakh after repeated crop failures. The farmer had initially borrowed from a bank and later took loans from friends, relatives and commission agents to pay interest and support household expenses.

Another case involved a cotton farmer with two acres of land who died by suicide after an insect attack destroyed the crop. According to the family interviewed, the farmer had also borrowed from banks and relatives to continue farming and support the household.

Researchers observed that the financial burden on small and marginal farmers increased significantly when agricultural incomes became uncertain while loan obligations continued.

Mental Health Linked to Financial Stress

The study reported that many affected farmers experienced depression, anxiety, frustration, hopelessness and sleep disorders before their deaths. However, researchers concluded that these mental health conditions were closely associated with financial distress rather than existing independently.

More than 82 percent of respondents reported behavioural distress among the victims, including constant worry about income, frustration with life and lack of sleep.

Health-related issues and family disputes were found to be less significant contributors in comparison to economic factors.

The researchers also referred to previous studies indicating that agricultural workers may be vulnerable to mental health disorders due to financial stress and exposure to chemicals used in farming operations.

Researchers Suggest Multi-Level Intervention

The study proposed a three-stage approach to address the issue of farmer suicides in India.

The first stage focuses on immediate relief measures for affected families, including direct financial assistance, moratoriums on debt repayment, reduction or waiver of interest rates, and employment opportunities for surviving family members.

Researchers also suggested skill training and educational support for family members of victims to improve long-term livelihood opportunities.

The second stage involves strengthening mental health support systems in rural areas. The report recommended awareness programmes on mental health, establishment of helplines, village-level monitoring systems and regular visits by psychiatrists or mental health professionals.

The study suggested involving village panchayats, NGOs and local communities in identifying vulnerable individuals and providing counselling support.

Structural Reforms Needed in Agriculture

The researchers stated that long-term solutions require structural reforms in Indian agriculture to improve farm incomes and reduce financial vulnerability.

Among the recommendations were crop diversification, development of rural agro-processing industries, strengthening of farmer cooperatives, improvement in agricultural marketing systems and better access to institutional credit.

The study also stressed the need to reduce dependence on informal money lenders and improve the effectiveness of crop insurance schemes.

Researchers noted that existing insurance programmes have not provided sufficient protection to farmers facing crop losses. They suggested rationalising insurance schemes to create a more effective safety net.

The report also called for promotion of low-input sustainable farming systems to reduce dependence on costly agricultural inputs such as chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Concerns Raised Over Future of Farming

The study warned that rising agrarian distress could discourage younger generations from pursuing agriculture and accelerate migration from rural to urban areas.

Researchers stated that continued neglect of farm distress may affect India’s long-term food security and rural economy.

The paper concluded that farmers require stronger institutional support systems and safety nets to protect them from economic shocks and uncertainties associated with agriculture.

Source: National Library of Medicine and National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Also Read: China’s Fertilizer Trade Sees Strong Export Growth in Jan–April 2026, Potash Imports Remain Critical

Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write