Suicidal thoughts rising among AP farmers

A recent study has highlighted a concerning rise in suicidal thoughts among farmers in Andhra Pradesh, primarily driven by escalating stress from unpredictable weather, uncertain crop yields, loan repayments, and fluctuating market conditions. Led by Prof MVR Raju from Andhra University, along with researchers K Meghana and B Srinivas, the study involved a survey of 302 farmers from the East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts.
The findings reveal a clear connection between stress levels and farmers’ quality of life, with stress increasing as they age. Farmers aged 25-35 reported an average stress level of 6.4 out of 10, while those aged 36-50 experienced an average of 7.1, and farmers over 50 reported a concerning 7.5. “As farmers grow older, their ability to meet family obligations diminishes, which raises their stress and further impacts their quality of life,” Raju said.
The relationship between stress and suicidal thoughts is particularly alarming. Scores for suicidal ideation rose with age, with younger farmers (25-35) reporting a score of 3.2, while those aged 36 to 50 had a higher score of 4.0, and farmers over 50 recorded a troubling score of 4.5.
“Chronic financial instability, increasing debt, and the emotional strain of farming leave many farmers feeling trapped,” Raju added. The study also pointed out several factors contributing to this growing mental health crisis, including crop failures, market fluctuations, and a heavy reliance on loans for seeds, equipment, and fertilisers. When crops fail or prices drop, farmers often struggle to repay their debts, becoming ensnared in a relentless cycle of poverty, worsened by high-interest rates from informal lenders.