Research
Factors Affecting the Agrarian Distress Proneness in Vidarbha
The present study was carried out in Akola, Buldana, Amravati, Washim, Yavatmal and Wardha districts of Vidarbha in Maharashtra during 2012-2013. An exploratory design of social research was used. In total 240 farmers (120 farmers having land bellow 2 ha (Marginal to Small) + 120 farmers having land above 2 ha. (Semi-medium to Large farmers) were selected by random sampling method; it covers 24 villages and 9 Tahsils of six districts of Vidarbha. The main objective of this study was to study the agrarian distress proneness level amongst the selected farmers in Vidarbha. The composite index of agrarian distress of selected respondents was obtained with the help of Composite Index of selected 16 factors. The composite index were analysed by using the method of Prem Narain, et.al (2011). The salient findings revealed that near about cent percent (98.58%) selected farmers were having high composite index of agrarian distress. The non-remunerative prices (having Mean Severity Score 4 out of 3), weather related uncertainties (MSS=3.99), fluctuation in market rates (MSS=3.95), rise in cost of inputs (MSS=3.92), lack of irrigation facilities (MSS=3.87), lack of accurate weather information (MSS=3.66), crops damages by wild animals (MSS=3.46), etc. were the severely affecting factors for agrarian distress in selected six districts of Vidarbha. Hence Central and State government should take care of all mentioned factors for reducing the agrarian distress.
Consequences of Farmers Suicide and Suggestions Perceived from Victimas Households to Prevent Suicides in Vidarbha Region
The present research study was carried out with an exploratory design of social research in suicide hit six districts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. These districts were Yavatmal, Washim, Buldana, Akola, Amravati and Wardha. Researcher had selected 200 victims by proportionate method of random sampling and data was collected from victim’s households by conducting detail interview. Interview was conducted at residence of respondent so as to review over all situation of the family by researcher. In addition to personal interview, RRA technique, time line study for historical perspectives, observations, discussions with family members and discussions with key informants (Police Patil, Sarpanch, local leaders, other farmers of that village), reviewing victims’ actual records of institutional debts etc. were some important methods used for data collection. Findings of the study revealed that the economic consequences of suicides are fatal for the family of the incumbent– includes loss of income, asset depletion and deterioration of human capital among others. The above mentioned consequences faced by the family members need to be taken into consideration by various government and non-government organizations and social workers for planning various measures for survival, rehabilitation and future of the victims’ families. Majority of the victims’ family members suggested for remunerative prices to their farm produce and provision/ creation of irrigation facilities for their farming as the important measures to be taken to prevent the recurrence of suicide tragedies. All these suggestions should also be considered by the policy makers to prevent the suicidal tendency by farmers in distress prone districts of Vidarbha.
