Bundelkhand Faces Agricultural Crisis Amid Rising Farmer Suicides

Bundelkhand, a region in India, is grappling with severe agricultural distress characterized by drought, escalating farmer suicides, and social challenges. Despite its proximity to major rivers, the area suffers from inadequate irrigation, poor soil fertility, and the continuous threat of natural disasters. These factors have placed immense pressure on farmers, leading to widespread debt and a grim socioeconomic landscape.

The ongoing crisis was highlighted at a recent workshop organized by Vidya Dham Samiti. This event brought together educators, social activists, journalists, and community leaders, including Dwarikesh Mandela, President of the District Bar Association, and former Rural Development Minister Daddu Prasad, to discuss potential solutions and raise awareness about the region’s dire situation.

Addressing the Multifaceted Challenges

During the workshop, participants presented a comprehensive report detailing Bundelkhand’s multifaceted challenges. Raja Bhaiya, who led the presentation, emphasized the alarming rate of farmer suicides, notably in Banda District, which recorded 41 suicides between April 2024 and August 2025. The report highlighted the inadequacies of irrigation systems, despite the presence of two major rivers, resulting in farmers relying heavily on unpredictable rainfall.

Compounding the agricultural crisis are serious social issues, including widespread poverty and migration. Many residents are forced to leave their homes in search of work, while access to education, particularly for girls, remains severely limited. Health care facilities are inadequate, with rising rates of malnutrition and diseases such as tuberculosis. Participants pointed out that administrative lapses and low participation from women and marginalized groups in local governance exacerbate these issues.

Infrastructure deficits, including poor roads, unreliable electricity, and a lack of local employment opportunities, have also hindered development. A case study from Village Naugava illustrated these challenges, revealing that the village has a population of 2,408, with 1,748 bighas of land mortgaged and a cumulative debt exceeding ₹3.44 crore. The community faces significant issues, including 491 villagers migrating for work, 283 children out of school, and 182 youths unemployed. As noted in the report, “the very indebted farmers are often pushed to the brink, with suicides becoming a tragic escape.”

Broader Implications and Calls for Action

The workshop also addressed broader societal issues, including the conditions of prisons and the impact on inmates’ families. Speakers highlighted how imprisonment affects not only individuals but also their relatives, leading to economic hardship and social despair. Suggestions included improving hygiene and food quality in prisons and establishing production units to provide meaningful work for inmates.

For inmates, recommendations focused on enhancing mental and physical health services, skill development, and educational opportunities. For families of prisoners, proposals included healthcare access for parents, employment support for spouses, and educational assistance for children. Participants agreed on the importance of societal support for these families, expressing a desire to foster an environment where individuals can reintegrate as responsible citizens after incarceration.

The workshop concluded with a strong call for enhanced collaboration among civil society organizations, legal experts, and community leaders to advocate for policy interventions aimed at addressing Bundelkhand’s pressing issues. Participants underscored the need for urgent action and a collective approach to create sustainable solutions for the region’s ongoing crisis.