Over 70 Farmers Die Daily in Telangana: Shocking Statistics Revealed

Over 70 Farmers Die Daily in Telangana: A Grim Reality

Hyderabad, July 21,2024

Telangana is witnessing an alarming rate of farmer deaths, with an average of over 70 farmers succumbing daily due to various reasons. According to the official statistics from the Rythu Bima scheme, a total of 23,629 farmers have died across the state from August 15, 2023, to July 19, 2024. This tragic data highlights the severe plight of farmers under the Rythu Bima insurance scheme implemented by the state government.

Rythu Bima Insurance Scheme: Current Season Statistics

In the 2023-24 insurance season, which ends on August 14, 23,629 farmers have died. The government has compensated the families of 22,483 deceased farmers, amounting to ₹1,124.15 crores, at a rate of ₹5 lakhs per family. However, compensation of ₹72.05 crores is still pending for the families of 1,441 farmers due to various reasons. With 25 days remaining in the current season, the death toll is expected to rise further.

District-Wise Death Toll

The highest number of farmer deaths has been reported in Sangareddy district, with 1,359 fatalities. This is followed by Nalgonda (1,284 deaths), Kamareddy (1,272 deaths), and Medak (1,268 deaths). In total, more than a thousand farmers have died in 8 out of the 32 districts where Rythu Bima is implemented.

Six Years of Rythu Bima: A Grim Overview

Since its inception on August 15, 2018, the Rythu Bima scheme has seen a total of 1,31,680 farmer deaths. The annual statistics are as follows:

• 2018-19: 17,666 deaths
• 2019-20: 19,020 deaths
• 2020-21: 29,070 deaths
• 2021-22: 23,093 deaths
• 2022-23: 19,202 deaths
• 2023-24: 23,629 deaths (up to July 19)

This staggering number of deaths highlights the dire situation faced by farmers in Telangana, whether they are new to agriculture or have been in the sector for years.

Upcoming Insurance Season: New Registrations and Renewals

The registration for the 2024-25 Rythu Bima insurance season is open until August 5. Farmers across Telangana, especially those aged 18 to 59 years with Pattadaru passbooks, are encouraged to apply. As of June 28 this year, 3.22 lakh farmers have received new Pattadaru passbooks and are eligible for insurance. Additionally, ROFR farmers with new rights have until August 5 to apply for the scheme.

Anticipated Increase in Insurance Registrations

The number of insured farmers is expected to rise significantly with new registrations, potentially adding 5 lakh farmers this year. Details of these farmers will be uploaded by Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) on the Rythu Bima portals. Meanwhile, farmers who have reached the age of 60 will be removed from the scheme, and 45.13 lakh eligible farmers must renew their insurance by July 30. Last year, the government paid an insurance premium of ₹3,600 per farmer to LIC. The premium amount for this year will be decided soon.

Conclusion

The Rythu Bima scheme provides crucial financial support, offering ₹5 lakhs to the families of farmers who die due to natural causes. However, the high mortality rate among farmers calls for urgent attention and effective measures to address the underlying issues contributing to these deaths.

Mortality Statistics of Farmers under Rythu Bima Scheme

• 2018-19: 17,666 deaths
• 2019-20: 19,020 deaths
• 2020-21: 29,070 deaths
• 2021-22: 23,093 deaths
• 2022-23: 19,202 deaths
• 2023-24: 23,629 deaths (up to July 19)

Total: 1,31,680 deaths in six years