2 farmers died by suicide in Odisha since Jan 2025: Minister in Assembly

Odisha government acknowledged on Wednesday that two farmers have ended their lives since January 2025. These incidents occurred in the districts of Sambalpur and Kendrapara, according to official statements.

Also Read: 2 farmers die of ‘shock’ in Odisha due to crop damage in unseasonal rains

The Deputy CM and Agriculture Minister KV Singh Deo made this disclosure in response to a query by Basta MLA Subasini Jena in the Legislative Assembly.

Worth mentioning, a 2025 Odisha-specific study has found 74 percent of surveyed farmers exhibited depression symptoms, with 31 percent experiencing severe depression. Chronic debt, crop failures, and lack of safety nets contribute to deteriorating mental health, creating a vulnerable population with limited access to counselling services.

Political accountability and institutional failures

The NHRC issued notices to Odisha and central governments in January 2025 over inadequate action on suicide prevention. Opposition parties allege over 10,000 suicides under BJD-BJP regimes, prompting Congress to launch a farmer outreach task force. Local officials often avoid commenting on the deaths by suicide.

Recent suicides linked to crop loss

Two recent cases highlight the crisis: Ratnakar Bhoi (57) in Sambalpur consumed pesticide after losing 70% of his paddy yield to erratic rainfall, leaving Rs 1.05 Lakh in unpaid loans. Another farmer in Kendrapara died in January 2025 after unseasonal rains destroyed his crops. Both cases reflect acute financial distress exacerbated by climate volatility.

Regional vulnerability patterns

While Maharashtra remains India's worst-affected state, Odisha shows emerging risk factors such as small landholdings (2 acres in Bhoi's case), cash crop dependence, and minimal irrigation access. The 2025 studies suggest Odisha's suicide rates may be underreported compared to national data.

Must Read: 11 deaths so far: Is Odisha turning into a death bed for farmers?

Systemic loan burden and climate pressures

Farmers rely on high-interest loans from private lenders and banks for inputs like seeds and equipment. Climate shocks (erratic rainfall, unseasonal storms) amplify risks, with 50-70% yield losses reported in recent cases. This combination traps farmers in cycles of debt and despair.