Maharashtra farmer dies by suicide over irrigation issues

A farmer in Maharashtra, Kailash Nagre, who received an award for his agricultural work, died by suicide due to irrigation issues and debt in the drought-hit Vidarbha region. His death highlights ongoing struggles faced by farmers in the area. Nagre, 43, left a note expressing distress over inadequate irrigation and financial burdens from crop failures. He had been actively protesting for water access and had recently staged a hunger strike. His death has sparked outrage among local farmers. The region continues to face an agrarian crisis, with many farmers struggling with low crop prices and high debt. In 2024, 722 farmers in Vidarbha reportedly died by suicide, underscoring the severity of the situation.