Farmers' suicide and debt waiver - An action plan for agricultural development of Maharashtra

In the context of an alarming increase in the farmers’ suicide, the Government of Maharashtra announced a Special Package of Rs. 1,075 crore for six districts of Western Vidarbha (December, 2005). Subsequently, Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh announced a comprehensive Package of Rs.3,750 crore for development of agriculture and allied sectors in Vidarbha (July, 2006). This Committee was appointed by the Government of Maharashtra in November 2007, initially for evaluation of these two Packages. Subsequently, following the announcement of the Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, 2008, the Government of Maharashtra expanded the Terms of Reference for this Committee to include, importantly, preparation of a Comprehensive Action Plan for the entire State of Maharashtra. In the light of the expanded Terms of Reference, the Committee is now presenting its Report herewith.