Farmers’ Suicide and Coping Strategies of the Farm Families
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Date
2017-06
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University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad
Abstract
A study on farmers’ suicide and coping strategies of the farm families of Dharwad district is conducted during the year 2016-17 with the objective to analyze the socio-economic status, stress and coping strategies of the deceased farm families and to study the impact of the need based capacity building programmes. The sample of the study comprised of 50 deceased farm families. The data was collected from the respondents by using pre-tested structured interview schedule, perceived stress scale and stress index questionnaire. Appropriate statistical techniques like correlation and paired‘t’ test were used to depict the results. The results revealed that majority of the respondents belonged to middle age group, living in joint families, possessed small land holdings with an annual income upto Rs. 25,000/- and fell under lower middle socio-economic status. Majority of the victim farmers were more than 50 years and free from health problems. They have committed suicide due to the failure of crops, low yield and indebtedness. After the suicide of the farmer majority of the families were engaged in dry land farming, as irrigation sources are unavailable. Majority of the family members faced problem of participation in social functions, helplessness, hopelessness, loneliness and due to sudden death of the family head they were under high stress. To overcome the stress majority of them talked with others and engaged in one or other work. Majority of the families have got support from the government. Majority of the respondents showed interest to undergo training on income generating activities. There was significantly higher gain in knowledge from the training on income generating activities. All the respondents suggested to provide irrigation facility and fix remunerative prices for their farm produce from the government.