India, Oct. 27 -- Over eight farmers died by suicide every day in Maharashtra between January 2022 and June 2026, according to official data released under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Figures provided by the state government's relief and rehabilitation department show that 13,128 farmers took their own lives during this 54-month period, an average of more than 250 deaths every month.

Of the total cases recorded, 8,145 were found eligible for the state's ex-gratia compensation of Rs.1 lakh for surviving family members. A further 4,042 applications were rejected on various technical grounds, whilst 941 cases remain under scrutiny.

Even among those deemed eligible, support has lagged: 7,850 families have received the Rs.1 lakh pay...