Aurangabad: In Maharashtra, while Vidarbha is known for farmer suicides, it is not uncommon in Marathwada region also.
The region has witnessed 574 farmer suicides from January 1, 2015, a death toll that is much higher than that recorded in the last few years. While Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has started his padayatra from Vidarbha, neighbouring Marathwada is slowly becoming epicentre of such tragedies.
The Javale-Adgaon village is about 40 km from Aurangabad and was known for its sweet lime orchards. Omprakash too had planted 600 sweet lime trees six years ago by taking loan of Rs 4 lakh for his 2.5 acre of land.
But four consecutive dry spells pushed him to bankruptcy. He even sold his house to raise money but in vain. The Aurangabad, Jalana, Nanded belt was once popular for its sweet lime plantation. However, the orchards of over 5,000 acre have dried up in last four years forcing many farmers to end life.
