A tragic incident has unfolded in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, where a government-honored farmer took his own life. Kailas Nagre, a 43-year-old farmer who received the ‘Young Farmer Award’ from the Maharashtra government in 2020, was found dead in his field on Thursday morning. His suicide note highlighted the severe water crisis affecting farmers in the region.

Last month, Nagre had staged a five-day hunger strike demanding a solution to the water shortage, but no action was taken. In his final words, he insisted that his body should not be removed until the issue was resolved. His death raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of government policies and promises in addressing farmers’ struggles.

Farmer suicides in Maharashtra are on the rise, with worrying statistics emerging every year. While the government claims to support farmers, the real question remains—can awards alone save their lives?