Hyderabad: Consumption of pesticides and insecticides is the most common method used to commit suicide in the state, according to data with the National Crime Records Bureau and the state police. One in three persons chose this method to end their life. Records show that 3,390 persons ended their lives by consuming pesticides and insecticides last year, up from about 3,300 in 2015, most of them in rural areas. Pesticides are easily accessible to farmers due to the nature of their profession. Hanging and self-immolation are some of the other methods that are used for suicides.
The largest number of suicides in the state was reported from the agriculture sector, followed by business, housewives and students. A recent report published by the World Health Organisation also noted that pesticide poisoning was the most common method of committing suicide all over India. The report suggested that impulsive suicides were made possible by the easy availability of deadly pesticides and insecticides.
Dr Diana Monteiro, a psychologist, said, ”People who commit suicide do so to escape a problem they cannot solve. More women attempt suicide but more men succeed in taking their own lives.” He said, “Women in general choose ways like pills but men go for more lethal methods like guns or jumping in front of a train.” An expert said there are two ways to reduce the number of suicides due to pesticide consumption: Encourage manufacturers to improve the safety aspect of their products and counsel all vulnerable groups to strongly discourage impulsive suicides.
