As many as 74 farmers have committed suicide in Vidharbha region of Maharashtra and 46 in Andhra Pradesh during the last few months, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Friday.

According to information furnished by the Maharashtra government, up to January 30, 2007, 74 suicides by farmers have been reported from Vidharbha region this year.

The government has sanctioned a rehabilitation package of Rs 3,873.26 crore for six most affected districts of Vidharbha region, Minister of State for Agriculture Kanti Lal Bhuria said in a written reply.

In Andhra Pradesh, 46 farmers have committed suicide during October 2006-January 2007 mainly on account of crop failure, indebtedness due to high interest rates, drought and social and economic insecurity.

A rehabilitation package of Rs 9,650.55 crore has been sanctioned for 16 affected districts of Andhra Pradesh and a sum of Rs 3,255 crore have been released for implementation of the package, the Rajya Sabha was told.