The Maharashtra government is mulling to set up 10-12 member committees in every village across the state which will work towards preventing farmers' suicides, the Legislative Council was informed today.

Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse, while replying to a query during the Question Hour told the Council that a total of 17,645 farmers have committed suicides between 2001 to December 2014.

"The number of farmers committing suicides is humiliating and a matter of grave concern. Nobody can say for sure that farmer suicides will completely stop, but a lot can be done if everybody works together. To help these farmers, a committee of 10-12 people, consisting of gram sevaks, doctors, educated people, etc will be made in every village, who will take care of farmers and their families," Khadse said.

He said this committee will periodically visit farmers to gauge their mental condition, help them with issues like taking loans and family marriage functions.