Words Vikas Parasram Meshram
NEW DELHI (India CSR): India is an agrarian country where the majority of the population is directly connected to agriculture. Around 57% of rural households rely on farming as their primary livelihood. However, agriculture is no longer just a means of livelihood; it has become a crisis-ridden sector. Rising indebtedness, losses due to changing climate conditions, market uncertainties, and inadequate government support have made the lives of Indian farmers increasingly difficult. These challenges affect not only farmers but also the country’s social and economic stability.
Agricultural Income Crisis in India
Despite being a country rooted in agricultural traditions, India is currently facing multiple crises in this sector. On one hand, the rising cost of production and, on the other, declining income from agriculture have trapped farmers in a cycle of distress. According to the NABARD 2021-22 report, the average monthly income of an agricultural household is Rs 13,661, of which only 33% comes from farming. The remaining income comes from secondary sources like small businesses or wage labor. This highlights the fact that farmers find it difficult to sustain themselves on agricultural income alone. Small and marginal farmers bear the brunt of this crisis more severely.
Small and Marginal Farmers’ Struggles
Around 86% of farmers in India fall under the small and marginal category, owning less than two hectares of land. Fragmentation of land due to inheritance has further reduced landholding sizes, resulting in significantly lower incomes for small farmers compared to larger landowners. The smaller the landholding, the higher the production cost, and the lower the profit margin. Moreover, the uncertainties in agriculture and the impact of climate change have pushed farmers deeper into economic distress.
Rising Production Costs and Market Challenges
Indian agriculture is also suffering due to rising production costs. Expenses on chemical fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation water, and machinery have been increasing continuously, reducing farmers’ profitability. Unstable crop prices in the market further aggravate their losses. Often, farmers face difficulties due to middlemen, lack of infrastructure, and limited impact of government procurement schemes, which prevent them from getting fair prices for their hard work.
Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture
Climate change is another major challenge for Indian agriculture. Irregular rainfall, droughts, cyclones, and rising temperatures result in crop losses. Regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha in Maharashtra experience severe droughts, directly affecting farmers’ incomes. Frequently, these climate-driven losses force farmers to take loans, which become difficult to repay.
Debt Burden and Farmer Suicides
The burden of debt on farmers is a critical issue. The average debt of an agricultural household is Rs 91,231, which is seven times their monthly income. Challenges in repaying loans increase mental stress on farmers, often pushing them to take extreme steps like suicide. Since 1995, more than 400,000 farmers have reportedly died by suicide. States like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana are among the most affected.
Green Revolution’s Long-Term Consequences
The Green Revolution in Punjab and Haryana led to a massive increase in food grain production, but it has also started showing negative consequences. Soil fertility has decreased, groundwater levels have dropped, and production costs have risen. Farmers in these states heavily rely on private moneylenders, who charge exorbitant interest rates, further deepening their financial troubles.
Policy Measures for Agricultural Sustainability
To address the ongoing agricultural crisis and improve farmers’ living standards, certain concrete measures need to be implemented. Providing legal backing for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) would ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce. Promoting organic farming and crop diversification can help reduce production costs and support sustainable agriculture.
Water Management and Technological Adoption
Water management is another critical aspect of Indian agriculture. Adopting water conservation methods and micro-irrigation systems can help address water scarcity. Farmers should be encouraged and trained to use modern technology to improve productivity. Agricultural solutions based on technological innovations can lead to higher yields.
Encouraging Supplementary Income Activities
Encouraging supplementary activities like dairy farming, fishery, and poultry farming can boost farmers’ incomes. Additionally, reforms in the agricultural marketing system are necessary to connect farmers directly with markets. Establishing infrastructure in local markets can help farmers gain the full value of their produce.
Loan Restructuring and Financial Literacy
Loan restructuring and effective policies are essential to lift farmers out of the debt trap. Financial literacy programs in rural areas can empower farmers to make better use of government schemes.
Collaborative Efforts for Agricultural Reforms
Agriculture is not just a means of livelihood but the backbone of India’s economic development. To make agriculture a part of a sustainable economy, the government, farmers’ organizations, and civil society must work together. Farmers’ suicides are not merely a response to economic hardship but reflect a complex system of structural and social issues. Addressing these problems requires the implementation of comprehensive policies.
Urgent Need for Sustainable Agricultural Solutions
Indian agriculture is at a crossroads today. Farmers face crises due to climate change, market instability, and rising indebtedness. There is an urgent need for sustainable and effective solutions to overcome these challenges and improve farmers’ quality of life. Without agricultural reforms and improving farmers’ living conditions, India’s sustainable future cannot be realized.
About the Author
Vikas Parasram Meshram is a social worker and activities working towards the rights of tribal and marginalized communities.
(India CSR)
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