Problem Of Plenty

Another bumper crop and more subdued prices spell further doom for farmers struggling to stay afloat in tough times.

- Laxmi Devi

The agriculture sector is all set to repeat the last year's record foodgrain production of over 275 million tonnes (mt) in the ongoing 2017-18 crop year (July-June) following good rains. However, farmers' woes may continue if prices crash below the support price.

Some States, including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, have announced around Rs 90,000-crore farm loan waivers to save their farmers, who have been reeling under the stress of low prices. Meanwhile, the Centre's steps to address short-term stress in the farm sector do not seem to have made much of a difference.

Experts have warned that a "crisis is brewing" in the agriculture sector as farmers' income has been hit badly in the last two years despite bumper crops. They have urged the Centre to take immediate steps to boost the farm economy and save farmers from the crisis.

Notwithstanding the growing farmers' distress, the government has been asserting that the sector has been doing "quite well". It has been arguing that things are changing at the ground level on account of several policy measures and their full impact will be seen in the next six to eight months.

Govt unfazed

"We have done quite well this year. There are certain challenges, and we are addressing them. We are committed to farmers' welfare," notes Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh. He also claims that efforts are being made to reduce the cost of production and double farmers' income by 2022 by promoting integrated farming in a big way.