The worst affected in India's farm crisis are small, marginal and tenant farmers. It's time to strengthen their hands
AGRARIAN DISTRESS is not limited to a single year or a particular place in India. Even in the highly productive East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, paddy farmers suffered losses in 19 out of 36 years, which forced them to declare crop holidays from time to time. In 2011, farmers declared crop holiday on a massive 40,468 hectares. Such acute farm distress often results in suicides. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, at least 8,007 farmers in the country killed themselves in 2016 alone.
To provide succour to farmers, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh had earlier announced loan waivers. Though such a measure provides immediate relief, studies show that frequent loan waivers are not a solution for indebtedness, which accounts for 40 per cent of farmer suicides. In the long run, waivers discourage repayment by those who can afford to pay back. There is another drawback. Due to low repayment rates, banks either stop giving loans, especially to smallscale, marginal and tenant farmers, or use tactics like delayed sanctions, high collaterals and reduction in the loan quantum.
This leaves them at mercy of loan sharks
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits
DIGGING A DISASTER
Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag
TROUBLED WOODS
Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health
BLINDING GLOW
The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.
GROUND REALITY
What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.
Vinchurni's Gandhi
A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara
