Farm loan waivers do bring respite to debt-ridden farmers. But is it the only solution?
THE NEW Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has kept its promise of waiving farm loans. For a state worst-hit by demonetisation as well as multiple crop losses in recent years, the news is definitely a welcome one. Also, as the winter crop is expected to be a bumper one, farmers can hope for better conditions in the near future.
But will it be a definite turn for good in farmers’ lives? More than that, is farm waiver the only solution to the many ills that afflict Indian farmers? These are questions that need urgent probing as media reports point towards a number of state governments replicating the UP decision. In southern India, which is reeling from a severe drought, there are strong demands for farm loan waivers. The Union government is under pressure to declare a universal farm loan waiver like that of 2008. Many states are going to face elections to legislative assemblies and there will be the general election in less than 24 months. So the government is reportedly seriously examining such a waiver. If that happens, India will be doing so for the fifth time since Independence.
Bu hikaye Down To Earth dergisinin April 16, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Down To Earth dergisinin April 16, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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
