Even
after Sixty-Seven (67) years of India’s independence, there is no change in the
life of a farmer. Extreme poverty, debts and hopelessness is taking a heavy
toll on the farmers in many states of India pushing them to the edge. Leaving
them with no options but end their lives and leave their families in shambles.
When would this end? Do the Indian farmers have a choice? Are they eligible to live a dignified life? These questions need immediate answers and its not just our politicians who need to answer but all of us.
Farmers have committed suicide in the past before independence and the post independence scenario does not look good either. The situation is grimmer than before. However, we cannot blame the foreign ruler any more who ruined the country, particularly the farmers. Now, India is independent and the onus rest on its citizens, to protect their agricultural interests and the farmers. What are we doing about this?
“With Great Freedom, Comes Great Responsibilities”
The Bihar elections are round the corner. As usual, we hear our politicians making promises like eradicating poverty, pushing positive reforms for growth, announcing exuberant packages etc. Above all, we hear load noise on issues of farmers committing suicide in many parts of India, particularly in Vidarbha region in Maharashtra. Its not new for us to hear the buzz about farmers, their causes etc during election times. Are our politicians and we, serious about finding solution this problem?
A new study published in Hindustan Times a few days back about the reason farmers commit suicide in certain regions such as Vidarbha is really shocking and disturbing. It takes a debt of just Rs. 10,000 for a farmer to take the extreme step of killing himself. Is there any way could they have averted this situation?
Here are few points I thought would help them in many ways.
Educate the Farmers
While reading the Hindustan Times article, I came to know that the main crops farmers in Vidarbha usually grow are “Cotton”, “Soya Beans” and “Oranges”. “Cotton” is grown in many parts of India and its one of the crops (out of many other) that requires huge amount of water. Unless you have abundant source of water, growing cotton could be a risky business. Correct me if I am wrong.
This is one example and there are many. It is the responsibility of the Government and NGOs to educate the farmer about what crop a farmer should grow keeping in mind the natural resources available at that part of the region.
Quality education is still limited to the Cities in India and very less emphasis is given to education in the rural areas, and this where are the country’s farmer live. Proper education can make them aware of their region, type of soil, quality of the seeds, limit of pesticides required (specified), climatic conditions etc. Like an early warning system, the MET department must share information about the weather with the farmers, through the Village Panchayat, giving them enough time to make some important decisions to save the standing crop, in particular.
This would help them thrive in the farming business. They will be well aware of their rights and the rules while dealing with local lenders and banks, if the farmers depend on them for loans and other facilities.
Public and private sectors banks must extend their help to the farmers, not by simply clearing the loan application in time, also taking an initiative in educating the farmers, their rights and judicious utilization of the fund for farming. The banks would also benefit in the form of good returns if the farmers can raise a good harvest. Treat, help and invest in the agriculture sector, as any other industry that would give rich dividends.
Improve Water Storage Facilities and Supplies
As I said, water is an essential part of farming. Traditionally, farmers are dependent on local wells and small tanks to pull water to cultivate their lands. This resources dependent on the amount of rain nature showers particularly during the monsoon. The changes in the climate that we have witnessed recently have made it difficult to predict how much a rain a region would expect.
Therefore, we need to find solutions to store water by creating huge tanks and reservoirs, like the one we see in the cities. Apply modern method of rainwater harvesting. Stopping the industries from sucking out excess ground water would help save precious water for cultivation.
It is high time we look upon possibilities of connecting the rivers with each other. This is a Hercules job. Every state in the country must understand and cooperate in the idea of centralizing water resources. In this way, you can divert surplus water in the rivers from one region (to avoid flooding) to another region that is experiencing acute water shortage.
However, states must leave aside their petty differences with each other and think united for the benefit of the farmers.
I personally appreciate the efforts and the zeal shown by an Indian actor “Nana Partekar” recently, who came forward in extending a helping hand to the widows of the farmers who committed suicide. This is a very bold step and we don’t see these kind of initiatives very often. I wish many like his stature, from the movie industry and corporate world, would come forward to help the farmers. However, it is the job and responsibility of the countries Government (Central and State) to ensure that the farmers get their dues and the necessary support, material and financial, to excel.
I honestly request to our politicians to shun the blame game on each other, for who made a bigger mess of the farmer’s life and livelihood. Rather, all parties and the ruling Governments in the state and the center must unite and bring hope and peace to these helpless farmers, who bend their backs, so we don’t have to depend on outside help, such as, importing food. Find concrete steps to improve the methods of cultivation, give the farmers proper education and support, so you don’t have think about waiving their debts and treat them like assets.
We have all the resources required to bring enormous growth to our agriculture sector. However, we must first unite and extend our unconditional help to the farmers, to give them hope.
Kanai Lal Banik (Retd.)
Indian Navy
When would this end? Do the Indian farmers have a choice? Are they eligible to live a dignified life? These questions need immediate answers and its not just our politicians who need to answer but all of us.
Farmers have committed suicide in the past before independence and the post independence scenario does not look good either. The situation is grimmer than before. However, we cannot blame the foreign ruler any more who ruined the country, particularly the farmers. Now, India is independent and the onus rest on its citizens, to protect their agricultural interests and the farmers. What are we doing about this?
“With Great Freedom, Comes Great Responsibilities”
The Bihar elections are round the corner. As usual, we hear our politicians making promises like eradicating poverty, pushing positive reforms for growth, announcing exuberant packages etc. Above all, we hear load noise on issues of farmers committing suicide in many parts of India, particularly in Vidarbha region in Maharashtra. Its not new for us to hear the buzz about farmers, their causes etc during election times. Are our politicians and we, serious about finding solution this problem?
A new study published in Hindustan Times a few days back about the reason farmers commit suicide in certain regions such as Vidarbha is really shocking and disturbing. It takes a debt of just Rs. 10,000 for a farmer to take the extreme step of killing himself. Is there any way could they have averted this situation?
Here are few points I thought would help them in many ways.
Educate the Farmers
While reading the Hindustan Times article, I came to know that the main crops farmers in Vidarbha usually grow are “Cotton”, “Soya Beans” and “Oranges”. “Cotton” is grown in many parts of India and its one of the crops (out of many other) that requires huge amount of water. Unless you have abundant source of water, growing cotton could be a risky business. Correct me if I am wrong.
This is one example and there are many. It is the responsibility of the Government and NGOs to educate the farmer about what crop a farmer should grow keeping in mind the natural resources available at that part of the region.
Quality education is still limited to the Cities in India and very less emphasis is given to education in the rural areas, and this where are the country’s farmer live. Proper education can make them aware of their region, type of soil, quality of the seeds, limit of pesticides required (specified), climatic conditions etc. Like an early warning system, the MET department must share information about the weather with the farmers, through the Village Panchayat, giving them enough time to make some important decisions to save the standing crop, in particular.
This would help them thrive in the farming business. They will be well aware of their rights and the rules while dealing with local lenders and banks, if the farmers depend on them for loans and other facilities.
Public and private sectors banks must extend their help to the farmers, not by simply clearing the loan application in time, also taking an initiative in educating the farmers, their rights and judicious utilization of the fund for farming. The banks would also benefit in the form of good returns if the farmers can raise a good harvest. Treat, help and invest in the agriculture sector, as any other industry that would give rich dividends.
Improve Water Storage Facilities and Supplies
As I said, water is an essential part of farming. Traditionally, farmers are dependent on local wells and small tanks to pull water to cultivate their lands. This resources dependent on the amount of rain nature showers particularly during the monsoon. The changes in the climate that we have witnessed recently have made it difficult to predict how much a rain a region would expect.
Therefore, we need to find solutions to store water by creating huge tanks and reservoirs, like the one we see in the cities. Apply modern method of rainwater harvesting. Stopping the industries from sucking out excess ground water would help save precious water for cultivation.
It is high time we look upon possibilities of connecting the rivers with each other. This is a Hercules job. Every state in the country must understand and cooperate in the idea of centralizing water resources. In this way, you can divert surplus water in the rivers from one region (to avoid flooding) to another region that is experiencing acute water shortage.
However, states must leave aside their petty differences with each other and think united for the benefit of the farmers.
I personally appreciate the efforts and the zeal shown by an Indian actor “Nana Partekar” recently, who came forward in extending a helping hand to the widows of the farmers who committed suicide. This is a very bold step and we don’t see these kind of initiatives very often. I wish many like his stature, from the movie industry and corporate world, would come forward to help the farmers. However, it is the job and responsibility of the countries Government (Central and State) to ensure that the farmers get their dues and the necessary support, material and financial, to excel.
I honestly request to our politicians to shun the blame game on each other, for who made a bigger mess of the farmer’s life and livelihood. Rather, all parties and the ruling Governments in the state and the center must unite and bring hope and peace to these helpless farmers, who bend their backs, so we don’t have to depend on outside help, such as, importing food. Find concrete steps to improve the methods of cultivation, give the farmers proper education and support, so you don’t have think about waiving their debts and treat them like assets.
We have all the resources required to bring enormous growth to our agriculture sector. However, we must first unite and extend our unconditional help to the farmers, to give them hope.
- The points that I have mentioned in this article, are my personal opinion.
Thank you.
Indian Navy
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