The Plight of Indian Farmers:

Ever wondered, why someone who owns acres of land back in his village, opt for a slum dwelling in a Metro or even taking such a drastic step like suicide?

The main reason behind the plight of Indian farmers is that there is no one to represent them. All our politicians and bureaucrats have lost there touch from the rural India. I remember one instance of our president addressing the parliament last year. She was referring to then souring prices of farm produce and convincing the house that due to this our farmers are getting benefited. Now find the facts from one illustration from below:

Around 25 years ago, the cost to produce one kg of potato was around 70 paise and farmers used to get Rs.2 to Rs.2.5/kg. In retail it was available for around Rs.5/kg.

Today, the cost to produce one kg of potato is Rs.2.5/kg. The farmers are still getting RS. 2 to Rs.2.5/kg. In retail, it is available for around Rs. 10 to 15/kg.

Now, who is always making money- The greedy middle men. Our faulty policies and corrupt system are encouraging this. For other farm produces, scenario is not much different. I challenge you, go and ask the question “What it takes to produce and what the farmer gets” to any politician or any bureaucrats from agriculture ministry, you will be thoroughly disappointed.

You can understand what the options left to farmers in current scenario and this is the reason we are here today, where China used to be in 1980. All the educated people from rural India, who could have influenced the policy making, have been migrated to cities.

My point of view for a better scenario:

1. Abolish all type of subsidies, since it contributes to corruption and hardly addresses the issues, it is meant for.

2. Allocate proper fund for world class storage facilities for perishable farm produces across the country.

3. There should be insurance facility for all type of farming.

4. Effective and transparent public distribution system so that difference between farmer’s selling price and end user’s purchasing price should not be more than 100%.

5. The state should guarantee a minimum purchase price for each farm produce taking into consideration of cost to produce.

6. The money saved from abolishment of subsidies, could be used for this purpose.

7. Heavy investment and encouragement from state for modern farming techniques, machinery and research work.

In era of such a staggering corruption and extravaganza like lakhs of crores just for games, the above demand from farm sector can be well justified.

Hope better future for farm sector!