Farmers in Maharashtra are facing a difficult time. Even as the monsoon season continues, many areas have not received enough rain. This has caused great worry among farmers, who fear their hard work and money spent on sowing might go to waste.
Historically, farmers’ voices have been loud. In the 1980s, farmer leader Sharad Joshi and his groups protested strongly. They said government policies were hurting farmers. Today, farmers feel the same way. Despite changes in government, the issues faced by farmers remain. It seems there is a lack of focus on farming problems by those in power.
Even a week into the monsoon assembly session, there has been no serious talk about this important issue. Most districts have completed their initial sowing. But with less rain, farmers are distressed. They spent money on preparing their fields and buying expensive seeds. Now, without enough water, their crops are at risk.
In some regions, sowing has not even begun. Farmers there are worried about finding money for seeds and other needs. A heartbreaking example comes from Hadoalti village in Latur. A farming couple there could not afford bullocks. So, they had to pull the plough themselves.
Opposition parties in the assembly are asking the government to keep its promise of loan waivers. But the government has not yet responded to these demands. This year, rain came early in May. This meant farmers had less time to prepare their land. Still, some managed to start sowing. But now, with the rain holding off, they wonder how they will afford a second round of sowing if the first fails.
Statements from ministers like Baban Lonikar and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate have upset farmers. The opposition wants these ministers to apologise. Yet, the government has not commented on this either. Many feel that the political system does not truly understand the pain of farmers, who are the producers of food.
Instead of ensuring fair prices for farmers based on their production costs, the government often brings in schemes that don’t help much. As elections draw near, political parties tend to promise loan waivers and free electricity. Some even advise farmers to try ancient or natural farming methods. But at the same time, the government is not allowing new, improved seeds like herbicide-tolerant varieties. This leaves farmers with fewer choices.
The promise of doubling farmers’ income feels like an insult to them. Now, schemes like Agristack are also being added. Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate recently admitted that fewer people are dependent on farming. He said farming is no longer profitable. He also admitted that the government has failed to make sure farmers get fair prices for their produce. This statement indirectly questions the government’s own policies.
For agriculture to have a good future, the system for selling farm produce must be stronger. Farmers need to produce quality crops at a low cost. Then, they need an effective way to sell them, connecting through a value chain.
The government talks about modernising farming. It promotes research, uses drones for spraying, and offers training. But if it truly wants modern agriculture, why does it deny approval for advanced seed varieties? For example, cotton production can increase with HTBT (herbicide-tolerant) cotton seeds. These seeds should be approved.
Also, the government should allow more export of farm products like wheat, sugar, and soybeans. If global prices are rising, farmers should benefit directly. Decisions like export bans should not stop this. Fair prices for farm produce are key to solving India’s farming crisis.
Across the country, many young people are leaving traditional farming. They are finding jobs in other industries because farming is no longer earning enough money. Many farming families are being displaced, and youth from farming backgrounds are moving towards jobs and businesses. Cities are growing fast, adding to this change.
Farmers are crucial to our society; they feed us all. If they are moving away from farming, the government must act quickly. It is vital to meet the basic needs of farmers. Their main demand is fair prices that cover their costs. Loan waivers help for a short time but are not a long-term solution. Farmers need reliable irrigation systems and constant electricity. With these basic things, farmers can truly make their land productive.
Only when farming brings enough income to cover costs and support their families, will farmers be motivated to continue this vital work. Farmers face many challenges: uncertain rain, costly labour, expensive seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides. They go through these steps with great dedication, facing struggles at every turn. They do not know when or how much it will rain. They are unsure if the seeds they buy are real. They don’t know what price their produce will get in the market. Despite all this, they continue in this often unprofitable job with strength.
But why is farming so often a losing battle? Why do farmers resort to desperate measures? Society, even those not connected to farming, must ask these questions. Only serious attention and holding people responsible can solve this big social problem. Because if farmers stop growing food, what will we all eat?