The Evidence of Extreme Distress of the Present Agricultural System and Preventive Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25175/jrd/2025/v44/i1/173241Keywords:
Agrarian Distress, Indebtedness, Social Pressure, Farmers’ SuicidesAbstract
Agriculture holds a significant position within the Indian economy, exerting a notable influence on the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers. Recent shifts, including the rise of commercial crops and an increase in leased cultivation, have led to unintended effects such as indiscriminate use of chemicals, f inancial exclusion, and social marginalisation. These factors have deepened farmers’ alienation from society and institutions, contributing to severe distress and, in some cases, resorting to extreme measures like suicide. This article aims to delve into the multifaceted factors - agrarian, social, and economic elements that drive agrarian distress and influence farmers, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, to take their lives. The study encompasses 200 households affected by farm suicides (FS) and 200 households in a comparison group (CG). It sheds light on the disparities in socioeconomic status, access to information, livelihood diversification, indebtedness, and the support received from local institutions between FS and CG households. In light of these findings, the article advocates for a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders engaged in agriculture, rural development, panchayat systems, health, education, and social development. Such a concerted approach is deemed necessary to address the underlying issues contributing to agrarian distress and prevent further tragedies within farming communities.
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