Farmer's welfare reimagined

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-08-25 22:52:57 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-29 16:39:32

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Farmer distress needs a new, holistic approach beyond loan waivers

Farm loan waivers have aggregated 4.7 lakh crore over the last decade. Yet, farmers continue to struggle, with many even taking their own lives due to mounting debts. Despite loan waivers, farmland ownership eligibility means many farmers are excluded from benefits, leaving them to borrow from moneylenders at high interest rates.

The central government has increased its outlay for farmer-related schemes, but the rural sector crisis persists. A new approach is needed, focusing on modernizing agriculture through precision farming.

Innovations like hiring equipment and AI-based technologies for fertilization and crop protection offer a solution. These would result in higher yields and better-quality products. The government should subsidize these services and incentivize companies offering them.

Examples like drip irrigation for rice cultivation show 50% water savings and a 78% reduction in methane emission. Subsidizing farmers to transition to this method would have significant benefits. The government should also increase infrastructure developments, including improving irrigation canals, storage, and warehousing facilities.

Past experiences show that the Modi government is not afraid to take difficult decisions in the country's best interest. It's time to rethink and transform farmer welfare, starting with the upcoming Budget.

Conclusion: Farmer's welfare is a pressing issue that needs reimagination beyond loan waivers, which have aggregated to 4.7 lakh crore over the last decade. Traditional approaches have failed to address the crisis, and it is time for innovative solutions. Modernizing agriculture through precision farming and service-based approaches could be key, along with infrastructure improvements. The government should subsidize and incentivize these practices to help farmers and ensure India's food security. The upcoming Budget can be a starting point to transform farmer welfare.

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