Farmer Distress - Is suicide an option?

Photo taken in Bunagaon village, Kondagaon Tehsil, Bastar - Chhattisgarh

I am typing this at 4 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon, comfortably seated in my chair after having eaten a scrumptiously prepared meal by my mother. Despite being under lockdown, life is indeed very comfortable and I cannot complain at all. 

But let's take a step back and think about all those journeys we made to the rural hinterlands of India, where we saw fruits ripen on trees, and organic vegetables grow in the paddy fields. Let's think about how we enjoyed photographing those fruits and veggies and spreading information on the benefits of consuming organic foods as opposed to those available in the Sabzi Mandi. Think of all the apples, oranges and bananas we were easily able to buy off shelves wherever we went and however remote we travelled.

And now let's talk about the rate at which farmers MAY commit suicide because they are unable to sell their produce as a result of which their families MAY die of starvation. Farmers all across the country are in a state of panic because the ripening fruits and vegetables are beginning to rot because Mandi operations have almost stopped. Labour cannot reach farms and orchards due to transport bottlenecks.

This is the time for harvest. Fruits like watermelons that have been stored in godowns and warehouses would have to be thrown away if they don't reach the market within 3-4 days of being harvested. The Centre keeps saying that essential services will be provided. However, states are not allowing farmers to harvest. 

The losses to farmers are in millions of rupees. The situation is grave. Very very grave. What will they do if their produce doesn't reach the markets? How will their families survive? When will the relief package promised by the government reach any of them? Who will take care of this humanitarian crisis. The poor are getting poorer. 

We need to question the government at every single point. What is the government doing really? Asking the damn world to light diyas and clap for frontline workers? Really now, is this how we show solidarity? 

The answer is NO! We need to find solutions look after the millions of farmers out there who might be at the verge of suicide. Farmer suicide is not an uncommon issue in India. Millions have committed suicide in the past and they may see themselves die either due to starvation or COVID-19.