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During recent few decades we witness frequent news of suicides of farmers. It all started from Vidarbha and now spreading almost all over the country. It is usually assumed that the reasons are economic and because the farmers failed to pa back loan they resort to this unfortunate step.

Let us analyze in general about these unfortunate incidences. It all started from Vidarbha followed by Andhra Pradesh. All farmers during initial period were Cotton growers. These unfortunate incidences reported and became almost epidemic only after introduction of GM seeds and terminating seeds by MNC's supported by Government with plea that productivity will increase. These cases of suicides were not reported amongst cotton growers of Haryana and Gujarat where GM seeds were not introduced.

Before we started green revolution during first 5 year plan we followed traditional mixed cropping pattern. New era and scientific application made us to adopt monocropping and use of chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides. No doubt these steps made India self sufficient in food, but with heavy subsidy on fertilizers and pesticides.

The subsidy made deficit budget and farmers needed administrative support to as Government had to procure with support price. Thus started era of deficit budgeting and subsidized operations.

Mixed cropping used to help farmers to sustain independently and if right mixed crops were chosen one crop used to act as pesticide for another thus reducing pesticide expenses. Recent report says suicides cases are on increase in West Bengal farmers too after installation of new Government since they failed to procure the the harvested crop. Traditional mixed cropping would have made different story.

Therefore it is necessary to think and adopt right approach for future planning. We must think of mixed cropping pattern, organic agriculture and say no to GM.

FARMERS SUICIDE IN INDIA - IHRC.pdf