Mixed bag for State's farmers

''Research in agriculture might have grown manifold. But do we have an invention that can produce grains and pulses in factories? Efforts to eradicate hunger and create interest in agriculture should happen simultaneously,'' farm scientist Mallanna Nagaral questions the relevance of the Global Agri-Investors’ Meet held in Bangalore at the beginning of this month.

The meet might have enhanced the credit flow to the agricultural sector, but will it help farmers in any way?

This year left its own footprints on the agriculture sector in the State. Farmers of Halligudi in Gadag who were dreaming of a good harvest after the first phase of Singatalur Lift Irrigation project was complete, were shocked to realise that the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board, the mandated agency of the State government, wanted to acquire more than 3,000 acres for a major steel plant. Farmers’ opposition that gained momentum with support from a cross-section of society, ultimately forcing the government to withdraw its decision, will be remembered for many reasons. Farmers, particularly small and marginal, firmly opposed such a proposal.

Farmers did not take the bargain that one person from the family will get a job in the company. “Where should the others go? Our farm offers employment to the entire family and takes care of our life,” was the refrain. Women farmers knew how difficult life would be once they would lose their land. They were sure that the compensation based on the prevailing market price would not match the loss. The family would blow up the big amount in a few years’ time and then end up becoming agricultural labourers. The land ensured them a decent meal every day.

Surprisingly, a group of farmers, particularly men, came forward to give up their land. What made them do this is not known. In a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, even if a single farmer decides to sell his land out of desperation, that has to be considered seriously. But unfortunately, we never go beyond the numbers and data to look into their daily agonies. The entire episode brought to the forefront the dilemmas and the confusion within the farming community. Farmers losing land in the name of development has become the norm in recent times. Thousands of farmers across Karnataka are worried about their land being notified for acquisition to start industrial projects. 

Migration

Migration has been a regular phenomenon in North Karnataka. The impact of climate change is clear in the recent years, particularly so, this year. Ninety-nine (out of a total of 176) taluks in the State have been declared drought-hit.

The coastal and Malnad region suffered incessant rain. Farmers are still waiting for relief measures. With the change in cropping pattern from food to cash crops, farmers have lost their drought-proof agricultural practices. This change, which shrunk food diversity, has taken a toll on the nutrition levels of farmers. Fodder scarcity is another outcome.

The year also saw farmers’ delegations demanding reasonable prices for their produce.

Sugarcane, paddy cultivation and sericulture are all facing production, processing and marketing problems. Reports of people dying of hunger and food grains found rotten in the godowns followed. A committed effort to get to the root and solve the problem can bring justice to the growers. When the State formed the Organic Farming Mission, expectations were high. Today, three years after it has come into existence, two basic requirements – organic seed bank and organic outlet in every taluk – are yet to be implemented. On the positive side, there are many farmers who are making life self-reliant through sustainable farming. Diverse, indigenous cropping pattern, value-addition and direct marketing have brought contentment to the farmers.

The problem of labour has hit agricultural activities. This has lead to mechanisation of agriculture. This is more visible in crops like areca and paddy. Farmers’ initiatives in introducing necessary machinery have proved to be successful. Efforts are on to have crop-based, need-based and customised equipment.

The State also saw continued agitations against the entry of GM crops. Media and civil society organisations facilitated awareness campaigns about various developments that affect agriculture like quarries, sand and water mining. The recent phenomenon of ‘farm tourism’ has also raised many apprehensions among farmers. A comment that villages have become ‘old age homes’ cannot be denied. The younger generation is attracted towards urban centres and life there, because they feel left out in rural areas. Urban society should make efforts to connect with the farming community which provides us with the most basic necessity of life – food. The government should understand that agriculture is not just another economic activity. The farming community needs compassion and respect.