Unlucky Anantapur Farmers

Farmers in the district of Anantapur and nearby areas were very happy before few days. The happy moments are rare for the farmers of this region because of successive crop failure due to erratic rainfall. This region is one of the driest regions of the country after Rajasthan.

Farmers were very happy because after about 7-8 years the groundnut crop was good due of timely rainfall. They were dreaming of fulfilling their aspirations which were due from many years. They were dreaming of repairing the old houses, paying the debts which were borrowed for agriculture, children’s education and family needs. Some were even thinking of marrying off their daughters this year – All depending on groundnut crop alone.

All these dreams were shattered suddenly at the last moment. The crop affected badly immediately after the harvest because of continuous rains due to cyclone for more than a week. The colour, taste and oil content of the groundnut has affected on which the price is dependent. The fodder is unsuitable as cattle feed because of rotting and change in colour. Some farmers were able to harvest early and form the heap. Even this is being affected partially because of insufficient drying and continues rains.

Not only the nature even the market is affecting their dreams. The price of groundnut which was about the Rs.2500 per quintal a month ago has suddenly dropped to around Rs.2000 per quintal on arrival of new crop. One cannot imagine the support the farmers are getting for groundnut crop from government. The minimum support price (MSP) announced by the government is not even nearer to reality. The present MSP is only around Rs.1500 from which farmers cannot even cover their production costs.

Farmers affected by nature and market lost all their hopes. The government is also not making enough effort to help them. Even they don’t have the option of insurance coverage to take care of risk due to excessive rains. How can the farmers realize their dreams when neglected by all? Many farmers have lost interest in agriculture. They are continuing agriculture as they don’t have other options. They don’t want their children to be in agriculture. Previously farmers used to suffer due to insufficient rainfall but this time due to the same rainfall in excess quantities unseasonally and made them unlucky once again.

One can imagine the sufferings of farmers by one of the incidents I come across. When I called up my parents last week the only thing my father talked is about the rainfall and crop spoilage. No mention of my studies or health when the son has called up after long time from more than 1000 km away!!!!!!!