Which State Farmers are Poor in India

The agricultural sector in India, while rich in diversity and culture, faces significant challenges, particularly when it comes to farmer's financial well-being. This piece highlights the stark inequalities in farmer income across different states, drawing on data from the Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

The National Context of Farmer Income

Contrary to popular belief, not all farmers in India have monetized their properties or have direct government partnerships. The Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households, conducted by the NSO MoSPI, has provided valuable insights. Specifically, the 77th round (January 2019-December 2019) with reference to the agricultural year July 2018-June 2019 gave a comprehensive snapshot. Notably, many farmers are still grappling with costs, profit-sharing, and tax obligations, but the regulatory bodies like SEBI are not adequately reaching out to them.

The data reveals that several states predominantly suffer from economic hardships faced by their farmers. Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh are among the states where farmers are the poorest.

State-wise Analysis of Farmer Income

The latest available data from the NSO MoSPI report highlights the following average monthly income per agricultural household in various states:

State/Group of UTs Average Monthly Income (INR) Nagaland 9877 Odisha 5112 Punjab 26701 Rajasthan 1252 Jharkhand 86000 Chhattisgarh 89000 West Bengal 6762 Bihar 7542 Uttar Pradesh 6762

From the above table, it is evident that farmers in Odisha have the lowest average monthly income at INR 5112, closely followed by West Bengal at INR 6762, Bihar at INR 7542, and Uttar Pradesh at INR 6762. In contrast, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, while having higher average incomes, still face significant challenges.

Rural Household Poverty Levels

Some of the poorest rural households are found in states like Madhya Pradesh, Bundelkhand, and other regions such as Chattisgarh, Orissa (Odisha). Marginally farmer households in these regions live below the poverty line, often struggling to make ends meet.

The report highlights that more than half of the marginal farmers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh are struggling despite their marginal status. This stark income disparity is a matter of concern, reflecting the broader socio-economic issues affecting rural farmers.

Comparison with Wealthier States

Amidst this backdrop, the report brings a surprising revelation. Meghalaya, often known for its lush greenery and scenic landscapes, has emerged as the wealthiest state for farmers. The average monthly household nominal income in Meghalaya is a staggering INR 29348, surpassing even the farmers in Punjab, who are generally considered among the wealthiest farmers in the country.

For context, farmers in Punjab earn an average monthly income of INR 26701, making them wealthier than their counterparts in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal but still lagging behind Meghalaya.

Government Indifference and the Way Forward

The overall situation of farmers is concerning, and the report paints a grim picture. Despite various government declarations and initiatives aimed at agricultural development and farmer welfare, the data suggests an evident lack of effective implementation and follow-through. The apathy towards the development index of farmers is palpable, highlighting the need for more robust and sustainable policies to uplift rural economies.

To address these challenges, there is a dire need for:

Enhanced financial support and access to credit facilities for farmers. Improved market linkages and better selling prices for agricultural produce. Incentives for adopting modern agricultural practices and technologies. Increased government investments in rural infrastructure and services.

By addressing these issues and implementing effective policies, India can ensure that its agricultural sector thrives and farmers achieve economic stability.

Conclusion: The findings of the SAS report provide critical insights into the socio-economic conditions of farmers across different states in India. While there is hope in the wealthier states like Meghalaya, the plight of many rural farmers remains a pressing issue that demands urgent attention.