This is an archive article published on September 21, 2015
If farming becomes expensive, what will we do, ask farmers
While the farmers, gathered at Congress party’s Kisan Samman rally in the capital, expressed satisfaction over the turn of events that led Modi government to withdraw the land ordinance, the immediate issues that are bothering them are related to the stress in the agriculture sector of the country. “In the last five months, the cost […]
Most of the farmers talked about the rising input costs. (Source: Express file photo by Gajendra Yadav)
While the farmers, gathered at Congress party’s Kisan Samman rally in the capital, expressed satisfaction over the turn of events that led Modi government to withdraw the land ordinance, the immediate issues that are bothering them are related to the stress in the agriculture sector of the country.
“In the last five months, the cost of paddy has gone down from Rs 3,200 to Rs 1,200 per quintal. We are unhappy. I suffer a loss of 15 to 20,000 with every crop and it is difficult to live like this,” said Omi Lal, who travelled from Kurukshetra with hundreds of farmers to take part in the rally. He had also attended Congress party’s massive kisan rally on April 19 this year.
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Most of the farmers talked about the rising input costs. “The cost of urea, pesticides needs to be reduced. When the farmer suffers, the farm labourers also suffer. If farming becomes too expensive for us, what work will we do?” asked Harnam Singh, a farmer from Jhajjar in Haryana.
Farmers from Rajasthan complained about lack of water to irrigate their fields. “The condition of the Indira Gandhi canal is so bad that we get only 25 per cent of the canal’s water. This also, only during certain periods in the year,” said Yogender Acharya from Jaisalmer.
Others pointed to the sale of fake pesticides in the markets leading to heavy losses to the farmers. “Fake pesticides are selling unchecked. Its effect is visible very late when the crop gets infected around harvest season and by then we cannot do much to save our crops,” said Murari Lal, sarpanch of Raipur panchayat, up.
Naveed Iqbal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, and reports from Jammu and Kashmir. With a career spanning over 15 years in frontline journalism, Naveed provides authoritative reporting on the region’s transition, governance, and the socio-political implications of national policies.
Expertise
Regional Specialization: Based in the Srinagar and New Delhi bureaus, Naveed has spent over a decade documenting the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. Her reporting is distinguished by deep contextual knowledge of the region's post-Article 370, statehood debates, and local electoral politics.
Key Coverage Beats: Her extensive body of work covers:
Politics & Governance: Tracking the National Conference (NC), PDP, and BJP dynamics, including in-depth coverage of J&K’s first Assembly sessions and Rajya Sabha polls following the reorganization of the state.
Internal Security & Justice: Providing rigorous reporting on counter-insurgency operations, terror module investigations, and judicial developments involving political detainees and constitutional rights.
Education & Minority Affairs: Highlighting systemic issues such as quota rows in J&K, public service commission reforms, and the challenges faced by minority communities. ... Read More
Most of the farmers talked about the rising input costs. (Source: Express file photo by Gajendra Yadav)
