‘Double Income’ Promise For Farmers Falls Flat, Debt Burden Continues

by GoNews Desk Sep 14, 2021 • 02:01 PM Views 1158

Farmers in India are being pushed away from farming and into labouring to sustain themselves. Recently, the National Survey Office published a report concerning agricultural households in India wherein the sources of income for these families were given. The report shows that as compared to 2012-13, the increase in income from farming has been negligible, whereas that earned from labouring as doubled.

Farmers increased their monthly income from farming from ₹3,081 in 2012-13 to ₹3,798 in 2018-19, showing a mere ₹717 increase in earnings over six years. Compare this to the situation for labourers. In 2012-13, a labourer earned ₹2,071 per month which doubled to ₹4,063 per month in 2018-19.

The report states that the income of farmers increased by 60% in the six years from 2012-13 to 2018-19. Where farmers made ₹6,426 per month in 2012-13, it did certainly increase to ₹10,218 in 2018-19, but if the Rural Consumer Price Index is considered, then it is an increase of only 21% in income.