Viral Video: The plight of Indian Basmati farmers has become increasingly dire as they grapple with a stark contrast between international market prices and local earnings. Last year, when the price of Basmati rice soared to $917 per ton in the global market, Indian farmers received ₹3,500 per quintal. Today, as international prices have risen to $1,037 per ton, farmers are receiving only ₹2,200 per quintal. This alarming situation highlights the widening gap between the profits earned by private traders and the diminishing returns for farmers.Farmers sufferingIn a distressing turn of events, farmers have resorted to discarding their Basmati rice due to inadequate prices. The frustration among the agricultural community is palpable, as many feel powerless to voice their concerns. One farmer expressed, How can a dying farmer raise his voice We have worked hard, yet we are left with nothing. The emotional and financial toll of this crisis is evident, pushing farmers to their breaking point as they see their labor devalued.Private traders reap rewardsThe current situation underscores a systemic issue: while international prices for Basmati rise, the benefits are not reaching the farmers who cultivate the rice. Instead, private traders appear to be siphoning off the profits, leaving farmers struggling to sustain their livelihoods. With the rising cost of living and agricultural inputs, the farmers plight is compounded, leading to a cycle of debt and despair.Watch the video here:पिछले साल अंतराष्ट्रीय मार्केट में बासमती के दाम $917/टन थे तो भारत के किसानों को ₹3500/क्विंटल भाव मिला आज अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मार्केट में 1037/तन रेट है तो 2200/क्विंटल मिल रहा है सारा फायदा प्राइवेट ट्रेडर ले रहा हैमरता किसान अपनी आवाज कैसे रखे, यहां किसान बासमती फेंक रहे हैं. pic.twitter.com/T3RYKwUw69— Ramandeep Singh Mann (@ramanmann1974) September 29, 2024Government intervention neededExperts argue that immediate intervention from the government is essential to safeguard the interests of farmers. Proposals include establishing a minimum support price (MSP) that reflects international rates, coupled with measures to regulate private traders pricing strategies. Such actions could empower farmers and ensure they receive a fair share of the profits from their hard work.The current state of Indian Basmati farmers is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in the agricultural sector. With rising international prices and falling local earnings, the situation is unsustainable.
