I found farmer sitting on his bicycle, while waiting for his wife to come with the bundle of grass that she was gathering for the cows !
During the rest of the evening walk, it was this sight which kept returning to me! A farmer is adversely affected by the changing market economy.
Those who own cattle in our village have a common experience. It has become costlier to keep animals as the cattle feeds are costlier. There is no proportionate increase in the selling price of milk, except for goat milk. The goat milk is sold at the double price of cow's milk, which is attributed to its medicinal value.
Of all the people, it is the farmer who feel the stress of livelihood. About 40 percent of population in india depend on their farms for their livelihood.
And yet, the conscious efforts to redeem him form his accumulated debts or give concessions of any sort to make their life less burdensome is not a preferred policy of the government. Even after they agitate for some concessions, they are told to wait.
I wonder what this farmer is pondering over while sitting on his bicycle at the end of the day!
While he negotiates his uncertainties, does he have others on his side!
It disturbs me when I see people like him live in difficult circumstances, while others in other professions move on with better prospects!
A nation who belittles the struggles and aspirations of farmers is a nation which has lost its feeling soul!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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