Citation

Jeromi PD. Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics 2007; 62(2): 159-175.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

A rise in number of farmers' indebtedness and suicides was seen as the agricultural sector of the State was been in a crisis after the trade liberalization in the last decade due to many reasons. With this, there was also a rise in loans, specifically short-term loans which has further deepen the farmers' indebtedness. On the other hand, more of the suicides were found on the districts that concentrates on cultivation of export-oriented commercial crops. One of the major reason of suicidal was found to be the agricultural crisis which most of the suicides had land holding below one acre and an average loan liability of Rs.72,000. Addressing the issue, the State Government provided several assistance and passed a bill to solve the indebtedness of the farmers. However, there was still a continuation of suicides as 58% of the deceased family did not received any assistance. Although the government have provided some immediate relief, the competitiveness of the agricultural sector will still struggle.

Language: en

Keywords

India; Asia; South Asia; Eurasia; agricultural economics; Kerala; lending behavior; agricultural trade; competitiveness; export; farmers attitude; state role; trade liberalization