Women farmers, whose contribution to agriculture is equal or sometimes even more than their husbands, are often ignored
A study conducted in rural Tamil Nadu points out the appalling condition of women farmers, especially after the death of their husbands.
Conducted in January by the Tamilnadu Federation for Women Farmers’ Rights in 13 villages across six state districts, the study reveals that a famine-like situation due to poor monsoon is driving farmers to suicide, leaving behind their widows trapped in the clutches of money lenders.
The federation is a state unit of the Mahila Kisan Adhikar Manch, a rights group spread across 24 states, and espousing the cause of women farmers.
Poor rains, farmer suicides
A 60 per cent northeast monsoon deficit and a 19 per cent southwest monsoon deficit have created an emergency situation in Tiruvannamalai, Viluppuram, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai. Tamil Nadu is facing such a situation after 140 years, the study says.
The seven-member team made the field visit between January 7 and 17, 2017. It also observed that the maximum number of suicides take place among marginal farmers, who own less than three acres of land.
Drawing a connection between farmer suicides and the pathetic condition of women farmers, the team members noted that the latter face a lot of hardships after the death of their husbands. Saddled with debt burdens, widows also have to take care of children as well as elderly and disabled family members.
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