Beyond weather gods

Policy missteps to blame for farmers' plight

At a time when agriculture is passing through a bad patch, as reflected in widespread rural distress, the prognosis of the 2017-18 Economic Survey of a likely further drop in farm incomes due to climate change is a cause for disquiet. Based on analysis of climatic trends, the Survey has concluded that agricultural incomes could dip in the medium run by 15-18 per cent on average and up to 20-25 per cent in unirrigated areas, which comprise over half the farmland. This translates into an income loss of over Rs 3,600 per year for hard-pressed farm households. Yet, efforts to