GDP numbers indicate India's farmers are getting little for what they sow

The latest official numbers on the price of agricultural produce gives an idea of what's fueling the farmers' protest in Delhi.

The latest numbers on the price of agricultural produce give an idea of what's fueling the farmers' protest in Delhi.

Gross value added (GVA) during the September quarter (the second for the financial year beginning April 1) in agriculture, forestry and fishing rose 3.8 per cent at constant prices but 2.8 per cent at current prices over a year. This means prices increased at a slower rate in the period, compared to a year before.

In contrast, the gap between GVA at constant and current prices during the corresponding period of 2017-18 was a positive 1.7 percentage points.

"Farmers aren't getting