Minimally, it would be important that the farmer be asked about what he wishes. The government resists this. One favourite argument is that the farmer does not have access to information about improved technology and more efficient crop cultivation methods, so he cannot make an informed choice. If so, then common sense suggests that it is the task of the government to make this information available to the farmer through an efficient extension machinery and then leave it to him to decide whether he wishes to cultivate melons or oranges and whether or not to buy Holstein-Friesian cows.

The idea of letting people decide for themselves is one Indian officialdom seems most uncomfortable with. Isn’t it time the people stood up for themselves?

Rajivlochan is author of the book ‘Farmers Suicides: Facts and Possible Policy Interventions’ (Pune, YASHADA)