What are the root causes of farm distress in India? Why do you think state interventions have failed to halt farmer suicides in parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka? Critically analyse. (200 Words)

Ans:-Despite various Govt policies farmer suicides are still increasing alarmingly. Main reasons for farmers' distress are:
1) Farm Size: Impact on economy. Farm population per hectare has increased and per capita income has declined.
Solution lies in ensuring higher productivity per hectare of crop area.
2) Rampant Urbanization : Decline in farm land due to diversion of land to non-agricultural use.
Farm mechanization is difficult without pooling of land for joint use of machinery.
Balance has to be struck to ensure primary character of crucial agriculture is not disturbed.
3) High Input Costs: Crops failures burden the farmers hugely. Subsidized fertilizers,seeds etc should be targetted and rationalised. Direct Benefit Transfer would be helpful in this case.
4) Rain-fed agriculture: Bad monsoon adversely impacts the produce.
Despite various policy measures like "Zero Suicide District" Osamanabad, Reason why state intervention has failed to stop farmer suicides in Maharashtra and Karnataka:
1) Discrepancy in the data recorded by State Govt and center creates lacunae at Govt level to tackle the issue.
2) Lack of skills to opt for alternative employment when farming seems non-profitable.
3) Insufficient Minimum support price and rising debts.
Proper counselling of farmers giving them emotional support in time of crisis ,motivating them to opt for minimum water usage crops , increasing the number of crops under MSP,shift to sustainable agricultural practices and implementation of Crop insurance schemes can help in tackling famers' crisis in our Country.