About the Book

This book critically examines the agrarian crisis and the alarming rise in farmers’ suicides in India, particularly in the context of the structural changes initiated by the Government of India over the past two decades. Post-globalization policies have transformed India’s rural society, shifting from traditional self-reliant agricultural practices to a market-driven, capitalist mode of production. This transition has disrupted the socio-cultural, economic, and political fabric of rural communities, leading to widespread distress.

The study delves into the consequences of these shifts, where farmers, especially in Telangana, struggle to adapt to market-oriented policies in the absence of necessary institutional support, capital, and favourable market conditions. These challenges have led to an increasing agrarian crisis and the tragic rise in farmer suicides, a phenomenon that is particularly pronounced in the Warangal district of Telangana. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of causes and consequences of the crisis, and the socio-economic impact of farmers’ suicides on families and communities. Besides evaluating government policies, the book also suggests interventions to address the issue.

This book is an essential resource for policymakers, academics, and social scientists, shedding light on the complex and urgent issues facing India’s rural economy in the post-globalization era.

Contents

Introduction

Methodology

Understanding Farmer Suicides: Socio-Economic Pressures and Family Dynamics      

Emerging Agrarian Structure, Mode of Production, Adoption of Technology, and Labour Relations   

Agricultural Dynamics: Crops, Investments, Marketing, and Policies

Understanding Farmer Distress: Suicides and Official Reports

Government Support for Families of Deceased Farmers: Policies, Programmes, and Stakeholder Roles

Findings and Conclusions

About the Author / Editor

Gattu Satyanarayana, Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, served the university for over 35 years in various capacities like Professor, Head and Chairman, BoS, Department of Sociology and Principal, University College of Arts and Social Sciences. He also held several important administrative positions in the government such as Member, A.P. College Service Commission and Member, State Minimum Wages Advisory Board. His areas of research include factions and conflict studies, social movements, women studies, sociology of education, agrarian relations and development studies. He has visited Spain, West Germany, China, Thailand, Sweden, France, South Africa, Kenya, Canada, USA, Bangkok and Australia to chair and present papers in various international conferences. His published works include Changing Agrarian Structure and Labour Relations, Development: Displacement and Rehabilitation, Voluntary Effort and Rural Development, Women in Grass-Roots Governance, Social Philosophy of Sri Narayana Guru (edited) and Globalization: Indian State and Educational Pursuits (edited).