GLOBALIZATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON
THE FARMERS OF KERALA
A STUDY IN IDUKKI DISTRICT
THESIS SUBMITTED TO BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
JOSEPH JOB
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
PROF.DR.M.THAVAMANI
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY, PALKALAIPERUR
THIRUCHIRAPPALLY 620 024
TAMILNADU - INDIA
AUG – 2012
1
Dedicated to
MY FATHER
WHO WAS A POOR CARPENTER
WITH SEVEN CHILDTREN AND
GOT ONLY FIVE RUPEES
PER WEEK IN
1950s
2
THIRUKKURAL
Agriculturists are the inch pin of the world
For they support all other workers who cannot till the soil
They alone live who live by agriculture
All others are dependants
If the farmers’ hands are slackened
Even the ascetic state will fall.
3
“I make a request; let not the praise that the scholars shower on Kerala for its achievements divert attention from the intense economic crisis that we face. We are behind other states of India in respect of economic growth, and the solution to this crisis brooks no delay. We can ignore our backwardness in respect of employment and production only at our own peril.”
E M S Namboothiripad, former Chief Minister of Kerala.
4
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the work embodied in this Thesis has been originally carried out by me, entitled “Globalization and its Effects on the Farmers of Kerala”. The thesis is an original work done by me and submitted for the award of Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of
Sociology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli. The Thesis has not been previously formed the basis for the award of any Degree, Diploma, Associateship, Fellowship or any other similar title and the Thesis represents entirely and independent work of the candidate.
JOSEPH JOB
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
TRICHY BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY,
31 AUG 2012 TIRUCHIRAPPALLI
5
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Globalization and its Effects on the Farmers of Kerala” submitted by JOSEPH JOB, is a genuine and bonafide research work carried out under my guidance. The Thesis or part there of was not submitted to any University or institute for the award of any Degree or diploma. I recommend the same for submission for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology in Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappally.
Tiruchirappalli Prof. Dr. M.THAVAMANI
31 Aug 2012 RESEARCH SUPERVISOR
6
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In conducting the present research study I have received immense help and guidance from many persons.
First of I thank almighty God for leading me to Trichy for my M.Phil and Ph.D studies. I got
immense blessings from this land in the form of knowledge. I do not know how to express my
gratitude in words.
Thank you is inadequate to Prof.Dr.Thavamani who graciously opened the door to research was
a role model for me as a teacher, and as a man. I am deeply indebted to him because he was a
source of inspiration for me from the very beginning of my studies. I was sinking many a times
and like a committed captain he rushed for my assistance and lifted me up from the wreck. He
was theoretical as well as practical. I learned much from his examples. As a research student I
will be leaving him but as a ‘guru’ I will be after him in my life. In fact I have no words to
express my gratitude. His family always welcomed me. Even on holidays and in the nights I have
disturbed them. I will never forget Achu and Akash for their smiling welcome.
I thank Dr.Sankar for his valuable support for me. Whenever I approached him for his help he
gave it with a smiling face. I thank him for his assistance. I thank Prof. Leslie Pallath, Principal
of St. Alberts College, Ernakulam for his valuable advice, help and encouragements.
Dr. Jothivenkateshan was a friend and philosopher to me. In the Department, in the
Administrative Office in the Library and everywhere I enjoyed his presence and help. I will
never forget his smiling face and what he had been to me. I extend my heart felt thanks to the
7 librarian and staff of the Central Library. I have received much help from the Research Hostel.
All were helping me directly to complete help.
To my surprise I got excellent support from the farmers of Idukki District. The Collectorate in
Kuyilimala gave me all possible assistance to me.
Mr.Viswanathan from Trivandrum was a source of help to me in various ways. He did my statistical work with patience and listened to me for hours and with me in my difficult times. He is a man of love and integrity.
I thank Mr.Antony Vineesh, for assisting me in my field work.There are many others who helped me in my studies like Carmel Tresa, Preethi, Amrutha, Nisha, Anju, Divya, Seethal,Greeshma,
Enoshya, Amal, Alna, Altriya, Heera, Sharon, Minu, Teema, Teena, Rency, Shima, Aleena,
Jithin, Anand………
I am deeply indebted to Ms.Elizabeth Honey, Principal, HSS of Jesus, for her immense help and support. Godwin Joseph, Agnes Shency, and there are many others who supported me in my endeavor. I thank them all with a prayerful heart.
Behind every successful man there is a lady. My wife Dr.Merly Joseph was with me to make this study a success.
I am only standing in the front there are hundreds who are behind the stage supporting me.
Without them this work would have been an unsuccessful attempt.
With heartfelt thanks
JOSEPH JOB
8
CONTENTS
Page No.
CHAPTER I
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Agriculture in India 2
1.3 Agriculture in Kerala 4
1.4 Agrarian Transformation in Kerala 6
1.5 Agriculture and Present Problems 7
1.6 Impact of International Institutions 9
1.7 Colonization in the Past 10
1.8 Neo Colonialism 10
1.9 Economic side of Globalization 12
1.10 Social Aspects of Globalization 12
1.11 Study Area 14
1.12 Nature of Respondents 15
1.13 Type of Sample 15
1.14 Objectives 16
1.15 Statement of the problem 16
9
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction 17
2.2 International Scene 17
2.3 National Level 21
2.4 Kerala 24
2.5 Globalization 25
2.6 Liberalization 30
2.7 Privatization 32
2.8 World Trade Organization 36
2.9 Multinational Corporations 40
2.10 World Bank 43
2.11 Poverty 45
2.12 Agriculture 47
2. 13 Women 51
2.14 Culture 55
2.15 Suicide 58
2.16 Conclusion 61
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CHAPTER III
PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA
KERALA
3.1 Introduction 62
3.2 History 62
3.3 Features of Kerala Agriculture 66
3.4 Current Problems 67
3.5 Low Profitability 67
3.6 Shortage of Farm Labourers 68
3.7 Abnormal Increase in Land Prices 68
3.8 Conversion of Agricultural Land for Non Agricultural purposes 69
3.9 Recent Agricultural Developments in Kerala 70
IDUKKI DISTRICT 76
3.10 History 76
3.11 Administrative Divisions 77
3.12 Topography and Climatic Features 78
3.13 Demography 79
3.14 Annals of Migration to Idukki from other parts of Kerala 81
3.15 Transport and Communication 82 11
3.16 Electricity and Power 83
3.17 Cropping pattern in Idukki compared to Kerala 84
3.18 Area Cultivated in Idukki District 85
3.19 Land Holding Pattern in Idukki District 85
3.20 Rice 87
3.21 Pepper 87
3.22 Cardamom 87
3.23 Ginger 87
3.24 Fruits 88
3.25 Floriculture 88
3.26 Vegetables 88
3.27 Medicinal Plants 88
CHAPTER IV
METHODOLOGY
4.1 Scope of the Study 90
4.2 Location of the Study 91
4.3 Data Base 91
4.4 Unit of Study 92
4.5 Method Adopted for Data Collection 92
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4.6 Period of Study 93
4.7 Concepts used in this Research 94
MNC 96
New Agricultural Policy 96
New Economic Policy 97
Poverty 97
Privatisation 97
Structural Adjustment Programme 98
Spices 98
World Bank 98
World Trade Organization 99
Ponzi schemes 99
Limitations 100
CHAPTER V
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
5.1 Globalization Policies and Its Effects on the Farmers 101
5.2Socio Economic Aspects 106
5.3 Land Cultivated by farmers 108
5.4 Land Leased in 110
5.5 Land Leased out 110 13
5.6 Net Area Cultivated by Farmers 113
5.7 Employment Pattern 118
5.8 Income from Farm Work 120
5.9 Income from Live Stock 121
5.10 Indebtedness 124
5.11 Enjoyments and Leisure time activities 127
5.12 Cultural Impact of Globalization 130
5.13 Agricultural Offices (Krishi Bhavan) 133
5.14 Attitude towards Farming 133
5.15 Analysis of Suicide 139
5.16 Fed up with Life 143
5.17 Chronic Disease 146
5.18 Mental Illness 151
5.19 Solutions to Farmers Suicide 157
5.20 Present Problems 162
5.21 Latest Developments 164
CHAPTER VI
Findings and Conclusion 166
Summary 180
Suggestions 183
Policy Implications 187 14
APPENDICES
Bibliography 189
News Paper Reports about suicides 202
Interview Schedule about the person who committed suicide 211
Socio Economic Data about the Household 213
15
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Agriculture matters. Because it produces the food that feeds people and provides income on which the world’s most vulnerable people depend. Small scale agriculture matters because it plays a key role in overcoming poverty. Since agriculture provides food and shelter for 70 percent of its people it needs no introduction in India.
The major input in agriculture is farm and farmer. Farm is affected by blind unconscious forces of nature.
Droughts, floods, global warming, tsunami, wild fires, landslides, volcanoes, soil erosion, el ninoes, climatic changes etc. have been and still are natures weapons. In this titanic struggle farmer has employed his knowledge and hard work to harness nature to his will.
The farmer is a part of an organic society. Cultivation is not just a means of livelihood for them; rather it is a technology to utilize resources for lending support to their overarching culture under whose shelter they live.
The starting point of production was the individual farmer household, but the conditions in which the production took place were socially determined. First is the inherited agricultural practices and technology, and the system of knowledge in which they were rooted. Second is the market that determined the total output and profitability of the agricultural products.
16
Agriculture is the backbone of the world. Therefore state as well as international agencies should stand for the interests of the farmers. Any action that goes against the welfare of the farmer will result in distress and chaos.
Agriculture in India
Agriculture in India is not only an economic activity but also a way of life. Despite concerted industrialization in the last six decades agriculture occupies a place of pride. There is a strong chance that
India will be a predominantly agricultural country in the near future.
Indian agriculture experienced a very slow growth during the first half of the 20 th century before independence. On the eve of independence, the agricultural sector was the dominant sector both in terms of domestic product and in providing employment. Therefore the fortunes of a large majority of people in
India were basically linked with agricultural performance. For many years attempts were made to reduce
Indian agriculture’s dependence on monsoons by building a reliable irrigation infrastructure in the country. The development of irrigation was instrumental in reducing the incidence of famine through increasing the food grains.
Tea, sugar, oil seeds, tobacco, spices, etc. constitute the main exports of India. Agriculture is the main support for India’s transport systems, securing bulk of their business from the movement of agricultural goods. Purchasing power of the farmer leads to greater demand for industrial products and better prices.
17
Bad crops lead to depression in business. Prosperity of the farmer is a necessary precondition for the progress of all industries. Rural areas are the biggest market for consumer items. In short agriculture has
always been the backbone of the Indian economy.
The liberalization of the Indian economy in 1991 has caused fresh challenges to Indian agriculture. The contribution of agricultural exports to total exports has declined sharply from 20.5% in 1950 ’51 to 10.5% by 2004 2005 (1). Agricultural imports have also recorded a rise after the liberalization of the economy in
1991.
The control over the marketing network became more complex in these days. The state, an institution
transcending peasant village society, is included in the social frame work because it is not just a remote policy making authority. Its decisions enforced mostly through its institutions constantly impinged on peasant village.
Agriculture in India is as much a way of livelihood as a way of life, characterized by certain cultural
attributes, in the sense of attitudes, values and other ideational levels. The approach to peasantry that we
would accept shifts the focus from cultural to the material, economic and political processes and market at
work in a society.
India has a large potential to increase its agricultural exports in a liberalized world. This would depend on
undertaking large infrastructure investment or agro processing, research, diversification and increasing
18 efficiency of production in agriculture. The potential for exports depends on freeing of agricultural markets by the developed countries.
The Government of India started initiating a number of neo liberal policies since the early 1980s. These policies were sharpened in 1991 by the introduction of New Economic Policy. India became one of the
founder members of the World Trade Organization in January 1995 and started dismantling gradually its
very high tariff and other non tariff barriers relating to exports and imports of various products including
agriculture. Agricultural trade liberalization was expected to bring large benefit to the farmers of
developing countries subsequent to the establishment of the liberalization policies. But these policies had terrific consequences on the farmers of India, especially in Kerala.
Agriculture in Kerala
The First phase in the modern history of the agrarian economy of Kerala coincided with the mercantile capitalism of the west, ranging the period roughly between sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. During this period crops like pepper, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon were procured by European merchants from
Kerala with the political and military patronage of the metro polis and sold it in different parts of the
world. Trade appropriated much of the global surplus. The grip of merchant capital of Europe over
Malabar Coast ranged the period of Portuguese, Dutch, French and a portion of British supremacy in the
region.
19
Kerala as a source of precious spices was known all over the world even very early times. So traders from distant lands used to come to this part of India for trade in spices.
The Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama arrived at Calicut in 1498. From that time on the Portuguese played a dual role in the agrarian economy of Kerala one positive and the other negative.
On the positive side the shifts in the demand for spices of Kerala pressurized the Portuguese to introduce
some improvements in its mode of cultivation. So they encouraged a much more systematic and scientific
way of farming cash crops than the farmers of Kerala had hitherto practiced. But it also led to a change in
the economic balance between food crops and cash crops which still persist.
The Portuguese introduced in Kerala a number of new crops like cashew nuts, tobacco, tapioca and papaya. Coconut was not a major crop of Kerala prior to the arrival of the Portuguese. For household and
local use it was grown, but there was nothing like cultivation for the purpose of trade. In 1503 the
Portuguese learned the use of coir as an important raw material for ship making. From that time on coir became an important article of trade. Coconut cultivation became popular more for coir than for copra.
On the negative side the Portuguese monopolized trade in spices by displacing the Arabs from the
Malabar Coast. They extracted much of the region’s agricultural surplus value through inequitable trade
and direct plunder. “The monopoly of spices trade in Europe netted them fabulous profits from 800 to
1000 per cent on the capital invested.”(2)
20
The trade in Kerala spices and other oriental goods enriched Portugal. Inspired by this unusual Portuguese gain, other European countries also struggled to come to Malabar Coast for trade. The second European country to establish power in Malabar was Netherlands. The Dutch could finally drive out the Portuguese from the Coast of Malabar.
From the point of view of the agrarian history of Kerala, the Dutch should be remembered for their innovation of plantation type of agriculture in this region. They promoted a number of plantations in coconut and other crops and did much to improve the cultivation of these crops. The Dutch were the first to initiate commercialization of Indigo Cultivation in Kerala. But they could not remain longer in this region due to the rivalry of the British and the French. Ultimately, the British succeeded in driving out all
other Europeans not only from Kerala but also from the rest of India. Finally India became of true colony
of the British.
Agrarian Transformation in Kerala
During the Mercantile phase, spices and textiles were bought and sold as final commodities by the
British. But as industrial capitalism emerged in Britain, Kerala was conditioned to provide raw materials
for the emerging British industries and also to buy their manufactured goods. In the phase of monopoly
capitalism, British industrial capital as well as finance capital penetrated into different parts of India,
including Kerala.
21
There are two types of agrarian changes during the latter half of British colonialism and imperialism in connection with Kerala. One is the introduction and commercialization of a number of new industrial crops like coffee, cocoa, cinchona, tea, oil palm and rubber. The second type of change during the period
of imperialism was due to migration of British capital into Kerala for starting a number of plantation
enterprises.
The surrender of political supremacy of Tranvancore accelerated cash crop cultivation in the state to cater
to British economic interests. The British fully tapped the virgin forest soil of Kerala especially Idukki.
Agriculture and Present Problems
When India became independent the first Five Year Plan formulators gave utmost importance to agriculture and it was a grand success. From the second Five Year Plan onwards the policies were in favor of industry. So the development was at the cost of the sweat of the farmers. Since industrial sector was well organized their problems were very often given importance and the cries of the disorganized farmers never reached in the political circles.
The Government of India introduced a number of neo liberal economic policies since the early 1980s.
These policies were sharpened by the initiation of New Economic Policy in 1990s. They have put the farmers of Kerala in great stress. The distress has become so acute that some of the farmers have committed suicide. The rate of suicide also shows a growing trend. One could notice a close relationship
22 between the policies pursued by the government of India obliging globalization and the agrarian distress of Kerala.
Liberalization of foreign trade resulted in the sharp decline of commodity prices. As a result agricultural income of many farmers has declined. And the cost of production of these crops increased mainly by the withdrawal of government subsidies in the farm sector.
The cost on agricultural credit also went up by the change in monetary policy. The farmers largely borrowed from money lenders and co operative banks for meeting their domestic and agricultural incomes. The rises in cost of cultivation and cost of living have made a large number of farmers heavily indebted.
Impact of International Institutions
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), a forum to promote free trade in manufactured goods is being restructured into World Trade Organization on 1 Jan 1995, a full fledged institution with immense powers to monitor globalization. The objective of World Trade Organization was to raise living standards all around the world. Trade liberalization was one of the major instruments to achieve that objective.
One of the major achievements of the World Trade Organization Agreement on Agriculture (1995) was that agriculture trade was for the first time brought within the discipline of multilateral trade rules. 23
The objective of WTO Agreement on Agriculture was to create a free multilateral trade regime for agriculture. The aim was to eliminate or considerably reduce obstacles to market access including restrictions and controls and high tariffs; to eliminate or considerably reduce domestic support and to streamline the export subsidy regime.
Third world countries like India pressurized to join this ordeal of globalization. The political economy of
Kerala played a remarkable role in all the phases of historiographic capitalist globalization. In the emerging new globalization Kerala’s agriculture is facing a crisis and the farmers and farm workers are inflicted with severe problems.
Colonization in the Past
Globalization in its proper sense is co terminus with human history. Human beings domesticated plants, animals and developed metallurgy. These technologies also traveled throughout the world. Cross country journeys of travelers brought awareness of goods, technologies and cultures across continents.
The spread of European colonization got its tempo by Christopher Columbus’ and Vasco Da Gama’s voyages. By 1800 fertile and mineral rich areas in the world had been settled by Europeans whose colonized area by then exceeded that of Western Europe. These newly colonized areas fed the material hunger of Britain. They were competing for raw materials and the cheap slave labour that was available in
24 the colonies.” Railways and steam ships provided the arteries for the spread of trade and investment. They were augmented by the development of telegraph communication and the opening of Suez Canal in 1869.
During the 19 th century the foundation of today’s global super market were well established to
characterize the century as the golden age of capitalism. The World War I hugely disrupted Europe’s production but left the economies of most of the rest of the world particularly that of the United States unscratched. Economy of the United States kept growing quite rapidly and it became the new giant of the global trade net work. This status was confirmed by its large post war reconstruction loans to Europe and its large level of foreign investment.
Unlike the World War I, the World War II did significantly disrupt the expansion of world trade. Europe faced an acute shortage of products that resulted in high inflation and low economic growth, which depressed economic growth. After the two World Wars and Great Depression the colonies have attained freedom from the imperialist governments and the global supermarket began to work with much vigor.
Neo Colonialism
In the post – World War II era, political colonialism was liquidated and the colonies became independent countries. These newly liberated countries were identified as the third world. Though the third world started enjoying political freedom, they failed to follow an independent economic policy. As they had to depend on western capital and technology for modernizing and developing the economy, that resulted in their subjugation to multinational corporations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. The
25 emerging situation has been called “neo – colonialism”. The idea is that even without direct metropolitan political support, Multinational Corporations could continue their economic domination and exploitation in the newly dominated countries.
The multinational corporations, which constituted the essence of new colonialism, found India as a very attractive place for profit maximization. The relatively cheap labor and a potential market for consumer goods were factors favoring the inflow of multinational capital to India. Due to scarcity of capital and technological know how the attitude of the Indian administrators was to welcome the direct private foreign investment. The multinational companies with large investment facilities rise up to the situation and entered into every field they could invest and dominate. In the agricultural field the net effect was that of playing a second fiddle for the farmers according to the tunes of the multinational companies reminding the times of the colonial period.
Economic side of Globalization
Multinational Corporations perceive the entire world economy as a single unit. They want the regional and national economies to be integrated with the world economy through neo liberal programmes. Market is being identified as the core vehicle for this integration.
26
Social Aspects of Globalization
Globalization also represents an ideology. It promotes a set of coherent beliefs, views and ideas legitimizing global capitalism. Globalization is projected as the only one ideology that is legitimate, respectable and possible. It affirms that there is no other alternative than this path of development. This globalization creed may be summed up in four beliefs:
1. Belief in private property
2. Belief in market
3. Belief in free enterprise and free trade
4. Belief in least government intervention
Excessive importance on private property and free trade will lead to cavities in the society. People think only about creating money. They are not bothered about the ways and means of making money. Least government intervention will lead to chaos in the society. When the government is least powerful people will be exploited by pressure groups. In 1930s least government intervention has led to Great Depression.
We cannot depend fully upon market because market decisions are always led by profit motive.
Globalization has changed the ways of life of people. Formerly they were enjoying idly and dosai with full satisfaction. The recent trend is that they ignore these traditional foods and enjoy pastas, burgers and corn flakes.
27
South India was famous for her renaissance leaders and value based politics in the past. Globalization has imported a different culture. Now the newspapers are filled with political scams. Today ideas are produced and distributed in the global level. Transformation of the society is in the hands of the media which is controlled by Multinational Companies.
STUDY AREA
In many ways Kerala is a microcosm of India. It is plagued by the same problems; difficulties and complexities; dire poverty, scarcity; overpopulation; under industrialization; predominantly agricultural, deficient in food, staggering unemployment and a population explosion that makes nonsense of every development effort. The land is dominated by rice fields, mango, cashew, spices and coconut trees.
The early history of Kerala is documented in ancient Tamil scripts. The Kingdom of Cheras ruled much of present day Kerala up till the early Middle Ages. The present day state of Kerala was created in 1956 from Travancore, Cochin and Malabar. Malabar was formerly part of
Madras State. There are fourteen districts in Kerala. For the purpose of a microscopic study into the agrarian problems I have selected Idukki District of Kerala as my study area. Idukki is geographically known for its mountainous hills and dense forests. It is located in the middle part of Kerala.
28
The District is bound on the east by Theni district of Tamil Nadu while on the west Ernakulam and Kottayam Districts of Kerala. In the south it is the pathamnamthitta District, while on the
North it is bound by Trichur ad Coimbatore Districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states respectively.
NATURE OF RESPONDENTS
Idukki District is located in the middle part of Kerala. So it is free from the influences of North and South. About 50 percent of it is reserved forests and predominantly it is an agricultural area.
The respondents are farmers who hold small pieces of land. They cultivate Coffee, Cardamom,
Pepper, Cocoa, Turmeric, ginger, rice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, chilly, potatoes, carrot, cabbage, tomatoes, etc. They go for mixed cultivation. Even if it is a small portion of land they cultivate spices and vegetables.
Very often they are not sure about the price that they would get from the market. If they are depending upon one crop, and if the price of that crop come down they will be the losers. They cultivated in such a manner that if they lost in one crop they would benefit in some other. In that way they wanted to avoid risk. Since they are having only small land holding they work hard to eke out a living.
The entire household is engaged in the agricultural work including children and aged.
TYPE OF SAMPLE
29
In this study the total population is the small scale farmers of Kerala who are having less than three acres of land. To make this study more precise only the houses of farmers who have committed suicide is considered, since they are most hit. News Papers, magazines, and various reports have come about the farmers who have committed suicide. The names and addresses of these farmers are collected from village offices, Panchayaths, Police Stations etc.
OBJECTIVES
On the basis of the above theoretical perspective various research questions were developed. These research questions will form the objectives of this study. The major objective of the study is to find out the effects of globalization on the people of Kerala with special reference to Idukki District. The specific objectives are given below.
1. To make a deeper study into the globalization policies and its effects on the farmers.
2. To analyse the socio economic conditions of the people of Idukki.
3. Influence of globalization on the culture of the people of Idukki District.
4. To highlight the major reasons which cause farmer suicide in the study area.
5 To find solutions to the problem of farmer suicides.
30
6. To make proposals to the government local bodies, institutions and farmers about the stock of the situation on the basis of findings and conclusions of the study.
STATEMENT OF THE PRESENT PROBLEM
Suicide among the farmers is increasing at an alarming rate. Every suicide death announces the self destruction of a beautiful dream.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Introduction
Globalization is a process of transnationalization of production and capital. The process is a move towards a borderless regime of free trade and transactions based on competition. Globalization is also integration in the world economy through trade, investment, short term capital flow, even migration of people around the world. Because of this internationalization various nations are affected differently. In this chapter we discuss how globalization has affected internationally, nationally, and locally.
International Scene
T.K.OOmmen (1999) shows the alarming disparities which has taken place after the birth of GATT and
WTO. He says by 1997 the richest 20 percent had 86 percent of the global gross domestic product while
31 the poorest 20 percent had only one percent. Between 1994 and 1998 the material worth of the world’s
200 richest persons rose from US $ 440 billion to more than US $ one trillion. The per capita income of the world’s first five rich states compared to the world’s five poorest countries increased by 74 percent in
1997, although this figure was 30 percent in 1960. (1)
Forbes Magazine has studied about one billion farmers and came to the conclusion that farmers are prone to natural calamities once in five years. When a natural calamity comes in the form of flood or drought they are forced to sell their properties. When livelihood and property is lost they are forced to commit suicide. (2)
Prabhath Patnaik (2002) states that financial liberalization and removal of capital controls are likely to worsen the terms of trade for primary commodities exported by third world countries and will thus be disastrous for the survival of the mass of small cultivators. While a few countries may be able to counter the trend with respect to some selected commodities for a certain period, given the long run tendency, third world countries cannot hope to do better by developing relatively new or exotic niche markets for primary commodities as export products. (3)
Terence J Byres emphasizes the need to study the transformation of rural societies and the impact of globalization in specific situations. While global capital is likely to have important effects of capitalist development in less developed countries, it is dangerous to make globalization the primary explanation for all development and by doing so to ignore the specificities and substantive diversity of domestic capitals. (4)
Joseph Stiglitz winner of Nobel Prize, for Economics in 2001 writes that in Africa, the higher aspirations following colonial independence have been largely unfulfilled. Instead, the continent plunges deeper into misery, as incomes fall and standards of living decline. The hard won improvements in life expectations gained in the past few decades have begun to reverse while the scourge of AIDS is at the centre of this decline. Poverty is also a killer. (5)
Ryongyang (2004) states that communist North Korea began to experiment with economic reform and opened its door to the outside world. At present the stalls are bursting with fresh vegetables and meat. 32
Markets are everywhere; this does not mean that there is enough food for everywhere. Where there are better off people to pay for it there is an ever increasing supply. Outside the capital city shortages are widespread. Its economic reforms are starting to bite the people. (6)
Michael Chossudovsky analyzed the impact of globalization on Peru and came to the conclusion that unemployment has gone up to a large extent. The real income of the people has come down to 80 to 90 percentages. But the income of the drug traders and smugglers increased several times. (7)
Christian Medical Mission (1992) reports that because of the New Economic Policy Brazil cut short the expenditure on health and education. Thousands of small scale farmers became landless. When 10 percent of the upper class enjoys 50 percent of the National Income the lowest income earning group is not getting even 10 per cent of the National Income. (8)
Victor Suares Correra (2002) says that Mexico the birth place of the domestication of maize, is no undergoing its largest agro based crisis. Over the last 14 years the structural problems of their agricultural and food system, far from being resolved by neo liberal globalization, have instead increased and intensified. The food crisis is characterized by an increasing national supply deficit and an uncontrolled increased in consumption prices. The net result is speculation, hoarding, growth in malnutrition and the death of children. (9)
The social consequences of the liberalization measures are explained by Pukchang (2004) in his study about the rural people in Vietnam’s Northern Upland region. According to him one pervasive side effect of the new economic reforms has been the growth of socio economic disparities within and among rural communities. Education and health facilities which were free during pre reform period have become expensive. An illegal land market has developed in which land use rights are bought, sold, mortgaged, and rented and the wealthier class reap the advantage. Rural unemployment and underemployment have resulted in a urban migration nationwide. (10)
Sharukh Rafi Khan (2002) complains that the capabilities of the poor have eroded over the structural adjustment period with a sharp fall in real wages, rising unemployment and a fall in the average household income. There has been a major decline in real wages for an unskilled labour. Furthermore, 33 remittances that were an important addition to household income have declined sharply in real per capita terms from their peak in 1983. Structural adjustment may also make coping harder for the small farmer.(11)
Munim Kumar Barai (2003) states that in Bangladesh liberalization and globalization measures undertaken during 1990s have resulted in the faster growth of inequality. Trade reforms have displaced the workers. Structural adjustment and other stabilization measures in the fiscal sector to bring down the budget expenditure led the government to lower allocation of resources for the annual development plan immediately affected the poor. The import of world class technology or high class exports require highly educated labour. This has reduced the demand for unskilled labour leading to inter sectoral wage inequality. (12)
Sarath Fernando’s (2002) citation describes that Sri Lanka had achieved remarkable success in Human
Development indices. It was because of the continuous emphasis on generous safety nets and human development. A near total reversal of these achievements took place since 1977 mainly due to policy changes and shifts in strategies along the lines advocated by IMF and World Bank. This approach led not only to the degradation of the entire social security system but also to the creation of an unstable socio economic and political situation within the country. Malnutrition among children below five years touched 60 percent across the island. The rate of low birth weight babies rose to 28 percent, During 1995
96 nearly 4,00,000 acres of paddy crop were lost. Small farmers were forced to sell their property to big farmers or they gave them up as debt recovery. The net result is that monopoly of the rice market has gone to the hands of a few traders.(13)
Saritha Agrawal (2010) studied about Globalization and Consumption and stresses the point that market don’t wait for slow movers. Business that innovate and respond quickly to consumer demand survive best. Everyone has a part to play, at various levels of administration, manufacture and use. All products have an environmental impact however small. She argues that it should be reduced to the minimum. (14)
National Level
34
K. Haridas has analyzed the suicides that has taken place all over India and came to the conclusion that majority of the suicides that has taken place all over India and came to the conclusion that majority of the suicides are taking place in the areas where cash crops are cultivated whereas in the areas food crops are cultivated suicide rates are comparatively low. (15)
A Hidayattullah (2008) has submitted a thesis on “A study on the Impact of Globalization on Income and
Employment Levels of Indian Economy” It is an econometric study and comes to the facts that employment and incomes of the agrarian sector has gone down and pauperization has taken place on a larger scale in the national level. (16)
Dionne Bunsha (2006) opines that the crux of the farmer’s problem was something beyond their control.
High cost of production and low prices for the produce was the system. In the last 10 years the prices farm inputs rose dramatically. Urea was Rs.80 a bag, now it is Rs.280. A bottle of pesticide was Rs.40, but now it is Rs.240. In spite of this there was a gush of imports into India. Between 1997 and 2003, we imported 110 lakh bales, which is more than the total volume of imports since independence. Prices are low not only for cotton but for most other crops and vegetables. Whatever you choose there are losses.
(17)
Dr.Gandekar (2006) says a farmer who is having 2 hectares of land gets only Rs. 7800 per year. His question is how could a family live with this amount of money. When somebody gets sick, or a marriage comes in the family all the calculations of the farmer go wrong which results in committing suicides. (18)
Sulabha Brahme (2002) critically evaluates the Structural Adjustment Programme with reference to
Maharashtra. Land the means of livelihood of millions of toilers in the state is under direct threat through acquisition of land by the government for tourist hotels, beach resorts, express ways, airports and a variety of tourist sports facilities. The government of Maharashtra has relaxed land to non agricultural uses thus bringing the land to the speculative market. The state is acquiring even ecologically sensitive areas for private companies and the army of landless is fast swelling. (19)
P.Sainath (2006) says dozens of committees and surveys had been to Vidharbha in Maharashtra and declared an agrarian crisis over there. Ganesh Utsav is the most important festival in Maharashtra. But in 35
Vidharbha, where this is a central social event, villages are in silence and darkness. Because the main organizer of the Utsav, a farmer had taken his own life. The number of farm suicides in the region since
June 2005 has crossed 760 marks. Maharashtra’s agrarian crisis is part of the same crisis unfolding in the rest of the country. (20)
Chandan Singh is presenting the global perspectives of outsourcing which India can achieve. He says that because of globalization both India and the outsourcing country also can benefit out of outsourcing. He speaks about cost advantages, increase in business, access to specialized services, faster deliveries to customers etc. (21)
Paddy farmers in Konaseema region located in the East Godavari district of coastal Andra decalared a crop holiday in about 90,000 acres voluntarily. About 3 lakh tones of paddy were not produced due to the crop holiday in the region. The farmers organization says that the costs of agricultural labour and other inputs are much higher than the support price that is being offered in the region. The daily wage rates are
Rs. 150 and 100 for men and women respectively. But the farmer has to give Rs. 250 and Rs.150 as per seasonal demand. (22)
B.G.Patil in his research paper points out that human rights violations are to be prevented as per U.N. charter and as per the fundamental rights of the weaker sections of the people are safeguarded only on paper. (23)
M.B.Heggannavar argues that globalization and small scale industries are essential for Indian economy.
But India must make efforts to promote, sustain and aid the small scale industries very urgently. He says a fruitful measure would be to reserve certain goods for production exclusively by the small scale industries and their intelligent outsourcing by the government to ensure maximum benefits. (24)
S.Jayasankar focuses on research and development in the agricultural sector since the private sectors investment in research and development is negligible. Research and development must be applied to the entire gamut from field to market. He proposes our research should be directed to high quality products to attract the international consumers. He also says successful integration in to the world economy requires a complementary set of policies and institutions at Home. (25) 36
V.K.Ramachandran et al (2002) document changes in the household of landless manual workers in Tamil
Nadu. According to them despite major changes in the scale and type of agriculture, specifically the
expansion of irrigation and commercial crops, and despite increases in real wages and earnings, the
landless households and manual worker households are still characterized by chronic insecurity with
respect to employment, low wage rates, high levels of poverty and a near absence of ownership of productive assets. (26)
Kerala
Kerala is a place where farmers commit suicide when urbanization and trade develops, it is a place where
unemployment increases at the same time there is shortage of labourers; output is low where as
consumption is very high. There is the paradox of consumerism and affluence on one side and increased poverty on the other. (27)
A study of Sastra Sahitya Parishad (2006) made the following conclusions:
1. Debt is increasing among the people of Kerala.
2. While the rich are taking loans for investments, the poor are taking loans for treatment
and marriage celebrations.
3. 32 percent of the Malappuram District of Kerala is supported by the gulf money. Only
8 percent of Idukki families are supported by foreign remittances. (28)
According to Sunny Joseph (2003) finance is the lubricant for the process of economic growth. When
finance becomes available development is initiated and new investment opportunities arise. This newly
developed access to funds on reasonable terms induces entrepreneurs to expand their horizon of
conceivable opportunities. Not simply access to funds but the entire financial milieu and the rationalism it
implies triggers creative entrepreneurial responses. (29)
Geetha P. (2006) emphasizes the fact that in earlier periods the choice of cropping pattern was guided by
agronomic considerations and consumption needs of farmers, but now the market forces decide
everything. Official reports show that agricultural income showed a steady growth up to mid seventies 37 and showed a vacillating trend thereafter. In Kerala four fifth of the land is under cash crops which are
dependent on world market considerations. The most notable feature of Kerala’s agricultural development
is the emergence of cash crops as a dominant sector over the last four decades. The vagaries in the
international market conditions affect the prospects of Kerala farmers vehemently. (30)
Globalization
For K. Singh (1998) globalization is nothing new. When defined as a process of global economic
integration through increases in movement across national borders of some combinations of goods and
services, capital, labour and financial capital, the late nineteenth century could be referred to as a period
of globalization. However, the term that most approximately emerged then and that has since defined the
historical stage set by that age, was not globalization but imperialism. (31)
According to E. Hobsbawn (1987) the word ‘imperialism’ first became part of the political and journalistic vocabulary during the 1890s as a term to describe what was considered that time as a new or
novel phenomenon.(32)
Indrani Majumdar (2007) has cited that imperialism was identified with the phase of capitalist
development endangered by enormous concentration and centralization of capital in the industrialized
countries from the late nineteenth century onwards. Such centralization took place through formation of
cartels, a coalescence of finance and capitalist industry and the emergence of powerful monopolies or
oligopolies on the world stage. It compelled an expansionist scramble for markets for capital and goods
as well as control over sources of raw material, and led to the intensified exploitation of weaker nations by a handful of the richest and most powerful capitalist powers, either along the colonial route or through establishment of less politically defined spheres of influence. (33)
Barnet and Miller (1977) have noted that the global visionary of earlier days was either a self deceiver or a mystic. As the boundaries of the known world expanded the succession of Kings, Generals and assorted strong men tried to establish empires of ever more colossal scale but none succeeded in making a lasting public reality out of private fantasies. The Napoleonic system, Hitler’s Thousand Year Reich, the British 38
Empire and the Pax Americana left their traces, but none managed to create anything approaching a global organization for administering the planet that could last even a generation. The world cannot be run by military occupation, though the dream persists. (34)
The Fourth World Congress of the International Economic Association, held in Budapest in August 1974, had its theme “Economic Integration: Worldwide, Regional, Sectoral”. The word integration is taken from the Latin word ‘integratio’. The Oxford English Dictionary gives 1620 as the date for the first use in print of integration in the sense of combining parts into a whole. (35)
Fritz Matchlup (1977) says that business horizontal integration refers to combinations of competitors and vertical integration to combinations of supplies with customers. In the sense of combining separate economies into larger economic regions, the word integration has a very short history. (36)
Ricardo Patrella (1995) has identified some possible relations in the overall literature on globalization:
1. The global predominates the local
2. The local awakes itself in a globalized world
3. The global, bringing opportunities, helps the local
4. The global invents its own local
5. The local struggles for a different global
6. The dialectics of global and local builds up a synthesis which may be called the glocal.
7. The local sets free the local. (37)
Dipankar Gupta (2004) is of the opinion that in the last few decades the word globalization has been more narrowly defined by dominant commercial interests as the inclusion of the world’s entire population in a single, global market place. (38)
P. Dicken (1992) speaks about four basic ingredients of globalization:
1. Creation of global economy
2. Global Technology
3. Political globalization and 39
4. Globalization of ideas (39)
Barnett and Miller (1994) questions how far globalization differs from internationalization? Globalization is very distant from internationalization. In the internationalistic framework, nations mattered. Hence people who rooted to the country had a greater stake in the system and louder voice in decision making.
Globalization is about mobile people and about generalized consumption standards. Therefore,
globalization would like to believe that nations do not matter at all. (40)
Globalization is a more advanced form of internationalization implying a degree of functional integration between internationally dispersed economic activities. (41)
Stiglitz (2002) summarizes that men who run the global corporations are the first in history with the
organization, technology, money, and ideology to make a credible try at managing the world as an
integral unit. (42)
Barnett and Miller (1974) foresee that under the threat of intercontinental rocketry and the global
ecological crisis that hangs over all air breathing creatures, the logic of global planning has become
irresistible. (43)
Jawara and Kwa (2003) see the positive aspects of the recent international development. They say that
globalization has reduced the sense of isolation felt in much of the developing world and has given many people in the developing countries access to knowledge well beyond the reach of even the wealthiest in
any country a century ago. The anti globalization protest themselves are a result of this connectedness.
Those who overlook globalization too often overlook its benefits. (44)
In the forties Wendell Willkie spoke about “one world”, in the seventies we are inexorably pushed toward it, Aurelio Peccei, a director of Fiat says that the global corporation is the most powerful agent for the internationalization of human society. George Ball says “working through great corporations that straddle
the earth men are able for the first time to utilize world resources with an efficiency dictated by the
objective of logic of profit.” (45)
According to Srinivasa Raghavan (2003) the process of globalization has imposed serious constraints on
the autonomy of the Indian State, by tailoring its national economic activities to the exigencies of the 40 global economy. It is high time the academic community in the third world realizes the globalization has worked in favor of the advantaged North at the expense of the disadvantaged South. Globalization has been co terminus with growing disparities between the developed capitalist west the developing Third
World. (46)
For Chakraborthy (2000) globalization has meant a new form of deindustrialization and subjugation of
India to western hegemony, leading to an increasing number of dying or dead back yard enterprises for
every conceivable product ranging from zip fasteners, razor blades, cereals, bottling plants fountain pens
and televisions. (47)
For business purposes the boundaries that separate one nation from another are no more real than the
equator, say Richard and Roland (2002). They are merely convenient demarcations of ethnic, linguistic,
and cultural entities. The world outside the home country is no longer viewed as series of disconnected
customers and prospects for its products, but as an extension of a single market. (48)
Joseph Stiglitz (2002) says that the way globalization has been managed, including the international trade
agreements that have played a large role in removing those barriers and the policies that have been
imposed on developing countries in the process of globalization need to be radically rethought.(49)
Liberalization
Munim Kumar (2003) argues that we should make a distinction between globalization and liberalization.
The process of liberalization “begins at home” with micro economic and sectoral reforms and measures
like public expenditure cuts, freeing the economy from restrictions relating to size, capacity, model, pricing policy, ownership pattern, fiscal and monetary policies, labour market policy and so on. Later,
changes in trade policy relaxation of controls on foreign investment and opening up the economy to
competition from abroad become essential. The process of globalization starts here. And it is difficult to
distinguish between them. (50)
41
During 1980’s Ronald Reagon and Margaret Thatcher preached free market ideology. The ministries of finance in poor countries were willing to become converts to obtain the funds though vast majority of government officials and people in these countries often remained skeptical. (51)
I have long dreamed of buying an island owned by no nation,” says Carl A Gerstacker, Chairman of the
Dow Chemical Company on the truly neutral ground of such an island, beholden to no nation or society.
If we were located on such truly neutral ground we could then really operate in the United States as
United States Citizens, in Japan, as Japanese citizens and in Brazil as Brazilians rather than being governed in prime by the laws on the United States…We could pay any natives handsomely to move elsewhere. (52)
Joseph Stiglitz (2002) points out that the influx of hot money into and out of the country that so frequently follows after capital market liberalization leaves havoc in its wake. Small developing countries are like small boats. Rapid capital market liberalization in the manner pushed by the International
Monetary Fund amounted to setting them off on a voyage on a rough sea, before the holes on their hulls have been repaired, before the captain has received training, before the life vests have been put on board.
Even in the best of circumstances, there was a high likelihood that they would be overturned when they
were hit broadside by a big wave. (53)
India abolished quantitative restrictions in April 2001. Industrial decontrol and comparative advantage
were emphasized. Industries reserved solely for the public sector were reduced from 18 to 3 i.e. defense
aircrafts and warships, atomic energy generation and railway transport. Industrial licensing was abolished,
except for a few environmentally hazardous industries. (54)
Treasury would probably claim that the liberalization itself was not at fault; the problem was that
liberalization was done on the wrong way. It was very likely that a quick liberalization done poorly. (55)
Forcing a developing country to open itself up to imported products that would compete with those produced by certain of its industries, industries that were dangerously vulnerable to competition from
much stronger counterpart industries in other countries can have disastrous consequences – socially and
economically.(56) 42
The International Monetary Fund was not alone in pushing for Liberalization. The United States treasury as the International Monetary Fund’s largest shareholder and the only one with veto power has a large role in determining International Monetary Fund policies, pushed liberalization too. (57)
Even the Economic Times (2000) itself a strong proponent of liberalization, had to admit after 9 years that
about 13 million small scale, medium scale and handicraft units have become the helpless victims of
unequal foreign competition. The assault on the small scale sector has affected 60 million workers. Even
the indigenous high tech computer industry is suffering from unregulated foreign competition. (58)
John Madeley (2002) writes that the true believers in globalization and liberalization feel sure that they
know best – markets work and globalization benefits all – but that the poor benighted heathens of the
south have yet to realize this. The Enlightened ones, armed with the gospel according Adam smith,
therefore have a duty to spread the Word – and to do whatever it takes to bring the unbelievers to the
Promised Land of globalized economy for their own good even if they don’t realize they want to be there.
(59)
Privatisation
SAPRIN Report (2004) describes that State ownership and control of enterprises during 1950s aimed at
control over strategic sectors and to
(I) Ensure the delivery of essential services;
(ii) Initiate large investments that were essential for the economy;
(iii) Promotion of indigenous entrepreneurs to strengthen domestic growth and
(iv) Diversification. (60)
Ashutosh Varshney (1999) describes that India’s central government is a majority shareholder in 240
enterprises, 27 banks and 2 large insurance companies. Only some of these enterprises generate profits.
To reduce public sector expenditures, the government is pushing public sector companies to raise resources from capital markets. (61)
43
SAPRIN Report shows (2004) that when the oil price shock triggered economic problems of high inflation and economic stagnation that were not resolved by conventional Keynesian policies, the neo liberal paradigm become more and more important. A number of studies were published criticizing the state’s role in the economy, some of which pointed to the supposedly inherent non – viability of states owned firms which faced crisis in production and efficiency. (62)
Privatization aimed to promote the private sector as an engine of growth and to increase efficiency and productivity. It was claimed that privatization policies would improve efficiency of resource use, foster competition, enhance the role of private sector, obtain higher rates of domestic savings and investments, attract foreign investors, improve the welfare of society, promote the ownership of private enterprises by nations, create a property owning middle class, increase total employment, improve the quality of products etc.(63)
Privatization has been one of the most important components of the structural adjustment programmes implemented in developing countries. Loan agreements with the IMF and the World Bank have very often involved conditions requiring the privatization of state property, regardless of the extend or effectiveness of public ownership. State enterprises and services were taken to be inherently inefficient undertakings that, in order to improve performance, should be privatized. Privatization as a condition for loans has been part of the Bretton Woods institutions’ policy prescriptions since the second half of the 1980s (64).
Davis Jeffrey (2000) cited that public sector accounts for about 35 percent of industrial value added in
India, but although privatization has been a prominent component of economic reforms in many countries, India has been ambivalent on the subject until very recently. Initially, the government adopted a limited approach of selling minority stake in public sector enterprises while retaining management control with the government, a policy described as “disinvestment” to distinguish it from privatization. This policy had very limited success. (65)
Montek Ahluwalia (2002) explains that in 1998 the government announced its willingness to reduce its share holding to 26 percent and to transfer management control to private stakeholders purchasing a substantial stake in all central public sector enterprises except in a limited group of strategic areas. The 44 first such privatization occurred in 1999, when 74 per cent of the equity of Modern Foods India Ltd (a public sector bread making company with 2000 employees) was sold with full management control to
Hindustan Lever, an Indian Subsidiary of the Anglo – Dutch multinational Unilever. This was followed by several similar sales with transfer of management. (66)
The privatization of Modern Foods and BALCO (an aluminum company) generated same controversy.
Subsequent sales have been much less problematic, and although the policy continues to be criticized by
the unions, it appears to have been accepted by the public, especially for public sector enterprises that are
making losses. However there is little public support for selling public sector enterprises that are making
large profits. Profit making companies are likely to be privatized in the near future, but even so there are
several companies in the pipeline for privatization that are likely to be sold. The Ministry of
Disinvestment in its website has made a valiant effort at explaining the case for privatizing even profit
making companies on the grounds that government ownership makes it impossible to achieve commercial
efficiency. (67)
The Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) Review Report estimated that by
December 1998, 1508386 workers lost employment following the declaration of 2454 companies as sick.
The recent decision to pull down the shutters of ninety four mills of the National Textile Corporation
would render another 75,000 jobless. (68)
Rahul Mukerjee (2007) argues that an important recent innovation, which may increase public acceptance
of privatization, is the decision to earmark the proceeds of privatization to finance additional expenditure
on social sector development and for retirement of public debt. Many states have also started privatizing
state level public sector enterprises. (69)
According to Stanley Kochanek (1996) following the parliamentary elections of 1991 in India, the new
congress led government of Prime Minister Narasimha Rao was forced to make a dramatic break with the
country’s past economic policies in a desperate effort to ward off bankruptcy. (70)
45
Encouraged by the IMF the government adopted a series of economic reforms designed to increase domestic competition and foreign investment and prepare Indian business to participate in the global economy. (71)
These dramatic changes in economic policy have fundamentally altered India’s post independence model of development and have had an especially dramatic effect on India’s diverse business community. (72)
World Trade Organization
According to N.S. Bansal (2004) The World Trade Organization deals with the rules of trade between nations at a global or near global level. (73)
The World Trade Organization for liberalizing trade is a forum for governments to negotiate trade agreements. It is a place for them to settle trade disputes. It operates a system of trade rules. (74)
In the words of John Madeley (2002) the World Trade Organization, as it was created, is a “one horse” organization concerned only with trade liberalization. But the horse is trampling on the poor. The World
Trade Organization is important to protect developing countries from, the fall in the prices of primary agricultural produce, on which many depend for the bulk of their foreign earnings. The World Trade
Organization has no role in regulating the activities of Transnational Corporations. (75)
In theory the World Trade Organization is one member country one vote democracy, in practice there was never been a vote in its six years existence. Developing country members could vote to change the rules to make the World Trade Organization a trade organization that is capable of grappling with the most pressing trade issues affecting the world poor. Or it might be better to scrap the World Trade Organization and start afresh. (76)
Jawara and Kwa (2003) criticizes that crucial meetings are held behind closed doors excluding participants with critical interests at stake, with no formal record of the discussion. When delegates are in principle, entitled to attend meetings, they are not informed, when or where they are to be held. Meetings, are held without translation into the languages of many participants, to discuss documents which are 46 available only in English, and which have been issued only hours before, or even at the meeting itself.
(77)
Those most familiar with issues (Ambassadors) are sometimes discouraged or prevented from speaking in discussions about them at ministerial meetings. “Consultations” with members on key decisions are held one to one in private, with no written record and the interpretation left to an inconvenient views have been ignored in this process fall on deaf ears. Chairs of committees and facilitators are selected by a small clique, and often have an interest in the issues for which the committee is responsible. The established principle of decision making by consensus is routinely overridden, and the views of decision makers are
“interpreted” rather than a formal vote being taken, even in the selection of Mike Moore as Director
General, and the chairmanship of the Trade Negotiations Committee. Rules are ignored when they are inconvenient, and a blind eye is turned to black mail and inducements. This list is endless. (78)
A core group of about twenty to twenty five members attend all the most critical meetings, in effect instituting a de facto executive council, to which members have not agreed, by the back door. It is for this reason that such meetings are widely viewed illegitimate. (79).
These meetings are private meetings hosted by individual countries. The outcomes of these meetings affect all members. A final package is crafted between a selected minority of members and presented to the majority as a fait accompli; and those with clout will carry the most weight. (80)
The Unites States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky (1999) in the press briefing acknowledged
“The process was a rather exclusionary one. All meetings were held among between twenty and thirty key countries and that meant 100 countries, 100 were never in the room. For many countries this led to an extraordinary bad feeling that they were left out the process”. (81)
Fatouma (2003) pints out that while mini – ministerials have no formal status within the World Trade
Organisation, they seem to have become institutionalized. Mini ministerial meetings should not take place, because they are closed, nontransparent meetings between unrepresentative groups of members, generally handpicked by the major powers to promote their agendas, by shifting the discussion from the
47 closest to the issues, politicizing the process an opening the way to arm twisting and pay offs, in fields
unrelated to trade.(82)
As per Aileen (2003), in Doha, unfortunately flexibility is merely a euphemism for a system of
governance where the most basic principles of democracy, transparency and accountability are blatantly
flouted at every turn. Doha round talks had led to a successful conclusion – by further empowering a rich
and powerful minority to overcome the interests and opposition of a weaker majority. (83)
Efforts by developing countries to secure real improvements in World Trade Organization procedures
have also been systematically blocked. The major developed countries make every effort to ensure that
the process remains tightly in their control. Power is best exercised in a situation of uncertainty and
unpredictability, and that is why process issues are so vague at the World Trade Organization. (84)
According to Jawara (2003) from the beginning of the process leading up to Doha the shadow of Seattle
hung over the negotiations. Seattle had been a spectacular failure for the World Trade Organization which
had drawn global attention. There was a widespread fear, among the Secretariat staff and delegates alike
including some developing country delegates – that a second successive ‘failure’ would seriously
undermine the World Trade Organization and the multilateral trading system itself and could even lead to
the organization’s demise. The major powers did not want this and in their anxiety to put the World Trade
Organization train back to its tracks, exerted huge amount of pressure on developing countries to reach
some kind of agreement. (85).
Aileen Qua (2003) complains that Director Generals of World Trade Organization have been equally
zealous in their efforts to complete the round on schedule, and have been instrumental in institutionalizing
the non–transparent, anti-democratic , “ green room ” style negotiations both in Geneva and at
ministerial and vice ministerial levels. (86)
The benefits of the World Trade Organization go to a few powerful nations under the guise of democracy,
openness and a neutral secretariat. Technical assistance was also widely used as a bargaining chip.
(87)
48
Fatouma Jawara and Aileen Kwa (2003) describes that there are three layers of reality within the multilateral trading system. You have the official, the subterranean (behind the scenes) and the ideological. There is a need to attack all these levels….At the official level everyone agrees to decisions that were based on ‘consensus’…The subterranean level in where you have the arm twisting; the deeper reality is the ideological level – the rationalization of the system – the economic argument and the developmental aspects supporting the view that liberalization promotes growth and poverty reduction.
(88)
What happens in the World Trade Organization is part of a broader pattern of neocolonialism in the global economy. (89)
The Multi-National Corporations
According to Barnet and Miller (1974) the managers of the global corporations are seeking to put into practice a theory of human organization that will profoundly alter the nation – state system around which society has been organized for over 400 years. What they are demanding in essence is the right to transcend the nation state. (90)
The managers of the world’s corporate giants proclaim their faith that where conquest has failed business can succeed. (91)
Eric Schlosser (2001) says where as the twentieth century was dominated by a struggle against totalitarian systems of the state power, so the twenty – first century will be marked by a struggle to curtail excessive corporate power. The poor at least deserve an international trade organization that is part of that struggle.
(92)
Thanks to mergers and acquisition investments, writes Venkata Ramanan (2001), developed countries are absorbing about three quarters of Foreign Direct Investment, the United States of America being the major beneficiary of this global inflow. (93)
49
Frank Partnoy (2003) flays it is an infectious greed. An infectious greed seemed to grip much of our business community… it is not that humans have become any more greedy than in generations past. It is that the avenues to express greed have grown so enormously. (94)
P.K.Das (2001) shows that besides a large part of the negligible foreign capital entering the Indian economy is being invested either in the service sector or in the production of luxury goods foreign capital has not provided India new industries or new technologies. Instead, the Multinational Companies are either buying Indian concerns or entering into partnerships with Indian industries, or simply selling Indian products with Multinational Company stickers. Several consumer industries, manufacturing the daily necessities of life have been affected by the takeover of 256 Indian companies by the multinational companies. Some examples are given below.
1. The Parle Company was owned by Ramesh Chauhan who competed with Pepsi and its products like
Thumsup, Goldspot and Limca. When Cocoa Cola entered the scene Chauhan was forced to sell off his unit to Cocoa Cola.
2. The Tatas have sold their oil producing units to Hindustan Lever a subsidiary of the Multinational
Company Uni Lever brothers.
3. The Multinational Company Brooke Bond has taken over the unit producing goods with Kishan Mark.
4. Tata Cement and Raymond Cement have been taken over by La Farge of France.
5. Mafatlal Oxygen in Gujarath has taken over British Gas
6. Travel Corporation of India has gone into the hands of Thomas Cook.
7. The two leading investment and insurance companies – Birla Capital and Sun Mar – have taken over respectively by Sun Life of Canada and AMP of Australia. (95)
Srinivasa Raghavan (2001) is of the opinion that the recent trend is denationalization of the insurance sector and allowing foreign companies to enter in this field. The foreign insurance companies would perhaps be more user – friendly and efficient than state run insurance companies. But for a developing country the insurance sector place a socially constructive role by investing in the upgrading of infrastructural facilities. For example, the Life Insurance Corporation of India’s contribution to the central 50 government rose from Rs.71.40 billion in the Sixth Five Year Plan to a projected Rs.180 billion in Ninth
Five Year Plan. Likewise in 1998, the General Insurance Company contributed Rs. 26.684 billion to the public sector. The question is whether private capital in insurance would imply a curtailment in the state’s contribution to social capital. (96)
The Karnataka government subsidized an Israeli and a Dutch concern to set up fifteen Floricultural units to stimulate flower exports. This project has yet to start yielding results. Meanwhile the peasants who had their land acquired to establish these units became agricultural labourers with no pension, life insurance provident fund or social security. (97)
Arun Ghosh (2006) shows that the Federal Finance Minister’s personal directive to the Central Board of
Direct Taxes (CBDT) that all capital routed via Mauritius for tax on profit made from each other territory, as a result of late all sorts of capital have been coming to India routed Via Mauritius, with at best a postal address and one office room in that country, in order to dodge Indian tax laws. The CBTD had naturally caught such inflows as liable to pay direct taxes on their profits in India and the furore following this decision and the pressure of FIIS on the Finance Minister forced him to order the CBTD to back track on its rightful decision. This was simply to ward off the threat of sudden sharp withdrawal of funds from
India by the FIIS which they have been doing in the current year, merely to play the stock exchange in their interest. (98)
World Bank
The proper name of the World Bank – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development reflects its original mission says Joseph Stiglitz (2002) ; the last part, “Development” was added as almost as an afterthought. At the time, most of the countries in the developing world were still colonies, and what meager economic development efforts could be undertaken were considered the responsibility of their
European Masters. (99)
The main function of foreign capital inflow is to increase the rate of domestic capital formation up to a level – which could then be maintained without any further aid. (100) 51
Rosenstein Rodan (1961) prescribed the successful borrowing pattern as progress from net borrowing to a steady – state condition where loans would be rolled over rather than repaid and or as progression from concessional to market finance. He assumes throughout no net repayment of debt. In this article he also provided predictions of the years in which various countries would reach the stage of self sustaining growth.
Columbia 1965
Argentina 1965 1975
India 1970s
Philippines 1975
Yugoslavia 1966
Greece 1960s
(101)
John Madeley (2002) flays that the World Bank’s lending to forest projects is also controversial in response to the rapid rate of deforestation, and criticisms that its lending was causing some of that deforestation. A survey in 1990 of nine national plans found that none of them would actually reduce deforestation. (102)
The World Bank’s record is poor and it is hardly surprising that in 1995 a net work of NGOs launched a campaign: “Fifty Years is enough”. Some pressed for the Bank and International Monetary Fund to be closed down in 1995 their fiftieth anniversary year. At least 500 NGOs from south and north joined the campaign. All shared a common view that the Bank as an institution should be a less powerful determinant of development. The bank survived but calls for its reform have increased, both in the corridors of official power and on the streets. (103)
John madeley says (2002) World Bank employs highly paid and seemingly well qualified economists. But by taking a country by country approach it appears blind to what every undergraduate student of economics knows: if producing countries across the board are being assisted to increase their output at a 52 time when the world demand is sluggish the end result can only be a fall in prices. And this fall increases the small holder poverty that the World Bank “dreams” of defeating. The tragic irony is that such encouragement of additional export crop production is being done with scarce aid money. (104)
World Bank funding has gone, for example to China’s Three Gorges Dam, to dams on Chiles Biobio
River, on India’s Narmada River, the Ihus Dam in Turkey, Pak Mun Dam in Ghana, Bujagali Dam in
Uganda. Millions of the World’s poorest and most vulnerable have been forced out of their homes as a result. The Three Gorges will displace 1.1 million people and India’s Narmada Dam 2,50,000 people.
And those affected are often not even consulted. (105)
The report of the World Commission on dams revealed the true picture; large dams did not recover their costs and have been less profitable in economic terms than expected and have a marked tendency towards schedule delays and significant cost overruns. The impact of water logging and salinity on irrigated land,
can be severe long term and often permanent (106)
Poverty
World Bank Report (2000) explains that despite repeated promises of poverty reduction made over the
last decade of the twentieth century, the number of people living in poverty has actually increased by
almost 100 million. This occurred at the same time that total world income increased by an average of 2.5 per cent annually. (107)
According to Ferrer (1985) the Third World is living below their means. (108)
John Madeley (2002) cites that the world has a productive capacity to produce enough food for all, but all
governments have not allocated the resources that are needed. The political will has been missing. (109)
In 1974 World Food Conference in Rome resolved to ensure that within a decade no child would go to bed hungry and no family would fear for its next day’s bread. “History will judge the adequacy of our policies and actions in relation to this pledge” – said the conference Secretary General. (110) 53
John Madeley says (2002) History is judging. And the numbers speak for themselves. While the governments of the western countries were among those who committed themselves to the World Food
Summit target in 1996, there were also cutting the development aid that would help the target to be achieved. In the 1990s aid to agriculture fell significantly as a proportion of all overall development assistance, from about 20 percent in the late 1980s to about 12 per cent today. Declining support for agriculture is extremely damaging to efforts to reduce poverty and hunger. (111)
In India since the reform of 1991 began, while the poverty line has shifted down in income terms, the access of the poor to public goods has gone down because of reduced investment by the state in areas such as health, education and roads. (112)
According to Colin Clark (1950) it was assumed that government control of markets had obscured the forces of competition in supply and demand in the economy. It was believed that a free market system would unleash these forces and increase productivity. Unfortunately competitive and transparent markets did not emerge spontaneously. Most Third World farmers live in remote areas of country side. Farmers have no means of communicating with the outside world or even the nearest town resulting in considerable wastage. Individual farmers find they have little bargaining power faced with the might of a giant transnational corporation. (113)
Amartya Sen (1999) shows that Markets for agricultural commodities produced in poor countries do not behave in the same way as markets for manufactured goods. Unregulated competition in these markets encourages a “race to the bottom”. Farmers have nothing else to produce if they wish to earn some cash income and so they are obliged to produce more and more no matter how low the price falls. (114)
Mahendra Lama (2003) argues that in a democracy governments have to make a trade off between economic efficiency and social equity because the latter is crucial to human security. It is a see saw which has to be kept horizontal but without support. On the one side you have reform and on the other side you have people, whose immediate needs have to be factored into the calculus. (115)
Agriculture 54
Peter Robbins (2002) affirms that the economies of about eighty developing countries are dependent to a greater extent on agricultural products. (116)
According to Vandana Shiva (2002) globalization is guided by the global market integration of every farmer and every consumer for each agricultural product. This is pushing the majority of small farmers out of production and pushing poor people out of consumption. (117)
Gitanjali Bedi (2002) cites that the myth has supported globalization is that it will lead to growth. But what is never specified is growth of what and for whom. Trade liberalization does lead to growth of profits for global agribusiness corporations. But it is leading to a decline in food production and food security; and the erosion of ecological security for farmers. (118)
John Madeley (2002) warns that it is time for policy makers to give agriculture a new impetus, a new direction, to take it along a road where it can feed the world’s hungry. It can be done; the world knows how to do it. Not to do would be the ultimate betrayal of the poorest people on earth. (119)
The encouragement of small holder agriculture needs to be seen as a central part of poverty reduction strategies. In the 1996 World Food Summit declaration warned that hunger and Food insecurity are likely to persist, and even increase dramatically…Unless urgent, determined and concerted action is taken.
Governments have to take such action. (120)
The key issue is the direction of agriculture says Kevin Blundell of Christian Aid. We need the kind of agriculture that will allow the possibility of meeting the target. We need changes in international trade rules that allow developing countries to prioritize food security over trade. It is time for policy makers to give agriculture a new impetus, a new direction to take it along a road where it can feed the world’s hungry. It can be done; the world knows how to do it. Not to do so would be the ultimate betrayal of the poorest people on earth. (121)
Peter Robbins (2003) quotes that subsistence farmers are affected by low agricultural prices because they are likely to have barter more goods for the manufactured items they need. This will affect adversely to
55 their access to transport and education. Rural industries will also suffer; local shops and services go out of business because their customers, the farmers have less money to spend. (122)
Greg Buckman (2004) says rich countries have long histories of subsidizing and protecting their farm industries. Their belief in protecting their farm industries run deep and they are loath to change the habit.
(123)
Watkins, Kevin et al (2004) compare and contrast the situation that today rich countries spend US $ 1 billion a day subsidizing their farm industries and despite a commitment made during Uruguay Round of
Trade Talks to reduce these subsidies, they have increased over the past decade, not decreased. Today agricultural subsidies account for more than 25 percent of farm income in the US, 40 per cent in the
European Union and over 60 percent in Japan. (124)
Vandana Shiva and Gitanjali Bedi (2002) find two knowledge systems: one is local and the other is
Global. The local knowledge understands forest as the basic supplier of Wood, Food, Water, Fodder and
Fertilizer. So agriculture is directly supported by the forest to produce pulses, oilseeds and cereals. (125)
The global dominant knowledge system’s understanding is narrow which sees forest as the supplier of
Wood alone and agriculture as the supplier of oil seeds, wheat and rice. (126)
Roy and Stephen (2002) points out in the United States, farm subsidization is set to increase with the passage of the 2002 Farm Bill which will pay US $ 180 billion to US farmers over ten years, resulting in a subsidy increase of US $ 73 billion over the period. This will take US farm subsidies to more than 40 per cent of total US farm incomes. (127)
Greg Buckman (2004) describes that agriculture was kept out of international trade negotiations until the
Uruguay Round of Trade Talks. Introducing agricultural trade into that round proved to be a tortuous affair. There was enormous tension around the issue among poor countries on the one hand and the Unites
States and the European Union on the other. (128)
According to John Madeley (2002) the Uruguay Round’s Agreement on Agriculture was straight forwardly a deal stitched up between rich countries, like so many trade deals before it. Although the deal
56 included several exemptions, it generally required countries to limit the protection and to cut agricultural import barriers and export subsidies by 36 per cent (24 per cent for poor countries). (129)
Yet the ink was barely dry on the deal before, rich countries began claiming they didn’t need to make any
changes since they had already fulfilled the terms of the deal; they have since gone on to increase farm
subsidization from US $ 182 billion in 1995 to US $ 362 billion in 1998. (130)
Buckman (2004) points out that rich countries have been highly selective in the import restrictions they
have so far elected to lift, with the liberalization often occurring in categories that poor countries don’t
compete in, such as parachutes and felt hats, or in areas that don’t have a lot of added value. (131)
As per Peter Robbins (2003) the greatest impact of low price levels for agricultural products are felt by
tens of millions of farmers growing cash crops for the export market. (132)
Agricultural commodities are sold to earn money to buy things. Farmers need tools fertilizers and pesticides. They also need to buy clothes and medicines and they must pay for the use of vehicles to
transport their goods to market. The cost of these manufactured products, many of which have to be bought from industrialized countries has risen considerably over the last two decades due to inflation. In
order to appreciate the full scale of the loss of farm income it is necessary to compare the buying power of
the income derived from the sale of their crops in 1980 with that of today. (133)
According to Nirupam Sen (2000) India’s acceptance of the globalization dictum has affected the agrarian
sector. Although the west European countries, the USA and Japan continue to provide huge subsidies to
agriculture, the Indian state abiding by the dictates, withdrew the subsidy regime. The beginning of the
1990s saw the deregulation of fertilizer prices which caused a 15 percent increase in the price of urea and potash and 7 percent of phosphate and other items. This caused a drastic decline in the rate of increase of
fertilizer in agriculture from 8 per cent in the 1980s to only 2 per cent in the 1990s. Consequently
agricultural productivity fell from 3.5 per cent in the 1980s to 1.5 per cent in the next decade. (134)
In the words of Peter Robbins (2003) the price of the raw material has collapsed and the price of the
finished product has increased, where the difference has disappeared to. Much of the difference has
57 reflected in the profits of the giant multinational companies that dominate the processing, distribution trade in these commodities. (135)
Women
Malini Bhattacharya (2004) says in England, from the 17 th century, more and more land went into the hands of bigger people and they employed smaller numbers of workers. Cottagers and their wives helping them lost their occupation. So in the late eighteenth century, there was a decline in the standards of living of women along with a decline in the standards of living of men but women seem to have lost out more, as measured by real wages. (136)
After Europe and North America became industrialized women entered the labour force in greater numbers, but that happened only after several cycles of loss of employment, gain of employment, re entry into domestic service and getting out of it again. (137)
Malini Bhattacharya (2004) continues to say that there has been no particular trend in trade that has had a uniformly liberating effect on women’s lives. But from the Second World War to the late 1970s, women workers, along with their male comrades, experienced improved standards of living in Europe and North
America. The cycle has now turned downward again.(138)
Advances in technology in the modern world and earlier were almost always associated with loss of women’s control over the new technologies; as ploughs and oxen came to be used and replaced hoes, men became ploughmen. There have been very few societies with plough women and that continued with modern industry with the new machines that came up in the 19 th century. (139)
Ackerly (2000) describes that economic development affects men and women differently. While the
economic benefits of liberalization may be visible its social costs are not. These social costs are often borne by women. The process of economic development often renders women’s traditional skills of food processing tailoring etc. Useless, thus depriving them of the means of supplementing their income. The
58 expansion of cash cropping in agriculture and production for export in the manufacturing industry has not been accompanied by the trickle down of benefits to the women. (140)
Introduction of labour saving devices also have affected women negatively. With a lesser demand for labour, women are the first to lose their daily wages. Since men’s access to technology is considered as a culturally logical choice, they are the ones to get the choice of better jobs thereby further depressing women’s wages. Thus they are forced to migrate to urban areas in search of livelihood. Some women are left behind in villages solely in charge of the agriculture which is often at the subsistence level. They are employed without due remuneration. (141)
Mahbul ul Haq (2000) affirms that there is a need to establish linkages between economic development and household welfare. The consideration of these linkages should be considered while formulating policies of economic development. The introduction of technology in agriculture has resulted in the disadvantage of women.(142)
Mahendra P. Lama (2000) argues that the process of economic development has led to environmental degradation including scarcity of water and firewood. These have a direct impact on women’s daily lives, as they are responsible for procuring these resources for the family. This makes women more sensitive to the process of environmental degradation.(143)
B. Ackerley (2000) proposes that the first task is to accept women as active contributors to economy because their contribution is never included in National Income. Their contribution is outside the money economy. (144)
Haraka Gandhi (1997) points out those South Asian development policies are gender blind in concept and practice. It is surprising that in South Asia, development policies are made with only male productivity in mind. (145)
The cruelest fact is that women not only work long hours but many of them are not even considered to be working at all. Since it is assumed that women alone must do domestic work, they have less time and opportunity to seek paid employment.(146)
59
Felix Wilfred (1997) observes that the home workers are the most poorly paid workers, the average monthly household income from home based work in Delhi was found to be roughly one fifth of the legal minimum wage for an individual worker in Delhi. Many of them were minor girls. The average monthly income of the family from home based work was found to be Rs. 577 per month, the average monthly wage per individual was Rs. 306 which amounted to roughly one tenth of the minimum wage. (147)
Gainful employment has only succeeded in empowering small sections of women with economic independence in a limited way. (148)
As per the Australian Catholic Record in the urban areas women contributed much in the export oriented manufacturing industry. However the terms of labour are often exploitative and women work in sweat shop conditions. (149)
Ranjana Padhi (2009) criticizes that in a social milieu that has always seen women subjected to other people’s decisions. It is the husband’s brother or father who continues to take decisions even as the land has been transferred to the woman or her son. Visiting their mother’s is in most cases a decision that others have to validate.(150)
Empowerment has been defined by RanjanaPadhi (2009) as a change in the context of a woman’s life, characterized by external qualities such as health, mobility, awareness, status in the family, participation in decision making, and level of material security, as well as internal qualities such as self awareness and self confidence (151)
Studies done by Ackerley (2000) show that hill women consume less food than they should, eat what is left over after feeding their children and husbands are malnourished and susceptible to diseases. (152)
Men take to areas traditionally reserved to women. For example, hawking has traditionally been the occupation of low status and poor persons mostly women. With other jobs disappearing men from a slightly higher case and better off class than them take to these occupations. (153)
Awareness among women to opt for increased contraceptive aids to gain control of their own bodies and reproductive choices must be created. This also has a direct impact on their time use patterns making available time to pursue education or gain additional skills. (154) 60
Culture
Mahatma Gandhi (1921) says “I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any. I refuse to live in other people’s house as an interloper, a beggar or a slave.” (155)
P.G.K. Panicker (1977) is of the opinion that human culture is richer with sharing, mutual co operation and togetherness. But it is unfortunate that the terrible diseases afflicting the west are getting transferred, because of contact with it to the continents of the third world. (156)
The character of technology is like water in the sea. It has an innate tendency to find its own level across
the globe. The pioneers may have an advantage initially, but soon the ‘followers’ acquire those same
technologies. The technology based lead of the pioneers is therefore short lived. The underlying tendency is towards equality between nations.(157)
Srinivasa Raghavan (2003) points out that globalization has a cultural aspect also. Today’s multibillion
dollar advertising industry seeks to create attitudes and behavior cutting across national frontiers, national
cultures and national citizenship by promoting consumerism through the electronic media, which has now been open to both indigenous private and foreign capital. We are thus forced to be interested in sports so
that athletic shoe sales increase. Again the agricultural life style is despised, because it is not congenial to
television watching. Similarly the tradition of an hour long lunch break is discouraged because it militates
against the fast food economy. Since the global culture is being developed under western hegemony, what
is filtering through consumerism is a depressingly uniform western culture. (158)
P.G.K. Panicker (1977) compares that primary schools in well constructed buildings and provided with basic amenities for all the children in the community is not a major concern for the supporters of commercial culture, but private schools charging high fees affordable to a tiny elite are. Huge hospitals
61 with latest high technology receive attention in a commercial culture, while primary health centres emphasizing preventive or traditional medicine get ignored. (159)
The large energy corporations utilize electronic media to promote the cause of nuclear energy, which causes high pollution gets attention, while solar energy which is pollution free gets no patronage from commercial culture. (160)
According to Lee Phillip the domination endured by the poor of the world as a result of oppressed by the powerful is reality that degrades the whole of human kind as such…We live in a world that revolves
around a small number of centres of transnational power, characterized by a concentration of economic
and political power that uses culture as a means of penetrating and domesticating the peripheral sectors
subject to domination by centre. (161)
This culture measures a person’s value by the height of his mansion, the length of his car, the size of his
office desk, or the comfort of his chair leading to what Paulo Freire calls the cultural inauthenticity of
those who are invaded.(162)
Srinivasa Raghavan (2003) says foreign culture disseminates through the television carries with it the
acknowledgement of the role of greed, and promotion of mediocrity. For example the supply of pure
drinking water is not a priority in this culture but manufacture and sale of pure drinking water is. Dairy farming to supply milk to children is far less important than converting milk into chocolates, candy bars, ice cream and the like, affordable by a tiny minority in the population. (163)
The globalization of culture following the structural adjustment of the Indian Economy thus militates against human development. Short films, serials and feature films tend to generate consumerism and an individualist mentality amongst viewers. The popular mind is depoliticized, hence in Andra Pradesh
Starvation deaths can coincide with multibillion rupee cyber projects. In this liberalized regime, the mass media is armed with the agenda to develop a political culture which would marginalize any activity that does not conform to the rule of capital and profit. (164)
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Globalization of the Indian economy has thus exposed the Indian people to a new cultural imperialism disseminated through the liberalized electronic media. This surely goes against the notion of human security for the people of this country. (165)
Joseph Stiglitz (2002) shows that technocrats often miss out on important economic, social and political dimensions. Reform is always messy. (166)
Telegraph daily reports (2003) the incidents that a youngster died when he bungee jumped trying to clone the hero in a soft drink advertisement demonstrates how commercial influence this group. Again a young boy lost his life when he tried to imitate Saktiman by jumping out of the window. (167)
According to Srinivasa Raghavan (2003) reality is confined to what is shown on T.V. All former agencies
of socialization, family, church, school and vicinity have been replaced by T.V. It is the T.V. that teaches
the modern man what is good or bad, ugly or beautiful, true or false, lovable or hateful. It simply
swallowed the press as a source of information. The primitive man was adequately informed about the
dangers of the world. It helped him to survive. Is the information available helps the modern man to
survive. Does anyone know what Bush’s strategic defensive missile programme really means? Chomsky
denounced the “fabricating consensus”. (168)
It is media that adjust mankind to the role of consumer. Is it possible to surpass the omnipresent CNN and provide real information to the public? How to get the satellite, the huge paraphernalia of cameras, studios etc? How to pay thousands of reports around the world? (169)
Suicide
Jean Paul Sartre (1965) affirmed that every existent is born without reason, prolongs itself out weakness and dies by chance. (170)
Sartre (1957) concluded that man is a useless passion. (171)
The sixth commandment in the Bible says “Thou shalt not kill. (172)
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Howe Colt (1992) cites that after most suicides friends and family may feel guilt because they could not prevent the death. Relatives grieve because their loved one chose to die. They believe their loved ones died too soon and it was an unnatural death. (173)
Thomas Szasz (1973) has written “suicide is a fundamental human right”. This does not mean that it is morally desirable. It only means that society does not have the moral right to interfere, by force, with a person’s decision to commit this act.” (174)
Edwin Shneidman (1984) puts it more pungently, Suicide is not a right any more than is the right to belch.
If the individual feel forced to do it he will do it. (175)
Right to die advocates (Howe Colt, 1992) argue that if shortening our lives interferes with God’s will so too does lentheing them with life support equipment. (176).
Paul Bohannans study of six tribes in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda found that all of them considered suicide evil except in the case of hopeless illness. (177)
Survivors feel that even their closest friends cannot truly understand unless they have themselves lot someone to suicide. (178)
Karl Menningger (1992) speaks about a wealthy man who committed suicide. It is discovered that his death provides bountiful insurance for hi otherwise destitute family. Why should we begin our interpretations only at this late point in such a man’s life – the point at which he loses his wealth? Shall we not seek to discover how it came about that he lost it? And even more pertinently shall we not inquire how he made it. What conscious and unconscious guilt feelings were associated with it and with the sacrifices and penalties its acquisition cost him and his family? (179)
According to Wilhem Stekel (1992) if everyone who evinces some abnormality is to be regarded as mentally ill, there would hardly be a normal person left among the educated, all of us carry a secret fragment of a neurosis and perhaps even the makings of a psychosis. I think it is the lazy way out to say, in order to relieve our consciences, that all suicides are ill, psychologically inferior persons who are no great loss anyway. (180)
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An outbreak of small pox among Amercan Indians on the central plains during the 1830s set off an equally virulent outbreak of suicides, writes Cavan (1965). Very few of those who were attacked recovered their health, but when saw all their relatives buried, and the pestilence still raging with unabated fury among the remainder of their country men, life became burden to them and they put an end to their wretched existence either with their knives or by precipitating themselves from the summit of the rock. The prairie all around is a vast field of death, covered with unburied corpses. (181)
Wynter cites that in 1792 after a soldier hanged himself from a beam at Les Invalides Hospital in Paris, five other wounded soldiers hanged themselves from the same beam within a fortnight. And a total of fifteen took their lives before the corridor was closed. (182)
Anderson J. observes that violence on television – or in movies, videos and books – reflects violence in the outside world, and the chicken or the egg question of precedence will continue to be debated. A teenager ready to explode is more likely than ever to have the means at hand. The rate of gun ownership in the United States has risen steadily in the last two decades as has the rate of youth suicide by firearms.
(183)
Bushman D. (1984) sees that with each death the press coverage and the pandemonium grew exponentially, and by now the “Westchester suicides” as they were called, were the top story the mighty news, not only in New York but across the country. The city responded with a panic. At first many believed that suicides were a coincidence. None of them had known each other. But as the toll began to mount, the suspicion grew that suicides were somehow connected? Had one suicide triggered another?
Can reading about suicide in the newspaper or hearing about it on T.V. cause suicide? Is suicide contagious? When would it stop? Who was next? (184)
Alvarez A. (1973) the epidemic abated when city magistrates decreed that the corpses of suicides would henceforth be dragged naked through the market place, where upon vanity if not sanity prevailed. (185)
Conclusion
65
Going through different studies on the effects of globalization it is found that no study has been done on the spice cultivators. Idukki District is a spice producing area depending upon the export income of these products and no study has been done about the problems of this group. So this will be a pioneering study
into the problems of people who cultivate spices especially after globalization has been introduced.
CHAPTER III
PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA
KERALA
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INTRODUCTION
Kerala is the land of green magic, is a narrow fertile strip on the southwest coast of India, sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. The landscape is dominated by rice fields, mango trees, cashew nut trees and above all coconut palms.
The Western Ghats, with their dense tropical forests, misty peaks, extensive ridges and ravines, have sheltered Kerala from mainland invaders and encouraged maritime contact with the outside world
HISTORY
The early history of Kerala is documented in ancient tamil scripts and Hindu mythology. According to legend, Parasurama an incarnation of Vishnu threw his weapon from Kanyakumari across the sea. The sea subsequently receded to the point where the weapon landed and the land of Kerala was born.
The Kingdom of Cheras ruled much of present day Kerala up till the early Middle Ages. Its fortunes waxed and waned as it competed with empires, Kingdoms and small fiefdoms for territory and trade.
People have been sailing to Kerala in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory for at least 2000 years. Long before Vasco da Gama led the Portuguese to India, the coast had been known to the Phoenicians, then the
Romans, and Later the Arabs, and Chinese. The Arabs initially controlled shipment of spices to Europe, which motivated the Portuguese to find a sea route to India to break the Arab monopoly. In those days
(15 th and 16 th century) Kerala was not only a spice centre in its own right but a transshipment point of
spices from the Moluccas. And it was through Kerala that Chinese products and ideas found their way to
the west.
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Such contact with people from around the world has resulted in an intriguing blend of cultures and has given the natives of Kerala the cosmopolitan look, coupled with a tradition of seeking their fortunes elsewhere in India or overseas.
When Vasco da Gama and his Portuguese fleet arrived on the Malabar Coast in 1498 the Zamorin of
Calicut had established a wealthy bungalow based on the spice trade. Vasco da Gama’s arrival heralded an era of European contact with Kerala as Portuguese, Dutch and English interest fought the Arab traders and then each other for control of the spice trade.
The present day state of Kerala was created in 1956 joining Travancore, Cochin and Malabar. Malabar was formerly part of Madras State, while Travancore and Cochin were princely states ruled by Maharajas.
The Maharajas of Travancore and Cochin paid considerable attention to the provision of basic services and education, and it was this early concern for public welfare which resulted in the post independence state being one of the most progressive, literate and highly educated state in India.
Another of Kerala’s distinction was that it had one of the first freely elected communist governments in the world (elected in 1957). Communists have been in and out of office in Kerala ever since. Kerala’s progressive social policies have had other benefits, infant mortality in Kerala is the lowest in India and the
literacy rate of around 90 percent is the highest in the country. Traditionally Kerala is an agricultural
state. More than 50% of the people are in the agrarian sector. The word ‘KERALA’ itself means ‘the land
of coconuts’ The net sown area comes to 56.9% of the total. The principal food crops of Kerala are rice,
tapioca, pulses, banana and the cash crops consisting of coconut, pepper, ginger, arecanut, rubber, tea,
coffee etc. In the production of food, Kerala is a deficit state. She is producing only 40% of her
requirements. She depends on other States for her food requirements.
Though Kerala is deficient in food crops production, she earns much from commercial crops. And these
earnings enable her to pay for the food crops that come from other states.
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KERALA - SOME IMPORTANT FIGURES
1. Location of Kerala : between 8º 18′ and 12º 48′ north latitude and between 74º 52΄ and 72º
22΄east longitude
2. Geographical areas : 38.86 Lakh hectares.
3. Length of coastline : 590 Kms.
4. Average rainfall : 3125 mm
5. Total population : 31841374 (2001 census)
6. Area under forest : 10.82 Lakh hectares.
7. Cultivable areas : 24.46 Lakh hectares
8. Number of rives : 44
9. Longest river : Bharathapuzha (251.1 km)
10. Total area of rivers : 85,000 ha
11. No. of reservoirs : 30
12. Total area of reservoirs : 29635 ha
13. Density of population : 819 sq. km
(Source: Kerala State Land Use Board Thiruvananthapuram)
A country without sound agricultural system may not be capable of producing adequate food materials
and other crops. Agriculture is the backbone for the survival of any economy. As in the case elsewhere, the people of Kerala also had been depending on agriculture for their livelihood and Kerala continues to be a predominantly agricultural state.
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Declining profitability of crops, shortage of farm labourers, abnormal increases in land prices and high rate of conversion of agricultural land for other uses are the major problems in the states agricultural sector. “Labour and fertilizer costs together account for more than 75 percent of the paid out cost of cultivation for all major crops cultivated in the state.”(1)
SPECIAL FEATURES OF KERALA AGRICULTURE
1. High density of population
2. Small size of farms
3. Concentration of plantation crops
4. Neglect of food crops
5. Commercialization of agriculture
6. Shortage of capital
7. Dependence on monsoon
8. Low mechanization and technology
9. High remuneration to agricultural labours
10. Low price for food crops
11. Transformation of arable land for other purposes
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN KERALA AGRICULTURE
Declining profitability of crops, shortage of farm labours, abnormal increase in land prices and the high rate of conversion of agricultural land for other uses are the important current problems in the states agricultural sector.
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1. LOW PROFITABILITY
Labour and fertilizer Costs together accounts for all major crops cultivated in the state. Within a period of five years from 1990 91 to 1995 96 average daily wages of male and female farm labours in the state increased by 115.74 percent and 142.40 percent respectively. Meanwhile aggregate increase in farm prices of the major crops – paddy, coconut, rubber tapioca and cashew nut was 82.33 per cent, 9.97 per cent, 144.43 percent, 67.55 per cent and 95.65 per cent respectively. Rapid increase in the daily wages of farm labourers and fertilizer prices, along with relatively lower growth rates in the farm prices of agricultural products in the absence of any major improvement in farm technology, have adversely affected the profitability of crops. Within the last 15 years from 1981, indices of the cost of cultivation of crops and prices paid by farmers in the state have increased at annual rates of 10.44 per cent and 9.22 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, the index of prices received by farmers shows a relatively lower growth rate of 8.12 per cent. Parity index of prices received and paid by the farmers show that in all of the years, except in 1984 and 1987, it was unfavorable to them.
2. SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOURERS
In spite of the substantial increase in wage rates the gap between demand and supply in the agricultural labour market has been widening into recent years. Growing deficiency in the supply of farm labourers can be attributed to the following factors. First, the widespread implementation of various poverty alleviation programmes like IRDP, JRY, TRYSEM, DWCRA, SGRY and MNREGP in the state has rendered substantial employment opportunities to the rural people outside the farm sector. Second many small scale and ancillary industrial units are sprouting in rural and semi – urban areas throughout the state and their labour requirements are largely met by the rural people. Third, the hectic construction work going on in and around rural areas and the fast growing tertiary sector absorb a major portion of the new generation of rural labourers. Fourth, the large scale migration of rural youth to foreign countries and to other states has also reduced the supply of farm labourers within the state. Finally, the slow pace of
71 mechanization in the farm sector and the growing dislike of rural youth to take up farm labour as their full time occupation have worsened the labour shortage problem in the agricultural sector.
3. ABNORMAL INCREASE IN LAND PRICES
At present, agricultural land prices are so high in Kerala that if interest on land value is added to the paid out costs of cultivation, none of the major crops cultivated in the state is economically viable. Thus land is not always treated as a means of production in the state but is often regarded as an asset that can be used for speculative exchange. Therefore many speculative investors without any genuine interest in farming have already entered the land market as buyers. This observation is vindicated by the fact that immediately after the crash of the share market in the early 1990’s. Land prices in the state have gone sky rocketed. Again land is a safe asset with fair liquidity. A considerable portion of foreign remittance coming in to the state every year is used for the purchase of land which leads to a sustained increase in its price.
4. CONVERSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND FOR NON AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.
Compared to the 1980’s annual rate of increase in the proportion of land put to non agricultural uses has been relatively higher since the beginning of the 1990’s. within a period of four years from 1990 91 to
1994 95 absolute land area used for non agricultural purposes increased from 2,97,000 ha to 3,23,000 ha.
and this increase was primarily responsible for the decline in net area sown in the state during this period.
With the growing pressure of population and the development of the secondary and tertiary sectors agricultural land throughout the state is being converted for the construction of residential buildings, commercial establishments, roads, health and educational institutions etc., which in turn reduces the total area under cultivation.
In addition to this factors the poor achievements in agricultural research, drawbacks in the formulation and implementation of agricultural development programmes, environmental degradation, poor soil
72 management inadequate plant protection measures etc., have played their own roles bringing down the pace of agricultural development in the state.
In 1970 71 the total cropped area was 8.74 lakh hectares and it has reduced to 2.74 lakh hectares. Though
there was development in the techniques of production and cropping pattern the net area cropped was
always reducing. People were moving away from the primary sector to the tertiary sector. Because of the
globalization and liberalization prices of fertilizers and chemicals were going up and profitability in
agriculture was never achieved and very often losses were quite often recurring.
THE RECENT AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN KERALA
On 14 th Jan2009 the Chief Minister of Kerala, V.S. Achudanandan inaugurated the pilot project called
“All to the Farms”. On that day the Chief Minister, Ministers and M.L.As planted paddy in Mangilikkara
at Trivandrum. It was a grant function and all the media celebrated it.
Everyone expected something new is going to happen. Months passed and there was none to go to the paddy fields to collect the crop. Even though there were promises about harvesting machine it was not
supplied by the government. Finally a few farmers did the whole work and the rice was given to the
Supply Corporation of Kerala. But the price of the produce was not given to the cultivators.
The expected return from the paddy field was 2000 kg per acre. But actual crop was only 1200 Kg. And
when the farmers stated that the paddy cultivation was a loss the agricultural department of Kerala wanted
to prove that it is profitable by doing it.
The Assistant Director of Agriculture Ms. Mini K Rajan started paddy cultivation in 50 cents of land
under the direct guidance of agricultural department. They spent Rs.11,800 and received only Rs.3,600. In
Kalliyoor, Agricultural Officer Ms. Chitra cultivated 85 cents of land, and it was also a big loss. All the
experience of the farmers proves that agriculture is a failure. But the political leaders and agricultural
experts may have a different opinion. 73
In 1961 62, around 753 lakh hectares of land were cultivated and it has reduced to 2.83 lakh hectares in
2009. Kerala is depending 80 per cent for its food on other states. Farmers of Kerala do not expect an abnormal profit but they want only a return that covers the cost. The government of Kerala is not doing anything to support the farmers those who are ready to cultivate.
In 1983 the agricultural labourers were getting only Rs.600 per month. In 2003 it has increased to
Rs.6000 per month. When the wage has increased by 10 times the price of paddy has increased only by
2.74 times.
When Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand import coconuts in large quantities at a lower price as per the
Asean Agreement, and palm oil which has a lower price comes to the market as a substitute for coconut oil, the coconut farmers of Kerala will have no choice but to leave the field.
The two important farmers who won award for coconut cultivation Thachappilly Aravindakshan and
Palamattathil Sebastian have stopped coconut cultivation and moved to nutmeg and rubber respectively.
Even the best farmers are facing financial crisis and the case of ordinary farmers who have selected agriculture as a basic means of subsistence is in the cross roads. A man who was doing agriculture as a way of life for his life time is forced to change all of a sudden and move to some other field has become a life and death problem in Kerala.
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IDUKKI DISTRICT FOREST AREA
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IDUKKI DISTRICT
This beautiful high range of Kerala is geographically known for its mountainous hills and dense forests.
In 1992 Malankara Estate superintendent and his friend Thomas came for hunting in the dense forests of
Idukki. An adivasi called Karuvallan Kolumban showed the mountains called Kuravan and Kurathi and the river that flowed in between. This has resulted in the construction of Idukki Hydel Project. In Munnar area another advasi called Kannan Thevan showed the different hills and it resulted in the Tata Tea
Limited in later days. And these mountains are called the Kannan Devan Mountains.
Compared to other districts, Idukki has got many specialities. Idukki is rich in natural resources. The highest peak in South India ie. Anamudi which is 2817 metre high from sea level is in Idukki District.
The rare species of Nilgiri Thar (varrai goat) and Neelakurinji that blossoms once in twelve years and sholai forests are also in this district.
High mountain ranges, steep gorges, plains, rivers, dams, forests, grass lands etc. make Idukki district beautiful and unique. And the Europeans used to call it the Switzerland of India.
History
The early history of the district is obscure and there is no clear evidence about the Paleolithic age. The burials in the high ranges date back to the Megalithic period. Some historians believe that Kuzhumur, the
capital of Sangham age is the present Kumily in Peerumedu taluk. During 16 century Major portions of
Idukki district came under the rule of Poonjar Raja.
The modern history of the district starts with the advent of European planters to this region. In 1877
Kerala Varma, the Raja of Poonjar sold 227 Sq. Miles of Kannan Devan hills to John Daniel Manroe, a
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British Planter. The tract was largely unexplored and covered with thick forest. He formed the North
Travancore Land Planting and Agriculture Society. The members of the society developed there own estates in various parts of highranges. Roads were opened, Transport organized houses and factories built
and production rose rapidly in the succeeding years.
Idukki District was formed on 26 January 1972 as per government notification No.54131/C2/71/RD dated
24 th January 1972. At the time of formation the district headquarters started functioning at Kottayam and
from there it was shifted to Painau in Thodupuzha taluk in June 1976, where it is proposed to build a new planned forest township.
For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with power generation. The Pallivasal Hydroelectric
Project, the first hydroelectric project of the state was initially constructed by the tea companies for the
industrial use. Planters were the first migrants to the high range region which was covered by dense
forest. Deforestation process started in the high ranges with advent of the plantation industry by the end of the 19 th century. Vast area of evergreen forests was destroyed in connection with the construction of several hydro electrical projects, roads, factories etc.
Administrative Divisions
There are four taluks (Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Peermade and Thodupuzha) and 65 villages in the district. Munnar is census town. The largest village is Kannan Devan Hills of Devikulam taluk with an area of 557 sq.km and smallest kudayathoor village of thodupuzha with an area of 21 sq.km.
There are eight community development blocks viz. Devikolam, Adimali, Nedumkandam, Azhutha,
Kattappana, Idukki, Elamdesam and Thodupuzha. There are 52 Panchayaths in the district. Thodupuzha is the only Municipality and Idukki is the only township in the district. Kumily panchayath of Azhutha block is the largest in the district with an area of 795.28 sq.km. and Edavetty panchayath in Thodupuzha
80 block is the smallest panchayath of the district with an area of only 18.925sq.km. The district
headquarters started functioning at Kottayam and shifted to Painavu in June 1976.
Topography and Climatic Features
Idukki, the hilly district of the state, has many unique topographical and geographical characteristics. The
high ranges vary in altitude from 2500 feet above the mean sea level in Kulamavu to more than 5000 feet
above the MSL in Munnar. There are eleven peaks in this district, which exceed a height of 6000 feet
above the MSL. Two types of soil are found in the district. The Highland area is covered by forest soil
(alluvial soil) and the other parts by laterite soil.
The climate in the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from west to east. The highland region
is having a comparatively cold climate. Munnar, Devikolam, Pallivasal, Vellathooval etc.are places
getting high rainfall while Marayoor, Kanthalloor , vattavada, Thalayar etc experience low rainfall.
Marayoor and Kanthalloor are virtually rainshadow areas lying in the eastern side of Western Ghats.
Demography
The total area of the district is 4499 Sq km with a population of 11.28 lakhs. The district accounts for
12.91 per cent of the geographical area of Kerala State, while the population of the district is only 3.7 of
the state. Since most of the parts of the district are covered by dense forests and plantations there is lesser
area for habitation compared to other district in the state. In 1901 the population was nearly 48000 and
during in 1991, it has grown up by 22.46 times. On a comparison of the growth of population of the
district with that of the state it can be seen that growth rate of the district has shown a higher percentage
increase than the corresponding state increase.
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Since 1901 the rate of growth of population are given below
Year Percentage
1901 11 108.88
1911 21 92.39
1921 31 72.59
1931 41 30.17
1941 51 35.67
1951 61 74.98
1961 71 31.75
1971 81 26.91
1981 91 10.95
1991 01 04.64
Coming to the Taluk wise growth of population, Udumban chola taluk has the largest population increase during 1921 71 with 4069.89 percent. During 1941 1951 it was 40.61 per cent. But the decadal increase during 1951 61 is 675.75 percentages. In the three decades prior to 1951 census, as compared to other Taluks, Peerumade Taluk had the highest decenial growth rate but during post 1951 census period, Udumbanchola taluk had the privilege of having the highest growth rate among the other Taluks of the District. 82
The migration to the highland region started before the formation of Kerala at the end of 19 th century. Tamilians came as plantation workers of the European planters in Peerumedu and
Devikolam Taluks. Since most part of the district is covered with dense forests and plantations, there is lesser area for habitation. A large scale of conversion of forest area into arable lands resulted in the increase in population in the Udumbanchola and eastern part of Thodupuzha
Taluk due to the establishment of gigantic hydroelectric projects and as a consequence to the
“Grow More Food Campaign” in the state.
ANNALS OF MIGRATION TO IDUKKI FROM OTHER PARTS OF KERALA
Year Reason for Migration
1890 1920 There was small scale migration because of the starting of plantations.
1920 1930 Because of the World War I and consequent poverty many people migrated to
Idukki District
1933 1947 Because of the Pallivasal power generation project some people migrated to
Idukki District for employment purposes
1946 Forest area was given to 2000 families
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1950 Jawans retired from the army was given forest lands
1951 1000 people were given 1500 acres for the project “Grow More Food”
1952 Farmers were given 5 acres of 1000 blocks
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population assume some important positioning the district.
As per 2001 Census 14.11 per cent of the total population belongs to SC and 4.51 per cent belongs to ST group. On Block wise comparison it is seen that 28.51 per cent of total SC population is highly concentrated in Devikulam, Elamdesam and Idukki blocks.
Urban population in this District is only 4.1 per cent of the total population. Density of population is 1306 Sq.Km. in Thodupuzha Municipality. Vattavada panchayath has the lowest density of 75/sq km.
Transport and Communication
There are twelve state high ways passing through the district. There are two National Highways, namely NH 220 and NH 47 pass through the District. The Railways does not pass through the
District and nearest railway stations are at Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alwaye. Nearest port is
Cochin and the International Air port is near to the northern boundary of the District. Transport and communication, medical and educational facilities are poor compared to other Districts.
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Agriculture is the main resources of the District and above 50 per cent of the revenue earnings of the district is from the above sector.
Electricity and Power
In the heart of the District lies the Idukki Dam – Asia’s biggest Arch Dam of 555 metres height proudly standing between the two mountains – Kuravanmala (839 metres) and Kurathimala
(925metres). The Periyar River and its tributaries provide the required infrastructure for generating power.
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Cropping Pattern in Idukki Compared to Kerala
Crop Kerala Idukki % share of Idukki
Pepper 56546 ton 21328 37.70
Cardamom 5380 ton 4869 90.15
Tea 64801 ton 49473 76.30
Turmeric 474560 ton 230079 48.00
Lemongrass oil 97 ton 66 68.00
Rubber 474556 ton 38356 8.00
Cocoa 3537 ton 685 19.30
Coffee 45000 ton 9100 20.20
Pineapple 57316 ton 7856 13.70
Ginger 46372 ton 5547 11.90
Rice 871361 ton 10578 1.21
Source : Farm Guide, 1999
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AREA CULTIVATED IN IDUKKI DISTRICT
Item Kerala Idukki Percentage share of Idukki
Coconut 902104 ha 19261 ha 2.1%
Rubber 448988 ha 37240 ha 8.2%
Tea 34606 ha 23402 ha 67.0 %
Ginger 13199 ha 1564 ha 11.8 %
Coffee 82348 ha 11908 ha 14.4 %
Pepper 182887 ha 47712 ha 26.0 %
Tapioca 120387 ha 7268 ha 6.0 %
Cashew 97089 ha 1086 ha 1.1 %
Banana 78079 ha 4386 ha 5.6 %
Rice 430826 ha 5099 ha 1.1 %
Cardamom 44248 ha 32547 ha 73.5 %
Source: Farm Guide 1999
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Land Holding Pattern of Idukki District
Land in ha. Nos. Area
00 0.02 16.98 % 00.35
0.2 0.50 47.62 % 15.94
0.5 1.0 16.98 % 21.78
1.0 2.0 14.02 % 32.12
2.0 4.0 3.52 % 15.30
4.0 10 0.69 % 6.65
10 and above 0.19 % 7.86
Source: Department of Economics and Statistics
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Rice
In Idukki there is paddy in 5099 hactres. Per hectare yield is 2000 kg. The major problem is that experienced labourers are not available for rice cultivation.
Pepper
Pepper is cultivated in 47712 hectares. Pepper from Kerala has got a monopoly in the international market. It was called the black gold since it was bringing much gold from abroad.
Because of soil erosion and intensive cultivation the fertility of the soil is reduced much. The resistance power of pepper plant against diseases is also nearly lost.
Cardamom
It is called the queen of spices. Cardamom is cultivated in 32547 hectares in this district. In the past the main problem was pest and diseases. But now the problem is acute competition from foreign countries. Formerly they were only importers but now they have become better producers of this product.
Ginger
It is cultivated in 5547 hectares. The famous brand of ginger called “Maran” is from Idukki.
Some of the other important spices cultivated in Idukki district are Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and
Vanilla.
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Fruits
The major fruit items that is produced in Idukki is Banana, Plantains, Mangoes, Orange,
Mangostin, Avocado, Pomegranate, Papaya, Jackfruit, Sappotta, Guava, Passion fruit, Cherry,
Strawberry, Plum, Peach, Apple, Egg fruit, Grapes, Apple etc.
Floriculture
The climate of Idukki is very good for floriculture. At present Orchid, Anthurium, Jasmine,
Tulip, Gladiolus, Tuberod, Chrysanthemum, Asther etc. are cultivated here. Marketing facilities are the major problem that these farmers face.
Vegetables
Kerala is buying vegetables from other states. It amounts to 1200 crores. In Idukki vegetables are cultivated in 14636 hectares. The major item is bitter guard, and it comes about 968 hectares. In
Idukki Carrot, Cabbage, Beetroot, Potato, Beans, Cauliflower, Green piece are also cultivated.
These items are the monopoly of this state. In no other district of Kerala, such items are cultivated except in Wayanad.
Medicinal Plants
In the past Idukki was an abode of rare medicinal plants. The advent of the cash crops resulted in the death knell of these species of plants. Now the Panchayaths have taken initiatives to start the planting of medicinal plants.
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Latest Developments
Asean Agreement is signed on 1 Jan 2010. Therefore there is a chance for free flow of rice, coconut, rubber, milk, cardamom, and nutmeg to the Kerala Market. Pepper and Coffee also will be imported to Kerala. Any import of the above mentioned items will be the last straw that will break the camels back unless sufficient protective covers are given to the farmers.
The central government has started employment guarantee programme. According to this programme anyone who has no work at all can register their name and get employment for hundred days. Per day a labourer will get Rs. 150. A farmer who has lost his entire crop can depend on this programme for his daily bread for the time being.
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CHAPTER IV
METHODOLOGY
4.1 Scope of the Study
Farmer has to play a vital role in the welfare of a nation. The present picture is that the farmer is
sacrificed and victimized in India.
Though there are many reports in the newspapers and in the magazines about the crisis in the agricultural
sector a detailed study was not done about the farmers. Globalization has got a direct impact on the people of Idukki because they produce for export. Therefore a study about the farmers of Idukki will tell
upon the impact of globalization on the farmers.
A detailed study among the farmers in Idukki District will highlight clearly the causes of farmers suicide
and their solutions. This study will be useful for formulating suggestions towards the problems of the
cultivators. It will help the central government to have a new approach to the demands and dictates of the
super powers and their organizations. Studies of this sort will force the Government to think twice before
they sign international treaties. It will help the government officials to have a new approach to the welfare
of the farmers. It will also help in formulating policies when the farmers are affected by cheap imports
from other countries.
Though this is a microscopic study about a District which directly relies upon the income from the export
of spices, the conclusions drawn from this study will have wider applications in the all India level.
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Location of the Study
In Kerala many of the farmer suicides are taking place at Wayanad District. But I have taken Idukki
District as the area of the study because of the following reasons.
1. Idukki is in the second place in the incidence of suicide of the farmers.
2. In Idukki farmers produce mainly for export not for consumption.
3. Globalization affects the Idukki farmers because their products are spices which are demanded in the international market.
4. Main income of the people are from the agriculture. Idukki is an industrially backward area too.
Because of the above reasons the researcher took Idukki as the study area.
Data Base
The main source of the data for this study was primary data collected by the researcher. Relatives of the farmers who committed suicide, their neighbors, community leaders, prominent figures in the village etc. were interviewed directly. The researcher also interviewed the Panchayath Presidents, Panchayath
Members, Panchayath Secretary, Krishi Bhavan Officers and the Agricultural University Officials.
Secondary data relevant for this study were collected from books published by experts, data published by government authorities, Agricultural Department Studies, Studies conducted by various private agencies, data published by International Agencies, Publications by different Panchayaths, Magazines, Periodicals,
News Papers, Weeklies, and unpublished data from various University Libraries, Internet services etc. were made use of for obtaining information on the topic.
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Unit of Study
For data collection only the houses of the farmers who have committed suicide were selected. The reason for selecting these houses is on the ground that these are the people who are worst affected for one reason or the other. The researcher visited 135 houses of the farmers who have committed suicide during the period 2006 2008
4.5 METHOD ADOPTED FOR DATA COLLECTION
Spending much time with the family members of the selected households and interviewed them informally. It would be unfair to ask the close relative of a deceased person about the details with a typed questionnaire. Even in the absence of the formal questionnaire utmost care is taken to find out the major reason for the suicide of the farmer.
The important reports that appeared in the news papers about the suicides of farmers were also collected.
PERIOD OF STUDY
The period of study of the data collection is Jan – June 2009.
CONCEPTS USED IN THIS RESEARCH
In order to avoid ambiguity and to enhance clarity in discussion the concepts used in this study are explained here.
Cash Crop
It includes pepper, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, coffee, vanilla etc. which are produced mainly for sale and not for household consumption. It is different from food crops such as rice, wheat, bajra, pulses etc.
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Colonialism
The practice of acquiring control over another country by occupying it with settlers and exploiting it economically.
Effect
Effect is the ultimate contemporaneous impact negative or positive that fall upon the farmers after the
1991 reforms.
Farmer
Farmer means who is doing agriculture in less than 3 acres of arable land, and who is depending mainly on income from agriculture for his livelihood. Farmer need not be owner cultivators. Peasants in our study include share croppers who sometimes did operate in the land of somebody else.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
GATT is a special agency started with the special task of working out principles for the general conduct of international trade and to draw up proposals for the implementation of policies to expand multilateral non discriminatory world trade.
Globalization
Globalization is the international integration of an economy with modern world markets by the process of transnationalization of production and circulation of ideas, goods, services, information and people into one global economy with the help of international institutions like World Bank, International Monetary
Fund and World Trade Organization.
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Global village
The concept “global village was first popularized by Marshall Mc Luhan, a Canadian philosopher in 1968 in his book “War and peace in the global village”
Imperialism
It is the policy of a state aiming at establishing control beyond its borders over people unwilling to accept such control.
Internationalization
In Internationalization nations mattered, therefore the people were rooted in the country and had a greater stake and louder voice in decision making. In Internationalization nation was very important but in globalization nation does not matter at all.
International Monetary Fund
A special agency of the United Nations established in 1945 with headquarters in Washington. It aims at promoting international monetary co operation, to promote orderly and stable foreign currency exchange markets, to facilitate international trade and to contribute to balance of payments adjustment. The voting power of each member country is determined by its quota, which is based on a complex formula that takes account of the country’s size and its general importance in world trade and finance. In addition, each member country’s quota determines the amount of financial resources it had to make available to the
IMF, and its access to the Fund’s facilities. IMF members may utilize the Fund’s resources if they find themselves in balance of payments difficulties.
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Liberalization
Liberalization implies relieving the economy with measures like public expenditure cuts, freeing the economy from restrictions relating to size, capacity, model, pricing policy, ownership pattern, and relaxation of controls on foreign investment and opening up the economy to competition from abroad, and the state taking a back seat in economic affairs.
Mercantilism
The economic belief prevalent in the 17th and 18 th centuries is that it was to the advantage of a nation
always to strive for an excess of exports over imports. Mercantilist doctrine centered on the power of the
state. The interests of the individual were regarded as subservient to those of the state.
Multinational Companies / Transnational Corporations
By the dawn of 1980s, the big Multinational companies became Transnational Corporations. As their
name indicates, in addition to extending into several countries, these mega enterprises stand beyond or
above the nation state. Their financial and technological capacity defies borders and transcends state power. With increasingly numerous mergers takeovers and alliances the concentration of wealth at the top
reached such a degree that, for the first time in history, economic power succeeded in liberating itself
from the national legal framework and from governmental control.
New Agricultural Policy
Following are the main tenets of the New Agricultural Policy. Private sector investment in agriculture
would be encouraged; Restrictions on the movement of agricultural commodities throughout the country
would be progressively dismantled; Agricultural research, human resource development, post harvest
management and marketing will be encouraged in the private sector; credit would be given to farmers for providing timely help.
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New Economic Policy
There was a total reversal of economic policy of India in 1991. Market friendly liberal economic policies replaced interventionist state policies. It implies a policy of liberalization with a greater role for private
sector. It encompasses deregulation, withdrawal of subsidies and abolition of obstacles in the way of
obstacles in the way of investment by monopolies and smoothening the flow of direct foreign investment.
Poverty
Poverty is a situation in which the basic necessities of life like, food, clothing, shelter, and education are
least satisfied.
Privatization
The sale of government owned equity in nationalized industries or other commercial enterprises to private
investors, with or without the loss of government control in these organizations.
Structural Adjustment Programmes
The underdeveloped countries have to concede the following requirements in order to qualify for financial
aid from the international institution like IMF and World Bank; cut public expenditure; make currency
freely convertible with other currencies; dismantle state controlled marketing boards; privatize state
owned industries; cut import restrictions; allow foreign companies to freely repatriate profits; boost
exports etc.
Spices
Any of various strongly flavoured or aromatic vegetable substances, used to flavour or scent food such as pepper, ginger, cardamom, turmeric, cocoa, coffee, lemon grass, nutmeg, clove etc. are considered spices.
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World Bank
World Bank is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in Washington in 1945. Its aim is to
encourage capital investment for reconstruction, promote and supplement private foreign investment and
encourage the expansion of world resources and production capacity particularly in the underdeveloped
countries. It lends either directly to governments or to private firms under the guarantee of the borrowers
government. It gives long term loans and provides advisory services on economic development.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
The WTO was set up in Geneva in 1995 replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
The WTO is charged with the further development of policing of the multilateral trading system along the principles followed by the GATT negotiations. It provides the legal status for the resolution of trade
disputes through dispute panels. A member may appeal to the WTO appeal tribunal but must accept its
ruling. The failure of a member country to accept the WTO ruling would subject it to trade sanctions.
PONZI SCHEMES
Charles Ponzi persuaded investors that he could double their money in 6 months by purchasing
international postal reply coupon in one country and redeeming them in another country where the
exchange rate was higher. Within a few months 20,000 people invested money in this scheme. The first
ones got returns from the others who invested later. Ponzi was playing a game without any investment.
And the last wave of investors lost their entire income while he went to prison for fraud. Today Ponzi
scheme denoted any scheme in which the original investors are paid off with money supply by later
investors. The same principle under lies pyramid, chain letters, money chain and various net work
marketing.
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LIMITATIONS
It is a case study of a selected District and the sample size is limited to 135 households where suicides have taken place. Very often the researcher is limited to believe what the relatives, neighbors, and friends have exposed about the exact reasons for deaths of the farmers.
When the members of the farmer family were interviewed, some of them wanted to affirm that the head of the family died because of debt. Since there was financial assistance from the government, they were afraid to give the exact reason for suicide since there was a chance of losing it. In those cases the researcher asked the neighbors, close relatives, the Panchayath member, community leaders and others about the root cause for the death of the farmer. In eight houses nobody was there. If a death is taken place they believe that the cause of the death is evil spirit. So the house is not good for living. Two of the family members believed that the spirit of the person who committed would be in the house. So the researcher was forced to get the details about the family indirectly from the others.
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Chapter V
Analysis
1. Globalization Policies and Its Effects on the farmers
5.1 Globalization is a closer integration of the world economies into a global village. When the poor countries are integrated to the rich, the Idukki farmers are the losers and the rich are the beneficiaries. It is a historical fact that when there is a deal between the strong and the weak, very often the strong will dictate and the weak have to agree. This has taken place in Idukki District too.
5.2 Agriculture was kept out of international trade negotiations until the Uruguay Round of Trade Talks.
Thereafter policies changed and there came a common consensus to open the markets for agricultural products. But when India got the opportunity to export rice to Japan at a higher price, they vehemently opposed it. And India continues to be a larger importer of electronic goods from Japan.
5.3 The specific favorable environmental conditions made the District of Idukki into a magic garden of spices. Till 1991 this green fertile strip dominated by cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, ginger, turmeric, plantains, papaya, pineapple, orchids, vegetables, and medicinal plants which commanded a major income for the cultivators. Globalization and the subsequent liberalization policies allowed cheap imports of the above said items and farmers were exposed to global competition. The poor Idukki farmer with obsolete methods of cultivation was inept and incompetent to produce and sell his products at a competitive price in the international markets.
5.4 The 1980s were distinguished by an acceleration of economic growth about 3 per cent per capita from about 1.5 percent in the previous decades. The 1999 NSS data showed that poverty declined by as much as 10 points, from 36 to 26 per cent during the economic reform period. The 9 jewelers in Idukki District say that there were queues in front of their shops during pre reform period and during post reform period sales of jewels have been reduced to 20 percent.
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5.5 When Indian textile products became a fashion in America, they put a restriction saying that it is highly inflammable and cannot be sold in United States. Another example would be that of vanilla. When the price of vanilla has gone up because of acute shortage in the international market India was ready to export it. At that time America amended their rules in favor of synthetic vanilla, blocking the imports from India. The farmers of Idukki had invested a huge amount of money in vanilla cultivation expecting a good return and lost their products and money completely.
5.6 In Idukki district people were getting a reasonable price for their spices. When developing countries like India were forced to open its markets to the outside world it negatively affected the interests of the farmers. The prices of the spices have gone abysmally low when pepper, cocoa, cardamom, ginger, coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric and garlic faced a global competition from 1995 on wards
5.7 When Indian agricultural products were forced to confront global competition minimum support prices were not declared by the government. Farmers in Idukki were forced to sell their products below its cost of production. This made 40 per cent of farmers to come to the conclusion that not to produce anymore. On the theory of comparative advantage the summits of the World Trade Organization decided to avoid restrictions and tariffs and in 1995 the farmers of Idukki District were forced to sell their products at a very low price and they lost their investment and years of hard work.
5.8 When prices went below the production cost the developed countries like America, Canada, and
France declared ‘Green Box’ packages for their farmers. Under this cover the farmers in these countries got enough financial support from their governments. But the Idukki farmer did not get any support. In the WTO forum the underdeveloped countries objected to the ‘Green Box’ support and they changed their name to ‘Blue Box’ and continued their policies of support for their farmers. The farmers in the developed nations could boldly invest in the area of agriculture without any fear. Even in the price crash their governments were there to rescue them. But the Idukki farmer is in constant fear because of the changing prices and absence of support from the government.
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5.9 In the Uruguay Round Agreement on agriculture the member countries have agreed to reduce important barriers and export subsidies by 36 per cent and for poor countries it was 24 percent. America immediately increased its farm subsidies from $182 billion to 362 billion in 1998. During this period the
farmers of Idukki were forced to sell their products at a price less the production cost. And there was no
support for the farmers from either the central or state governments.
5.10 Raju in Parathode, Konnathadi Panchayath planted coffee by taking a loan of Rs.1 lakh. When he
took the loan the price of raw coffee was Rs.80 per Kg. It has come down to Rs.30 and he lost his entire
money. It was none of his mistake for which he has suffered but the changes in price in the international
market. Even at this price there was none to buy his product. In the developed countries the government
comes forward to save the farmer all the time. Idukki farmer does not where to go and whom to approach.
5.11 Formerly the greed of the multinational companies was only in the industrial area. Now there is no
area which is outside the reach of the multinationals. Because of the development of biotechnology
multinational companies are buying large areas of land for world scale production with the help of latest
technology. It is not possible for the Idukki farmer to compete with these techno giants. It is suicidal for
an Indian farmer to compete with a multinational company.
5.12 The Parle Company, The Tata Oil Company, Tata Cement, Mafatlal Oxygen, Travel Corporation of
India, Birla Capital etc are only some of the companies who were forced to sell off their units to the
Multinational companies. It is the industrial sector that buys much of the agricultural products from the
rural areas. When these companies are owned by the multinationals they buy the raw materials from the
international market and the Idukki products go unmarketed. To sell farm products in the local market
never command a better margin. If the industrial units are not demanding the farm products Idukki
farmers have to sell their products in retail and the money gained in small sums will not benefit either.
5.13 New Economic Policy of 1991 resulted in decreased public investment. When the government
reduced investment it had a negative impact upon the income of the farmers. Investment anywhere will
103 have its trickling down effects on the income of the people everywhere. When the central government takes a major decision to disinvest if affects the majority of the farmers because 70 per cent of the people in India are in the agricultural sector. Before the New Economic Policy of 1991 one of the major responsibilities of the government was research and development. After 1991 private group of companies are investing in the research and development area. Spice cultivation is an area which needs constant help from the researchers. When the private individuals are investing in this area the fruits of research will not reach the poor farmers. Only the monopolists and affluent in the society will have the benefits of research and development.
5.14 The new generation banks were never interested to go into the problems of farmers. New Economic
Policy allowed the private banks to operate everywhere. These private banks started many of their branches in the cities. It is a tragedy that not even a branch is opened in the agricultural areas of Idukki
District. Even the small towns of Idukki were discarded by the new generation banks.
5.15 The government sector banks were notorious for their formalities to give loans to the farmers. And the new generation banks fully avoided the farmers. So the farmers were forced to approach the money lenders who were charging high interest rates. This led to indebtedness of the Idukki farmer households.
5.16 67 shop owners in Adimaly town opined that 1980s was a period of boom and 1990s was a period of bane. During reform period people came to the shops with empty pockets for essential commodities. 70 percent of the farmers were buying commodities on the promises of paying it back later. Even during festival times sales are very low. When the crops were ready for sale they did not get even their cost of production and became debtors. It forced them to sell their household articles like iron box, aluminum vessels, copper and bronze articles, goats, cows and valuables. When there was nothing to sell they approached the banks and money lenders which lead them to the vicious circle of debt trap. Newspapers filled with the news of farmer suicides and magazines came with cover stories of these incidents.
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2. Socio Economic Aspects of the Farmer Households
Table 5.1
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOUSEHOLDS OF SUICIDEES
Sl.No Particulars Frequency
1 No. of Households 135
2 Total Population 403
3 Males 206
4 Females 197
5 Earners 182
6 Dependants 221
5.17 In the study area 135 suicides have taken place during the period 2007 – 2009. Total number of people in these households is 403. Male population is 206 and female is 197. Earners are 182 and dependants are 221.
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Table 5.2
DESCRIPTION OF LANDHOLDING BY FARMER HOUSEHOLDS
Sl.No Land cultivated in cents No. of Households Percentage
1 0 – 50 19 14
2 50 – 100 31 23
3 100 – 200 57 42
4 200 – 300 28 21
Total 135 100
5.18 14 percent of households were having only less than 50 cents of land, 23 percent households were having 50 to 100 cents. 42 percent of families were having one to two acres and 21 percent of farmers were holding 2 to 3 acres of land and the mean holding is 1 acre 20 cents of land. Among these 135 farmers only
4 percent have leased in land for doing agriculture but 12 percent have leased out land for getting rent.
There are households not cultivating the land at the same time afraid to lease out the land on the presupposition that they will lose the land. As per the land reforms act of Kerala the tillers of the soil get the land. In 1950s all the farmers who have given the land for cultivation in lease had lost it since the government took the strong stand to redistribute the land with the aim to give the land to the tiller.
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Land in cents
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Table 5.3
LAND LEASED IN FOR DOING AGRICULTURE
Sl.No Land Leased in No. of households Land area
1 50 cents 3 1.5
2 1 acre 1 1
3 2 acre 2 4
Total 6 6.5
5.19 Only 6.5 acres of land has been leased in for cultivation. Farmers are not interested to invest money in the land because of the fear of losses.
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Table 5.4
LAND LEASED OUT FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES
Sl No. Land leased out No. of households Land area
1 50 cents 7 3.5 acre
2 1 acre 6 6 “
3 2 acre 3 6 ”
Total 16 15.5 ‘’
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111
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5.20 Of the 135 households only 15.5 acres have been leased out to others for agriculture. When the head
of the family dies the land is put idle. Only 16 households have leased out their land and the total area of
land leased is only 15.5 acres.
Table 5.5
NET AREA CULTIVATED
Sl.No Area under cultivation No of households Percentage
1 0 – 49 19 14
2 50 – 99 22 16
3 100 – 199 33 25
4 200 – 300 16 12
5 Land leased out 16 12
6 Not doing agriculture 29 21
Total 135 100
5.21 Only 67 per cent families are directly involved in agriculture. 21 per cent households are not doing agriculture and left the field completely fallow. 12 percent of the households have leased out their land after the death of the earning member in the family. When they lease out one acre they receive Rs. 6000 per year. Two households have leased out their land on the condition that 25 per cent of the produce should be given either in kind or in cash.
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Table 5.6
MAJOR CROPS IN THE HOUSEHOLDS
Sl. Cultivated Items No. of Households
No.
1 Pepper 56
2 Ginger 36
3 Cardamom 30
4 Nutmeg 25
5 Cocoa 20
6 Coffee 17
7 Vanilla 16
8 Vegetables 14
9 Plantain 13
10 Cinnamon 11
11 Rubber 10
12 Turmeric 7
13 Coconut 6
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5.22 These households do not concentrate in any single item. They do mixed cultivation. Many a time it happen that when the price of an item increases they remove all other items and go for that item which commands high price. In 1970s when the price of cocoa went up Idukki people destroyed all other items and planted cocoa. When the price of pepper increased in 1980s they cultivated it ignoring other items.
When the price of cardamom increased in 1990s they planted it extensively. In 2000 when the price of vanilla shot up they did the same. The problem is that the price hike is only for a very short time and the crop takes at least 3 years for yield and by that time the price of the concerned product would have reduced to the minimum and the cultivator will not get even the cost of his production. Since everyone concentrate in the same product it leads to overproduction which in turn leads to price crash. There is no steadiness in their cultivation habits. They never test and understand the powers of the soil for their cultivation. There is no scientific crop cultivation. In fact it is a price led cultivation which leads them to misery.
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Table No. 5.7
EMPLOYMENT PATTERN
Sl.No. Details No. of households Percentage
1 Doing agriculture and earning income 88 65
2 Income from livestock 26 19
3 Land leased out 16 12
4 Income from farm work 5 4
Total 135 100
5.23 65 per cent of the families are doing agriculture and earn income. 19 per cent of the families are having livestock and they sell milk and earn a living. 16 houses have leased out their land for rent.
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Income from farm work
5.24 Those who have less than 1 acre of land (30% of population) work in their farm as well as go to work in others farms. Those who are having more than 1 acre (70% of population) do not go to others farm for employment. When asked about their income Idukki people were not in a position to give the exact details of their income. They take cardamom 3 times. At the time of harvest prices will be low. If they keep cardamom for a price hike the green colour of the cardamom will turn into yellow and they cannot sell that product in the market. If they keep pepper, coffee, nutmeg and rubber they may get good prices. Absence of storage facilities and dire necessities force them to sell their products immediately after the harvest and they get only lowest returns. Very often the prices of the agricultural products are not steady.
5.25 Sreedharankutty from Kattappana told the researcher that once in 10 years the price of cardamom or pepper or cinnamon will shoot up and the next year itself it will go down. The farmer who has invested in these spices becomes a debtor since the prices of seeds, manure, pesticides etc. never come down. He continues to say that the income he received from the sale of pepper was equivalent to the income paid to the farm labourers.
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Table No. 5.8
Income from Livestock
Sl.No. Particulars No. of Households
1 Milk 26
2 Egg 23
3 Sale of Animals 17
4 Sale of birds 9
5 Sale of farm manure 10
Total 95
5.26 95 families earn income from livestock rearing. 26 families are getting income from cows.
Average production of milk is 12 litres only. 23 families are keeping poultry. And it is not in large numbers. The mean number of chicken is only 8. They use eggs for home consumption and the rest is given for sale. After a period of 3 years they sell it. 9 families are having poultry and they grow it only for sale of meat. 17 families are having buffaloes. They keep it for butcher shop. 10 families are engaged in manure selling. They collect poultry waste, cow dung, dried leaves other wastes and sell it. 2 families are doing vermin culture. Mean income is only Rs.
1200 per month.
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5.27 30 per cent of farmers do farming in their land and they go outside and earn income. They say that since it is agricultural work it is not steady income. During seasons they earn more and during off season they don’t get work. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Program (MNREGP) made the people of Idukki to get Rs.15000 per year. Since this income is going to the Savings Bank Account women save that money for the marriage of their daughters or for house construction. 15 ladies told the researcher that even if we are starving we will not withdraw that money. Since it is going to the Bank directly the middle men and union leaders are not in a position to exploit the farmers. The other income earning non farm activities are road work, head load, construction helper, wood cutting etc. Since prices of spices have gone down, 36% of the families have sold part of their land to reduce their agricultural activities. 7 have become brokers of land to get commission. Formerly produces of land was of high demand, now the land itself has become a product for sale in the market. Boards showing ‘land for sale’ are found in 60 per cent of the shops. When the researcher gone into the inner parts of the villages, ‘land for sale’ boards are found in the junctions and in some trees boards are hanging
‘This land is for sale’.
5.28 3 households have leased out their land and earning Rs.5000 per year per acre. 7 are getting
Rs.6000. 4 households are getting Rs.7500 and 2 households are getting Rs. 9000 each. They command high lease amount because of the availability of water and fertility of the land. But the people who got it used all chemicals and pesticides and the land is literally transformed into a waste land after the stipulated time period. If they take the land for one year they will try to extend it for the next year also saying they have not taken the crop. If a shop is given for rent
123 after the time period they could get it back on time. But in agriculture it is very difficult to get it back. If there is less rain crop and harvest will be late and even without any payment the borrower will be continuing in the next year also and this will be without any payment.
Indebtedness
5.29 At the time of financial stringency 92 households have taken loans from the money lenders. 27 families have taken loans from commercial banks. 24 have taken loans from the co operative banks.
Table No. 5.9
Details of Indebtedness
Sl.No Source of Loan No. of households
1. Commercial Banks 27
2. Co operative Banks 24
3. Money Lenders 92
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5.30 7 households’ loan amount was Rs.2 lakhs. 3 households had taken Rs.1 lakh from the commercial banks. 8 households have taken loans for the marriage of their daughters and two had taken loan for house constructions. 2 have taken loans of Rs. 35,000 each and 9 have taken loans of Rs.20,000. This amount has gone for conspicuous consumption. Rs 10,000 was taken by 6 households and 5 of them spent it for buying television and one family took that money for buying a pump set. The rest of them said we had
debts and we repaid it. So a loan is often taken for repaying a past debt. In order to repay the capital
amount and the interest they take a bigger loan. Since the prices of the agricultural products are very low
he is not in a position to repay the loan from the income.
5.31 At times of financial difficulties farmers directly go to the money lenders. 92 households have
received cash from the money lenders. And as a guarantee for money they demand signed stamp papers
and blank cheques. Farmers are told that interest rate is only 3 per cent. In fact they charge 36 per cent at
the end of the year. If the farmer asks about the high interest rate the money lender says 3 per cent interest
is for one month and not for the year. I have come across incidents in which they charge 48 per cent and
60 per cent per year.
5.32 A common method of operation is that the money lender approaches the farmer households with bundles of Rs 10,000. If the farmer wants Rs.10,000 he is given only Rs.9,000. Every Monday they
collect Rs. 500. It will continue for 20 weeks. There is the practice of compound interest also. If the
farmer takes an amount of Rs.10,000 and If he fails to pay the installment on the particular date, next time
he has to pay Rs.550. If he fails again the interest is calculated for the amount Rs.550. Likewise the
interest rate increases in geometrical progression. Thus the amount becomes difficult to pay for the farmer
and he will never escape from the trap set by the money lender.
5.33 There is a saying among the Idukki money lenders about meter interest. Since the interest rate goes
up like meter in the petrol pump this particular name is given. It is an emergency loan from the money
lender and the rate of interest is 10 per cent per month. It means the farmer has to give 120 per cent for
126 the amount he has taken. A person who has taken Rs.50,000 as per meter interest has to pay Rs.1,50,000 at the end of the year.
ENJOYMENTS AND LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES
5.34 Agriculture gives lot of leisure time. Between sowing and harvest the farmer gets a lot of time.
During monsoons he has nothing to do and the nature will look after the crop and the farmer will be completely free.
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Table No. 5.10
Various Leisure Time Activities
Sl.No Details Number of respondents Percentage
1 No time for enjoyment 32 24
2 Watching Television 31 23
3 Sleeping 11 8
4 Spend time with family 6 4.5
5 Spend time with children 5 4
6 Cooking 4 3
7 Poultry 3 2
8 Helping wife 2 1.5
9 Vegetable garden 2 1.5
10 Going for long walks 2 1.5
11 Nothing to do 37 27
Total 135 100
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5.35 In 87 houses there are television sets. 32 farmers told the researcher that there is no time for enjoyments and they are fully engaged in agricultural activities. 31 families are literally addicted to television serial programs. With the advent of television in their house they begin to change from hard work to no work. They watch the television programmes in the afternoon and continue late in the night.
Formerly they believed in the bread earned by sweat and blood. Now they think about easy work and quick money. Jojo Mundakkal at Neriamangalam told the researcher that youth enjoyed the full day cricket match in the television even if it was on Monday, the beginning of the week. The women never avoided serial programmes in the television. On Sundays the whole farmer household was in front of the television. Even visitors and guests are not entertained.
5.36 11 people enjoy sleeping when they get free time. 6 farmers spend time with their family members;
4 spend time in cooking; 3 others look into poultry. 37 farmers said they have nothing to do; 2 farmers spend time in vegetable garden; 2 farmers help their wives and 2 others go for long walks.
Cultural Impact of globalization
5.37 People of Idukki District is in the grip of a cultural alienation. A present day person of Idukki is a migrated group from different parts of Kerala and they struggled against wild animals, and made the wilderness and rocks into a garden of food crops, cash crops and fruits. The researcher has found many cremating areas in the mountains and the people said that in the past cholera, malaria, small pox and plague were very common and villages were washed away very often because of these diseases. Will power, hard work and earning for future were their basic nature. But globalization have made a culture of consumption and idling away their time. Formerly they used firewood for cooking, now 80 per cent of the households are using LPG for cooking, ignoring the easy availability of firewood from the premises. They enjoy television, DVD players and music system even during day time ignoring the agricultural activities.
The researcher has found that ladies were enjoying the television programmes everyday after their midday meals. If there is a good movie or a popular serial programme it was very difficult to find a man or
130 woman in the agricultural field working. Formerly they thought of leaving the farm site only after sunset.
The alarming change is that the younger generation is considering agricultural work as something below
their dignity. The youth do not consider farming as a way of life. They look down upon agricultural
activity. Earlier they proudly said that they have five acres of land. Now they think as if five acres of
liability.
5.38 Globalization imposed on them a culture of enjoyment. This culture was imported by the West
through the media. In the contemporary world Hollywood, CNN, Disneyland and Harry Potter are more
influential than Gita, Bible and Koran. Media has played a major role in bringing the internal and external
neo colonialism.
5.39. The price of land has increased in Idukki and they think that it is a commodity that is to be traded
than cultivated. They thought of earning easy money without dirtying their hands. They think that it is below their status to have a 10 th standard education and to work in the fields. The younger generation does not want to accept farming as their main source of income.
5.40 The media has effected a borrowed national identity from the West. Born out of colonialization, managed by westernized bureaucrats, the Idukki youth have been obliged to adopt western culture. In spite of adapting themselves to the Indian context, their dress, lifestyle and thinking pattern are formed by
the western borrowals. Media facilitated these borrowals from the West. These borrowals made the youth
to think how to win without work and justification. Now greed for money rules their activities and
investment.
5.41 The availability of cheap credit for consumer items make them to buy washing machines, mixer, juicer, grinder, cooking gas, oven and two wheelers. All these items did not make them hardworking or
responsible workers but easy going and careless. They became loose buyers and therefore loose spenders.
5.42 It is the import of western culture that has resulted in the disrespect for the aged parents. The attitude of the people in Idukki was to think of the elders as an asset has changed because of the import of the 131 ideas of globalization. Anyone outside the nuclear family has become a liability. Formerly to have an elderly person at home was considered a credit for that family. Major decisions were executed only after consulting the elders. The period of globalization earmarked a change of values in the minds of the people of Idukki.
5.43 The youth in large numbers attended money chain classes and net work marketing classes like
Skybiz, RMP, Amway, Modicare, etc. Skybiz was a fraud company that advertised if you invest your money for one week you get your interest and capital on the eighth day. Nobody enquired about the veracity of the facts. Many people invested and they got interest in the beginning. Knowing this many ignorant farmers invested in skybiz. And one fine morning the company disappeared. Thousands of people lost their money. Nobody knew the number of people who were cheated. Because to say in public that they were cheated was another defeat. So they kept mum.
5.44 RMP and Amway came to the villages and conducted meetings. In the classes they said you just invest Rs. 5000 and you can earn lakhs through net work marketing. The logic of the explanation made the farmers spell bound. They invested money and lost the entire sum. Not even the police officials know how much money was collected by these companies. On an average one member from each family has lost money.
5.45 These companies often conducted big shows with super film stars for attracting the clients. They conducted local and international tour programmes for the active members. A poor farmer called
Kunjachan from Anachal in Idukki District joined all the members in various net work programs from his family spending Rs.25,000 and became a debtor.
Agricultural Offices (KRISHI BHAVAN)
5.46 71 People demanded that the agricultural offices should provide quality seeds. 20 farmers said that they need manure and pesticides. 10 farmers demand was for machines. 6 farmers asked for classes on
132 farming. 4 farmers request was for labourers. 4 farmers complained that they don’t get any help from the
farmers and even if the agricultural offices are closed down nothing would happen.
Attitude towards farming
5.47 77 farmers have said, they would continue in agriculture because of various reasons. 14 farmers said
agriculture is profitable. 12 have said farm work is interesting. 5 farmers have said they are proud of being farmers. 4 of the farmers said it give good exercise. 3 farmers said agriculture gives fresh
vegetables and fruits. They believed in their quality products. They asked the researcher why they should
eat poisonous products from others. 2 farmers said they are doing research in agriculture. One person
said he thinks differently so he does agriculture. There is risk but he is ready to accept it.
Analysis of the suicide deaths: Family problems
5.48 The major reason for suicide is family problems. Fight between husband and wife, absence of
communication between the spouses, fights between parents and children, fights between brothers over property, aged parents neglected by sons and daughters in law have resulted in ending their lives. Six
women have committed suicide by taking poison and one lady hanged herself because of family problems. 5 ladies had constant fight with their husbands. One lady had fight with the in laws and she
committed suicide. Nisha Unni who was only 18 years had a love affair with a boy in another caste and
when parents opposed the relationship she took poison and died.
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Table No. 5: 11
Age structure of women committing suicide because of family problems
Sl.No. Age wise distribution No. of women Percentage
1 10 20 1 14
2 20 30 0 0
3 30 40 5 72
4 40 50 1 14
Total 7 100
5.49 Women committing suicide is 72 percent in the age group of 30 – 40. There is no suicide in the age group of 20 – 30 and above 50 because of family problems. Suicide is less among females compared to men.
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Table No. 5: 12
Age wise distribution of men committing suicide because of family problems
Sl.No. Age group No. of men Percentage
1 Below 20 1 3
2 20 – 30 8 21
3 30 – 40 9 24
4 40 – 50 9 24
5 50 – 60 4 10
6 60 – 70 5 13
7 70 – 80 2 5
Total 38 100
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5.50 Suicide of men between the age group 30 – 50 is 48 per cent. Women’s percentage in committing suicide between 30 – 50 because of family problems is more than 80. Only one man and one woman committed suicide below 20 years because of family issues. Furudan is a highly poisonous pesticide which is available in farmer households. When a problem comes they consume it and die.
Table 5: 13
Reason for death in family problems
Sl.No. Details No of deaths Percentge
1 Fight between Husband and wife 7 18
2 Fight between father and son 7 18
3 Wife’s infidelity 5 13
4 Two wives 4 11
5 Fight among brothers 4 11
6 Fight for land 3 8
7 Alcohol 3 8
8 Love affair not accepted by family 3 8
9 Loss of money 1 2.5
10 Alienation in the family 1 2.5
Total 38 100
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5.51 In 55 per cent cases fight in the family is the reason for suicides. In 24 cases infidelity of the spouse is the reason for ending their lives. The decision to die is very quick and taken by the youth without a second thought when there is a protest against their love affair. Formerly the eldest person decided the important issues in the family. Now the trend is that the more earning member controls the family. The aged ones are alienated from the family as they grow old and their contribution to the family became lesser.
5.52 Idukki was once a dense forest. There is a place called “Iruttukanam” which means we can see darkness even in day light. People used head light and torches in order to go through these areas. If a man engages in some criminal activity in the city and he is sure of caught by the police he moves to the dense forest. 50 years back there were no vehicles and they reached Idukki on foot. Though he is having his wife and children in the city he marries another lady under the pretext that he is a bachelor. In this marriage too he will have children. Now Idukki is no more an unapproachable forest area. In every 15 minutes there is a bus from Cochin City to Idukki. 40 years back there was only one bus in the morning that took passengers to Idukki and it went back in the evening. Because of urbanization those who were leading double family lives came into trouble and decided to commit suicide. Munnar Deputy
Superintend of Police told the researcher that he caught many absconding criminals from Mangulam which is a remote area in Idukki. Bus route to Mangulam is started only in 1994.
5.53 Men who came for work in Idukki District in the past were able to reach back their homes only once in two on three years. This made them to have one more wife in Idukki. Formerly they were going to
Idukki on foot and the journey 4 or five days. Now it is a question of 4 hours journey in the bus from
Cochin. When the children in these marriages have grown up and the forest area has turned into small cities all these secret marriages came to trouble and there was no alternative but to commit suicide.
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5.54 Mobile phone is another reason for the extra marital connections. These communication facilities were misused very often. When husbands are away for work their wives are trapped by one miscall and sorry. Then in the next call the details of the lady are asked. A relationship is started and it goes deeper.
These talks lead to sexual connections and one day they are caught by the relatives and society. The forest guards have told the researcher that they have seen in the interior parts of the forest two ropes hanging from the trees and below that were dresses of a man and a woman. When I enquired about the flesh and the bones they said wild animals would have eaten it.
5.55 In the case of woman committing suicide, the researcher has found that the husband remarries in a very short period of one month. And he lives a very happy life. The neighbors said that in those cases the former married life was a total failure and that ended up in suicide.
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Fed up with Life
Table No.5:14
Age wise distribution of farmers who committed suicide
Sl.No. Age group No. of farmers Percentage
1 Below 20 2 5
2 20 – 30 11 28
3 30 – 40 8 21
4 40 – 50 7 18
5 50 – 60 6 15
6 60 – 70 4 10
7 70 and above 1 3
Total 39 100
5.56 32 men and 7 women have killed themselves because of because of despair. 20 farmers have died by hanging. 15 have taken poison and died. Incidences of burning and acid consumption are two each.
Before dying they have told others that they have fed up with life, lost faith in life, no meaning in living what is the use of pulling on, no interest in living, no future etc. Three ladies were more than 50 years old and four were comparatively younger. Agriculture is a way of life and they could not enjoy or find any meaning in life. Life was boring for them, doing the same activity every day in life. 142
143
5.57 Pessimistic attitude to life and dismal state of mind have led to the suicides. Since it is a mountainous area people do not have any enjoyment. They worked from morning till evening and ate the same food and there was no fragrance in their life which made their daily life monotonous. When children
are married and they live separately. It affected the enjoyments of social life. Many elderly people could
not digest it. The former generation was thinking about how to live fighting against wild animals and
vagaries of nature. The present generation has lost the meaning of life and asks the fundamental question
with Jean Paul Sartre ‘Why to live? ‘
5.58 The researcher has found that the houses of the deceased were far away and isolated. A community
enjoyment was not possible in their lives. After the days of work they came home and spent their time
simply sitting at home. Since it was a forest area walking in the night was not safe because of snakes and
wild animals. To go to another house was also tedious because of the hills and narrow paths. Even if they wanted to open their minds there was no one to listen to them.
5.59 Selfishness of life also affected them. They started to think in terms of competition rather than in terms of co operation. The contribution of global trade is not negligible for this attitude. A culture of competition is there among the neighbors and among relatives. When they feel that they are long behind in the race a feeling of despair and darkness engulf them which compel the farmers to take the fatal decision.
5.60 When there is too much disparities in the society the meaning of life becomes futile especially for the have nots. In an egalitarian society there will be peace and harmony. But if there is wide income disparity that leads to violence and for the weak the only means of expressing themselves is to commit suicide. Repeated failures in various crops have also put them in a vicious circle of troubles.
5.61 The four golden hopes of the farmers of Idukki are on cardamom, pepper, cocoa and coffee. But these products commanded good price only when there was a crop failure and the quantity of output was
144 minimum. When he produced more it was not demanded in the market and the price was the lowest.
Repeated hard work and repeated failure made them to say ‘fed up with life’
Chronic Diseases
5.62 There are 29 cases of suicide because of chronic disease. If there is a disease they do not care in the beginning. Very often going to the hospital will be out of compulsion from others. When they realize that they cannot proceed without medical assistance they approach the government hospital for advice and treatment. Expensive medical treatment bills deter many patients from going for further treatment in specialized hospitals. When they understand that their life is at stake they resort to suicide. They choose death to save their property for the children’s future. So the conclusion is to sacrifice their life rather than sacrificing their family. 21 men and 8 women have committed suicide because of chronic diseases like cancer, heart diseases, blood pressure, high sugar, kidney trouble etc.
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Table No. 5: 15
Age distribution of farmers who committed suicide because of chronic disease
Sl. No. Age group of farmers No. of farmers Percentage
1 0 – 20
2 20 – 30 4 14
3 30 – 40 5 17
4 40 – 50 7 24
5 50 – 60 6 21
6 60 – 70 5 17
7 70 – 80 2 7
Total 29 100
5.63 After 40 years, incidence of disease is very high (69 per cent). Below the age of 40 only 31 percent is affected by serious illness. 21 men and 8 women have taken their lives.
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147
Table No.5: 16
Type of Diseases Affecting the Farmers
Sl.No. Disease Frequency Percentage
1 Cancer 13 45
2 Heart disease 8 28
3 Blood Pressure 4 14
4 High Sugar 3 10
5 Kidney failure 1 3
Total 29 100
5.64 5 women were affected by breast cancer, and 3 women were under treatment for uterus cancer. 8 men were haunted by heart diseases and doctors suggested bye pass surgery. High sugar and blood pressure have affected 7 men. One person was affected by kidney complaint. Because of these serious
diseases 12 farmers have hanged themselves; 11 have consumed poison; 4 have consumed acid. Cutting
vein and burning cases were one each.
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149
Mental illness
5.65 20 people who were suffering from mental disease have committed suicide. 18 people were under treatment for depression. 2 households ignored the disease. Because of mental disturbance 10 people have hanged themselves and 7 people have consumed poison and died. One woman burned herself, a lady jumped from the height and another lad jumped into the well and ended her life.
Table No.5: 17
Age wise distribution of farmers affected by mental illness
Sl.No. Age group No. of farmers Percentage
1 0 20 0 0
2 20 30 10 50
3 30 40 6 30
4 40 50 1 5
5 50 60 1 5
6 60 70 0 0
7 70 and above 2 10
Total 20 100
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5.66 Incidence of mental illness and suicide is very high in the age group of 20 – 30. Since this was the period of marriage proposals they decided to end their life thinking that there will not be a married life in their future. 60 percent of men and 40 percent of women are affected by mental illness which resulted in their suicide. There is a taboo among the Idukki people that once a mental patient is always a mental patient. Even though they were under treatment very often the relatives of the patients ignored treatments and medicines assigned for them.
5.67 Among mental patients 10 (50 per cent) have hanged and died; 4 (20 per cent) have took poison; 2
(10 per cent) have consumed acid. Consuming furudan, Burning, jumped from the height, drowned in the well are the methods of death selected by each one.
5.68 134 th victim is a lady called Ajithakumari (33 yrs) committing suicide by taking poison because of
sterility. 135 th suicide is the case of Velayudhan (aged 65) committed suicide because of the death of his wife.
Table No.5: 18
Religion wise analysis
Sl Religion Family Fed up Chronic Mental No Death of Total No. problems with life disease problems children wife
1 Hindus 29 27 15 11 1 1 84
2 Christians 14 12 12 7 0 0 45
3 Muslims 2 0 2 2 0 0 6
Total 45 39 29 20 1 1 135
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5.69 As per the data suicide among the Hindus is the highest. But we cann’t conclude simply by seeing the figure since Hindus form the majority the incidence of suicide is also high among them.
Table No.5: 19
Mode of death
Sl.No. Particulars Frequency Percentage
1 Hanging 58 43
2 Poison 48 36
3 Furudan 13 10
4 Acid consumption 8 5
5 Burning 4 2
6 Vein cutting 1 1
7 Drowning in the well 1 1
8 Jumping from the height 1 1
9 Explosives 1 1
Total 135 100
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5.70 The highest incidence of suicide (43 percent) is by hanging. 36 per cent of farmer suicide is by taking poison. 10 per cent of the people have consumed furudan and committed suicide. 5 per cent have committed suicide by drinking acid. 2 per cent have committed suicide by burning. 4 have adopted different methods like vein cutting, drowning in the well, vein cutting and using explosives.
Solutions to Farmer’s Suicide
What is worrying the farmers of Idukki District is that spice cultivation is in another phase of stagnation imposed by the New Economic Policy. Globalization has pushed the people away from the income and ordinary business of life. There are various causes that end up in the suicide of the farmers. In my personal search I could not find debt as a major cause for the suicide of farmers. The new generation wants to make quick money. There should be an attitudinal change in the outlook of the farmers.
Formerly they were a group who were patient and waiting long months for the crop to get ripened. Now the new generation farmers are thinking in terms of quick profit. Steps must be taken to conscientise farmers to teach the philosophy of the French Physiocrats i.e. in farming God and man acts together and
multiplication takes place in production. In industry only addition is done. In agriculture alone creative
activity happens. So it needs time, patience, knowledge and training.
During survey farmers demanded more awareness classes on farming. It was something constructive and
optimistic. They respond more positively to new crops, new practices, and modern technological
advances. New organizations like Kudumbasree, Isaf, infarm, self help groups etc. are taking a variety of agricultural activities. This new form of organizational intervention can cultivate positive attitudes about life.
Among the 135 farmer households no one is skilled enough to do grafting, budding etc. They give Rs.
200 for budding a nutmeg or grafting a pepper in their field. For a good quality grafted plan farmers pay
Rs. 1000. Viswambharan at Kallar spent Rs 10,000 to buy 10 budded plants from the nursery. 156
Knowledgeable work force will find solution for their problems and an environmentally sustainable growth. Although there are many advances in horticulture, mixed farming, fish culture, livestock rearing, bee keeping it is not absorbed by the farmers in Idukki. Even managing irrigation facilities is still a dream. Idukki faces drought during summer and flood during rainy season. Idukki District Panchayath and local bodies should take necessary steps to tap enough water during rainy season and utilize it during summer. Assuring water is assuring agricultural productivity and preventing losses. It was repeated losses in agriculture that led them to form a “fed up with life“ attitude.
There is the absence of packages for the farmer at times of crop failure, crop rotation, price crash, flood, drought, plant diseases etc. The government is very slow in giving timely assistance. It should be vigilant enough to reach out to the farmer before the catastrophe.
Small size of holdings need not necessarily be a deterrent to high level productivity. Japan, South Korea.
Vietnam, Sweden and Israel advocate that if there is a group approach 90 percent of the problem in the
agricultural field could be solved. Several operational decisions can be taken jointly and a group farming
approach should be executed in Idukki and it will encourage both communication and co operation among
farmers. There is unutilized agricultural fields and unemployment. If planning is done with the co
operation of Kudumbasree, Janasree, self help groups and MNREGP the problem of unemployment could be solved permanently.
Introduction of modern technology is very often confused with buying machinery. Technological
developments based on water resource management, better seeds, tissue culture, bio fertilizers and pesticides are more powerful in contributing to spice cultivation than the mere introduction of machines.
Precision agriculture, sprinklers, drip irrigation etc. have not reached the Idukki farmer. District level
mapping of the minor projects have been done in various areas but tapping their potential is still a long
way off.
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If power is produced in the hydro electric projects it should reach the villages and houses through electric posts. In the medical field doctors are supported by nurses and lab assistants. Engineers are supported by a battalion of diploma holders from ITIs and poly techniques. In the same way the knowledge produced in the agricultural universities and research centres should reach the small and marginal farmers through trained personnels.
Labour Banks
There is no organizational set up among the farmers. Each one is an island, single and isolated; with the support of the panchayath and Krishi Bhavan labour banks should be started in each village. Those who are willing to work must be able to deposit their surplus labor into the labour banks. Each village labour bank should collect the names , address, phone numbers and skill of the labourers. Each panchayath should maintain a exhaustive register that comprise all the labourers in that panchayath. The labour bank should be the custodian of agricultural machinery and other tangible assets. Local bodies should finance these labour banks to finance the necessary machineries. It is not possible for each farmer to buy the required machinery that he needs. These machineries could be rented out to farmers at a cheaper rate.
Such labour banks should get training and implement innovative techniques in farming, livestock development, fishculture, floriculture, beekeeping, grading, value addition etc. The labour bank should find out fallow lands in each Panchayat and see that land is not put idle. If it is a government land a nominal rent could be charged and if it is a private land 20 to 30 percent of the produce as rent depending
on the productivity of the land.
We should think about knowledge banks also. There are many knowledgeable persons in Idukki who
know about seed, plant, cultivation, time of saving. Their plants are keeping good health. Their
knowledge must be collected classified and recorded for anyone who wants to invest in farming. The
researcher has found two types of agriculture in Idukki: one is the methods used by the modern
knowledge and the other is the method used by tradition. Tribal people called Mannan and Muthuvan use
158 traditional methods. Their plants are not much affected by pests and diseases. When the cardamom plants of the tribals last for 15 years the plants of others last only for 7 years. The only problem is that yield per acre is 30 per cent less compared to the others. Their knowledge also must be collected and recorded.
These pieces of knowledge are transmitted from one generation to another only orally. If it is not recorded it would be lost for the next generation. Therefore Krishibhavan and Panchayaths should gather these pieces of knowledge for the people who are interested in agriculture. The knowledge banks should give both traditional and latest knowledge about various crops and its nursing.
5.71 The attitude of the farmers in Idukki is to engage in Ponzi schemes to get immediate profits. Groups
of people from the major cities come and conduct classes about Ponzi schemes. They collect a huge
amount of money and escape. There are many instances that the researcher has come across. The farmers
have already lost money and they don’t want to be mocked contemptuously by others over the issue.
Therefore they keep silence over the issue. Since the stories over the cheatings do not come outside
enquiries are not conducted and culprits are not brought under law. So cheatings in this area become a
continuing story. Police authorities should watch a vigil over these culprits.
5.72 Farmers in the past were calculative and very careful in spending money. Modern farmer has lost the
sense of budgeting his income. The researcher has noticed that when income comes to the farmers hands
they think of feasting and spend their entire income on consumer items. When they get more money for
their products men were spending it on vehicles and women were spending it on gold. Very few farmers
thought about investing in the land and modernizing it. Modern agriculture has advanced and reached
different heights in the outside world and the Idukki farmer is in the age old technology. When the outside
world produced more and more output using latest technology the Idukki farmer is using only the age old
methods. Therefore the quantity and quality of the products decrease and his income keeps a positive
correlation with the above variables.
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In the high school classes moral education should be given to the students. In the higher secondary level students should be given pre marital classes. For the youth marriage preparation courses should be started.
At present Christian institutions and SNDP unions are conducting classes for the youth before and after marriages. But it is done only in the cities. These classes should be conducted in the forest area of Idukki
District also. All the communities must be conducting pre marital classes. In these classes importance of
Indian culture should be highlighted and the danger of western culture is to be exposed. Carrier guidance classes, geriatric classes, women empowerment classes, classes on health and mental well being, on personality development etc should be conducted in all the panchayaths. These classes are done on a regular basis in the main cities and not in Idukki District. In the cities there are “Day Houses” for the aged to come together and communicate during day time. They will sing, and share old stories and experiences during day time and in the evening they go home. Once in a week they have a good dinner and they enjoy it. The same should be started in Idukki District also.
There is no facility for arts and sports programmes in Idukki District. Since Idukki is a hilly area grounds for sports are very rare. Arts and sports competitions should be conducted in each villages and between
Panchayaths. In each village the best farmer should be selected and they should be given cash awards and certificates. Various prices should be given for different crops. The best cardamom farmer, the best pepper cultivator, the best coffee grower, the best livestock keeper, the best bee keeper, the best poultry farmer etc must be selected and given encouragements through cash prizes. Awards must be given to small findings too in agriculture. All these measures will instill confidence in the farmers.
Present Problems
5.73 76 households complained that during rainy season their cultivation gets affected. Because of water logging ginger cultivation is in peril. During summer the opposite is taking place. Leaves of cardamom, ginger and pepper go dry and the crop is negatively affected. Their complaint is that rain, wind and natural calamities affect adversely their crop every year.
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5.74 18 farmers have told that they don’t get quality seeds and 9 of them said they are going to sell their land since there are fewer yields and less income. Their complaint is that there is no manure in the land.
They say that because of long years of cultivation fertility of the land is lost. Because of the division and fragmentation cultivable land has come very small and in these lands farming with the help of machine is neither possible nor profitable.
5.75 Attack of pests, insects, rats, wild rats is increasing year by year. There is no solution for the attack of birds. 10 farmers told the researcher that parrots look beautiful but never a friend of the farmer. They do much havoc when a crop is ready. They eat, collect and destroy cereals. At the time of harvest the middle men collect the output at a very low rate. If there is a storage facility in the Idukki District the
farmers will be benefited. 36 farmers have complained that the storage facility is in Cochin town which is
more than 100 kilometers away for the Idukki farmers and the transportation cost is also high. No pump
set, debt, no agricultural laborers are the other problems raised by the farmers.
5.76 Death of earning member has affected the farmer households psychologically and financially. They
said father was all in all and knew everything in farming. Which seed? Where to plant? When to plant?
What manure? In what quantity? They said death of father has made a big vacuum in the house and they
were groping around in darkness for their other socks. Mothers in 8 houses have become in a depressed
mood and they are taking medicines. Absence of father has put them in a confusion in which they were
not in a position to take correct decisions. Their relatives pulled them in different directions at times of
troubles. The farmers were pauperized because of the expenses in connection with the hospitalization and
death of the farmers.
5.77 It is quite natural that when a group of people living in better conditions lose their entire income they
will turn to anti social activities. Since agricultural products did not command a good price in the market
the farmers were pauperized. They went to the forests, cut big trees and sold it. The researcher has seen
that those who are living near the forest poisoning the trees or skinning it so that they can sell it as
161 firewood. Their aim was to cultivate in that area also. When their products got high prices they never turned to these crimes. 1991 Reforms forced them to do these atrocities to eke out an income for a living.
Latest developments
5.78 Asean Agreement is signed on 1 Jan 2010. Therefore there is a chance for free flow of rice, coconut, rubber, milk, cardamom, and nutmeg to the Indian Market. Pepper and Coffee also will be imported. Any import of the above mentioned items will be the last straw that will break the camel’s back unless sufficient protective covers are given to the farmers.
5.79 The central government has started Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Programme. According to this program anyone who is unemployed can register their name and get employment for hundred days. Per day a labor will get Rs.150. A farmer who has lost his entire crop can depend on this program for his daily bread for the time being.
5.80 While Asean may turn to be a threat MNREGP is a blessing for the farmers in Idukki which is a hope for the farmers and it may reduce suicides in Idukki.
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CHAPTER VI
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
Idukki farmers claim that they were the suppliers of spices to the world through the Arab traders.
When Vasco Da Gama found a sea route to India demand for spices reached its maximum. It is only after the institution of WTO they find difficult to sell their products at a reasonable price and earn a living.
Farmers in Idukki say that from 1800 onwards their forefathers reached this forest area migrating from different parts of Kerala and working hard they earned for two centuries. Globalization policies – they mean import of spices and price crash in the market – compel them to leave this land and they want to go to urban centres to get some employment. They cannot believe that agriculture will support their growing demands. Many farmers stopped cultivation and sold their land and left for other places for finding their livelihood. Others are also mentally prepared to leave the area before the global giants would swallow them.
Endosulphan is a banned pesticide in the European countries and the same product has no restriction in spice cultivating areas of Kerala. Aged farmers told the researcher that the people accustomed in that area was tapioca chips and banana chips. Now Idukki shops are filled with
Lays, Chittoos, Kurkure chips which are banned in USA because of the use of poisonous taste makers. An N.G.O. worker told the researcher that the MNCs are like Eagles, if chased from one area they will land in another area.
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Multinationals like Coco Cola and Cadburys want cocoa from the farmers. The price of Coco
Cola was Rs. 8 in 1990 and for the Cadburys chocolate the price was Rs. 1. The Coco Cola has increased its price to Rs. 25 and Cadburys to Rs. 10 in 2010, but the cocoa price is the same and sometimes it is not even collected from the Idukki farmers. The farmers are deprived.
Globalization has made the profits of the Multinational companies grow several times while the income of the Idukki people has become reduced. Before the New Economic Policy the price of cardamom was Rs. 900. When discussions are conducted behind closed doors and decisions are taken at high levels the poor Idukki farmer is the loser. Because the cardamom price became down to Rs. 225 in 1995.
In 1990s when liberalization policies were announced the Idukki people did not know anything about the change of policies and its consequences. When he reached the markets only he understood that it is either rejected or demanded only at a lower price. The poor farmers in
Idukki thus understood the policy changes only from the effects of government decisions. It was a quick step of the government done poorly on the farmers.
In 1999 when the price of vanilla has reached Rs. 23,000 per Kg and the Idukki farmer was ready to supply it. But U.S.A who was a large importer of natural vanilla amended her rules and opted for synthetic vanilla which in turn eroded the entire investment of the Idukki farmers. When free trade was introduced European farmers were protected by “green box” and it was objected by other countries and they changed the name to “blue box” and continued their support to their
164 farmers. Idukki farmer is never supported by such measures at times of troubles. His losses become personal debts and his products become a household waste.
MNCs are buying land for large scale farming and introduce latest technologies. Idukki farmer is a marginal farmer and it is suicidal for him to compete with these techno giants. Spice cultivation is an area which needs constant support from the research and development wing. Since globalization private agencies are investing in these areas and the fruits of research are not reaching the idukki farmers. Many a time problems and questions of the spice cultivators are unsolved and unanswered. Findings of the private research are protected by the patent rights and it never reaches the Idukki farmers who need it urgently.
Idukki is a forest area and it supplies food, fodder, wood, water, fertilizer and maintains ecological balance. People of Idukki told the researcher that if they cut a branch of a tree in their compound forest officials took action against them. But every night more than 50 lorries of forest wood is going to the cities and no vehicle is checked and taken into custody by the forest or police officials. The indigenous farmers are affected. The culprits are unknown.
World Trade Organization is a one horse organization that never concerned about the farmers in
Idukki. Though hundreds of reports came in the media about suicide deaths in Idukki no international agency has come to study the stock of the situation. Chief officials of this organization have never discussed such an important issue which affects the small and marginal farmers. When they included agricultural commodities they were only worried about the prices and profits come out of that. But what happens to the farmers who produce these items never
165 come to their tables for discussion. And the Idukki farmer became a handicapped loser in the competition trade.
Idukki District produces jack fruits and mangoes in April and May and during these months
Idukki farmers say no western country produce these items in the same period. So Idukki can be a unique supplier of these items. But because of the absence of processing technologies jack fruits and mangoes are wasted and lost. International technical assistance never come to rescue the Idukki farmer.
Multinational companies supply high quality seeds, powerful pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals through the market with wide publicity. Experience of the Idukki people is that MNC proposals were misleading short sighted, impractical and uneconomic in many instances. They expect right policy from the government and nongovernmental organizations. They feel disappointed when there is no such effort from the responsible agencies including the scientists and the technologists.
Rich countries spend $ 1 billion a day for subsidizing their farm products. Over the past they have been increasing it. This is against the agreement and spirit of the Uruguay Round Talks and it directly affects the interests of the Idukki cultivators.
Idukki District is a forest area. In the past every nook and corner of the District found all types of
Monkeys, Bears, Porcupines, Wild Pigs, Wild Goats, Tigers, Bisons and Elephants and it was common. Now we could see these animals only in the catchment area of the Gundala dam which
166 is in the border of Idukki and Tamilnadu border. In the place called Anachal (means the place of elephants) there is no elephant and in the place called Bison Valley there are no bisons.
The researcher has visited the place called Pazhamthottam (which means fruits garden) and found no fruits cultivation. People said that since new economic policy they stopped fruits cultivation.
Before globalization farmers proudly said “I have 3 acres of land”, after 1991 reforms, they consider land as a liability and agricultural activity as a burden.
Before 1950 Idukki was a dense forest and it was the migrated people who made the area into an arable land. Their basic attitude was a hard work culture. The globalization has made this people into a group of pleasure loving, not working, easy going, and time wasting culture.
Even award winning farmers in the District are leaving the field of agriculture, saying not remunerative and risky.
Before 1991 Reforms the farmer was a gainer, now he is a loser. Now the trend is that Farmers are selling their valuables like jewels, iron box, aluminum, copper or bronze vessels, goats, cows, etc.
The shop owners in the study area told the researcher that sales were poor and even during festival times total sales were meagre. Farmers had no ready cash and they were in constant debt.
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Before the New Economic Policy average consumption of gold for a marriage was 160 grams, since 1991 it was reduced to 50 grams. Jewellers in Idukki District said that farmers are afraid of entering into the jewels shop.
When the Idukki farmer cannot sell his product in the market and he becomes a debtor he engages in the anti social activities. He goes to the forest and cuts trees and sells it. Poisoning or skinning big trees are done when there is crisis for the farmer.
When the affluent farmer digs a deeper bore well and collects under water, the marginal farmer’s fields go dry. It is very expensive to dig a well in the hilly areas.
When there is no remunerative price for the agricultural products farmers stopped cultivation.
Advertisements were appearing in the news papers about sales of lands. Farmers engaging in the land brokerage activities found everywhere.
Network marketing classes conducted by RMP, Amway and Modicare collected huge amount of
money from farmer households. Fraud groups like Skybiz and Care and Concern Collected large
amounts of money and absconded. Thousands of farmers are cheated and lost money in Idukki
District.
The Western media has imported a culture of enjoyment in the minds of the youth in the place of
culture of hard work and responsibility that was prevalent in the past. The youth wants to show
168 off a borrowed western identity in their dress, life style and thinking pattern. It is from the media that the people get these borrowals. The attitude is that “how to win without hardwork. They spend much of their time before cricket matches and western movies.
The Idukki youth is ashamed of being and becoming a farmer. A 10 th standard educational
qualification ego does not allow the youth to work in the farms.
When there is a crop failure women folk suffer the lion’s share of the impact of the loss. If the
family is in debt the first thing is to take the ornaments of women. When plough and oxen were
introduced men were preferred to women. Same is the case when tractors were introduced. Any
technological advancement results in the loss of bread and butter of the women folk.
Women work long hours. They are subjected to other people’s decisions. At times of deaths of
the husband it is the husband’s father or brother who continues to take major decisions about
land, education of children and marriage of children. Idukki women consume less food than they
should. If there is little food in the family that little is kept aside for men and it is again the
women who suffer hunger and malnutrition. They eat only what is left over after feeding their
husbands and children.
The attitude of the Idukki people is that the girl child has to do all household and farming
activities then only she has to go to school in the morning. Even after coming from school she
has enough work at home. Only after doing all the work in the family she can take her books or
go to bed.
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Since globalization change of crop is frequent. They do not consider the climatic conditions or the fertility of the soil. If the price of cocoa is high people of Idukki destroys all other crops and do it. When Vanila price went high people did the same. Now the price of cardamom is high and the farmer is destroying all other crops and planting it. It is a demand push cultivation. They have never profited anything from this demand push cultivation. They have always lost the capital and hard work because of this. And these people have never learned a lesson from history or from their own experience.
Idukki farmer has tried various crops and failed. Globalization policies implanted in them a geo culture of despair. Various failures have made them to think and speak in terms of skepticism.
The common term they use is “fed up” ( mathiyayi ).
Formerly the agricultural decisions were based on needs of the society. Globalization has made
this need based cultivation into a greed based one.
When there is a depression in the industry, farm products are less demanded and the farmer is in
trouble. Sometimes the world production of pepper, cardamom and other spices increase. The
result will be greater import of these items and it results in the abject poverty of the Idukki
farmer who produces it.
When Indian companies are sold to the Multinational corporations, they buy raw materials and
farm products from the international markets and the produces of the Idukki farmer go unsold.
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Investment anywhere will have a trickling down effect on the income of the people everywhere.
When the Indian government decides to disinvest, it is the farmer community which is affected indirectly since they form 70 percentages.
Farmer needs large amount of capital on long term basis and at low interest rates at times of change of crop or for re plantation. The public sector banks were notorious for their formalities to give loans to the farmers. Since the private sector banks as well as the public sector banks avoided the farmers’ causes, they were forced to reach out to the money lenders which made them in trouble permanently.
The bank interest is very high for the farmer. If the farmer fails to remit an installment the bank charges a penalty for the entire amount. Again if the farmer is late in paying the installment he will have to pay the interest for the interest, penalty amount, and principal amount. Even the postal expenses and late fee amounts are charged against the farmers.
When a bank advertises they say the interest is 12 per cent. But the actual amount the farmer has to pay will be more than that. In fact the farmers have remitted huge amounts for a small loan they have taken. In fact they are afraid of hidden costs of the loans. The new generation banks were never interested in the problems of the farmers. They have started many branches in the cities but they have completely avoided the agricultural centres.
It is very difficult to get a loan for investment in farm, but for washing machines, mixer, juicer, grinder, oven, and two wheelers there are many agencies to give loans at competitive and very
171 low interest rates. These items saved much of their time. The additional time they got was spend for watching T.V and for buying it there is no interest at all.
When money comes into the hands of the farmer very often he thinks about spending in an unproductive way. Loans taken have never been gone to modernizing their farms. But it was diverted to the celebration of social functions. They are still following the technology of 100 years back what their forefathers were doing. Even today there is no change at all.
Idukki farmer has lost the sense of budgeting his income. He always spends his money in a frugal manner without a plan about future. When the money at hand is over he is unequipped and depressed.
Globalization has filled a spirit of competition among the people. They forgot the values of co operation. When they understand that they are long behind in the race compared to their neighbours and relatives a feeling of despair and darkness engulf them and they take the extreme step.
The major reason for suicides is family problems. Absence of communication, infights, disrespect for elders, infidelity, erosion of values all have resulted in suicides. With the advent of mobile phones and internet extra marital relationships have become easy and it is very common which shook the foundations of the family.
Suicides are more among men compared to women.
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Formerly the aged were considered an asset. Now the trend is that they have become a liability.
The reason for the death of farmers was they wanted to escape from the indifference of their sons and in laws.
The second major reason for suicides was alienation from the land. They worked hard and there was not enough output. And for the little output they did not get enough price in the market.
When various attempts in agriculture give no yield they simply conclude that there is no meaning for life. And they said fed up with life. There is a geo culture of despair among the farmers.
In the mountainous area there is no scope for any type of enjoyment. Every day they work from dawn to dusk, they eat the same food. Since their houses are far away and isolated there is no chance for community enjoyment. There is no scope for indoor games or outdoor games. It is very rare to see a football ground or volley ball court in the study area. If they sit in front of the
T.V. the themes of the subjects which they cover is always negative. The channels telecast crimes, family issues and the way they present it not in a constructive way but destructive manner
.
Very often they postpone medical treatments thinking that they will lose a day’s wages. Only in an advanced stage they approach the medical practitioner in the government hospital at somebody else’s compulsion. When they approach the government hospital the doctors refer to the medical college or a private hospital for specialized care. At this stage the patient has to take a decision either to sacrifice his family or his life. Since he loves his family more he decide to die committing suicide.
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When a farmer has to go for an expensive treatment the government hospitals are short of facilities. He cannot approach the private hospitals because of the high expenses. Very often money is being prioritized for other social compulsions, marriages, celebrations, birth of a child, death ceremonies etc.
There is a taboo among the high range people that once a mental patient means always a maniac.
In the beginning stages of the disease nobody cared. Only in the advanced stages medical assistance will be sought. And recovery will be very difficult. If he recovers no one acknowledged him as normal including his own members of the family. Here also the patient takes a decision to die.
A major reason for the suicide of the farmer is the easy availability of the highly poisonous pesticide called furadan. It looks like sugar and there is no distaste or smell for this pesticide.
When a problem comes the farmer takes and consumes it without any hesitation or second thought.
There is a fear complex among the people of Idukki District. Since it is a forest area they feel that they may be chased away one day. Banks do not accept the land documents as a guarantee.
Very often they cannot mortgage or sell their property. They are also afraid of construction. They feel that they are in a forest in exile. Very often it is the marriage of a daughter that made the farmer a debtor or any other social function.
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When a suicide takes place all the channels, news papers and magazines celebrate it for days and weeks and the dead person becomes a hero among the living.
Indebtedness as projected by the media about the suicides in Idukki District cannot be accepted.
The reasons for suicides are multidimensional – social, economic, cultural and psychological inter related to each other.
In a snake and ladder game there is ups and downs. But here what happens is that the farmer is in a vicious cage encircled by snakes. Only the genuine government steps can act as ladders to save the farmers. Otherwise cry of the farmers will be on the rise.
175
SUMMARY
Agriculture matters because they feed the country and the prosperity of the farmer becomes the necessary precondition for the progress of all other sectors. The New Economic Policy of 1991 allowed unrestricted imports of agricultural products into our country which had terrific consequences on the farmer communities especially on Idukki District since it is producing spices for export. Liberalization policies resulted in the breaking of the great wall of tariff protections to the farmers and prices of the agricultural products marked lesser than the cost of production which made the Idukki farmer indebted. Privatization measures affected the farmer negatively and he was forced to pay for everything previously he was getting free of cost including health services. The western countries considered India as a supplier of raw materials during the colonial period; even today they want to continue the same policies through World
Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund and World Bank. While the West is protecting their farmers by introducing ‘green box’, blue box, and change of rules etc. Indian farmer face less demand, low prices and indebtedness and death.
The new ideology is that farmers want to produce that item which commands maximum profits.
Formerly they invested according to the needs of the society based on the capabilities of the soil and climatic conditions. Now they want to produce the item which commands maximum profits.
On this race for profit there is no gain but there is irreparable loss. The thinking pattern of the farmer has changed from hard work to smart work that is doing little and gaining maximum without sweating. The youths of this farmer community want to enjoy an executive life without working under the sun. Since agricultural production is unprofitable land has become a commodity for sale rather than a means to production. Another trend is that conversion of
176 agricultural land for non agricultural purpose is a rule. Public sector banks are putting many impediments to finance the farmers and the formalities to get a loan are very complicated.
Therefore money lenders have more business than the established banks. While the bank managers are taking many pains to find out reasons to give loans to the affluent they mercilessly turn away the genuine farmer who wants to dig a well to protect his farm.
Vagaries in the international market erode the financial soundness of the farmer community.
Department of agriculture have no role in the lives of the farmers. Government decisions very often results in the depletion of their income and assets. When there is a larger cry from the farmers, government is always very slow to respond to the farmer. Only at times of election there are serious thoughts about farmers and promises. After each election every leader put aside the cases of the farmers.
Idukki farmer is confronting with various crises viz. unscientific methods of production, poor returns from the land, poor quality seeds, soil erosion, Inadequate irrigation facilities, high labour cost, less price for farm, excessive use of pesticides, frequent plant diseases, no storage facilities, no value addition, for the raw products, frequent attack of wild fires, shortage of soil testing units, no timely assistance from the government departments, no expert advice but there is misleading and short sighted pieces of advice from the agricultural universities, no serious research and development, division and fragmentation of land, paucity of farm machinery, influence of western culture, ponzi schemes introduced by the city experts to trap the poor farmer community, absence of land documents etc.
The media of Kerala is writing about the deaths of farmers. Every day one could read the news of a farmer suicide in the newspapers. And the news says it is because of the debt that the farmers are committing suicide. The researcher has visited 135 families of the farmers where
177 suicides have taken place and collected the underlying reasons behind their deaths. The major reason for their death was not economic but social problems such as family issues, fed up with life, chronic diseases, mental illness, and loneliness. In Idukki district the researcher has not found a farmer who has committed suicide because of indebtedness.
The study of Idukki farmers brought out many important issues with regard to the socio economic impacts of globalization. This paved the way for profit making for the multinational companies by exploiting illiterate farmers. The changes in the market unleashed various problems in the family relations, kinship, between parents and children, between in laws and led to quarrels. In addition the head of the family is under the clutch of money lenders, urban shop keepers, government officials in one way or other. Thus globalization did not mean globalization of happiness and peace in the case of Idukki farmers. Contrary to this it meant exploitation of spice cultivating peasants even though they have the rich fertile land and hard working capacity.
This necessitates to have extra care on Kerala farmers by the government and the international agencies. The policy implications and suggestions are given separately.
178
SUGGESTIONS
1. Formerly hundreds of rivulets were running freely through the valleys of Idukki District.
Construction of various dams with foreign aid and technical assistance resulted in the disappearance of flora and fauna of the area. In order to maintain the ecological balance water must be allowed to flow from each dam at least in less volume through the rivulets it was flowing. It will water the spice gardens of the farmers even during the summer season also.
2. Large number of farmers are leaving the field of agriculture including the awardees.
Government should see that their hard work is duly compensated in spite of the vagaries in the international market.
3. When an Indian product is rejected by the importers or there is a problem in the international market, the reasons must be sort out and immediate solutions must be given by the government on a war time basis.
4. If the market price for the farm product is less than the cost of production, the government should collect the farm products at a reasonable price. It is done sometimes, but very often too late and at a very low price. This should be rectified.
5. At times of bumper crops and surplus produce, farm products command only very less price in the market. In these situations government should collect it and store it. For this purpose government should have modern storage facilities in the agrarian centres.
6. If the farmer stores his produce in the government stores, vouchers must be given to the farmers against which he should be able to take loans from the banks.
7. For replantation, or change of crop farmer must be financed by the scheduled banks at least for a period of 3 years.
179
8. All the banks must be farmer friendly and they should have farmer’s cells. They should ease the formalities for giving loans to the farmers. Application forms and formalities of getting loans to the farmers must be the same all over India.
9. Interest for the farmer should be uniform all over India. There should be no difference between the commercial banks, cooperative banks and land mortgage banks. The Reserve Bank of India should give directions to all the banks and see that they follow the rules.
10. Commercial banks and the new generation banks should start banking services in the agricultural centres too. At least 4:1 should be the urban rural ratio for banks.
11. Banks and agricultural officers should ensure that loans taken for agricultural purpose is not used for social celebrations.
12. In each village soil tests must be done and the agricultural institutions should promote only those items which are suitable in that area. This does not mean innovation is to be discouraged but price pushed cultivation should not be encouraged.
13. The youth is in the cross roads. They have neither imbibed the positive aspects of our age old
tradition nor understood the pitfalls of western culture. Educational institutions must have a
master plan to inculcate the cultural aspects of the country in the minds of the youth.
14. Schools, colleges and Universities, must have farming units. In each District best school
farms must be selected and given cash awards. Even in the state and national level educational
institutions must be given cash awards which produces, food, spices, flowers etc.
15. Youth should be attracted to the farms. Young farmer’s awards must be given to best
students in each institution. Grace marks also must be given to those students who engage in
farming like NSS volunteers in educational institutions.
180
16. Debates, discussions, seminars etc. must be conducted in educational institutions about the importance of agriculture and the recent developments in various countries in this field.
17. Farmers must be invited to various institutions for sharing their experiences with the others.
18. The Multinational Corporations usually buy raw materials from the international market discarding the local farmers. When these MNCs were owned by Indian business men in the past and they bought the raw materials from the local market. The MNCs sell their final products to the Indian consumers in which 70 percent are farmers. So the MNCs should buy the raw materials from the local markets. Discarding the farmers will reduce their capacity to buy and will result in the pauperization of the farming community. The government also should take steps to ensure that the MNCs buy raw materials from the local market.
19. In the import of western culture there are constructive aspects as well as destructive aspects.
Like other countries India should prevent the negative sides of the western culture.
20. Indian channels telecasting crimes, violence, sex and negativism must be at check constantly.
Propagating anything is not freedom.
21. The Panchayath should start cultural centres like libraries, arts clubs, sports centres, geriatric centres, mahila centres etc. Arts, sports and literary competitions for the seniors, super seniors, veterans, amateurs, masters, professionals etc. must be conducted during every season by the
Village Panchayaths, Block Panchayaths, and District Panchayaths and the State. Sports and arts programmes will be a solution to the depressing situations and it will result in a healthy competitive spirit among the farmers.
22. Tapping under water currents excessively by the rich must be controlled by law since it makes the marginal farmers fields go dry.
181
23. Innocent farmers are cheated by various agencies through advertisements of various cheating schemes. Government should take stringent action against these persons and institutions.
24. Before the holes in the hulls have been repaired, before the captain gets training, before the life vests have been put on, a boat should not be set off for a voyage. Developing countries are like small boats. They should not be exposed for global competition all of a sudden by the central government without necessary precautions. When there is a major policy change in the agricultural sector farmers must be made aware about the precautions. When the gates of our markets are open on a fine morning on the basis of liberalization policies, the poor ignorant farmer will have to grope in darkness. Before asking those farmers to compete with the international market government must train the farmers fit for that. A farmer who is well trained will never be drowned at times of troubles.
25. Very often it is the marriage of a daughter that puts the farmer’s family in debt. Therefore direct financial assistance must be given for the marriage of daughters of farmers at low interest rates. And the loan amount should cover to buy at least 40 grams of gold.
26. Media should not give wider propaganda for the suicides among the farmer communities
182
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
1. When the land is made fallow it is the creativity of the farmer community that is sacrificed. In
South Indian States rice producers have started to keep the land idle. This is not a good trend. So the Government should see that every year each farm is cultivated and the farmer gets seeds, manure, and technical assistance and finance at lower interest rates.
2. Government should have a discussion with the media persons about the news of suicides in the agricultural sector and its impact on the farmers. Because in the national level media is competing to report with all the details of the suicides of the farmers.
3. District collectors in the agricultural centres should vigilantly watch the farmers’ problems.
Bimonthly meetings must be conducted with the farmers in order to understand their problems and for finding solutions.
4. When the West take measures to protect their farmers the Central Government and State
Government also should take measures to protect our farmers.
5. In India the urban areas are having sports and arts facilities. But in the rural areas facility for community enjoyment is only minimum. And in the hilly areas there is no facility at all. It is high time that the government should take measures for that.
6. The present day youth does not want to work in the farms. In schools, colleges and universities there must be awareness programmes for the younger generations about agriculture, floriculture and fish culture.
7. The Central Government must enact laws against ponzi schemes. A vigilant police cell is necessary for this purpose.
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8. We cannot compete with other countries with the age old methods of production. Our farmers must be given training and make them technically equipped.
9. When other countries make blue box and green box Indian administration always complain about it. It is good that we also do it.
10. Hospitals in the rural areas must be hygienic and with good facilities. Specialists must visit hill stations once in a month.
11. Only after due consultations the central government should enter into treaties with the international organizations and foreign countries.
184
APPENDICES
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41.Richard J.Barnet and Ronald E.Miller : Ibid. Page No.14
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44.Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the scenes at the WTO”(2003), Zed Books, New York, Page No. 269
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48. Richard J.Barnet and Ronald E.Miller : Ibid., Page No. 14 15.
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188
50. Munim Kumar Barai : Globalization, liberalization and Social Inequality; A Bangladesh, Social Science Press,(2003), New Delhi.
51. Joseph Stiglitz : (Winner of Nobel Prize for Economics): “Globalization and its Discontents”(2002) Penguin Books, England, Page No. 14.
52. Richard J.Barnet and Ronald E. Miller : Global Reach : The Power of the Multinational Corporations, (1974) Simon and Schuster, A Touch Stone Book, New York Page No.16.
53. Joseph Stiglitz : (Winner of Nobel Prize for Economics): “Globalization and its Discontents”(2002) Penguin Books, England, Page No.103
54. Montek Ahluwalia : State Level Performance Under Economic Reforms in India : in Anne Krueger ed., Economic Policy Reforms and the Indian Economy (2002) Oxford University Press, New Delhi.
55. Joseph Stiglitz Page No.104
56. Joseph Stigliz Page No.17
57. Joseph Stiglitz Page No.102
58. Economic Times 14 th April 2000.
59. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No. 270.
60. “The Structural Adjustment”, The Structural Adjustment Participatory Reviews International Network (SAPRIN) Report (2004) Zed Books, London. Page No111.
61. Ashutosh Varshney: Mass politics or Elite Politics? : India’s Economic Reforms in Comparative Perspective (1999) Oxford University Press, Page Nos. 222 260
62. “SAPRIN” Report, Ibid Page No.111
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70. Stanley A Kochanek: Liberalization and Business Lobbying in India: The Journal of Common Wealth and Comparative Politics 34(3) November 1996, Frank Cass, London Page Nos. 155 173.
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73. N.S.Bansal : “World Trade Organization after Cancun”,(2004), Mittal publications, New Delhi, Page No.1
74.N.S.Bansal: Ibid. Page No.2
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76. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.165.
77. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.278.
78. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.279.
79.Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.280.
80 .Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.281.
81. Carlene Barshefsky, (US Trade Representative) Press briefing, Seattle, 2 Dec 1999.
82. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.280.
83. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.276 & 277.
84. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.280.
190
85. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.270.
86. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : Ibid Page No. 274
87. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : Ibid Page No. 269
88. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.269.
89. Fatoumata Jawara and Aileen Kwa : “Behind the Scenes at the WTO” , New York. Page No.269.
90. Richard J.Barnet and Ronald E.Miller : Global Reach : The Power of the Multinational Corporations,(1974) Simon and Schuster, A Touch Stone Book, New York Page No.15
91. Richard J.Barnet and Ronald E.Miller : Global Reach : The Power of the Multinational Corporations,(1974) Simon and Schuster, A Touch Stone Book, New York Page No.13
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102. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.157. 191
103. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.157
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105. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.156.
106. Paul Rosenstein Rodan: “International Aid for Underdeveloped Countries”, Review of Economics and Statistics, Vol.43 (1961), Page No.107 – 138.
107. World Bank Report on Global Economic Prospects and the Developing Countries (2000), Washington DC Page Zed Books, London and New York, Page No. 163.
108. Aldo Ferror: “Living Within Our Means” West View Press, (1985), Argentina
109. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.163.
110. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.163.
111. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.163.
112. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.163.
113. Colin Clark “ The World Will Save Money in the 1950s”, Fortune 1950, Page No. 89.
114. Amartya Sen: “Poverty and Famines”,(1999), Oxford University Press.
115. Mahendra P. Lama: Poverty Migration and Conflict: Challenges to Human Security in South Asia”; Eds: Chari and Sonika Gupta, Human Security in South Asia” (2003), Social Science Press, New Delhi. Page No. 131
116. Peter Robbins: “Stolen Fruit”, Zed Books, (2003), London and New York, Page No.30
117. 105. Vandana Shiva and Gitanjali Bedi: “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: The Impact of Globalization”,(2002), Sage Publications, New Delhi. Page No.62
118. Vandana Shiva and Gitanjali Bedi: “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: The Impact of Globalization”,(2002), Sage Publications, New Delhi. Page No.62
119. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.166
120. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.166
192
121. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.166
122. Peter Robbins: “Stolen Fruit”, Zed Books, (2003), London and New York, Page No.14.
123. Greg Buckman: “Globalization Tame It or Scrape It?” Zed Books 2004, London, Page No. 100
124. Watkins, Kevin et al: “Rigged Rules”,(2003) Oxfam International Washington DC, Page No. 209.
125. Vandana Shiva and Gitanjali Bedi: “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: The Impact of Globalization”,(2002), Sage Publications, New Delhi. Page No.62
126. Vandana Shiva and Gitanjali Bedi: “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: The Impact of Globalization”,(2002), Sage Publications, New Delhi. Page No.62
127. Roy Eccleston and Stephen Lunn: US to Coddle Farmers at Allies Expense, Weekend Australian 4 5 May 2002, Page No.16.
128. Greg Buckman: “Globalization Tame It or Scrape It? Zed Books 2004, London, Page No. 100
129. John Madeley : “Food for All” (2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.45
130. John Madeley : “Food for All”(2002), Zed Books, London and New York, Page No.45.
131. Greg Buckman: “Globalization Tame It or Scrape It? Zed Books 2004, London, Page No. 100.
132. Peter Robbins: “Stolen Fruit”, Zed Books, (2003), London and New York, Page No.14
133. Peter Robbins: “Stolen Fruit”, Zed Books, (2003), London and New York, Page No.7
134. Nirupam Sen: “GanaSakthi”, 6 th May 2000.
135. Peter Robbins: “Stolen Fruit”, Zed Books, (2003), London and New York, Page No.16
136. MaliniBhattacharya: “Globalization” (2004) Tulika Books, New Delhi, Page No.3
137. MaliniBhattacharya: “Globalization” (2004) Tulika Books, New Delhi, Page No.4
138. MaliniBhattacharya: “Globalization” (2004) Tulika Books, New Delhi, Page No.4
139. MaliniBhattacharya: “Globalization” (2004) Tulika Books, New Delhi, Page No.4
193
140. B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Development in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.64
141. B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Development in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.28
142 B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Development in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.65
143. Mahendra P Lama: “ Poverty Migration and Conflict: Challenges to Human Security is South Asia”; Eds. P.R.Chari and Sonika Gupta, Human Security in South Asia”, Social Science Press, New Delhi. Page No. 64
144. B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Development in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.30
145. B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Development in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.29
146.Haraka Gandhi: “One Gospel: Globalization and Pacific Regional Theology”,(1997), The Pacific Journal Of Theology, Series II, Issue 17, Page No.54
147.Felix Wilred: “No Salvation Outside Globalization”, (1997) FABC OHD, InoVol.23,Nos.3 4, Page No.2
148. Felix Wilred. Ibid.
149.The Australian Catholic Record, Vol LXXX, No.3, Page No. 274
150. Ranjana Padhi: “On Women Surviving Farmer Suicides in Punjab”, Economic and Political Weekly, (9 th May 2009, Vol XLIV No. 19, Page No. 59
194
151. B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Development in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.28
152. B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Developmnt in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.28
153. B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Development in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.28
154. B.Ackerly, “Testing the Tools of Development” cited in Mahbul Ul Haq, Human Development Centre, Human Development in South Asia, (2000). The Gender Question Oxford, OUP, (2000) Page No.28
155 .Gandhiji M.K., “English Learning) Page No.28”, Young India, I June 1921, The Mahatma and the Poet, National Book Trust, New Delhi, 1977.
156. P.G.K.Paniker et al: “Population Growth and Agricultural development” (1977) Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum. Page No. 42
157. P.G.K.Paniker et al: “Population Growth and Agricultural development” (1977) Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum. Page No. 42
158. T.C.A.Srinivasa Raghavan:“Globalization, Liberaliza tion and Social Inequality” : An Indian Perspective”(2003), Eds: P.R.Chari and Sonika Gupta, Human Security in South Asia”(2003), Social Science Press, New Delhi. Page No.150, 151.
159. P.G.K.Paniker et al: Ibid. Page No.44
160. Ibid.
161.Lee Phillip: “Communication for All”, Satprakasan Sanchar Kendra, Indore, Page Nos. 13 14
162. Bharat Jhun Jhunwala: “Welfare State and Globalization” Page No.9
163. T.C.A.Srinivasa Raghavan:“Globalization, Liberaliza tion and Social Inequality” : An Indian Perspective”(2003), Eds: P.R.Chari and Sonika Gupta, Human Security in South Asia”(2003), Social Science Press, New Delhi. Page No.155 195
164.T.C.A.Srinivasa Raghavan: Ibid. Page No.155
165.T.C.A.Srinivasa Raghavan: Ibid. Page No. 156
166. Joseph Stiglitz : (Winner of Nobel Prize for Economics): “Globalization and its Discontents”(2002) Penguin Books, England, Page No.142
167. The Telegraph, 18 th Dec 2000
168.T.C.A.SrinivasaRaghavan:“Globalization,Liberaliza tion and Social Inequality”: An Indian Perspective”(2003), Social Science Press”, New Delhi. Page No.155
169.T.C.A.SrinivasaRaghavan:“Globalization,Liberalization and Social Inequality”: An Indian Perspective”(2003), Social Science Press”, New Delhi. Page No.155
170. Jean Paul Sartre: “Nausea”, (1965), Penguin Books, Page No. 191.
171. Jean Paul Sartre: “Being and Nothingness”,(1957), Hazel E. Barns, London, Page No.566.
172. New international Version Study Bible: Exodus Chapter 20, Verse 13, Zondervan, Michigan, USA, Page No.117
173. George Howe Colt: “The Enigma of Suicide”, (1992), Simon and Schuster, London, Page No.351
174. Thomas Szasz: “Suicide is a Fundamental Human Right”, (1973), Anchor / Doubleday, Garden City, New York, Page No. 67
175. Edwin Shneidman: Aphorisms of Suicide and Some Implications for Psychotherapy(1984), American Journal of Psychotherapy, Vol 38, No.3 Page No. 322
176. George Howe Colt: “The Enigma of Suicide”, (1992), Simon and Schuster, London, Page No.382
177. (Cited in) George Howe Colt: “The Enigma of Suicide”, (1992), Simon and Schuster, London, Page No.354
178. George Howe Colt: “The Enigma of Suicide”, (1992), Simon and Schuster, London, Page No.469
179. Karl Menninger: Man Against Himself”, Page No.19
196
180. (Cited in) George Howe Colt: “The Enigma of Suicide”, (1992), Simon and Schuster, London, Page No.351
181.R.S.Cavan: “Suicide”, (1965), Russel and Russel, New York, Page No. 69
182. Wynter A: “The Border Lands of Insanity”, (1877), Henry Renshaw, London, Page Nos. 244 245.
183. Anderson J: “An Extraordinary People”, The New Yorker, 12 Nov 1984, Page No. 126
184. Bushman D. “Cluster Suicides”, The Reporter Depatch, Gannet West Chester News Papers, 2 Dec 1984, Page No.1
185. Alvarez A: “The Savage God”, (1973), Bentam Books, New York, Page No. 104
Chapter III
1. P.G.K Paniker, et al: “Population Growth and Agricultural Development: A Case Study of Kerala,” Centre for Development Studies. Trivandrum. (1977), Page No.42.
2. Christine Niven et al : “South India”, Lonely Planet Publications, Australia, Page Nos. 387 389.
3. George Podipara, Anish Jacob, S.D. Venukumar, K.R. Prabhakaran and Rajeshkumar : The Cry of Agricultural Kerala, Mathru Bhoomy Daily 19 th , 26 th Oct 2009, Pages 1 and 4
197
NEWS PAPER REPORTS ABOUT FARMER SUICIDES
1. Vengappilly, Kokkuzhimadathil, V.N. Vijayan (36) has committed suicide. He had taken a loan from the Vijaya Bank in order to buy a cow. He got Rs 10,000 as loan for this purpose. When the cow got sick he sold it and he could not pay the installments. In 2002 he got the notice for revenue recovery. He got the permission to repay loan by Rs. 750 monthly installments. Suja his wife had another loan from the Agricultural Development Bank. The amount was Rs. 35,400. Suja got a small income the nearby hospital for cleaning the hospital premises. From the monthly income from the hospital Suja wanted to remit her loan. Vijayan wanted to remit his loan first. The fight led Suja to pour kerosene in her body and inflamed herself. When she was admitted to the hospital Vijayan consumed pesticides and died.
30 March 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
2. Pulpally Amarakkuni Palolikkal Rajeev (34) has committed Suicide after taking poison. He had mortgaged his land in Panamaram Land Mortagage Bank for Rs.75,000. He had taken another loan from Pulpally Co operative Bank and the amount was Rs.7000. He got a loan of 10,000 from the money lenders. Since his house had been fallen he was in the process of constructing it. When he dies he leaves his two daughters, his wife and the uncompleted house.
16 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
3. Nedumkandam Manthippara Sasi (37) has committed suicide. He has hanged himself. He had taken loans from different agencies.
31 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
4. Manippara Kanjirathummootil Ravindran (44) has committed suicide. He had loans around Rs. 1 lakh. He took poison and died in the Medical College hospital. He has 3 children and wife.
6 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily 198
5. Ambalavayal Anappara Cherukunnel Mathew (32) has committed suicide by consuming poison. He had taken loans from the money lenders. He was taking land on lease and cultivating plantain. He has 2 children and wife.
6 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
6. Rajakumari Vanathumpurakkal Mathew (37) has died in the hospital as he had attempted a suicidal attempt. He had loans from different banks and had to pay more than Rs. 1 lakh. He has 3 children and wife.
6 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
7. Mathamangalam Mannurkkunni Puthenveetil Uniikrishnan Nair (50) has committed suicide. He took land on lease for cultivation. He had taken a loan from the Kalloor Gramin Bank. The loan amount was Rs. 35,000. He has to pay money to his relatives and friends. He has his wife and two children.
17 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
8. Vizhingzam, venganoor, Puthenveetil Soman (55) has committed suicide by taking poison. His relatives said he was depressed because of the crop failure.
17 Sep 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
9. Cheruthoni, Pazhayarikkandam Erurikkal Sebastin (38) has committed suicide. He has taken a loan of Rs. 2 lakhs from the financial institutions. He was cultivating pepper. Because of the drought he had lost his pepper crop. He went to the agricultural office and the officials came and verified and certified the loss. He was expecting an assistance from the agricultural office. Though he tried and waited for several months he did not get any assistance. Finally he committed suicide.
30 March 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
199
10. Mananthavady, Kammana, Pulakkal Kurichya Colony Chandu has committed suicide.
30 March 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
11. Because of debt two farmers have committed suicide in Wayanad.
12 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
12. Marathakkara East Thalukkal Ramakrishnan (45) has committed suicide by taking poison. He took loan from the money lenders and invested in 7000 plantains. He could not repay the money. He has his wife and three children.
7 Sep 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
13. Karani Avuvayal Sakthi Sarat Soman (48) has committed suicide by taking poison. He had cultivated paddy in one acre of land. But he did not get anything from this cultivation. He had a loan of Rs 33, 000 from the Housing Board. Because of the interest he has to pay around Rs. 60,000 back. He died near the tomb of his mother.
21 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
14. Payippad Prayatteri Maniyankeri Aniyappan (35) poisoned himself to death. He was cultivating paddy. Because of heavy rain 5 acres of paddy was lost. He was not speaking for a week after the loss of his paddy cultivation. He had to repay the loan to scheduled bank and money lenders.
15 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
200
15. Mangod Parasseril Joseph (52) has committed suicide by taking poison. He had 1.5 acres of land. He had taken Rs. 30,000 from the South Malabar Gramin Bank. Besides this he had taken Rs. 15,000 from the co operative society. He has 4 children and wife.
28 June 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
16. In Chathannoor Kalluvathukkal Muraleedharakkurup (52) has committed sucide. He used to take land on lease for cultivating paddy and plantain. He had taken a loan of Rs.1,50,000 from the co operative bank. He took loans from the money lenders too. When he got the notice for revenue recovery he hanged himself.
11 Aug 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
17. Chittor Rehima Bibi has committed suicide. She has a loan of Rs. 35,815 in Nalleppally Co operative Bank. She was worried about the repayment of the loan and committed suicide. She was 60 years old.
8 Sep 2006, Malayala Manorama Daily
18. In Pulppally, Near Kenichira East Koleri Nangelil Shaji committed suicide by taking poison. He was a ginger farmer. He had 2.5 acres of land. He had taken a loan from the South Malabar Gramin Bank. He had to pay 4 lakhs to the Bank. He has 3 children and wife. He died in the ginger farm.
11 Sep 2006, Malayala Manorama Daily
19. Nemara, Chathamangalam, Cheenikkod Kunnathil Paulose (67) has committed suicide because of indebtedness. He had taken loans from Vithanassery Co operative Bank, Canara Bank and ICICI Bank. He had the liability of Rs. 5 lakh. There was a case against him that his land had no proper documents.
8 Sep 2006, Malayala Manorama Daily
201
20. Mandokkara Pokkathayil Paulose (38) has committed suicide. He had taken loans from different banks. He got financial assistance from others too. Paulose has 2 children and wife.
14 Aug 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
21. Kurumbakakkottu Kalppurakkal Thomas (68) has committed suicide. He did this on the Onam festival day. He has written a letter saying that he is committing suicide because of indebtedness. He has taken Rs. 50,000 from State Bank of India and planted ginger. He says that though he worked hard in the ginger farm he could not even repay the interest of the loan. Personally he has collected Rs. 65,000 from his relatives and friends. Since there was no income from the ginger farm he committed suicide.
8 Sep 2006, Malayala Manorama Daily
22. Makkiyad Kanjirangad Ramachandran (42) has taken poison and died. He had taken a loan of Rs.50,000 from two scheduled banks and planted 5000 plantains. Because of heavy rain he lost his investment and could not repay the loan. He has two children and his wife.
12 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
23. The Chief Minister A.K.Antony said that he will send a team of Ministers to Delhi to inform about the suicides of farmers in Kerala seeking central aid to help farmers. The Agricultural Minister Ms. K.R.Gauriamma will lead the team of Ministers to Delhi.
15 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
24. R. Balakrishnappilla, Minister for Transport said that Kerala Government has not adequately informed the central government about the increasing rate of suicide among the farmers.
15 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
202
25. Abdu Samad Samadani M.P. demanded in Lok Sabha that the incidence of committing suicide among farmers is increasing and the government should declare a package for the farmers of Kerala.
15 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
26. The Chief Minister A.K.Antony told in the Legislative Assembly that the Kerala government has given a memorandum about the increasing suicides of farmers in Kerala and demanded Rs.2844 crores for the relief measures. The Chief Minister continued that the state government did not receive any help from the central government.
15 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
27. Agricultural Minister Smt. K.R.Gouriamma told in the Legislative Assembly that 26 farmers have committed suicide in Kerala during the last 6 months.
15 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
28. Dr.Suresh who has studied about farmer suicides says that at the time of harvest the farmer is in tension. If he is not getting an expected quantity of crop, he will be under tension. When the time comes for repayment of the loan the tension doubles and it leads to committing suicide.
25 Aug 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
29. The Left Democratic Front has decided to start an agitation against the cold attitude of the agricultural Minister and Chief Minister towards the problems of farmers in Kerala. They demanded that the agricultural loans must be written off and the revenue recovery measures must be stopped.
21 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
203
30. The newspaper says from I April 1999 to 3 June 2006, 321 farmers have committed suicide in Wayanad District. All these have taken place because of debt trap.
11 Sep 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
31. The Opposition leader Sri. V.S. Achudanandan has told in the Assembly that the government has hidden the actual number of the farmers committing suicide in Kerala. The United Front Government in Kerala is not doing justice to the farmers of Kerala. Though Kerala Government has demanded for a central assistance of Rs. 2844 crores, not even a rupee is given as aid
15 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
32. The opposition has asked the agricultural minister, Ms.K.R. Gouriamma to resign on the issue of farmers committing suicide. There were heated exchange of slogans and shoutings from the ruling and opposition parties and finally the opposition boycotted the assembly
13 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
33. The parliamentary Agricultural Standing Committee has demanded the details of farmers who have committed suicide during the past 4 years.
18 Sep 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
34. The CPM Parliamentary Party leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said the number of farmers committing suicide is increasing in Kerala. The major reason for the suicide of farmers is indebtedness and high interest rate. Kerala government has not gien a report about the problems of farmers in Kerala. While other state governments have received central aid for farmers Kerala Government is keeping silence about this problem. Kodiyeri said that no minister in Keral has studied the problem of farmers.
12 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
204
35. The Kerala Government has sent a memorandum to the Central Government saying lower prices for agricultural products and natural calamities and crop failure have increased the rate of farmers committing suicide.
16 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
36. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan MLA has told in the legislative Assembly that 6 farmers have committed suicide within two days because of debt and poverty.
13 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
37. The opposition has demanded that the Agricultural Minister Ms. K.R.Gouriamma should resign taking moral responsibility of the increased farmer suicides.
12 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
38. National Commission on Farmer’s Chairperson Prof. M.S.Swaminathan has directed the Chief Secretary of Kerala to employ a Rapid Action Force to study the important problems of the farmers and suggest probable solutions. The National Commission on Farmers discussed three important problems of the farmers.
1. The basic problems of farmers and their solutions.
2. The important reasons for the increasing rate of suicides among farmers.
3. Measures to reduce and remove difficulties of farmers.
16 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
39. Catholica Bava Baselios Marthoma Mathews met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and demanded that the problems of the farmers of Kerala should be given immediate attention.
23 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
205
40. Pakram Thalam Kolathara Annamma and family was evicted from their house by the Vadakara Agricultural Development Bank on the charge that they have not repaid the bank loan. Annamma and family were forced to go to the forest. The Kuttyadi Farmers Union called “Karshakakoottam came to know about it and they made a hut and brought Annamma and family from the forest.
6 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
41. To invoke the attention of the Government the Farmers Front in Kozhikode decided to conduct a Bullock Cart March from Kasargode to Trivandrum. The leaders of the Farmers Front Fr.Jose Manippara Manippara and Valakkayam Sreedharan said that the numbers of farmers committing suicide is increasing at an alarming rate. The farmers are forced to give 24% to 28% interest rate.
16 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
42. Manjeri Kurumbilangod Vellimuttom Karikkottil Mathai has a coconut field. He wanted to water the coconuts daily. So he applied for a motor pump under the Special Agricultural Development Scheme and he bought the motor pump in1983 with Rs.9156 he had taken from the South Malabar Gramin Bank. The Kerala State Electricity Board did not give him electricity connection. Since he was not given power supply he could not use the motor. So the Bank itself took initiative to have discussion with the Electricity Board. But the Officials of the Electrcity Board did not come for the negotiations. The amount Rs 9156 has become Rs.74,564 in 2004. The Bank filed a case against him and the Manjeri Munsif court punished him for one year imprisonment. Mathai is given 4 days time to repay the amount, failing which he will be sent to jail.
23 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
206
43. The Farmers Relief Forum called for a Bandh in Wayanad District and it had 100 per cent response from the people. The shops were kept closed and the vehicles were off the roads. Only a few State Service buses started service with the escort of the police.
16 July 2004, Malayala Manorama Daily
207
QUESTIONNNAIRE
Details of the person who committed suicide
Name
Age
Sex
Education
Religion
Caste
Artistic Talents
Sports Talents
Music
Any treatment for medical illness
Treatment for mental illness
Any criminal cases
Financial position
Used to complain at home
Was he depressed or moody before death
Did he talk about death?
Alcohol consumption
208
Possible causes
1. Disease of self or relative
2. Economic problems
3. Domestic quarrels
4. Love failure
5. Loss in agriculture
6. Social prestige
7. Future loss of position
8. Unable to repay loans
9. Bankrupcy
10. Anyother
Mode of death
1. Hanging 3.pesticides 5.drowning
2. Poison 4.self immolation 6.others
209
SOCIO ECONOMIC DATA OF FARMERS IN IDUKKI DISTRICT
I.FAMILY SIZE AND COMPOSITION
Sl No Name of the member in the family Position Sex Age M /S Earner Dependent
EDUCATIONAL II QUALIFICATIONS
Sl No Name of the member
1 Illiterate
2 Primary education
3 Upper Primary
4 High School
210
5 Higher secondary
6 Graduates
7 Post Graduates
8 Technical / Professional
III DESCRIPTION OF LAND
Sl No Details
1 Area of land owned Wet dry Total
2 Area leased in
3 Area leased out
4 Net area cultivated
5 Land revenue per acre
6 Lease amount paid
7 Lease amount received
IV CULTIVATED ITEMS
1 Pepper
2 Cardamom
3 Cinnamon
4 Cocoa
5 Coffee
6 Ginger
7 Vanilla
211
V FARM INVENTORY
Sl No Particulars
1 Building
2 Wells
3 Pumpsets
4 Machinery
5 Equipments
6 Live Stock
7 Others
RATE OF WAGES PAID TO VI CASUAL LABOURERS
Sl No Details of operation Men women
1 Land preparation
2 Application of manures
3 Planting, sowing
4 weeding
5 Application of pesticides
6 Harvesting
7 Threshing
8 cleaning, bagging
212
9 other operations
VII INCOME FROM LIVESTOCK
Value Sl.No Items Quantity in Rs
1 Egg
2 milk
3 Sale of animals
4 sale of birds
5 sale of farm manures
6 others
OCCUPATIONAL PATTERN OF VIII HOUSEHOLDS
Sl.No Type of ownership Name of the member
Owner Cultivator
Tenant cultivator
Owner cum tenant Cultivator
IX INCOME
Sl No Particulars
1 Income from farm
2 Income from nonfarm activities
3 Income from livestock
213
4 Income from farm work
5 Income from others specify
X SAVINGS
Sl No Particulars Rs
1 Bank Deposit
2 Purchase of gold
3 Purchase of durables
4 Purchase of land
5 others specify
XI EXPENDITURE
Sl No Particulars Rs / week
1 Rice
2 wheat
6 fish
7 egg
8 meat
9 film / tour /recreation
10 electricity per month
11 Beedi/ cigarette
12 Alcohol
13 social expenditure
214
14 news paper/ weekly/ books
15 education of children
16 Medicine
17 cable charges
18
19
20
XII DETAILS OF INDEBTEDNESS
Sl no Institution / Money lenders From date Amount Interest Repayment
1
2
3
4
5
6
PRESENT PROBLEMS / XIII SITUATION
ARE YOU INTERESTED TO GO XIV AHEAD IN AGRICULUTURE
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM XV AGRICULTURE?
215
WHAT DO YOU DO DOING XVI LEISURE
HOW MANY OCCASIONS DID YOU CELEBRATE IN YOUR HOUSE DURING THE LAST 5 XVII YEARS
XVIII WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS
216
THANK YOU
217