Farmers’ plight in India: Indian farmers in crisis as Bangladesh stops imports

Farmers in different states of India, including West Bengal and Maharashtra, are expressing deep concern over not getting a fair price for their produce. Farmers complained that the Indian government recently stopped onion and potato export through Hili land port from December 2, which has made their financial condition more critical. As a result of this decision, the price of onion has gone up to only Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 per kg, which is not helpful for the farmers to bear the cost of production. Farmers have been protesting against the state government’s decision by throwing onions and potatoes. The farmers claim that some media, especially Republic Bangla TV journalist Mayur Ranjan, are making the situation more complicated by spreading false propaganda about the farmers of Bangladesh. According to them, the propaganda of Mayur Ranjan and journalists like him has damaged India-Bangladesh business relations, leading to a ban on exports. The Bangladesh government has said it is looking for alternative sources of onion and potato instead of depending on single source India. Bangladesh has started importing goods from Pakistan and China, which is expected to maintain stability in the food market in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government’s decision is unlikely to cause any crisis in the country’s market, although some Indian media outlets claim that there will be a food crisis in Bangladesh. Experts say India’s rural economy is already in crisis, and the disinformation has added to farmers’ frustration and financial pressure. Many farmers are facing a difficult situation as they are unable to sell their produce. Farmers are sinking into despair due to some media propaganda and policy failures of the government, which has resulted in an increase in suicides. Farmer leaders allege that journalist Mayur Ranjan is responsible for the disaster in selling their produce. They claim that Mayur Ranjan and some media outlets are creating confusion among Indian farmers by spreading false information about Bangladesh. For India’s farmers, the crisis could deepen if the government does not take immediate action.