Assured Water Access Crucial for Small Farmers’ Income Growth: Harisharan Devgan

Tirupati: In a visit to Tirupati, farmer activist and philanthropist Harisharan Devgan stated that guaranteed access to water remains the most important component to enhance the earnings of small and marginal farmers despite the fact that subsidy by itself has limited significance in this regard.

While interacting, Devgan, the chairman of the Niche Group of Companies, said that despite the several welfare schemes that have brought temporary relief to the farmers, the problem of the economically poorer sections of the population has still not been taken care of. “Without water, no scheme or policy will give us sustainable results,” he said.

Devgan also elaborated how there are some inefficiencies in the disbursement of the welfare amount, saying, “The benefits sanctioned in their name don’t necessarily reach them.” However, he emphasized that this highlights the “need for improving the monitoring system and increasing transparency” but explained that the intention of the government in farmer welfare is good.

Noting that more than half of Indian farming land is rain fed, Devgan said that water insecurity is a source of exposure to climate change risks for agriculture. “We need to include water security as a national imperative, alongside the provision of roads and electricity,” he said. He also advocated climate-resilient farming practices, timely crop insurance settlements, and easier access to affordable credit for small farmers.

Devgan further added that he would interact with the Central Government regarding proposals for reforms in improving water availability, increasing transparency in the distribution of welfare schemes, and stabilizing farmer income. “The spotlight must shift from managing farmer poverty to managing farmer prosperity,” he said.