Every so often, the pages of a newspaper carry the tragic words - “Another farmer commits suicide”. There are debates, newsroom discussion, seminars and documentaries- yet, the tragedy persists. With the National Crime Records Bureau's 2014 report on the number of farmer suicides, especially in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, statistics say that one farmer commits suicide every 42 minutes. This number is increasing every day. Along with the trauma of having to bear the loss of a loved one, a farmer's family has to face several other consequences. When a farmer dies, his daughter is denied education, his family is isolated. They're not considered fit for any occupation, and are asked to stay at home.
Between the overlapping dialogues of agrarian crises and the negativity surrounding the topic of farmer suicides, there are individuals with initiatives, working on the ground, reaching these farmers, and helping them emerge out of their misery. The latest to pledge his support to this cause is Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
A voice for India
This Diwali, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has pledged to support our farmers through 'Seed The Rise', an initiative by Mahindra and Mahindra. Brought up in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, with little scope for education for a farmer’s son, Siddiqui voices the sentiments of our farming communities. His impassioned call to aid our farmers in this cause video for 'Seed The Rise' has quickly propelled the campaign into the limelight, with cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, and tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, among others, voicing their support for the campaign. The campaign has raised over Rs. 70 Lakhs in support of these farmers over the past week.
Helping our farmers with Mahindra and Mahindra
'Seed The Rise' in association with four organizations working towards welfare of farmers across India, and Milaap, are bringing awareness to the positive aspects of farming and agriculture. Five projects, aimed at extending support to farmers and their families, have a goal of raising Rs. 2 crores. Every contribution is matched by Mahindra and Mahindra, thereby further impacting the lives of thousands of farmers and their families. The funds will help provide sustainable livelihoods and aim at bringing a stop to farmer suicides in regions like Vidarbha. This initiative goes a step further to also ensure the daughters of our farmers receive quality education. Through #SeedTheRise you can be the change in a farmer's life. To know more about this initiative, click here http://www.seedtherise.com/
The change has already begun; all you need to do is show a little support for our farmers. As Nawazuddin siddiqui says in the video, "As India sows, India grows".
