Farmers were treated with greater respect and dignity and hence the saying "Jai
Kisan Jai Jawan". and now... we treat the farmers as if they don't exist. From
the most respected to now the most neglected. But we can help try and make a
difference. Know what you buy, where you buy, what you eat ........... know
your farmers.
The Farmer Suicide Rate?
Farmers’ suicides in the country since 1997 has now touched 1,82,936 by
December 2008 16,632 farmers have committed suicide in the country in 2007
Since 2002, the annual average of suicides has increased to 17,366.
What we are consuming?
* Pesticides used in production of crops and storage are retained as
residues in your food.
* Pesticide residues also contaminate all sources of fresh water.
* Body Burden defined as the total pesticide residue in a human is the
highest in India.
* Breast milk has pesticide residues beyond tolerant limits.
* 51% of the food in India is contaminated with Pesticide Residues.
* Products like Chillies that are never washed contain heavy does of
Pesticides in them.
So how much does the farmer earn ?
* Farmer gets Rs 11 for each kg of rice you purchase at Rs 35.
* Farmer gets Rs 30 for each Kg of Toor Dal you purchase at Rs 80.
* In case of other foods the farmer’s share is similar or lesser.
* In processed foods farmers share is less than 10% and the rest goes
to the Industry.
* Your purchases in retail chains go towards energy-hogging facilities
like air-conditioned stores, cold storages and transportation all of which have
a huge ecological cost.
What can you do ?
* Change your food habits to buy fresh and healthy food.
* consume locally grown foods that consume less resources like water
and chemicals.
* Millets like Raagi, Jowar, Korra, Bajra and Sama are grown in your
Area and consume less than 200 lit of water/Kg in production. They are also
rich in nutrition and fibre.
* Buy directly from farmers so much of what you pay directly benefits
them.
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