From Fields to Ballots: How farmers will influence the polls in MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana

As the state polls loom large in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Telangana, the crucial role of farmers in influencing the outcomes is increasingly evident. While farmers constitute the majority of voters in these states, their agricultural output remains relatively low, resulting in meager incomes and a heavy reliance on government support. The agricultural scenario, however, varies from state to state, with Telangana standing out with comparatively higher incomes.

In Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Telangana, farmers form the bedrock of electoral dynamics, primarily due to the substantial share of the population engaged in agriculture. In Madhya Pradesh, 72.4% of the population is involved in farming, followed by 70% in Chhattisgarh, 62% in Rajasthan, and 60% in Telangana. Despite their numerical strength, these farmers collectively contribute significantly less to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), with agriculture accounting for only 36.3% in MP, 32% in Chhattisgarh, 24% in Rajasthan, and 21% in Telangana.

The consequence of this disparity is that a substantial portion of these voters grapple with low and stagnant incomes, relying heavily on government aid. Furthermore, the uncertainty associated with weather-dependent agriculture means that farmers can swiftly shift from precarious situations to despair.

However, the farm factor exhibits variations across these states. Telangana stands out as an exception, with a significantly higher annual per capita income of Rs 3.1 lakh, compared to Chhattisgarh (Rs 1.3 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 1.4 lakh), and Rajasthan (Rs 1.6 lakh). The income disparity is stark, making Telangana's farming community relatively better off.

Another layer of complexity in the farm factor is introduced by regional differences in crop production and the effectiveness of state-specific government support programs. In Madhya Pradesh, the growth in farm output has slowed, aggravated by erratic monsoons causing crop losses in soybean, cotton, and pulses. Chhattisgarh, on the other hand, is witnessing a political tussle over the success of its paddy procurement scheme, with the incumbent government highlighting its promises of financial support to farmers. In Rajasthan, low growth in farm output, declining groundwater levels, and overproduction of certain crops under Minimum Support Price (MSP) schemes are the key concerns, which were prevalent during the previous BJP rule as well. Finally, in Telangana, despite robust growth in farm output and the implementation of innovative schemes like Rythu Bandhu, issues surrounding crop insurance and the recognition of tenant farmers remain critical areas to monitor.

As we approach the state elections, the farm factor is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the electoral landscape in these four states. The challenges and opportunities facing farmers will be at the forefront of political discourse, making it imperative for political parties to address these issues effectively to win the trust and votes of the agrarian majority.