India's Small Farmers Suffer Lack of Credit

Abigail Keene-Babcock — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:48:19 -0500

October 31, 2007 - 09:00, Wall Street Journal

In India's Boom, Its Farmers Suffer

Story Link: http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119368022861275103.html

Teaser:
By SAMEER MOHINDRU and PRASENJIT BHATTACHARYA

India's push to lend more money to farmers has coincided with a rise in agricultural output, supporting claims the funds are helping improve the quality of fertilizers and seeds while cushioning farmers from the impact of higher costs.

But farmer suicides, long seen as emblematic of the malaise in Indian agriculture, also continue, illustrating a key drawback: Money isn't reaching the small farmer most in need of it.

By SAMEER MOHINDRU and PRASENJIT BHATTACHARYA

India's push to lend more money to farmers has coincided with a rise in agricultural output, supporting claims the funds are helping improve the quality of fertilizers and seeds while cushioning farmers from the impact of higher costs.

But farmer suicides, long seen as emblematic of the malaise in Indian agriculture, also continue, illustrating a key drawback: Money isn't reaching the small farmer most in need of it.

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India's Small Farmers Suffer Lack of Credit