The solution for farmers’ deaths does not lie in increasing packages of fertilizers, etc. but in going back to nature. There is an immediate need to shift to sustainable forms of agriculture.

Bring back the self reliance of farmer in terms of agricultural inputs and operations. 

We need cow-based, bull-based agriculture. Work on increased biomass availability- better composting techniques, use of indigenous methods of crop protection are necessary. 

Even the Government is gradually realizing the need for this approach and is encouraging farmers to take to organic farming. 

Seed production, processing of the local varieties should be encouraged. Even the study, research of the practices should be at the farmers’ field level. Several farmers keep meticulous records of what they do, how they do and the results they get. Such model farmers should be used to demonstrate the techniques to train and orient other farmers. 

Farmers should realize that the greed pattern do not work favorably. It is better for the farmer to avoid the linkages which are exploitative. He should develop an attitude of calmness and composure accepting the limits of his operation. 

Demonstration farms with such alternative practices should be encouraged.

There are a number of goshalas which maintain cows for religious purposes. Such goshalas can use the cow dung for making compost manure of different kinds. Once the consciousness comes, farmers can do these things on their own. Goshalas can provide such institutional support and training.

Discourage use of fertilizers and other chemicals in agriculture and develop alternatives.

Water conservation, Water harvesting and Water management are very important in the context of making agriculture viable. The neglect of water holding structures like tanks, open wells was all subjected to neglect. We get annual rain in 45 to 50 days but the challenge is to hold and use it for 365 days. Watershed development is important. We have to organize community and develop a common purpose among them. 

It may be a long drawn program, but there are no shortcuts. We have gone so far on the negative path of development that it is becoming difficult to think that alternatives are possible. There are several places where such alternative practices are available – identify them, bring those practices forward and use them so that farmers can survive. 

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