What is the impact of U.S. cotton subsidies on Indian farmers?
Quite direct and high. Indian cotton imports have increased in the past decade as compared to exports. Such imports also consist of subsidized cotton from the U.S. Tell us about your work with the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. How are you addressing some of these issues farmers are facing? What other options do these farmers have? CSA promotes ecological alternatives that rely on nature’s processes and products so the cost of cultivation comes down and the sustainability of resources are ensured. We also believe in community and state support systems for mitigating the vulnerabilities in agriculture and for active promotion of ecological alternatives. This, we believe, is about sustainable livelihoods and for ensuring that farmers—who have very few options outside farming—lead a dignified life within farming. With a growing population and an increase in urbanization, what are your hopes and concerns for Indian agriculture in the next 10 years? Decreasing land for agricultural use
