Socio-ecological shocks, weak community support systems, and tragic responses of farmers – A modeling study on India

The agricultural economy of India is undergoing significant distress – low growth and farmers’ indebtedness - leading to 0.35 million farmers’ suicides during the period 1996–2021. India has a varied agro-ecosystem. The distress is acute in some regions, like Maharashtra (Marathwada, Vidarbha regions), Punjab, and Karnataka. This study explores the intricate relationship between contextual (social-economic and environmental) conditions of entrepreneurial uncertainty and agricultural disruptions, malfunctioning institutions for regional socio-ecological systems, and subsequent tragic re-actions (including suicidal behaviour) by farmers. We discuss not only facts but also provide a research framing incorporating theory, practice and spatial governance. The research focuses on the socio-spatial fabric of poor agricultural entrepreneurs in India. The case study of Osmanabad district of Deccan region of India reveals that the consequences of poor institutional response mechanisms to perturbations of agriculture are far-reaching, leading to physical and emotional tolls on farmers and their families, food scarcity, economic instability, and a deep sense of insecurity. The study brings out agricultural vulnerabilities and tragic responses by farmers, shedding light on the underlying causes and dynamics of this complex phenomenon (including low community support systems). A tipping point analysis on farmers’ indebtedness is presented, which can help policy makers to prevent farmer communities from reaching the extreme stage of economic and mental distress leading to suicidal behaviour, and to ensure the well-being and stability of the community. The paper argues that understanding and addressing these challenges require collaborative action and partnerships among different stakeholders, especially among communities, states, and universities.