When the rains cease to fall - Indian farmers left alone | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Climate Change & Agriculture: The impact of declining rainfall and increased extreme weather events on farming livelihoods in India, particularly in the Marathwada region.
• Marriage Market & Farmer Status: The declining social and economic status of farmers leading to difficulties in finding marriage partners for their sons.
• Water Scarcity & Groundwater Depletion: The critical issue of diminishing water resources and unsustainable groundwater extraction practices.
• Socioeconomic Impacts: The consequences of agricultural distress, including migration, substance abuse, and loneliness.
• Changing Gender Roles: Shifting expectations of women regarding marriage and work, contributing to the marriage challenges faced by farmers’ sons.
• Marriage Agents & Dowry: The role of marriage agents and the financial pressures associated with finding a bride.

The Crisis of Marriage for Farmers’ Sons in India: A Detailed Account

This account details the severe social and economic crisis unfolding in rural India, specifically focusing on the difficulties faced by sons of farmers in finding marriage partners. The core issue stems from the increasing precarity of agricultural livelihoods due to climate change, water scarcity, and economic hardship.

I. The Human Cost of Agricultural Distress

The narrative begins with deeply personal accounts of loneliness and unfulfilled dreams. Several men express profound sadness over their inability to marry, build families, and continue their ancestral farming traditions. A central theme is the emotional pain caused by societal expectations and the inability to meet them. One man poignantly states, “My dream was good. I wanted to get married, care for my parents, and farm. I just wanted everything to be good.” The emotional toll is further exacerbated by the worry of aging parents, as one man recounts his mother’s fear for his future: “She says, ‘I’m alive today, but maybe not tomorrow. What will happen to you?’”

The desperation is highlighted by instances of attempted arranged marriages failing because the prospective bride’s family rejects the groom due to his profession. The common refrain from girls’ families is, “There’s no water here. Why should we send our daughter here?” This underscores the perceived lack of future prospects associated with farming in drought-prone regions. One man recounts facing rejection “six or seven times in the last 10 years.” The resulting loneliness has driven some to alcohol addiction as a coping mechanism.

II. The Role of Marriage Agents & Economic Realities

The account introduces Aniel, a marriage agent who facilitates matches for farmers’ sons. He describes the challenging nature of his work, stating, “No matter how good a farmer he is, nobody wants to give their daughter to him because of the droughts.” He is treated as a near-deity by hopeful grooms and their families, yet feels powerless to overcome the systemic issues. Aniel’s work reveals the economic dimension of marriage, with some families demanding financial compensation. One man recounts paying 300,000 rupees to a girl’s family, only to be abandoned, highlighting the commodification of marriage. He notes, “Money is not God, but it is still important.”

III. Climate Change & Water Crisis: The Root Causes

The narrative connects the personal struggles to broader environmental and economic trends. The region of Marathwada is identified as a “dry region” where agriculture is entirely rain-dependent. An expert explains that over the last 70 years, there has been a “15-20% decline in the total amount of rainfall.” Furthermore, rainfall patterns have become more erratic, with an increase in “extreme rainfall events” – from three per year in the 1950s to eight or nine today.

This decline in rainfall is compounded by unsustainable water management practices. Farmers are “drilling deep and extracting groundwater,” leading to depletion of aquifers that have taken centuries to replenish. This results in “poor yields” and drives “migration across India.” The expert emphasizes that this isn’t solely a climate change issue, but also a matter of “management.”

IV. Shifting Social Dynamics & Women’s Empowerment

The account also touches upon changing social norms. A man who married in 2017 notes a shift in women’s expectations. Previously, women were often confined to the home and subjected to abuse. Now, they desire independence and the ability to pursue their own careers. This is summarized as, “Girls just want a free environment.” This shift contributes to the reluctance of women to marry into farming families, as they seek opportunities beyond agricultural labor.

V. Economic Hardship & Future Uncertainty

The economic realities of farming are starkly illustrated. One farmer reports an annual income of only 100,000 rupees, described as “very little.” He expresses a sense of helplessness, stating, “Nothing is really in my hands. Everything is in God’s hands.” His story reflects a broader sense of despair and uncertainty about the future. He acknowledges the hardship faced by his former wife and the difficulty of moving on.

VI. Policy Implications & Global Connections

The expert concludes with a call for urgent policy intervention, emphasizing that the crisis is not a one-time event but will “intensify further into the future.” They advocate for improved water management and agricultural policies, warning that the consequences extend beyond India, potentially impacting global food prices due to India’s role as a major food grain producer. The statement, “We need to act immediately. Not just for India, for other countries as well,” underscores the global implications of this localized crisis.

VII. Resilience & Acceptance

Despite the overwhelming challenges, a sense of stoicism and acceptance is present. One man describes farming as “like taking care of my mother,” emphasizing a sense of duty and commitment. Another acknowledges that “sorrow is a thing in life that makes you stronger and takes you forward.” However, he also notes that “many people don't want to compromise,” suggesting a lack of flexibility in addressing the underlying issues.

Conclusion

This account paints a grim picture of the challenges facing farmers’ sons in India, driven by the convergence of climate change, water scarcity, economic hardship, and shifting social norms. The narrative highlights the human cost of agricultural distress, the desperation for marriage and family, and the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to address the root causes of this crisis. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social factors in shaping individual lives and the future of rural India.