Gujarat farmers took loans worth ₹1.44 lakh cr amid rising farming costs
Farmers burdened with loans (Image: AI generated)The Gujarat government continues to promote agriculture with promises of higher income and profitability, but the ground reality tells a different story. Farmers across the state are increasingly dependent on loans, struggling to sustain their livelihood.According to data released by the central government, farmers in Gujarat have collectively taken loans worth ₹1,44,330 crore. Despite government claims of progress, farming is becoming more expensive with each passing year.Farmers often invest heavily during the sowing season, only to receive minimal returns when their produce reaches APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) markets. Due to a lack of fair pricing, they are forced to sell at whatever rates they are offered, often far below expectations. This leads them to rely on loans to fund the next cycle of cultivation, as earnings from previous harvests are insufficient.The cost of cultivation continues to rise year after year, while the prices of agricultural produce have not seen a corresponding increase. To make matters worse, many farmers suffer significant crop losses due to erratic monsoon and flooding.A report presented in the Lok Sabha revealed that 55 lakh farmers in Gujarat have availed bank loans.The year-wise loan data is as follows:2020–21: ₹96,963 crore2025–26: ₹1,44,330 croreDespite the launch of multiple government schemes aimed at uplifting farmers, little improvement in their actual condition has been observed so far.
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| Farmers burdened with loans (Image: AI generated) |
The Gujarat government continues to promote agriculture with promises of higher income and profitability, but the ground reality tells a different story. Farmers across the state are increasingly dependent on loans, struggling to sustain their livelihood.
According to data released by the central government, farmers in Gujarat have collectively taken loans worth ₹1,44,330 crore. Despite government claims of progress, farming is becoming more expensive with each passing year.
Farmers often invest heavily during the sowing season, only to receive minimal returns when their produce reaches APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) markets. Due to a lack of fair pricing, they are forced to sell at whatever rates they are offered, often far below expectations. This leads them to rely on loans to fund the next cycle of cultivation, as earnings from previous harvests are insufficient.
The cost of cultivation continues to rise year after year, while the prices of agricultural produce have not seen a corresponding increase. To make matters worse, many farmers suffer significant crop losses due to erratic monsoon and flooding.
A report presented in the Lok Sabha revealed that 55 lakh farmers in Gujarat have availed bank loans.
The year-wise loan data is as follows:
2020–21: ₹96,963 crore
2025–26: ₹1,44,330 crore
Despite the launch of multiple government schemes aimed at uplifting farmers, little improvement in their actual condition has been observed so far.
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