Weathering the Storm

<p>Smallholder farmers face relentless challenges from pests diseases and the severe impacts of climate change across developing countries. Each year they endure droughts and floods thrusting them into a vicious cycle of poverty and distress. <i>Weathering the Storm: Farmer Resilience and Strategies for Crop Losses</i> provides a vital exploration of these issues offering insights into the struggles and resilience of farmers in the wake of devastating crop losses.</p><p>Drawing on data from 1440 farmers who faced severe crop losses in three states namely Telangana Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka of India the book uncovers:</p><ul> <li> <b>Staggering Losses:</b> Crop losses range from 30% to 100% causing financial damages of three to five lakhs rupees per farmer</li> <li> <b>Government Response:</b> A critical analysis of various assistance programs highlighting the effectiveness of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and YSR free crop insurance</li> <li> <b>Resilience Strategies:</b> Insights into the self-adopted strategies farmers use to cope with challenges alongside governmental support</li> <li> <b>Effective Governance:</b> Examines Andhra Pradesh’s decentralized governance model as a best practice for rapid response</li> <li> <b>Farmers Distress Index (FDI):</b> Introduction of an innovative forewarning system to identify farmers and areas in urgent need of intervention</li> </ul>