SEASON AT STAKE The issue of farmers' suicide is on the hot list, these days. Merely, waiting for the monsoons is not the only solution to the problem. The plight of the farmers in the Vidarbha region is grave and getting more so day by day. Nearly, 2/3 of the area in Maharashtra comes under monsoon. Hence, 83% of the agriculture is entirely dependent on the monsoons. This is affecting almost 55% of the farmers having agriculture as the sole source of earning. 17% of the state's area is under irrigation. In Vidarbha region the same amounts to 10%. Therefore, 90% of the remaining agriculture has become uncertain. Factors such as loss of soil fertility, indebtedness have lowered the standard of life of the farmers, drastically. Agriculture itself has become risky due to the natural and economical factors affecting it. From January 1st 2007 to August 2007, about 770 farmers in six districts of Vidarbha have committed suicide. The numbers depict the gravity of the issue. However, instead of serious intervention, the Prime Minister announced a package of Rs. 3750 crores for farmers affected by the situation. Despite that, if the rate of suicide is still on the rise, then the issue is really at stake. Can organic farming be a solution in this situation? The cost of production is low as compared to the other techniques. Organic farming depends on water, soil and the indigenous seeds. Hence it is profitable. The film, 'Season at Stake', makes an attempt to present organic farming not merely as an alternative technique but more as a lifestyle that can be internalized for facing the agricultural challenges competently. language : marathi (with english subtitles ) duration : 42 min. Year :2007/08
Director :VIKRANT BACHHAV Producer :(ABHIVYAKTI MEDIA FOR DEVELOPMENT. )