Challenges in Rural India’s Economy Post-Election | News | Eco-Business

In the rural village of Banda, located in Uttar Pradesh state, the effects of a lack of regular work and rising inflation are taking a toll on low-income families. According to a recent survey conducted by Context, many families are experiencing stagnant or decreasing incomes as a result of these economic challenges.

Migrant workers who typically send money back home to support their families are also feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ram Kishor, a laborer in his mid-40s, shared that he used to find 15 days of construction work per month, but now struggles to secure even 10 days of work. Similarly, 25-year-old Kalka Prasad noted that wages are being driven down in a competitive labor market, making it difficult for workers to earn a fair wage.

As political parties gear up for elections, promises have been made to address rural economic hardships, including distributing free food rations and raising the minimum wage. However, little attention has been given to the impact of climate change on livelihoods in rural India.

In villages like Banda, where agriculture is a primary source of income, farmers like Urmila Devi are facing challenges such as crop diseases and pest damage, likely exacerbated by climate change. With agriculture’s economic health declining, many families are forced to rely on migrant labor and other sources of income to make ends meet.

As families struggle to make a living, the future of the younger generation hangs in the balance. Vandana, a housewife in Banda, worries about her son’s prospects in the job market and hopes that he will have better opportunities for a brighter future. Amidst these challenges, the resilience and determination of rural communities in the face of economic hardships and climate change remain strong.