Which organization developed the farmers' distress index

Solution

Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) developed the farmers' distress index in 2022. The index aims to minimize agrarian distress, including crop loss, income shock, and farmer suicides. It will provide early warnings to stakeholders about future occurrences of distress at the block/district level. The methodology involves collecting information from news platforms and conducting telephonic interviews with farmers. Seven indicators will be used to assess distress, including exposure to risks, debt, adaptive capacity, land holding, mitigation strategies, triggers for distress, and socio-psychological factors. Once completed, the index will be handed over to the central government and shared with state governments, agriculture departments, and other organizations. Interventions to alleviate distress may include direct money transfer, crop insurance claims, employment opportunities, and enhanced rationing under the Public Distribution System. About Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture The Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture orCRIDA is an institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. It was formed in 1985 as the Project Directorate of the All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture.