Betting on farm futures is not equivalent to gambling

The Indian agricultural sector is going through a challenging period leading to an unprecedented contradiction on the policy front, thanks to delayed monsoons and potential kharif crop losses.

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One can blame cyclone Biparjoy or El Nino for delayed monsoon, but the fact remains that farmers would be hit in some way or other. They may suffer due to lower produce or lower incomes, or both. The emerging situation could propel anger among farmers and consumers due to inflation and jeopardise the fortunes of the ruling party.