Farmer Loan Waivers In India: Balancing Immediate Relief With Long-Term Agricultural Sustainability And Fiscal Responsibility

Farmer loan waivers and relief schemes have become significant interventions in India to alleviate agrarian distress, particularly in the face of mounting rural debt and increasing agricultural vulnerability. This paper critically examines the economic and social impacts of such programs on farmer households. Through detailed analysis, it investigates the immediate financial relief, the effect on agricultural productivity, social repercussions within rural communities, and the fiscal sustainability of these schemes. Using recent statistics, case studies, and comparative analysis, this paper outlines the benefits and unintended consequences of loan waivers and offers policy recommendations for more sustainable agrarian reform.