Agricultural crisis is not limited to India. Since 1935 the number of US farmers went from 6.8 million to 1.9 million. Suicide is the leading cause of death among US farmers, at a rate 3 times higher than in the general population. 

Consumers play a critical role in this crisis. While low prices and late hours lure us to supermarkets, we may be disturbed to learn how little the farmer earns of the retail price. Local farmer's markets, grocers & co-ops give the small farmer a fairer deal, essential for survival. The cost may be higher, but not as high as farmers’ distress. Would we rather pay that cost as a fair price for our food, or as charity, out of compassion after disaster strikes?

In the United States, we can find sources of local, fresh food via http://foodroutes.org/localfood. Next time you buy your food, remember: Support the farmer, buy local produce, and take your own bags!

Sudarshan Suresh, an engineer, volunteers for AID in San Francisco