The psychological impacts of climate change on Indian farmers and the danger of the farm bills

Abstract

The Indian farmer protests present a unique opportunity to further discuss the psychological impacts of climate change on farmers, and the importance of governance that protects farmers and allows them to thrive and continue to produce in a sustainable way. The introduction of the Indian Agriculture Acts of 2020, or Farm Bills, could exacerbate the already prevalent mental health challenges faced by Indian farmers. This commentary aims to provide an overview of the intersections between farmer mental health, climate change, and the Farm Bills. Evidence on farmer mental health, climate change, and the Farm Bills is then used to provide recommendations to the Indian government on how to better support farmers.