The monsoons, which are traditionally considered a good omen in India, failed this year for all practical purposes. It is a trend that has been continuing since the past three years. Parts of the subcontinent received the rains too late, or too much of it in one go.

Couple this with the introduction of genetically-modified seeds, inefficient governance at the local level, and loan sharks, and it has been a crisis in the making. Small farmers around the nation have been driven into debt, and unable to repay loans, many have resorted to suicide.

Watch the video to learn more about this problem.