Social challenges faced by farm families in Punjab: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Farm families in Punjab are confronting numerous social challenges that undermine their economic stability and well-being. Despite being a leading contributor to India’s agricultural output, Punjab’s rural areas are grappling with persistent issues such as farmer suicides, indebtedness, environmental disasters like floods, inadequate health services, and disrupted education. This review synthesizes secondary data from government reports, published studies, and field observations to explore the socio-economic, psychological, and environmental stressors affecting farm families. The paper identifies key drivers such as crop failure, financial instability, natural disasters, and lack of institutional support, and proposes integrated policy solutions aimed at enhancing resilience, mental health, and livelihood diversification. The findings underscore the need for transparent compensation mechanisms, sustainable agricultural practices, and community-based interventions.