Farmers and Friends

One theme we noted in our four field days in Ramanagara and Chattapatna was the strong

sense of family and community in the farms we visited. Each farmer was informed of the visit

and requested an interview prior to our arrival, and we believe he, in turn, had informed not

only his family but also his fellow farmers in the vicinity. When we reached each farm, indeed

not only would the farmer we were supposed to meet be present, but also some or all of his

family members and his friends and neighbors as well.

Within Karnataka, we observed an openness in the Indian communities we were fortunate
enough to visit. Each farmer welcomed the other farmers and neighbors who were curious to
watch the proceedings of the interview. He also seemed open to any passerby or bystander to
even partake in the questions and answers.

Often, we would ask our questions, and after ourtranslator would translate, we would hear answers or questions to clarify the words exchanged from the observing neighbors around us. Even though the neighbors’ presence was impromptu, their opinions were welcome, respected, and appreciated by the official respondent as well as our translator.

We were also surprised to witness how transparent each respondent was with us as well as any other community member present. One of the questions we posed during the interview was
the estimated net income a farmer received for not only the previous year but for the three years prior. While in the US, anyone would think long and hard before answering this question
in front of strangers and especially those in their geographic and social proximity, and maybe
even decline to give an answer so publicly, in these interviews, the farmers answered these
questions with no hesitation. Some of the answers could have even been compromising for their reputation; some farmers reported making low incomes, no incomes, or negative incomes. However, the openness of the communities makes pride a non-issue and allows for an honesty with one another that is respected, expected, and encouraged.