Kolar, 8 March 

A Nalini Gowda, an educated woman and President of the District Women’s Wing of the Ryot Sangha, has chosen to marry Nagaraja Gowda, a farmer, setting an example amidst the growing marriage crisis for young farmers in Kolar. The issue of eligible bachelors from the farming community struggling to find brides has been growing, with many parents favouring young men from more stable professions, such as IT or government jobs, over farmers.

Dhanjaya, a youth from Muduvathi village, petitioned former Chief Minister Kumaraswamy in 2022, urging him to address this issue and even suggesting a ban on inter-district marriages, as brides are increasingly marrying men from other districts who hold office jobs. The lack of a steady income and the risks associated with farming have made it difficult for farming youth to find alliances. As a result, even village girls now prefer marrying boys working in the IT sector or other professions with more lucrative salary packages.

In the face of this challenge, Nalini, a double-degree holder and practising advocate, has decided to marry a farmer. Her decision underscores the importance of supporting the agricultural sector and encouraging rural women to consider farming youth as potential life partners.