Finance panel may be asked to suggest ways to deal with states' farm crises

Commission to help states in making recommendations towards fiscal prudence

The 15th Finance Commission (FFC) might be asked to suggest ways of providing more fiscal space and resources for states to deal with agricultural crises.

The terms of reference and composition of the commission are being decided and could be finalised by October.

Business Standard has learnt the FFC could be told to study the impact of drought and price crashes due to oversupply on farmers and agricultural income. And, suggest how states could deal with such issues without breaking their fiscal limits.

There have been large-scale protests by farmers across the country. Five states have announced farm loan waivers (Uttar Pradesh, Punjab,