Discuss the important issues confronting Indian Agriculture. Explain the measures taken by the Government of India to address the issues during the last decade.

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Points to Remember:

  • Low farm incomes
  • Climate change vulnerability
  • Market access and price volatility
  • Debt and farmer suicides
  • Lack of technology adoption
  • Inadequate infrastructure
  • Land fragmentation
  • Water scarcity

Introduction:

Indian agriculture, despite employing a significant portion of the workforce (around 50%), contributes a relatively smaller share to the national GDP (around 18%). This disparity highlights the critical issues plaguing the sector. For decades, Indian agriculture has faced challenges ranging from low productivity and income inequality to climate change impacts and market inefficiencies. The last decade has witnessed several government initiatives aimed at addressing these issues, with varying degrees of success. This discussion will analyze the key challenges and the government’s response.

Body:

1. Low Farm Incomes and Debt:

  • Issue: A major concern is the low and often unstable income of farmers, leading to high levels of indebtedness and, tragically, farmer suicides. This is exacerbated by fluctuating market prices and high input costs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides).
  • Government Measures: The government has implemented various schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers. Debt waiver schemes have also been implemented at state levels, though their effectiveness has been debated. Efforts to improve market access and price stabilization mechanisms have also been undertaken.

2. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation:

  • Issue: Indian agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change, with erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and rising temperatures impacting crop yields and livestock production. Soil degradation and water scarcity further compound the problem.
  • Government Measures: The government has promoted climate-resilient agriculture through initiatives focusing on drought-resistant crops, water conservation techniques (like drip irrigation), and promoting organic farming. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) includes several missions relevant to agriculture.

3. Market Access and Price Volatility:

  • Issue: Farmers often lack access to efficient markets, leading to price volatility and exploitation by intermediaries. Lack of proper storage and transportation facilities further exacerbates the problem.
  • Government Measures: The government has promoted the establishment of agricultural produce market committees (APMCs) and encouraged the development of e-NAM (National Agriculture Market), an online trading platform. However, the effectiveness of these measures varies across regions.

4. Lack of Technology Adoption and Infrastructure:

  • Issue: Many farmers lack access to modern technologies and improved agricultural practices, leading to lower productivity. Inadequate infrastructure, including irrigation, storage, and transportation, further hinders agricultural development.
  • Government Measures: The government has promoted the use of improved seeds, fertilizers, and farm machinery through various subsidy schemes. Investments in irrigation infrastructure, particularly through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), have been made.

5. Land Fragmentation:

  • Issue: The average landholding size in India is small and fragmented, making it difficult for farmers to adopt modern farming techniques and achieve economies of scale.
  • Government Measures: Consolidation of land holdings has been a policy goal, but progress has been slow due to various socio-economic and legal challenges.

Conclusion:

Indian agriculture faces complex and interconnected challenges. While the government has implemented numerous schemes and policies over the last decade to address these issues, the effectiveness of these measures varies. A more holistic approach is needed, focusing on:

  • Strengthening farmer producer organizations (FPOs): Empowering farmers to collectively negotiate better prices and access markets.
  • Investing in research and development: Developing climate-resilient crops and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Improving infrastructure: Ensuring access to irrigation, storage, and transportation facilities.
  • Addressing land fragmentation: Promoting land consolidation through appropriate policy measures and incentives.
  • Promoting financial inclusion: Providing farmers with access to credit and insurance at affordable rates.

By adopting a multi-pronged strategy that addresses these issues comprehensively, India can achieve sustainable and inclusive agricultural development, ensuring food security and improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers. This will contribute significantly to the nation’s overall economic growth and social progress, upholding the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

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