SSC CGL DEST Previous Year – Farmers & Agriculture Reforms

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. It provides livelihood to more than half the population of the country. However, Indian agriculture faces many challenges. Fragmentation of land holdings, dependence on monsoon rains, lack of irrigation facilities, inadequate access to credit, poor infrastructure and unfair prices for produce are some of the major problems faced by farmers. Farmer suicides have been a serious concern in many parts of the country, reflecting the deep distress in the agricultural sector. The Government has been implementing various measures to address the problems of farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana aims to provide irrigation facilities to every farm in the country. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides crop insurance to protect farmers from losses due to natural calamities. The Soil Health Card scheme helps farmers to understand the nutrient status of their soil and use fertilisers efficiently. The Minimum Support Price mechanism provides a safety net for farmers by guaranteeing a minimum price for their produce. The eNAM online agricultural marketplace allows farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices. Agri-tech startups are developing innovative solutions to help farmers improve productivity and access markets. Farmer producer organisations are helping to aggregate the produce of small farmers and give them better bargaining power. Agricultural research and extension services need to be strengthened to help farmers adopt better technologies and practices. The welfare of farmers must be at the centre of agricultural policy.