Agriculture

Indian farmers face several challenges, including fragmented land ownership, limited access to credit, and market fluctuations. Fragmented landholdings reduce agricultural efficiency and productivity. Limited access to formal credit forces many farmers to rely on high-interest loans from informal sources, leading to debt cycles. Market fluctuations, driven by factors like price volatility and inadequate infrastructure, further exacerbate financial instability for farmers.

To address these issues, the Indian government has implemented several policies and initiatives. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides crop insurance to protect against yield losses. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) offers direct income support to farmers, ensuring a steady cash flow. To enhance credit access, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme offers affordable credit for agricultural needs. Additionally, the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) platform connects farmers to a unified online marketplace, improving market access and price transparency.

Land reforms and digital land records initiatives aim to streamline land ownership and reduce disputes. Infrastructure development projects like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) improve connectivity, facilitating better market access. Collectively, these measures aim to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Climate change has significantly impacted agricultural practices and productivity in India. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increased frequency of extreme weather events have led to reduced crop yields, altered growing seasons, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. The unpredictability of monsoon patterns has further compounded these challenges, affecting crop planning and water availability.

To mitigate these effects, India has adopted several measures. These include promoting climate-resilient crop varieties that can withstand heat and drought, improving water management through techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, and implementing soil conservation practices. The government has also initiated programs to enhance weather forecasting and provide farmers with timely information for better decision-making. Additionally, there is a push towards sustainable farming practices, including organic farming and agroforestry, to improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. These efforts aim to build resilience in the agricultural sector and ensure food security in the face of a changing climate.