Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Definition of Land Reforms: Briefly define what land reforms are and their significance in India’s agrarian context. Contextual Importance: Mention that land reforms were implemented post-independence to address socio-economic disparities. 2. Objectives of Land Reforms in India Abolition of ...
Model Answer Despite their numerous benefits, such as being nutritionally rich and climate-resilient, millets have seen a decline in adoption by Indian farmers. Several factors contribute to this low uptake: 1. Low Demand and Consumption Millets were once a staple in Indian diets but their consumptiRead more
Model Answer
Despite their numerous benefits, such as being nutritionally rich and climate-resilient, millets have seen a decline in adoption by Indian farmers. Several factors contribute to this low uptake:
1. Low Demand and Consumption
Millets were once a staple in Indian diets but their consumption has sharply declined. The per capita consumption fell from 32.9 kg in 1962 to just 3.87 kg in 2022. Factors contributing to this include the longer cooking time required for millets compared to rice and wheat, a lack of value-added millet-based products, and diminishing traditional knowledge of millet-based recipes.
These factors have led to reduced consumer interest and demand for millet Productivity and Marginal Land Cultivation Millet productivity averages only 1 to 1.5 tonnes per hectare, which is significantly lower than that of rice and wheat. This low yield results in reduced profitability for farmers, forcing them to grow millets on marginal lands with even lower productivity potential. Consequently, farmers are often discouraged from choosing millets over more profitable crops .
2. Government Procurement
The government’s procurement of millets remains insufficient, which further exacerbates the issue. For example, the procurement rates for pearl millet, sorghum, and finger millet are extremely low, ranging from 1% to 15% of their total production. In contrast, procurement for staple crops like rice and wheat is much higher, ensuring better prices and stability for these crops .
3. Poor Seed Storage Issues
Farmers often face challenges with low-quality seeds, which are either contaminated with weeds or diseases, reducing the chances of a good yield. Additionally, millets have a shorter shelf life and are prone to pest infestation during storage, leading to higher wastage and decreased profitability .
Conclusion
To boost millet cultivation, India needs to focus on improving seed quality, enhancing government procurement, providing better storage solutions, and developing modern processing technologies. These efforts can drive both production and consumption, enabling millets to regain their role in India’s agricultural landscape.
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Model Answer Introduction Land reforms have been crucial in India's agrarian history, aimed at promoting social justice and economic development. Implemented post-independence, these reforms sought to rectify socio-economic disparities caused by historical land ownership patterns. Objectives of LandRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Land reforms have been crucial in India’s agrarian history, aimed at promoting social justice and economic development. Implemented post-independence, these reforms sought to rectify socio-economic disparities caused by historical land ownership patterns.
Objectives of Land Reforms in India
Measures of Land Reforms
Land Ceiling as an Effective Economic Reform
In conclusion, land reforms, particularly the land ceiling policy, have transformed India’s agrarian landscape, addressing historical injustices while promoting a more inclusive agricultural economy.
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