Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Contextualize the Problem: Briefly mention the damage caused by British agricultural policies such as stagnation in agriculture, increased indebtedness among peasants, landlessness, exploitation by zamindars (landlords), and famines. Highlight the Need for Reform: Emphasize that after independence, ...
Challenges in Indian Agriculture: Declining Share of Agriculture in GDP: India's agricultural sector has seen a decline in its share of the country's GDP, from 32% in 1990 to around 15% in 2020. Rural-Urban Migration: Many rural youth have migrated to urban areas in search of better employment opporRead more
Challenges in Indian Agriculture:
- Declining Share of Agriculture in GDP: India’s agricultural sector has seen a decline in its share of the country’s GDP, from 32% in 1990 to around 15% in 2020.
- Rural-Urban Migration: Many rural youth have migrated to urban areas in search of better employment opportunities, leading to a decline in the rural workforce and a shortage of skilled labor.
- Weather Extremities: India’s agriculture is heavily dependent on monsoons, making it vulnerable to climate change-related weather extremities such as droughts and floods.
- Water Scarcity: Irrigation is a crucial component of Indian agriculture, but water scarcity and inefficient use of water resources have become major concerns.
- Limited Mechanization: Indian agriculture still relies heavily on manual labor and traditional practices, making it less productive and competitive compared to other countries.
Initiatives for Agricultural Development:
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme: Launched in 2019, this scheme aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers to improve their livelihoods.
- Soil Health Card Scheme: This initiative aims to provide farmers with soil health cards, which help them identify nutrient deficiencies and adopt suitable fertilizers.
- National Agricultural Market (E-NAM): Launched in 2016, E-NAM is an online platform that connects farmers with buyers, enabling them to sell their produce at competitive prices.
- Crop Insurance Schemes: The government has implemented various crop insurance schemes to protect farmers from crop failures and natural calamities.
- Rural Infrastructure Development: The government has been investing in rural infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges, and irrigation facilities.
Recent Examples:
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): Launched in 2018, this mission aims to promote organic farming practices in the Northeastern states.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): This initiative aims to promote traditional farming practices and provide financial assistance to farmers who adopt organic farming methods.
- Atal Ji Vanijkaran Abhiyan: Launched in 2020, this campaign aims to promote organic farming practices and reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Model Answer The agrarian system under British colonial rule created several structural issues, including stagnant agriculture, widespread indebtedness among peasants, a growing landless labor force, and severe consequences like famines and malnutrition. To address these challenges, post-independencRead more
Model Answer
The agrarian system under British colonial rule created several structural issues, including stagnant agriculture, widespread indebtedness among peasants, a growing landless labor force, and severe consequences like famines and malnutrition. To address these challenges, post-independence agrarian reforms were introduced in India. These reforms aimed to remedy the damage caused by British agricultural policies, but their success has been mixed.
Major Post-Independence Agrarian Reforms and Their Effectiveness
Limitations of Post-Independence Agrarian Reforms
Despite these efforts, post-independent reforms were limited in scope and faced implementation challenges. Issues like poor legal frameworks, lack of comprehensive land records, and resistance from powerful landowners hampered the success of land reforms. Moreover, the Green Revolution had environmental consequences, and the failure to address infrastructure and market access issues left many rural areas underdeveloped.
Conclusion
While post-independence agrarian reforms have had some success in addressing the legacy of British agrarian policies, their overall effectiveness has been constrained by various factors. There is still much work to be done to achieve an equitable and sustainable agricultural system in India.
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