Causes of Low Agricultural Productivity in India

1. Insufficient Irrigation Facilities: Lack of irrigation infrastructure leads to heavy reliance on monsoon rains, making agriculture vulnerable to weather fluctuations. For example, regions like Vidarbha experience frequent droughts affecting crop yields.

2. Limited Access to Modern Technology: Farmers often use obsolete farming techniques and lack access to modern machinery and high-yield seeds, resulting in low productivity. Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) aim to address these gaps but progress is uneven.

3. Soil Degradation and Erosion: Soil health is compromised due to overuse of chemical fertilizers, leading to decreased fertility and productivity. Programs like Soil Health Management are underway to improve soil quality, yet challenges remain.

4. Fragmented Land Holdings: Small and fragmented landholdings make it difficult to use efficient farming methods and economies of scale. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) seeks to address these issues through consolidation and better land management practices.

5. Inadequate Research and Extension Services: Limited extension services and lack of up-to-date research hinder the adoption of best practices. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are working to bridge this gap, but coverage is inconsistent.

In summary, addressing these multifaceted issues is crucial to improving agricultural productivity in India.