Context:
- The article highlights the centrality of Indian farmers to national prosperity and argues that achieving a $5 trillion economy requires rebuilding agriculture on the pillars of dignity, sustainability, and prosperity.
- It coincides with Kisan Diwas and reflects on policy efforts, budgetary priorities, and persistent structural challenges in Indian agriculture.
Key Highlights:
Importance of Agriculture in India
- Nearly 90% of India’s population is linked directly or indirectly to the agricultural sector.
- Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy and a key driver of nation-building.
- Gross Value Added (GVA) from agriculture at current prices (2023–24) remains lower than in 2012–14, underscoring stagnation.
Policy Interventions & Government Initiatives
- PM-KISAN: Direct income support to farmers; over ₹2.81 lakh crore disbursed till 2023.
- PMFBY: Crop insurance to de-risk farming; concerns remain over delays and claim settlements.
- Per Drop More Crop (Micro-irrigation): Promotes water efficiency.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Encourages organic farming.
- e-NAM: National Agriculture Market aimed at market integration and price discovery.
Budgetary Allocation & Reality
- Union Budget 2023–24:
- ₹1,25,036 crore allocated to Farmers’ Welfare (marginal rise).
- Significant share consumed by subsidies and committed liabilities, limiting capital creation.
- Post-harvest losses estimated at ₹1.52 lakh crore annually, due to weak cold chain and processing infrastructure.
Challenges Faced by Farmers
- Shrinking farm sizes, rising input costs, and price volatility.
- Climate change causing extreme weather events, nullifying benefits of insurance, MSP, and subsidies.
- Over-reliance on MSP and procurement distorts markets and discourages diversification.
Towards Transformative Change
- Need to shift from short-term relief to long-term resilience.
- Focus on income diversification, infrastructure, technology, and ecology.
- Emphasis on knowledge-driven and sustainable agriculture.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Agrarian distress despite multiple schemes.
- Causes:
- Climate change impacts
- Fragmented landholdings
- Market inefficiencies
- Government Initiatives:
- PM-KISAN, PMFBY, e-NAM, PKVY
- Benefits:
- Income support
- Risk mitigation
- Market access
- Challenges:
- Implementation gaps
- Fiscal constraints
- Climate vulnerability
- Impact:
- Persistence of low farm incomes
- Need for structural reforms
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- Agriculture employs a majority yet contributes modestly to GDP.
- Budgetary support skewed towards subsidies over investment.
- Keywords: Agrarian distress, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, farmers’ dignity.
- Static & Conceptual Linkages:
- Food security
- Inclusive growth
- Rural development
- Way Forward:
- Invest in post-harvest infrastructure and cold chains
- Promote crop diversification and value addition
- Strengthen climate-resilient agriculture
- Reform MSP and procurement systems
- Enhance farmer-centric extension services
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS I: Agriculture and rural society
- GS II: Government policies and welfare schemes
- GS III: Agriculture, economy, climate change
- GS IV: Ethics – dignity of labour and social justice