THINGS TO REMEMBER
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 9:49 PM
LOW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY
Major Challenges in Indian Agriculture
• Every Economy Is Trying
(Environmental, Economic, Institutional, Technological factors)
Environmental Factors: Nature's Role in Agriculture
• CWSB = Climate, Water, Soil, Biodiversity
1. Climate Change & Unpredictable Monsoons
• 80% of rain from monsoons = lifeline but risky!
2. Water Scarcity & Groundwater Depletion
• Punjab, Haryana = overusing groundwater.
3. Soil Degradation
• Overuse of fertilizers = poor soil.
4. Biodiversity Loss.
Economic Factors: Financial Challenges
• Income, Prices, Credit (India Produces Crops)
1. Income Low = ₹6,000–₹10,000/month.
2. Prices Fluctuate = losses during bumper crops.
3. Credit Access = loans tough; Kisan Credit Card is a solution.
Institutional Factors: System Challenges
• LLO = Land Ownership, Land Reforms, Outdated Tenure
1. Lack of Ownership = No investment power.
2. Land Reforms Incomplete = complex records = delays.
3. Outdated Tenure = Legal issues with inheriting or using land.
Technological Factors: Modern Tools
• FMM = Farming Practices, Mechanization, Materials
1. Farming Practices = traditional methods slow.
2. Mechanization Lacking = tools like tractors are expensive.
3. Materials = low-quality seeds/fertilizers used; subsidies need awareness.
Solutions (Optional Add-On)
• Reforms, Irrigation, Modernization (RIM)
1. Reforms = Digitize land records.
2. Irrigation = Better water management.
3. Modernization = Affordable tools, tech, and quality seeds.
Characteristics of Indian Agriculture
1. Diverse Crop Range
• India grows cereals, pulses, spices, fruits, vegetables, and cash crops due to varied climates and soils.
• Example: Wheat in Punjab; spices and coconuts in Kerala.
2. Small Landholdings
• Majority of farmers own small plots, making mechanization difficult.
• Example: A 2-acre farmer struggles to afford and use a tractor effectively.
3. Subsistence Farming
• Most farmers grow food for their families, selling little in markets.
• Example: Rice, wheat, and vegetables for self-consumption.
4. Dependence on Monsoons
• Monsoons are the main water source; irrigation is limited.
• Example: Delayed monsoons in Maharashtra can affect rice and sugarcane yields.
5. Labor-Intensive Practices
• Manual labor is predominant due to limited machinery.
• Example: Families planting and harvesting crops together by hand.
6. Traditional Techniques
• Farmers often use methods like bullock plowing and natural fertilizers.
• Example: Cow dung compost and wooden plows in Uttar Pradesh.
7. Crop Rotation
• Alternating crops maintains soil fertility and prevents pests.
• Example: Wheat followed by pulses or mustard.
8. Seasonal Nature
• Agriculture is seasonal with two major crops:
Kharif: Monsoon crops (rice, maize).
Rabi: Winter crops (wheat, mustard).
Challenges in Indian Agriculture
1. Unstable Crop Yields
• Weather unpredictability (droughts, floods) impacts productivity.
• Example: Drought reduces rice yields.
2. Limited Crop Diversity
• Over-reliance on staples like rice and wheat.
• Example: Pests destroying rice crops can severely affect income.
3. Unequal Land Ownership
• Large farms are owned by a few; most farmers manage small, less-productive plots.
• Example: 50-acre farmers can afford tractors, unlike 2-acre farmers.
4. Fragmented Land Holdings
• Land divisions make mechanization inefficient.
• Example: Scattered plots increase costs and inefficiencies.
5. Poor Conditions for Laborers
• Low wages and limited tools affect labor productivity.
• Example: Manual work is slow and demanding.
6. Inadequate Irrigation
• Dependence on rainfall due to insufficient irrigation systems.
• Example: Rajasthan farmers struggle in dry seasons.
7. Lack of Mechanization
• Many tasks are done manually, increasing time and effort.
• Example: Harvesting without machines is labor-intensive.
Solutions to Improve Indian Agriculture
Climate-Resilient Farming
Adopt drought- and flood-tolerant crops.
Example: Drought-resistant rice varieties in low-rainfall areas.
Technological Advancements
Use apps for weather updates, precision farming, and mechanization.
Example: Soil moisture sensors for efficient irrigation.
Market Reforms
Build better infrastructure and remove middlemen.
Example: Online platforms connecting farmers directly to buyers.
Land Reforms
Consolidate fragmented plots and secure land tenure.
Example: Community-managed resources like shared irrigation.
Sustainable Practices
Use crop rotation and organic fertilizers to maintain soil health.
Example: Legume rotation to enrich soil nitrogen.
Improved Irrigation Systems
Expand facilities like drip irrigation to save water.
Example: Drip systems in Maharashtra ensure efficient water use.
Access to Credit
Provide low-interest loans and financial support.
Example: Microfinance schemes to buy seeds and tools.
Labor Welfare
Improve wages, working conditions, and training for laborers.
Storage and Transport Infrastructure
Build warehouses and transport facilities to reduce post-harvest losses
