Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
3. Doubling the income of India’s farmers is an ambitious goal that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach aimed at boosting productivity of agriculture. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
On February 28, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his dream of doubling farmers’ incomes in the year when India completes 75 years of Independence and enters Amrit Kaal. Now that we have entered Amrit Kaal, it is a good time to revisit that dream and see if it has been fulfilled, and if not, how best it can be done.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the measures needed to double farmers income.
Directive:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the causes for the falling crop incomes and unsustainable agriculture – Small holdings make agriculture uneconomic, Perpetual indebtedness, Inability to procure quality seeds, Lack of water and poor yields etc.
Next, suggest measures that are needed in order to overcome the above and double farmers income in India – Crop Diversification, Irrigation Facilities Providing Credit and Insurance, Strengthening Market Linkages, Investing in Agricultural Research and Development etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
