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.
4. Doubling the income of India’s farmers requires a comprehensive and integrated strategy that addresses the various challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
At least in major cereals, the long-term impact of such tight control seems to insulate the Indian farmer from global price volatility, rather than result in structurally lower prices for Indian consumers.
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.
