Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
Q5. What are the causes of persistent agrarian distress despite rising agricultural production? How can income-based agricultural policy shift the current paradigm? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question:
Rising agricultural output has not alleviated the rural agrarian crisis, as highlighted by recent farmer suicide data and critiques of the MSP model, making a shift to income-based policy a pressing national issue.Key Demand of the question:
The answer must explain why agrarian distress persists despite increased production and evaluate how income-based approaches can structurally transform India’s farm economy.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Mention the paradox of high production coexisting with deepening rural distress, citing structural and market failures.Body
- Highlight issues like market failures, rising input costs, indebtedness, and climate risk.
- Suggest solutions like direct income support, price deficiency schemes, diversification, and FPO promotion.
Conclusion
Assert the need for a farmer-first policy approach focused on sustainable incomes and economic dignity.
