Topic: Transport and marketing of agricultural produce
Q6. Analyse the structural issues in India’s agricultural marketing system. Suggest reforms to improve price realization for farmers. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
Agricultural marketing reforms remain central to doubling farmers’ income and are frequently debated in the context of MSP, APMC reforms, and digital agriculture initiatives.Key Demand of the question
The question requires identifying core structural bottlenecks in India’s agricultural marketing system and linking them with their impact on price realization. It also demands suggesting targeted reforms that enhance efficiency, competition, and farmer income.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight the gap between farm-gate prices and consumer prices due to systemic inefficiencies in agricultural marketing.Body
- Structural issues in agricultural marketing: Mention one key issue such as fragmented markets or intermediary dominance affecting price discovery.
- Reforms for better price realization: Suggest one reform such as market integration or strengthening FPOs to improve farmer bargaining power.
Conclusion
Provide a forward-looking line on building an efficient, competitive, and farmer-centric marketing ecosystem.
