Introduction
Mechanized farming in India, while enhancing productivity, faces limitations due to fragmented landholdings, with 86% of farmers owning less than 2 hectares (Agricultural Census 2015-16). M.S. Swaminathan, the father of the Green Revolution in India, emphasized the need for appropriate technology for smallholders. High costs, lack of skilled labor, and inadequate infrastructure further hinder mechanization. Additionally, Amartya Sen highlighted that equitable access to technology is crucial for sustainable agricultural growth in India.
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Introduction
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Integrated Pest Control Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. It aims to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and promote sustainable pest control practices.
Introduction
The relationship between credit availability and agricultural growth in India is pivotal, as highlighted by economist Raghuram Rajan, who emphasized that accessible credit can significantly enhance productivity. According to the NABARD report, institutional credit to agriculture increased from ₹3.5 lakh crore in 2009-10 to ₹13.5 lakh crore in 2019-20, underscoring its role in facilitating investments in technology and infrastructure. Enhanced credit access empowers farmers, leading to improved yields and sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
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Introduction
The Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana (RKBY), launched in 1999, aims to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. Implemented by the Agricultural Insurance Company of India (AIC), the scheme seeks to stabilize farmers' income, encourage them to adopt innovative practices, and ensure food security. Influenced by Amartya Sen's views on risk management, RKBY plays a crucial role in safeguarding the agrarian economy.
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Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (UPSC 2016, 13 Marks, )
भारतीय कृषि की प्रकृति की अनिश्चितताओं के प्रति संवेदनशीलता को देखते हुए, फसल बीमा की आवश्यकता पर चर्चा करें और प्रधानमंत्री फसल बीमा योजना (PMFBY) की मुख्य विशेषताएं बताएं।View Answer
Introduction
Indian agriculture, contributing around 17% to GDP, is highly vulnerable to climatic uncertainties, impacting farmers' livelihoods. Amartya Sen emphasized the need for protective measures against such risks. Crop insurance emerges as a crucial tool to mitigate these challenges. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, aims to provide comprehensive insurance coverage, ensuring financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases, thereby stabilizing their income.
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