Introduction
The agricultural price policy of the Government of India aims to ensure remunerative prices to farmers, stabilize agricultural markets, and maintain food security. Influenced by economist C. H. Hanumantha Rao, it involves setting Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for key crops, ensuring farmers' income stability. Implemented through agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI), it balances consumer and producer interests, addressing both inflation and rural poverty.
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Introduction
Providing industry status to agriculture in India involves recognizing it as a formal sector, akin to manufacturing, to enhance investment, infrastructure, and policy support. According to M.S. Swaminathan, this shift could drive technological innovation and financial inclusion. The NITI Aayog suggests that such a status could streamline credit access and improve supply chains, potentially increasing agricultural GDP. This reclassification aims to modernize agriculture, ensuring sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for farmers.
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Introduction
Over the last two decades, India's agricultural policy has focused on sustainability and technology integration. The National Agricultural Policy 2000 emphasized diversification and value addition, while the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture aimed at climate resilience. Economist Amartya Sen highlighted the need for inclusive growth, advocating for smallholder support. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and PM-KISAN schemes reflect efforts to enhance farmer income and risk management, aligning with the Doubling Farmers' Income goal by 2022.
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Introduction
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There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine. (UPSC 2014, 13 Marks, )
एक दृष्टिकोण यह भी है कि राज्य अधिनियमों के तहत स्थापित कृषि उपज विपणन समितियों (APMCs) ने न केवल कृषि के विकास में बाधा डाली है बल्कि भारत में खाद्य मुद्रास्फीति का कारण भी रही हैं। आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें।View Answer
Introduction
The Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), established under state legislation, aim to regulate agricultural markets. However, critics argue that they have hindered agricultural progress and contributed to food inflation. According to the Committee of State Ministers, In-charge of Agriculture Marketing, APMCs create monopolistic conditions, limiting farmers' market access and price realization. Economist Ashok Gulati highlights that these committees often lead to inefficiencies and increased transaction costs, adversely affecting both producers and consumers.
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How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regard? (UPSC 2015, 13 Marks, )
‘डिजिटल इंडिया’ कार्यक्रम किसानों को कृषि उत्पादकता और आय बढ़ाने में कैसे मदद कर सकता है? इस संबंध में सरकार ने क्या कदम उठाए हैं?View Answer
Introduction
The Digital India programme, launched in 2015, aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society. By leveraging technology, it enhances farm productivity and income through initiatives like e-NAM for transparent agricultural marketing and Kisan Suvidha for real-time information. According to the NITI Aayog, digital platforms can increase farmers' income by 20-30%. The government has also introduced the PM-KISAN scheme, providing direct income support, and AgriStack, a digital database to streamline agricultural processes.
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Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (UPSC 2018, 15 Marks, )
राष्ट्रीय बागवानी मिशन (NHM) की बागवानी फार्मों के उत्पादन, उत्पादकता और आय को बढ़ाने में भूमिका का आकलन करें। यह किसानों की आय बढ़ाने में कितनी सफल रही है?View Answer
Introduction
The National Horticulture Mission (NHM), launched in 2005-06, aims to enhance the production, productivity, and income of horticulture farms in India. By promoting sustainable practices and providing financial support, NHM has significantly contributed to a 30% increase in horticultural output, as per the Ministry of Agriculture. Economist M.S. Swaminathan emphasized its role in diversifying agriculture and improving farmers' livelihoods. However, challenges like market access and infrastructure still limit its full potential in boosting farmers' income.
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What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation. (UPSC 2024, 10 Marks, )
भारत में लगातार उच्च खाद्य मुद्रास्फीति के कारण क्या हैं? इस प्रकार की मुद्रास्फीति को नियंत्रित करने के लिए आरबीआई की मौद्रिक नीति की प्रभावशीलता पर टिप्पणी करें।View Answer
Introduction
Persistent high food inflation in India is driven by factors like supply chain disruptions, rising input costs, and erratic monsoon patterns. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), food inflation contributes significantly to overall inflation. Economist Amartya Sen highlights the role of distribution inefficiencies. While the RBI's monetary policy aims to control inflation through interest rate adjustments, its effectiveness is limited in addressing supply-side constraints, necessitating comprehensive policy measures.
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