Which Schemes were Introduced by the Government for the Benefit of Farmers?

As of February 2021, there are 29 Centrally Sponsored Government schemes to give a boost to the agriculture industry and increase the income of farmers across the country. Some of the important government schemes for agriculture sector are given below.

1. Soil Health Card Scheme – This was launched in 2015. Soil health cards will help farmers to access information on nutrient levels and will get recommendations for improving the nutrients and soil fertility.
2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana –  It is an actuarial premium based scheme.
3. Neem Coated Urea – This is to regulate the use of urea.
4. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – This is a scheme to take care of irrigation requirements of farming.
5. Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana – This scheme is to promote organic farming.

Aspirants would find this topic very helpful in the IAS Exam.

Which Government Scheme Covers Organic Farming?

There are 3 Government schemes covering organic farming which are listed below

1. Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana – This scheme was launched in 2015-16 to boost marketing of certified organic produce to promote organic farming. As of 2018, under this scheme, more than 23,000 hectares of land has been converted into organic farming land and approximately 4 lakh farmers have benefitted.
2. Mission Organic Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) – This mission was launched in 2015-16 focusing on the North-Eastern Part of India. This scheme focuses on linking farmers with the consumers and developing the entire supply or value chain.
3. National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) – It is under the Ministry of Commerce, to certify the quality of organic agricultural products in India since these products would be exported to other countries.

Who is the Father of the Green Revolution?

Norman Borlaug is known as the father of the green revolution. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. His work is known to have resulted in saving billions of lives from starvation. Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation had a big role to play in this revolution. The father of the Indian Green Revolution is M S Swaminathan (Born on August 7 1925). Indian Green Revolution began in 1965 that led to the increased food grain production in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

What is MSP?

Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the minimum price at which the Government will purchase the product from the farmers if the market prices fall below a threshold price due to bumper harvest. The MSP is announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops on the advice of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices. The major objective of the government is to prevent farmers from distress sales.

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2023.

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