Explain briefly the problems faced by Indian farmers post Independence.
The main problems faced by the agricultural sector post Independence are discussed below:
(i) Low productivity: India is still fighting the problem of low productivity. Its output per hectare is much less than that of other countries.
(ii) Disguised unemployment: Disguised unemployment is rampant in the agricultural sector, even today, Because of joint family holdings, the number of persons engaged on a piece of land is much more than what is actually needed.
(iii) Subsistence farming: Farming in India is subsistence based. Farmers still grow crops to meet the needs of their family and not to earn profits.
(iv) Traditional methods of farming: Most farmers still use the age-old traditional methods of farming. Modern inputs like tractors, fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides are not used by farmers due to lack of funds and information.
(v) Small holdings: This is a characteristic feature of Indian agriculture. This leads to low productivity and compounds the problem of subsistence farming. Also, such holdings are not conducive for use of modern technology.
(vi) Lack of organised marketing system: Indian agriculture faces a lack of an organised marketing system. A large number of farmers still continue to sell their produce in the local markets at low prices.