Question

The government has taken a number of steps to improve the conditions of a farmer after independence,how far ahs the government succeeded in its endeavour? Give reasons.

Answer 1

Agriculture is considered to be the backbone of India with two-third of population being dependent on it. Since agriculture provides livelihood to more than 60% a lot of changes were introduced after Independence.

a. In realizing the importance of agriculture government introduced number of Land Reforms which was the main focus of first five year plans like abolition of zamindari, collectivization etc. Likewise in 1960’s and 70’s government focused on green revolution which turned out to be partial revolution as only few states like Punjab , Haryana benefited from it. Even though laws of land reforms have been enacted they lacked implementation. Any change in the agrarian sector is to come about with effective implementation.

b. Schemes like Kissan Credit Card or providing minimum support price, remunerative and procurement prices for important crops have been initiated by the government but there is no check to ensure its implementation and to check whether its benefits reaches the targeted beneficiaries. Government needs to overhaul its implementation mechanism to bring about substantial changes in the agriculture.

c. Despite development most of the farmers are dependent on monsoons and natural fertility for growth of crops. For modernization government needs to focus on this and create necessary infrastructure like irrigation facilities, electricity etc.

d. To improve the overall condition of agriculture, proper thrust must be given to the improvement of the condition of marginal and small farmers who because of crop failures at times are compelled to commit suicide.

e. Government must encourage and must provide financial assistance to farmers to diversify their cropping patters so that they can face international competition.