Subject: GS 3
Syllabus: Indian Economy and Agriculture
Questions
- Land reforms is a long standing demand which is still not addressed. Discuss why there is a demand for new reforms and enumerate some innovative methods to address it. (250 words, 15 Marks)
- Organic farming is gathering pace and has a lot of potential in many ways. Discuss the factors which are favorable for organic farming in India and the challenges which need to be addressed. (250 words, 15 Marks)
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Model Structures
Q1. Land reforms is a long standing demand which is still not addressed. Discuss why there is a demand for new reforms and enumerate some innovative methods to address it. (15 marks)
Introduction
- Land reforms include steps taken legally to enhance quality of land holdings and their distribution for socio-economic development.
Main Body
- Post-independence period saw land reforms in the shape of land redistribution and zamindari abolition as part of the first five year plan. During the 5th plan period, the green revolution was made the main thrust.
- But these reforms have worked partially and only in a few regions. Therefore there is a demand for new reforms because:
- Lack of private investment in capital and machinery due to insecurity of tenure and absentee landlordism. This prevents the tenants from taking loans and securing capital for investing in farms.
- Land fragmentation is increasing which is evident in agriculture census 2020. The average land holding size is 1.17 hectare which prevents large scale investments and economy of scale.
- Documentation is still not digitized which has left many farmers without proper land records. This affects their ability to sell land, uptake credit and introduce investments.
- A lot of land is left fallow either due to non conducive environment or distress migration of farmers.
- To address these issues, land reforms can take shape of many ways like
- Recent farm laws have provisions for contract farming where there is no lease or selling but only a contract between corporates and farmers with the former getting right to grow any crop they want and the latter remunerative prices and increased profits.
- Small land parcels of small and marginal farmers can be taken on lease collectively by big corporate farmers for large investments which can help achieve economies of scale.
- Land leasing is a feasible method where absentee landowners lease the land to tenants with legally backed rights as provided for in the Model Land Leasing Act.
- Computerization of land records is essential to ensure availability and accessibility of data at all times to bring in transparency and accountability.
- Many farmers have scattered land parcels which add to costs of transportation and inputs. Land consolidation is a way out as it consolidates scattered land pieces into one equivalent land piece.
Conclusion
- Land reforms are part of socialism and find echo in our constitution. A measured approach is needed so that the rights of farmers are not violated and value addition in the farm sector is ensured.
Q2. Organic farming is gathering pace and has a lot of potential in many ways. Discuss the factors which are favorable for organic farming in India and the challenges which need to be addressed. (15 marks)
Introduction
- Organic farming is a farming system that uses environmentally friendly methods of weed, pest, and disease control
- India ranks first when it comes to the number of organic farmers but 9th in area under organic farming.
Main Body
Favorable factors for organic farming in India:
- Organic farming is linked with our tradition and it is still continually practiced in North East India with Sikkim becoming the world's first fully organic state.
- Organic farming requires a workforce which is present in India with 55% of manpower depending on farming and allied activities.
- India has six major types of soils and few minor soils based on terrain and geography. This gives opportunity to exploit naturally available organic nutrients for organic farming.
- There is thrust on achieving sustainable development goals and organic farming being less harmful to the environment can help promote sustainable agriculture.
- India has a lot of tribal population living in remote interiors of pristine environment. They do not depend on chemicals and fertilizers and only practice organic farming.
Challenges that need to be addressed:
- Yield per hectare in case of organic farming is very small which naturally makes costs at which organic products are sold higher.
- Conversion of conventional farm to organic is time consuming because there are some minimal standards and labeling guidelines which need to be adhered to.
- For the same quantity produced by conventional farming, organic farming needs more land which is not conducive for a growing population. This can also raise issues around food security.
- Non adherence to policy in states like Kerala and Karnataka which have organic farming policies since pre 2012 period. Whereas states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh etc do not have such a policy but have around half the area under organic cultivation.
- Awareness among farmers and lack of marketing facilities is another challenge.
Conclusion
- Organic farming needs a push due to advantages like increased jobs and economic sustainability with more social impact. Government schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOCVD-NER) etc have been supportive but needs to improve at implementation level.
