What are the causes of persistent agrarian distress despite rising agricultural production? How can income-based agricultural policy shift the current paradigm?
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
Q5. What are the causes of persistent agrarian distress despite rising agricultural production? How can income-based agricultural policy shift the current paradigm? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question: Rising agricultural output has not alleviated the rural agrarian crisis, as highlighted by recent farmer suicide data and critiques of the MSP model, making a shift to income-based policy a pressing national issue. Key Demand of the question: The answer must explain why agrarian distress persists despite increased production and evaluate how income-based approaches can structurally transform India’s farm economy. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention the paradox of high production coexisting with deepening rural distress, citing structural and market failures. Body Highlight issues like market failures, rising input costs, indebtedness, and climate risk. Suggest solutions like direct income support, price deficiency schemes, diversification, and FPO promotion. Conclusion Assert the need for a farmer-first policy approach focused on sustainable incomes and economic dignity.
Why the question: Rising agricultural output has not alleviated the rural agrarian crisis, as highlighted by recent farmer suicide data and critiques of the MSP model, making a shift to income-based policy a pressing national issue.
Key Demand of the question: The answer must explain why agrarian distress persists despite increased production and evaluate how income-based approaches can structurally transform India’s farm economy.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention the paradox of high production coexisting with deepening rural distress, citing structural and market failures.
• Highlight issues like market failures, rising input costs, indebtedness, and climate risk.
• Suggest solutions like direct income support, price deficiency schemes, diversification, and FPO promotion.
Conclusion Assert the need for a farmer-first policy approach focused on sustainable incomes and economic dignity.