Issues: Land reforms, productivity, irrigation, subsidies

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Indian economy, yet it faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability. Key issues such as land reforms, low productivity, inadequate irrigation, and inefficient subsidies remain critical concerns for policymakers and stakeholders.

Land Reforms

1. Objective: To redistribute land to reduce inequality and empower marginalized farmers.
2. Key Measures: Abolition of zamindari system, ceiling on landholdings, and tenancy reforms.
3. Challenges: Inefficient implementation, lack of accurate land records, and resistance from powerful landowners.
4. Impact: Limited success in achieving equitable land distribution and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Productivity

1. Low Agricultural Productivity: India’s productivity is below global averages due to outdated techniques and poor inputs.
2. Factors: Degraded soil, insufficient use of modern seeds, and lack of mechanization.
3. Regional Variations: Significant disparities between regions in terms of yield and practices.
4. Solutions: Promotion of scientific farming methods, crop diversification, and training programs for farmers.

Irrigation

1. Dependence on Monsoons: A majority of agricultural land remains rain-fed, making it vulnerable to droughts.
2. Limited Irrigation Coverage: Only about 48% of the net sown area is irrigated.
3. Water Inefficiency: Over-dependence on groundwater and lack of efficient irrigation techniques.
4. Government Initiatives: Programs like PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana aim to enhance irrigation infrastructure.
5. Solutions: Promotion of micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems) and water conservation techniques.

Subsidies

1. Significance: Subsidies on inputs like fertilizers, electricity, and water aim to make agriculture affordable for small farmers.
2. Issues: Inefficient targeting, overuse of subsidized resources, and financial burden on the government.
3. Fertilizer Subsidy: Leads to the overuse of chemical fertilizers, causing soil degradation.
4. Electricity Subsidy: Encourages excessive groundwater extraction, depleting water tables.
5. Reforms: Focus on direct benefit transfer (DBT) to ensure better targeting of subsidies.

Key Challenges and Recommendations

1. Modernization: Adoption of modern agricultural practices and technology is essential.
2. Policy Implementation: Effective implementation of land reforms and irrigation projects.
3. Sustainability: Emphasis on sustainable practices to address environmental concerns.
4. Support for Small Farmers: Enhanced credit access and capacity building for small and marginal farmers.

Key Points

1. Land reforms aimed to abolish the zamindari system and reduce land inequality.
2. Only 48% of India’s net sown area is under irrigation.
3. Low productivity is a major challenge due to outdated farming methods.
4. Subsidies on fertilizers and electricity often lead to resource overuse.
5. India’s agricultural sector remains heavily dependent on monsoons.
6. Programs like PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana aim to improve irrigation facilities.
7. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures better targeting of subsidies.
8. Soil degradation and water scarcity impact agricultural sustainability.
9. Efficient land reforms and mechanization can enhance productivity.
10. Promotion of micro-irrigation is critical for efficient water use.