Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The agrarian sector has historically been the backbone of the Indian economy, providing livelihood to a significant portion of the population. Traditionally, farming in India was largely a subsistence activity, where farmers primarily produced for their own consumption. However, over the decades, this paradigm has undergone a dramatic shift. The statement "Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for the majority of farmers in India" reflects a stark reality – a growing dependence on market forces, rising input costs, and diminishing returns have rendered farming increasingly unsustainable as a sole means of survival for a vast number of Indian farmers. This essay will explore the factors contributing to this transformation and its implications.
Historical Context: From Subsistence to Commercialization
Prior to the Green Revolution (mid-1960s), Indian agriculture was characterized by low productivity, reliance on monsoon rains, and a predominantly subsistence-oriented approach. Land ownership was often fragmented, and traditional farming practices prevailed. The introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities during the Green Revolution aimed to increase food production and achieve self-sufficiency. While successful in boosting output, this also marked the beginning of a transition towards commercial agriculture, requiring farmers to invest in inputs and rely on market linkages.
Reasons for the Shift Away from Subsistence Farming
1. Economic Factors
- Rising Input Costs: The cost of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and machinery has increased significantly, making farming financially challenging for small and marginal farmers.
- Market Volatility: Fluctuations in commodity prices, often driven by global markets and speculative trading, expose farmers to significant income risks.
- Debt Burden: Farmers often rely on informal credit sources with high-interest rates, leading to a cycle of debt and distress. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 70th round (2013), approximately 52% of agricultural households in India are indebted.
- Land Fragmentation: Successive generations have led to further fragmentation of land holdings, reducing the economic viability of farming.
2. Technological Advancements & Mechanization
While technology has increased productivity, it has also increased the capital requirement for farming. Mechanization, though beneficial in the long run, often displaces agricultural labor, further reducing livelihood opportunities for those dependent on subsistence farming.
3. Policy Failures & Market Distortions
- Inadequate MSP (Minimum Support Price): The MSP, intended to provide a safety net for farmers, often doesn't cover the cost of production for all crops, and procurement is unevenly distributed.
- Weak Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure: Lack of adequate storage facilities, transportation networks, and market information systems hinders farmers' ability to sell their produce at fair prices.
- APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) Issues: The APMC system, while intended to protect farmers, has often been criticized for creating monopolies and restricting competition.
- Lack of Diversification: Limited diversification towards high-value crops and allied activities (horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries) restricts income-generating opportunities.
4. Climate Change & Environmental Degradation
Erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and soil degradation pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, further jeopardizing the livelihoods of subsistence farmers. The Economic Survey 2018 highlighted the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to climate change.
Consequences of the Decline of Subsistence Farming
- Increased Rural Distress: Loss of livelihood leads to increased poverty, migration to urban areas, and social unrest.
- Food Security Concerns: While India produces enough food, the focus on commercial crops can sometimes neglect the production of essential food grains.
- Widening Rural-Urban Divide: Migration exacerbates the disparities between rural and urban areas.
- Environmental Impacts: Intensive farming practices can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Measures Needed to Revitalize Subsistence Farming
- Strengthening MSP & Procurement: Ensuring a remunerative MSP for all crops and efficient procurement systems.
- Investing in Agricultural Infrastructure: Developing cold storage facilities, transportation networks, and market information systems.
- Promoting Diversification: Encouraging farmers to diversify into high-value crops, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
- Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promoting organic farming, water conservation techniques, and soil health management.
- Financial Inclusion: Providing access to affordable credit and insurance schemes. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) aims to provide insurance coverage to farmers against crop losses.
- Land Reforms: Addressing land fragmentation and ensuring equitable land distribution.
Conclusion
The decline of subsistence farming in India is a complex issue with deep-rooted economic, technological, and policy-related causes. While the transition towards commercial agriculture has contributed to increased food production, it has also left a significant portion of the farming community vulnerable and economically insecure. Addressing this challenge requires a holistic approach that focuses on strengthening agricultural infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and providing adequate social safety nets. A renewed focus on revitalizing rural economies and empowering small and marginal farmers is crucial for ensuring inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.