Dependence on MSP-led procurement of grains has led to low crop diversification in states like Punjab, keeping farmers from reaping the benefits of high-value crops
Even a 25% fall in their incomes due to the lockdown will make 354 mn more people poor. fixing this with cash transfers will cost the govt Rs 19,500 cr per month.
Forcing traders to buy agri-produce at MSP will leave farmers in the lurch as traders may not be there to buy and the state certainly can’t buy all the produce.
NABARD presented a gift to the nation on August 16, 2018, when it released results of its NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS). Among other things, the Survey estimates 2015-16 farmers’ income levels.
Rather tHan MSP, for better prices getting the markets right by overhauling the agri-marketing infrastructure and associated laws presents a better solution.
The e-nam platform only caters to 7% of the Indian farmer population, and handles only about 2% of the total value of agricultural output of the country
From Plate to Plough: In the last four years, agri-profitability fell rather than increased; and FCI paraphernalia expanded and deepened rather than getting reformed and shrinking
It must work on a Brown Revolution to incentivise precision agriculture. This will save precious water, reduce fertiliser usage, maintain soil fertility and make agriculture not only sustainable, but also productive
Sadly, for all these concerted official efforts, there are ambiguities surrounding the dream itself. As professional economists, we feel compelled to state the challenges as explicitly as possible.
As the Narendra Modi-led government completed two years in office, almost each of its arms issued hordes of advertisements celebrating achievements and delineating policies and programmes that were transforming India.
For the last two months, the Narendra Modi-led government seems to be in an overdrive to appease farmers. Several farmer rallies have been organised in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and recently at New Del