Lesson 3. Indian Agriculture: Issues, Policies, and Schemes

Agriculture remains the primary livelihood source for a vast population and is thus a dense and dynamic topic. Preparation must span the historical evolution (Green Revolution, its benefits and negative consequences), current challenges (fragmentation of holdings, declining water tables, soil health, climate vulnerability, and the crisis of farmers’ income), and forward-looking policies. Detailed knowledge of input-related aspects (seeds, fertilizers, subsidies, irrigation—PMKSY), credit and insurance (KCC, PMFBY, NAIS), marketing and pricing (APMCs, e-NAM, MSP system, Price Stabilization Fund), and post-harvest management (warehousing, cold chains, food processing) is required. Government schemes like PM-KISAN, the push for organic and natural farming (Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana), and initiatives for doubling farmers’ income need thorough study. Furthermore, topics like agricultural exports, the WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture and its implications for India, and the role of cooperatives are important. Questions often link agriculture to food security, the Public Distribution System (PDS), and the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Additional Resources: The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare website is a primary source for scheme details. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) reports provide deep insights into pricing policy. The FAO’s “The State of Food and Agriculture” reports and World Bank studies on climate-smart agriculture offer a global best-practice perspective. The Economic Survey often dedicates a chapter to agriculture with innovative ideas like linking MSP to value.