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प्रश्न
Read the following passage and discuss in class.
| Groundnut is a major oilseed crop in Andhra Pradesh. Mahadeva, who was a farmer in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh, used to spend Rs. 10,000 for growing groundnut on his plot of half an acre. The cost included expenditure on raw material (seeds, fertilisers, etc.), labour, bullock power and machinery used. On an average, Mahadeva used to get two quintals of groundnut, and each quintal was sold for Rs. 7,000. Mahadeva, thus, was spending Rs. 10,000 and getting an income of Rs. 14,000. Anantpur district is a drought-prone area. As a result of economic reforms, the government did not undertake any major irrigation project. Recently, groundnut crop in Anantpur is facing problems due to crop disease. Research and extension work has gone down due to lower government expenditure. Mahadeva and his friends brought this matter repeatedly to the notice of the government officials entrusted with this responsibility, but failed. Subsidy was reduced on material (seeds, fertilisers), which increased Mahadeva’s cost of cultivation. Moreover, the local markets were flooded with cheap imported edible oils, which was a result of removal of restriction on imports. Mahadeva was not able to sell his groundnut in the market as he was not getting the price to cover his cost. |
What could be done to farmers like Mahadeva from incurring losses? Discuss in the class.
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उत्तर
Farmers like Mahadeva can protect themselves from losses with proper government support. The government should provide adequate irrigation facilities, affordable seeds, fertilisers, and credit, especially in drought-prone areas. Agricultural extension services should also be improved so that farmers receive useful guidance.
The government should ensure that farmers get a fair and remunerative price for their crops. Strengthen Minimum Support Price and procurement facilities where appropriate. Storage and marketing facilities should also be improved so that farmers are not forced to sell their produce at very low prices.
Imports of cheap agricultural products should be managed carefully so that domestic farmers are not unfairly affected. Crop insurance and other forms of protection should also be available to farmers facing drought, crop failure or sudden price falls.
Conclusion: Farmers like Mahadeva need a combination of irrigation, affordable inputs, fair prices, better markets, insurance and suitable government support so that farming remains economically sustainable.
