"Farmer Distress Alleviation Measures"

Introduction:  Agriculture plays a vital role in India's economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to the country's GDP. However, the agricultural sector is plagued by various challenges, with farmer distress being a prominent issue. Recognizing the importance of alleviating the hardships faced by farmers, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives and welfare schemes to support and uplift agricultural communities. This article explores the causes of farmer distress in India and highlights the major steps taken by the government to reduce its impact through farmer-friendly welfare schemes.

Causes of Farmer Distress:-

Dependence on monsoons: India's agriculture heavily relies on monsoon rains, making farmers vulnerable to erratic weather patterns, droughts, and floods.

Lack of access to credit: Limited access to affordable credit hampers farmers' ability to invest in modern farming techniques, procure quality seeds, and improve their yields.

Price volatility: Farmers often face price fluctuations due to the absence of stable market linkages, resulting in uncertain income and financial instability.

Inadequate irrigation facilities: Insufficient irrigation infrastructure restricts the cultivation of multiple crops throughout the year, leading to yield losses and dependency on rain-fed agriculture.

Fragmented land holdings: Small and fragmented land holdings make it challenging for farmers to adopt advanced agricultural practices and benefit from economies of scale.

Government Initiatives to Reduce Farmer Distress:-

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

Launched in 2016, PMFBY aims to provide insurance coverage to farmers against crop failure, loss, or damage due to natural calamities.

It ensures timely settlement of claims, reduces the financial burden on farmers, and encourages risk management in agriculture.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN):

PM-KISAN, initiated in 2019, provides direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments, directly credited to their bank accounts.

Soil Health Card Scheme (SHCS):

The SHCS was launched in 2015 to assess and monitor soil fertility levels.

It provides farmers with personalized soil health cards containing recommendations for appropriate fertilizers and nutrients, enhancing productivity and reducing input costs.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme: 

The KCC Scheme facilitates access to timely and affordable credit for farmers.

It provides flexible loan options for crop production, post-harvest activities, and other farming-related needs, ensuring uninterrupted farming operations.

e-NAM (National Agricultural Market): 

e-NAM, introduced in 2016, is an online platform that integrates agricultural markets across India.

It enables farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers, eliminating intermediaries, reducing transaction costs, and ensuring better price realization.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):

  PMKSY aims to provide end-to-end solutions for irrigation supply chain management.

It focuses on expanding irrigation coverage, improving water use efficiency, and promoting sustainable water management practices.

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED):

NAFED was established in 02nd October 1958. It assists farmers in getting fair prices for their agricultural produce.  

It operates as a cooperative marketing organization, procuring commodities directly from farmers and ensuring fair market access.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):

RKVY focuses on strengthening the agricultural infrastructure and enhancing productivity.

It provides financial support to states for initiatives such as watershed development, farm mechanization, and infrastructure development in agriculture.

Interest Subvention Scheme:

The Interest Subvention Scheme aims to reduce the cost of agricultural loans for farmers.

It provides interest rate subsidies, lowering the burden of repayment and encouraging farmers to access credit for various farming activities.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):

NMSA promotes sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on conservation of natural resources and climate-resilient farming.

It supports initiatives such as organic farming, agroforestry, and the adoption of climate-smart technologies.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF):

The AIF was established to aid in the development of post-harvest facilities and community farming resources.

It provides financial assistance to farmers and organizations for the establishment of cold storage facilities, warehouses, and other storage infrastructure.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY):

PMKSY aims to modernize and strengthen the agri-food processing industry in India.

It provides financial assistance for setting up food processing units, improving food quality and safety, and creating employment opportunities in rural areas.

Conclusion:

The Indian government's multifaceted approach to tackling farmer distress encompasses a range of initiatives and welfare schemes. These efforts focus on providing financial support, improving market access, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing overall agricultural infrastructure. While challenges persist, the government's commitment to addressing farmer distress and fostering farmer-friendly policies is crucial for the long-term growth and prosperity of Indian farmers. Continued investment in rural development, technological advancements, and comprehensive policy reforms will further contribute to uplifting the agricultural sector and improving the lives of farmers across the country.