suggest some measures which would help in improving the conditions of farmers in india ? what should be the role of government in ensuring farmer's welfare
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Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, enthusiastic and positive results of the sustained efforts made for the betterment of agriculture sector and farmers are visible. The Modi government is committed for the welfare of farmers. As a result of which, there has been a qualitative improvement in their lives. For the development of the country, Modi government has set new standards for transparency. Under the guidance of Prime Minister, the government has transformed the targets meant for the implementation of farmers’ welfare schemes in a mission mode and time bound manner. Our government has laid the foundation of a modern and future oriented India with new dimensions, innovations and reformist approach to good governance. Modi government has been successful in bringing about awareness amongst farmers through new initiatives taken for the development of agriculture sector in the country. In this tenure, there has been a concerted and strong effort to bring qualitative changes in the life of farmers and rural areas.
The President of the National Commission on Farmers (NCF) Dr. Swaminathan had advised the then Government through its recommendations in his report in 2006 that proper attention should be given on the welfare of farmers along with agro-based thinking. Farmers provide an important direction to the efforts made in economic reforms. Therefore, to make radical changes in the system, proper emphasis should be given to post-harvest marketing and related arrangements. Keeping in view the unabated erosion of natural resources and climate change, the Agriculture Commission had also called for attention to the management of science-based natural resources and sustainable production and development.
Recently on August 6, 2018, Dr. Swaminathan in his article published in the Times of India said: “Although the NCF report was submitted in 2006 very little action was taken until the present government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office. Fortunately over the last four years, several significant decisions have been taken to improve the status and income of farmers.”
The government has taken a number of initiatives for the development of agriculture sector, remunerative returns for farmers’ produce and reducing the cost of production. These efforts have resulted in significant transformation in their lives. Establishing the nationwide soil health card scheme is an important aspect of this thought.
The government has made the use of neem coated urea mandatory in order to reduce the cost of agriculture and enhance the nitrogen utility competence. Since it has led to enhancement in the productivity thereby reducing the cost of agriculture, it has also extended a helping hand in preventing its misuse in the non-agriculture sector. Organic farming has been linked with Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMKY) for sustained agricultural development and soil health, including the in-situ management of rice straw. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a very important scheme to ensure proper water management in agriculture practices. After making an extensive study of the previous schemes and reforming them, it has initiated the world’s largest farmer friendly Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna and Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme in 2016. These schemes provide extensive coverage for every sort of risks involved in the agriculture sector.