Which of the following is a major challenge of Indian agriculture today?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Progressive fragmentation and declining size of operational holdings
Explanation:
One of the major structural challenges confronting Indian agriculture today is the progressive fragmentation and declining size of operational land holdings. Due to laws of inheritance and continuous division of land among generations, the average size of land holdings has shrunk drastically, rendering traditional farming methods less viable, limiting capital investments in modern equipment, and creating challenges in achieving economies of scale.
Key Points:
The majority of Indian farmers are classified as small and marginal landholders (owning less than two hectares of land). Land fragmentation leads to wastage of cultivable land due to boundary markings and makes efficient water management and mechanization difficult. Other structural issues in Indian agriculture include heavy dependence on monsoon rains, inadequate cold storage and supply chain infrastructure, and distress marketing.
Important Questions and Answers:
Question: What is the primary cause of land holding fragmentation in India?
Answer: Laws of inheritance and continuous sub-division of land among successive generations.
Question: Farmers owning land less than what size are generally classified as marginal farmers in India?
Answer: Below 1 hectare (or 2.5 acres).