Which structural constraint continues to be the most critical factor limiting agricultural productivity in India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer:
High dependence on monsoonal variability
Explanation:
The high dependence on monsoonal variability continues to be the most critical structural constraint limiting agricultural productivity in India. A large portion of India's net sown area remains rainfed and heavily reliant on the timely arrival and adequate distribution of southwest monsoon rains. Erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods severely impact crop yields, making weather unpredictability a primary systemic vulnerability for the agricultural sector.
Key Points:
Nearly half of India's agricultural land lacks assured irrigation facilities, making crop production directly vulnerable to monsoon fluctuations.
While other factors like fragmented land holdings and credit constraints also affect the sector, climatic and monsoonal dependency poses the most critical structural hurdle.
Expanding irrigation infrastructure and promoting climate-resilient farming techniques are primary policy measures used to mitigate this vulnerability.
Important Questions and Answers:
Question: What percentage of India's net sown area is typically dependent on rainfed agriculture?
Answer: Approximately 50 percent or slightly more depending on regional irrigation coverage.
Question: Which monsoon is primarily responsible for bringing the majority of rainfall to India's agricultural regions?
Answer: Southwest Monsoon.