Question -Explain any five major problems of Indian agriculture.
The correct answer is -ndian agriculture has faced several major problems that have hampered its growth and development. Here are five of the major problems faced by Indian agriculture:
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Fragmentation of land: One of the biggest problems faced by Indian agriculture is the fragmentation of land. Small and marginal farmers account for a large proportion of the country’s farming community, and they often have fragmented land holdings that make it difficult to adopt modern agricultural practices and technologies.
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Water scarcity: Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on monsoon rains, which are often erratic and unpredictable. In addition, there is an increasing scarcity of water resources due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and industrialization. This makes it difficult for farmers to irrigate their crops, and has led to a decline in crop yields.
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Soil degradation: Soil degradation is a major problem in Indian agriculture due to overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, monoculture cropping patterns, and poor soil management practices. This has led to a decline in soil fertility, reduced crop yields, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
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Lack of access to credit: Small and marginal farmers often lack access to credit, which makes it difficult for them to invest in modern agricultural technologies and practices. This has led to a decline in productivity and income levels for many farmers.
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Market inefficiencies: Indian agriculture is plagued by market inefficiencies, including poor infrastructure, lack of market access, and low bargaining power for farmers. As a result, farmers often receive low prices for their crops, and are unable to benefit from higher prices in the global market. This has led to a decline in profitability for many farmers, and has also contributed to food insecurity in the country.
