Do you think various measures taken by the government to improve agricultural marketing are sufficient? Discuss.
The following are the various steps initiated by the Indian government to develop the rural markets:
1. Regulated Markets: The government came up with the concept of regulated market where the sale and purchase of the products are monitored by the Market Committee. This Market Committee consists of farmers, government agents and traders. This infuses greater transparency in the marketing system through the use of proper scales and weights. Such committees ensure the farmers and the consumers in receiving fair price in exchange of their products
2. Infrastructure Development: The present infrastructure is not sufficient to meet the growing demands of the farmers. The government of India has provided cold storages and warehouses that help the farmers to sell their product at the time when the price is attractive. Also, railways offer subsidised transport facilities to the farmers. This enables the farmers to bring their product to urban areas where they can earn huge profits.
3. Co-operative Agricultural Marketing Societies: The government also started co-operative marketing under which the farmers get access to fair prices. This is due to the better and enhanced bargaining power of the farmers via collective sale in the market.
4. MSP Policy: Minimum Support Price is a minimum legislated price that a farmer may charge in exchange of his products. This enables them to sell their products in the open market at a higher price. The MSP insulates the farmers in case of price fall as this is the minimum price that they can receive. Given the uncertainties faced by the farmers, the need of such assurance to them is of immense importance.
Explain the steps taken by the government in developing rural markets.
Distinguish between ‘Green Revolution’ and ‘Golden Revolution’.
Why is agricultural diversification essential for sustainable livelihoods?
Discuss the importance of credit in rural development.
Bring out the importance of animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture as a source of diversification.
Explain the role of micro-credit in meeting credit requirements of the poor.
What is organic farming and how does it promote sustainable development?
Critically evaluate the role of the rural banking system in the process of rural development in India.
What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.
Identify the benefits and limitations of organic farming.
What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
What are the two major sources of human capital in a country?
Define a plan?
Who is a worker?
Explain the term ‘infrastructure’.
What is meant by environment?
Why are regional and economic groupings formed?
Why were reforms introduced in India?
Why calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
The following table shows distribution of workforce in India for the year 1972-73. Analyse it and give reasons for the nature of workforce distribution. You will notice that the data is pertaining to the situation in India 30 years ago!
Place of Residence | Workforce (in millions) | ||
Male | Female | Total | |
Rural Urban |
125 32 |
69 7 |
195 39 |
Compared to urban women, more rural women are found working. Why?
Who is a casual wage labourer?
Why are tariffs imposed?
Indicate the volume and direction of trade at the time of independence.
Compare and contrast India and China’s sectoral contribution towards GDP in 2003. What does it indicate?
Were there any positive contributions made by the British in India? Discuss.
What are the main characteristics of health of the people of our country?
How has the consumption pattern of energy changed over the years?
What is marketable surplus?