Marginal Farmers Find It Difficult to Access Govt Schemes as Their Number Grows, Income Shrinks

The report titled "State of Marginal Farmers of India 2024" by the Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED) highlights the growing challenges faced by marginal farmers due to climate change and shrinking farm incomes. Despite being the largest category of farmers, they find it difficult to access government schemes, which are crucial for their survival.

Issues Faced by Marginal Farmers

• Increasing Numbers and Shrinking Incomes: Over 65.4% of Indian farmers are marginal, owning less than one hectare of land. Despite this, the number of beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has decreased, possibly due to rising non-farm incomes or the scheme's limited support for those with marginal incomes.
• Lack of Access to Resources: Marginal farmers struggle to access water, seeds, technical inputs, and credit. This hampers their ability to sustain and grow their agricultural activities.
• Climate Change Impact: Extreme weather conditions have intensified challenges for marginal farmers, leading to crop losses and increased reliance on supplementary incomes from non-farm activities.

Policy Recommendations and Government Initiatives

• Diversified Agricultural Practices: Policies should focus on dairy, livestock, horticulture, beekeeping, and technical support services. This approach acknowledges the limited availability of land but the abundance of capital, labour, and technology.
• Linking MNREGA with Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA): Integrating MNREGA with CRA can provide much-needed support to marginal farmers, as seen in successful initiatives in states like Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar.
• Replicating Successful Models: Programs like Odisha's KALIA and Madhya Pradesh's Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana should be considered for pan-India replication. These programs support marginal farmers, sharecroppers, and landless agricultural workers, ensuring that no lands are left fallow.

Role of Government, Society, and Market

• Collaborative Approach: The report emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach involving government, civil society, and market players to create a supportive ecosystem for marginal farmers.
• Civil Society's Role: Farmers' collectives, self-help groups (SHGs), and primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) can improve farmers' bargaining power and access to services and markets.
• Market Initiatives: Promoting climate-smart agriculture through initiatives like ITC's climate-smart villages, micro-insurer IBISA's partnerships, and Tata Trusts' Collectives for Integrated Livelihoods Initiative can help marginal farmers adapt to changing conditions.

UPSC Mains Questions

Q. Analyze the effectiveness of current government schemes aimed at supporting marginal farmers in India. How can these schemes be improved to ensure better reach and impact?