Effects of Extreme Weather on Marginal Farmers in India

How Extreme Weather Affects Marginal Farmers

Marginal farmers in India face significant challenges due to extreme weather conditions. More than 50% of these farmers reported losing at least half of their standing crops due to adverse events such as unseasonal rains, prolonged winters, droughts, and floods.

Understanding Marginal Farmers

A marginal farmer is defined as an individual who owns up to 1 hectare of agricultural land. These farmers typically engage in farming as proprietors, sharecroppers, or tenants. Despite being the largest segment of India's agricultural sector, marginal farmers own only about 24% of the total crop area, with an average holding of just 0.38 hectares.

Survey Findings on Crop Loss

A recent survey highlighted alarming trends among marginal farmers over the past five years. A significant number have reported losing at least one-third to half of their crops due to extreme weather conditions. Specifically, around 50% of paddy farmers and over 40% of wheat farmers consistently experienced crop losses exceeding 50%. For those cultivating only paddy, the average income loss was approximately 72% for farmers managing 0.38 hectares.

Government Initiatives Supporting Marginal Farmers

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is instrumental in enhancing agricultural resilience and economic stability. Approximately 35% of surveyed marginal farmers are enrolled in this scheme. Furthermore, 83% of marginal farmers reported receiving government grants or subsidies, primarily through the Kisan Samman Nidhi, which directly credits financial aid to their bank accounts.

Challenges in Accessing Agricultural Infrastructure

• Cold Storage Facilities: A staggering 69% of marginal farmers indicated the absence of cold storage facilities within a 10 km radius of their villages. Conversely, 15% had access to such facilities but never utilized them.
• Subsidized Inputs: Nearly half of the marginal farmers confirmed the availability of outlets for procuring subsidized seeds and fertilizers within 10 km.
• Bank Loans: Only 27% of the surveyed marginal farmers stated that someone in their household had accessed bank loans previously.

Proposed Solutions for Mitigating Extreme Weather Impacts

To address the challenges posed by extreme weather, a two-pronged strategy for water management is recommended:

• Buffering Water: Store water in reservoirs during the monsoon season to ensure availability during dry periods.
• Groundwater Recharge: Implement check dams and watersheds to enhance groundwater recharge.

Additionally, more rational allocation and efficient use of water across different crops is essential for improving agricultural resilience.

Conclusion

Extreme weather conditions significantly impact marginal farmers in India, leading to considerable crop and income losses. By implementing effective water management strategies and improving access to agricultural infrastructure and government support, these impacts can be mitigated, fostering greater agricultural resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How do extreme weather conditions affect marginal farmers?
Answer: Extreme weather events lead to significant crop losses for marginal farmers, with many reporting up to 72% income loss due to factors like droughts and floods.

Q2. What percentage of marginal farmers are enrolled in the PMFBY?
Answer: Approximately 35% of surveyed marginal farmers are enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which helps them secure financial support during crop failures.

Q3. What are the main challenges faced by marginal farmers?
Answer: Marginal farmers face challenges such as lack of cold storage facilities, limited access to subsidized inputs, and difficulties in obtaining bank loans.

Q4. What solutions are proposed for improving agricultural resilience?
Answer: Proposed solutions include effective water storage during monsoons and groundwater recharge through check dams to enhance agricultural resilience against extreme weather.

Q5. What is the average landholding for marginal farmers in India?
Answer: The average landholding for marginal farmers in India is around 0.38 hectares, which limits their agricultural productivity and economic stability.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What defines a marginal farmer in India?
A) Owns more than 2 hectares of land
B) Owns up to 1 hectare of land
C) Engages only in sharecropping
D) Owns leased land only
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What percentage of marginal farmers reported receiving government grants?
A) 50%
B) 83%
C) 35%
D) 70%
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which initiative helps marginal farmers secure financial support?
A) Kisan Samman Nidhi
B) PMFBY
C) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
D) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Correct Answer: B