Marginal farmers are a critical segment of the agricultural landscape in India. They are defined as those who own, operate, or lease less than one hectare of land. This category accounts for a significant portion of the farming community, highlighting their importance in discussions about agricultural policies and rural development.
According to the All India Report on Agriculture Census 2015-2016, over 65.4% of farmers in India fall into the category of marginal farmers. This statistic underscores the need for targeted interventions to support their livelihoods.
The 'State of Marginal Farmers of India 2024' report, released by the Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED), sheds light on the myriad challenges faced by these farmers. It emphasizes the impact of climate change on their lives, revealing how erratic weather patterns can disrupt agricultural productivity and threaten their livelihoods.
There has been a noticeable decrease in beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, with numbers dropping from 10.47 crore in 2022 to 9.26 crore. This decline may reflect a rise in non-farm incomes, leading some farmers to become ineligible or uninterested in the scheme due to its limited support.
Climate change poses severe risks for marginal farmers. Unpredictable weather conditions can lead to crop failures, compelling farmers to seek alternative sources of income through part-time jobs or livestock farming. Distress migration has also become a troubling trend as farmers search for better opportunities.
To support marginal farmers, multiple interventions are suggested:
Markets and civil society organizations play a vital role in supporting marginal farmers. They help improve the bargaining power of farmers and provide essential technical support while promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.
Several successful state-level initiatives have been launched to aid marginal farmers. Notable examples include Odisha’s Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme and Madhya Pradesh’s Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana, both designed to enhance the income and welfare of farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is instrumental in overseeing various schemes aimed at improving the livelihoods of marginal farmers. These include the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and several other support programs tailored to meet their specific needs.
Q1. Who are considered marginal farmers in India?
Answer: Marginal farmers are those who own, operate, or lease less than one hectare of land.
Q2. What percentage of farmers in India are marginal?
Answer: Over 65.4% of farmers in India are classified as marginal, according to the 2015-2016 Agriculture Census.
Q3. What is the significance of the ‘State of Marginal Farmers of India 2024’ report?
Answer: This report highlights the challenges faced by marginal farmers, particularly due to climate change, and suggests necessary policy interventions.
Q4. Why has the number of beneficiaries under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi decreased?
Answer: The decrease may be due to increased non-farm incomes, leading to some farmers becoming ineligible or disinterested in the scheme.
Q5. What are the key challenges faced by marginal farmers in accessing government schemes?
Answer: Marginal farmers commonly struggle with limited access to credit, inadequate extension services, and lack of crop insurance.
Question 1: What defines a marginal farmer in India?
A) A farmer with less than 2 hectares of land
B) A farmer with less than 1 hectare of land
C) A farmer who does not own land
D) A farmer with more than 2 hectares of land
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which scheme aims to support marginal farmers directly?
A) MGNREGA
B) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
C) National Rural Livelihood Mission
D) Soil Health Card Scheme
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is a key challenge faced by marginal farmers in India?
A) Excessive land ownership
B) Limited access to institutional credit
C) High levels of mechanization
D) Overproduction of crops
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is one suggested intervention for supporting marginal farmers?
A) Reducing crop diversity
B) Enhancing access to alternative income sources
C) Limiting government support
D) Increasing land size requirements
Correct Answer: B
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