Agricultural Reforms And Welfare Schemes

Introduction:
India is an agricultural economy and is majorly dependent on agriculture
for employment .It is considered as primary sector in India and it
accounts for over 20% contribution in GDP of India. Over 50% of Indian
population is involved in agricultural industry. India is second largest
producer of crops in world.

Agricultural reforms:
The Government with the aim of transforming agriculture in the country
and raising farmer’s income have passed three important bills from
parliament .The reforms are expected to accelerate growth in the sector
through private sector investment in building structure and supply
chains for farm produce in national and global market.
 The Farmers’ Produce Trade And Commerce Act 2020 to provide the
farmers the freedom of choice related to sale and purchase of
produce. It promotes barrier-free inter state trade ,reduce marketing
costs for them and help in create ‘one India ,one agriculture’ market.
 The Farmers Agreement Of Price Assurance And Farm Service
Act,2020 to provide framework on farmer protection from market
unpredictability and to engage farmers in direct marketing.
 Amendments To Essential Commodities Act(1955) to deregulate the
commodities and create a competitive market environment and also
prevent wastage of agri-produce due to lack of storage facilities.

Government welfare schemes:

 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi was launched in 2019 which is
an income support scheme to provide rs.6000 per year.
 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana launched in 2016 to provide
insurance coverage in failure of crops due to natural calamities.
 Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced to optimize the usage of
nutrients.
 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana to promote organic farming.
 National Agricultural Market(Enam) to create a unified national
market for agricultural commodities.
Conclusion:
The reforms and schemes of government are very effective but still it let
to farmer protests due to lack of consultation with the stakeholders and
rumors about MSP. Government still lacks in implementation of every
schemes which is a serious issue. These reforms are essential for
sustainable development of agriculture.
Way forward:
Government must continue to support farmers by good schemes and
proper reach of the schemes to the farmers must be insured. Farmers
also needed to be educate about the benefits correctly .Government
should work on empowering farmers in long run as agriculture is
important for our prosperity.