Q1.What are the major challenges facing Indian agriculture today? Suggest measures to make agriculture sustainable and profitable for small and marginal farmers.

Indian agriculture, vital for livelihoods, faces significant challenges, particularly for its small and marginal farmers who constitute the majority of cultivators.

• Fragmented landholdings and low productivity.
• Climate vulnerability, water scarcity, and extreme weather events.
• Poor market linkages and high post-harvest losses.
• Inadequate access to institutional credit and crop insurance.

• Promote climate-resilient agriculture and water-efficient micro-irrigation.
• Implement soil health management and organic/natural farming practices.

• Strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and enhance value addition through food processing.
• Establish direct market linkages to reduce intermediaries and improve price realization.
• Improve access to institutional credit, comprehensive crop insurance, and targeted subsidies.
• Facilitate adoption of modern farm machinery, ICT for market information, and precision agriculture.
• Modernize land records, develop rural infrastructure (storage, cold chains), and provide effective extension services.

Addressing these multifaceted issues through integrated policy and technological interventions is crucial for building a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.