Why Indian Farmers Matter: Essential Insights for Students
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Farming has always been one of the most important jobs in economic activities in India. With about 70% of the population engaged themselves with agriculture and agriculture-related activities which makes farmers the backbone of the country. While taking a single bite of food have we ever thought about our food givers, that is farmers, contribution to the progress of our country? The fifth prime minister of developing country India- Chaudhary Charan Singh, who himself came from a peasant family. Chaudhary Charan Singh is considered the messiah of the farmers and his birthday December 23 is celebrated as ‘The Farmers Day’. The rate of exporting agricultural things and products is much more than that of imports. This brings a rise in GDP of India.
Farmers live and breathe on farming along with their family and love is the only feeling they have towards it. Bunch of lessons must be learned from the farmers like helping the neighbour with selfless intent, caring for pets and domestic animals, unity is strength, water conservation, techniques in natural calamities like drought, the methods of soil fertilization.
The farmers are not graduate ones. But, campaigns of education might help in evolving their lives. Governments arrange various financial planning programmers for them. A cow, Sheep, Goats and Chickens plays an important role in farmers and in the farm ecosystem. These livestock animals eat the corn and hay grown and in return, they provide milk, eggs, meat and wool. Even their waste is beneficial for the soil fertilization process. They serve as a side business for the Indian Farmers.
Keeping in mind the hardworking lives of this backbone of the nation, the 2nd prime minister of the nation India provides the slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and gives the 2nd importance to the farming service.
Small farmers own a small piece of land due to inequality in the land distribution in India. Small farmers are still suffering from a lack of controlled water supply from Artificial Irrigation facilities. Though they are being called as the backbone of the country, they live in poverty. They even struggle to get two times of food for their family. The amount of debts on the lands is increasing day by day. And worst! They don't have any source of clearing it. Fluctuating agricultural prices, high debts, untimed and fewer payments became part of the daily lives of few farmers.
With growing urbanization, the essence of Indian Farming culture is a little bit fading away. In this concrete world, farms are rapidly replaced by the hot molten asphalt roads and skyscrapers. Nowadays, people are neglecting farming as a career option for themselves as well as for their children. If this continues to happen the Indian economy will fall like a house of cards. The government of India runs the ‘Debt waiver scheme’ to reduce loads of the instalments on the farmers so that they will be glued with the same reputed profession and try some innovative ideas in their daily work for improving cultivation.
FAQs on Indian Farmers Essay: Key Facts, Challenges, and Their Vital Role
1. What is the fundamental role of a farmer in the context of an essay on Indian farmers?
The fundamental role of a farmer in India is to cultivate land and produce food for the nation's vast population. They are the primary producers in the food supply chain, growing essential crops like rice, wheat, and pulses, and raising livestock. This core function ensures food security for the country, supports the rural economy, and provides essential raw materials for many major industries.
2. What are the major challenges an Indian farmer faces that should be explained in an essay?
When writing an essay, it is important to explain the numerous challenges Indian farmers face, which impact their livelihood and productivity. Key issues include:
- Climate Dependence: Heavy reliance on unpredictable monsoon rains, making them vulnerable to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.
- Economic Hardship: Fluctuating market prices, high costs of seeds and fertilisers, and difficulty in accessing formal credit, often leading to debt.
- Lack of Modernisation: Limited access to modern technology, advanced irrigation facilities, and scientific farming methods in many parts of the country.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate storage facilities which lead to significant post-harvest losses, and poor road connectivity to major markets.
3. Why are farmers often described as the 'backbone of the Indian economy'?
Farmers are called the 'backbone of the Indian economy' because the agricultural sector, which they drive, is crucial to the nation's growth and stability. Agriculture contributes significantly to the national GDP and is the largest source of livelihood for the rural population. They not only produce food for over a billion people but also supply essential raw materials to key industries like textiles (cotton), sugar (sugarcane), and food processing.
4. How can a student structure a compelling essay on the topic of 'The Indian Farmer'?
To structure a compelling essay, a student should organise their thoughts logically for maximum impact. A good structure would be:
- Introduction: Start by highlighting the importance of farmers as food providers and the backbone of the nation.
- Body Paragraph 1 (Role & Importance): Detail their role in ensuring food security and contributing to the economy.
- Body Paragraph 2 (Challenges): Discuss the major problems they face, such as debt, climate change, and lack of resources.
- Body Paragraph 3 (Solutions & Future): Mention some government schemes or technological solutions aimed at helping farmers and offer a hopeful outlook.
- Conclusion: Summarise the key points and end with a powerful statement about the need to support and uplift the farming community.
5. What is the difference between Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid crops grown in India?
The primary difference lies in the seasons in which they are grown, based on India's monsoon patterns:
- Kharif Crops: Also known as monsoon crops, these are sown at the beginning of the rainy season (June-July) and harvested in autumn (September-October). Examples include rice, maize, and cotton.
- Rabi Crops: Also known as winter crops, these are sown in winter (October-December) and harvested in spring (April-June). Examples include wheat, barley, and peas.
- Zaid Crops: These are short-duration summer crops grown in the season between Rabi and Kharif (March to June). Examples include watermelon, cucumber, and muskmelon.
6. How have modern technology and government initiatives aimed to improve the conditions of Indian farmers?
Modern technology and government initiatives have introduced significant changes to improve farmers' conditions. Technological advancements like high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, precision irrigation (drip irrigation), and farm machinery have helped increase crop yields. Simultaneously, government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) provide direct income support, while platforms like e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) aim to create a unified national market, ensuring better price discovery for farmers.
7. What are some key facts a student can include in an essay to make it more impactful?
To add depth and credibility to an essay on Indian farmers, you can include these key facts:
- Agriculture provides a livelihood to over 50% of India's workforce, making it the largest employment sector.
- India is a leading global producer of several commodities, including milk, pulses, and jute.
- Mention the Green Revolution (starting in the 1960s) as a pivotal moment that transformed Indian agriculture from scarcity to self-sufficiency.
- A significant challenge is small landholdings; the average farm size in India is just over one hectare, which can limit mechanisation and profitability.
