(a) Explain the importance of agriculture in the Indian Economy.

i. Gives employment- Two-third of India’s population engaged in agricultural activities.

ii. Provide livelihood to more than half of the population.

iii. Produces food for consumption.

iv. Produces raw material for various industries.

v. Provides agricultural products for exports (E.g., Tea, coffee, spices) Contributes to the National income.

vi. Contribute in the GDP.

(b) Explain the Technological and Institutional reforms taken by the government in the interest of farmers.

i. Green Revolution based on package technology.

ii. White Revolution

iii. Weather Bulletin

iv. Agricultural programs for the farmers on radio and televisions

v. HYV Seeds

vi. Use of fertilizers, manure, insecticides, pesticides, etc.

vii. Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone, fire, and disease.

viii. Establishment of Grameen Banks, Cooperative Societies, and Banks for providing loan facilities to the farmers at lower rates of interest.

ix. Kissan Credit Card (KCC)

x. Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS).

xi. Special Weather Bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers.

xii. The government has also announced Minimum Support Price, remunerative and procurement prices for important crops.

xiii. Check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen.