(FREE) UPSC Current Affairs 2024 PDF

(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) SOCIAL SECURITY AND WELFARE OF FARMERS FOR BUILDING VIKSIT BHARAT

(NOVEMBER-2024)

The establishment of social security for agricultural livelihoods is vital for India’s progress, facilitating beneficial structural and technological improvements while allowing farmers to take advantage of globalization. Revamping agriculture and related sectors is crucial for India’s aspiration to attain developed nation status by 2047.
Moral and Economic Imperative: Offering social security and support to farmers is fundamental for a thriving future and signifies a dedication to economic development and social equity.
Government's Involvement: The government is pivotal in ensuring a safety net for at-risk groups, transitioning from welfare-oriented aid to a participatory empowerment model, particularly through new initiatives.

Challenges: Agricultural output is influenced by factors such as population increase, climate change, resource depletion, and socio-economic stresses. Agriculture accounts for around 18% of India’s GDP, with more than 55% of the populace depending on it.
Farmer Challenges: Small landholdings, erratic weather patterns, high input expenses, and recurring debt cycles underscore the necessity for economic security via social security.
Purpose of Social Security: These programs aim to assist at-risk farmers, guaranteeing access to fundamental necessities and promoting a just society.

Key Elements of Indian Farming and Farmers’ Welfare

PM-KISAN: Offers Rs 6,000 per year to landholders, disbursed directly in three payments. Integrates advanced technology such as Aadhaar-based payments and mobile eKYC to ensure transparency and convenience.
Kisan e-Mitra: An AI chatbot in 22 languages assists farmers in verifying eligibility and obtaining information.
Outcome: More than 11 crore farmers have benefitted, with a total of Rs 2.81 lakh crore dispersed.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Initiated in 2016, it delivers affordable crop insurance to shield against losses from natural disasters, stabilizing earnings and promoting modern practices.
Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS): Provides concessional short-term loans at an effective interest rate of 4%, with a 3% interest subsidy for crop-related loans up to Rs 3 lakh, along with additional perks for prompt repayment.
MSP Enhancement: Implemented MSP at 50% above costs, with the PM AASHA initiative guaranteeing fair profits.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY): Offers pensions to smallholder and marginal farmers, with government co-contributions. Registered farmers will receive a pension of Rs 3,000 monthly after the age of 60.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): A pension program tailored for farmers in the informal sector, providing as much as Rs 5,000 monthly with governmental support.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana: A cost-effective life insurance scheme providing Rs 2 lakh coverage to account holders, promoting financial stability for farmers.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Encourages organic farming, allocating Rs 50,000 per hectare to promote sustainable practices.
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Initiated in 2015, emphasizing water conservation through micro-irrigation methods. This program has reached 78 lakh hectares to enhance irrigation systems.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Aims for improved resource management and seeks to increase irrigated areas through advanced irrigation and sustainable methods.
RKVY-RAFTAAR: Fosters agri-entrepreneurship and upgrades pre- and post-harvest facilities, contributing to unprecedented food grain production and export growth.

Digital India Initiative: Empowers farmers with direct benefit transfer for machinery subsidies, online agricultural machinery rentals, and access to FPO services.

FPOs Establishment and Advancement:
Launched in 2020 with a budget of Rs 6,865 crore, fostering the establishment of 10,000 Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs) to enhance farmers’ access to formal credit and resources.

Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM): Enhances market infrastructure and accessibility for farmers, creating superior marketing avenues.
National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): An all-India electronic trading platform linking mandis, involving over 1.76 crore farmers and 2.5 lakh traders, facilitating transparent price determination.

Stand-Up India Scheme: Offers financing for new enterprises to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, promoting inclusive economic progress.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Advocates for financial inclusivity, providing accounts and services to marginalized rural populations, with deposits surpassing Rs 2 lakh crore.
Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF): A component of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package, it seeks to rectify infrastructure deficits and promote investments in agricultural infrastructure.

Social Security for Farmers’ Prosperity: Building a robust social security framework for farmers is essential to India’s aspiration for a prosperous future. This will ensure income stability, technological integration, and resilience against environmental pressures.
Government Initiatives: The government’s transition towards participatory and empowering approaches underscores a dedicated commitment to social equity, sustainability, and economic security for the farming community.
Attaining National Objectives: Through comprehensive welfare policies and initiatives, the government aspires to cater to both immediate financial demands and long-term obstacles, reinforcing the agriculture sector’s significance in India’s advancement.