Explain the problem of 'low productivity' of Indian agriculture. Analyse the role of 'National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture' to solve this problem. + 3 = 5

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Step 1: Introduction to Low Productivity in Indian Agriculture. Low productivity refers to the low output per unit of land, labor, or other inputs in agricultural production. Despite India being one of the largest producers of many crops, agricultural productivity in India is significantly lower compared to many developed countries and even some developing nations. Step 2: Explanation of the problem of low productivity. Small and Fragmented Land Holdings: Average land holding size is small (about 1.08 hectares) Fragmentation due to inheritance laws reduces operational efficiency Small holdings make mechanization difficult and uneconomical Majority of farmers are marginal and small landholders (86%) Difficulty in adopting modern technology on small plots Limited Use of Modern Inputs: Inadequate and imbalanced use of fertilizers Low consumption of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds Limited access to quality pesticides and weedicides High cost of inputs makes them unaffordable for small farmers Uneven distribution of inputs across regions Poor Irrigation Facilities: Only about 48% of cultivated area is under irrigation Rainfed agriculture remains dependent on erratic monsoons Inefficient water management and wastage Lack of modern irrigation methods (drip, sprinkler) Groundwater depletion in many regions Lack of Mechanization: Limited access to tractors, harvesters, and other machinery Small holdings make individual ownership uneconomical Poor availability of custom hiring services Traditional farming methods still prevalent High cost of machinery Poor Soil Health: Soil degradation due to over-cultivation Depletion of soil nutrients Salinity and alkalinity problems in many areas Lack of soil testing and soil health management Reduced organic matter in soil Lack of Access to Credit: Inadequate institutional credit Dependence on moneylenders at high interest rates Unable to purchase quality inputs in time Delayed disbursement of loans Complex loan procedures Inadequate Extension Services: Poor reach of agricultural extension services Lack of knowledge about modern farming techniques Limited training and demonstration programs Inadequate transfer of technology from labs to farms Post-Harvest Losses: Inadequate storage facilities leading to wastage Poor transportation and marketing infrastructure Lack of food processing facilities Estimated 10-15% post-harvest losses Climate Vulnerability: Erratic rainfall and droughts Floods and cyclones Temperature extremes affecting crop yields Climate change impacts on agriculture Lack of Market Access: Remunerative prices not assured Middlemen exploitation Limited access to organized markets (APMC reforms pending) Price fluctuations and instability Step 3: Role of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in solving low productivity. About NMSA: The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of the missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims to promote sustainable agriculture through climate change adaptation measures, enhancing productivity, and ensuring food security. Step 4: Analysis of NMSA's role in addressing low productivity. Promotion of Soil Health Management: Soil Health Card scheme provides farmers with information on soil nutrient status Promotes balanced use of fertilizers based on soil testing Encourages organic farming and use of bio-fertilizers Supports integrated nutrient management (INM) Helps improve soil fertility and productivity Water Use Efficiency: Promotes efficient water management through Per Drop More Crop initiative Encourages micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems) Supports rainwater harvesting and watershed development Promotes construction of farm ponds and water harvesting structures Reduces water stress and improves crop yields Crop Diversification: Encourages farmers to shift from water-intensive crops to alternative crops Promotes pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains cultivation Reduces risk and improves soil health through crop rotation Enhances nutritional security and farm income Climate Resilient Agriculture: Promotes climate-resilient crop varieties Supports contingency planning for aberrant weather situations Encourages conservation agriculture practices Promotes agro-forestry and integrated farming systems Reduces vulnerability to climate risks Support for Organic Farming: Promotes organic farming through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) Provides financial assistance for organic inputs certification Encourages cluster-based organic farming Improves soil health and produces premium quality products Capacity Building and Extension: Provides training to farmers on sustainable practices Demonstrations of new technologies Farmer field schools and exposure visits Knowledge dissemination through various platforms Financial Support: Provides subsidies and financial assistance for various interventions Supports investment in resource conservation technologies Facilitates access to credit for sustainable agriculture practices Integrated Farming Systems: Promotes integration of crops with livestock, fisheries, and poultry Enhances resource use efficiency and farm income Reduces risk through income diversification Improves overall farm productivity Step 5: Conclusion. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture addresses low productivity through a multi-pronged approach focusing on soil health, water efficiency, climate resilience, crop diversification, and capacity building. By promoting sustainable practices and providing financial support, NMSA helps farmers enhance productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Explain the problem of 'low productivity' of Indian agriculture. Analyse the role of 'National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture' to solve this problem. + 3 = 5

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