Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare : Driving India’s Agricultural Transformation
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) is a cornerstone of India’s economy, steering the nation’s agricultural policies to ensure food security, enhance farmer welfare, and promote sustainable farming practices. Established to address the needs of India’s agrarian population, which constitutes over 50% of the country’s workforce, the ministry plays a pivotal role in modernizing agriculture and uplifting farmers’ livelihoods.
It is the apex government body responsible for formulating and administering policies, rules, and regulations related to agriculture, food processing, and cooperation in India. From ensuring food security for over a billion people to enhancing farmers’ incomes, the Ministry’s role is expansive and critical to India’s sustained growth and development. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the ministry’s formation, vision, impact, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and a set of top 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with detailed solutions to deepen understanding.
Formation and Historical Evolution
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare traces its origins to June 1871, when the Department of Revenue, Agriculture, and Commerce was established during British rule to manage agricultural matters in India. Post-independence in 1947, it was restructured as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, focusing on food security for a newly independent nation. In 1971, it was renamed the Ministry of Agriculture, expanding its scope to encompass the holistic development of the agricultural sector. On August 15, 2015, it was renamed the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to emphasize the welfare of farmers, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the farming community.
The ministry is headquartered at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, and is currently led by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, with Ministers of State Bhagirath Choudhary and Ram Nath Thakur assisting.
Currently, the Ministry operates through three main departments:
- Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW): Deals with policies and schemes related to crop production, productivity, and farmer support.
- Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE): Focuses on agricultural research, education, and technology dissemination, primarily through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD): Works for the development of livestock, dairy, and fisheries sectors. (Note: Fisheries was later separated into an independent Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in 2019, but DAHD remains a key part of the broader agricultural ecosystem).
Vision of the Ministry
The vision of the MoA&FW is to transform Indian agriculture into a productive, profitable, and sustainable sector that ensures food security, enhances farmers’ income, and promotes equitable resource distribution. Key elements of its vision include:
- Doubling Farmers’ Income: Achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income by promoting modern farming techniques, better market access, and financial inclusion.
- Food Security: Ensure self-sufficiency in food production through increased productivity and crop diversification.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Promote climate-resilient crops, water-efficient irrigation, and eco-friendly practices to combat climate change.
- Farmer Empowerment: Strengthen farmers’ bargaining power through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperative movements.
- Technological Innovation: Integrate advanced technologies like AI, drones, and precision farming to modernize agriculture.
- Global Competitiveness: Boost agricultural exports and integrate farmers into global supply chains.
Objectives of the Ministry
The MoA&FW pursues the following objectives:
- Formulate policies to enhance agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.
- Promote research and development through ICAR and other institutions.
- Implement schemes to improve irrigation, crop insurance, and market access.
- Foster financial inclusion through credit facilities and subsidies.
- Support sustainable practices to mitigate climate change impacts.
- Strengthen cooperative movements and FPOs to empower small and marginal farmers.
Key Schemes and Initiatives
The ministry has launched several flagship schemes to achieve its objectives:
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) (Launched 2016): A crop insurance scheme covering pre- and post-harvest losses due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases. Farmers pay a low premium (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for commercial/horticultural crops).
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) (Launched February 24, 2019): Provides ₹6,000 annually to small and marginal farmers in three instalments to support their financial needs.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) (Launched 2015): Enhances irrigation coverage and water-use efficiency through initiatives like Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) for micro-irrigation.
- Soil Health Card Scheme (Launched 2015): Provides farmers with soil nutrient status and fertilizer recommendations to improve soil health and productivity.
- Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs (Launched 2020): Aims to create 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations by 2027 to enhance collective bargaining, market access, and financial inclusion. Budget: ₹6,865 crore till 2027-28.
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) (Launched 2007): Supports state-specific agricultural development plans to improve productivity and infrastructure.
- National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) (Launched 2020): Promotes scientific beekeeping to achieve the “Sweet Revolution” under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) (Launched 2020): Provides medium- to long-term debt financing for post-harvest infrastructure and community farming assets.
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Offers loans up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest, with a 3% subvention for prompt repayment, and 4% interest for livestock and fisheries.
- Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Promotes holistic growth of horticulture crops like fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Impact of the Ministry
The MoA&FW has significantly transformed India’s agricultural landscape:
- Increased Production: Food grain production rose from 308.65 million tonnes in January 2022 to 315.72 million tonnes by December 2022. Horticulture production increased from 331.05 million tonnes (2020-21) to 342.33 million tonnes (2021-22).
- Farmer Income Support: PM-KISAN has disbursed over ₹2.8 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers, enhancing their financial stability.
- Financial Inclusion: Over 15 crore KCCs have been issued, providing affordable credit to farmers, with special concessions for livestock and fisheries.
- Export Growth: Agricultural and allied commodity exports surged in 2022, driven by policies promoting market access and FPOs.
- Irrigation and Water Efficiency: PMKSY’s PDMC scheme has expanded micro-irrigation to over 70 lakh hectares, improving water-use efficiency.
- Climate Resilience: Promotion of climate-resilient crops like heat-tolerant wheat and flood-resistant rice mitigates climate change impacts.
- Mechanization: ₹5,490.82 crore allocated from 2014-15 to March 2022 for agricultural mechanization, reducing drudgery and enhancing productivity.
- Farmer Empowerment: FPOs have enabled small farmers to access larger markets, shared resources, and better price realization.
- Soil Health Management: Over 22 crore Soil Health Cards issued by 2023, guiding farmers on optimal fertilizer use.
- Global Recognition: India’s agricultural policies under MoA&FW are recognized for their role in achieving food self-sufficiency post-Green Revolution.
Challenges and Future Scope
Despite its achievements, the ministry faces challenges:
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods disrupt farming, especially in regions like Bundelkhand and Assam.
- Operational Inefficiencies: FPOs face issues like inadequate funding, weak mobilization, and lack of training in governance and market linkages.
- Financial Literacy: Limited awareness among farmers about financial products hinders scheme adoption.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Last-mile connectivity and storage facilities need improvement.
The future scope includes:
- Expanding digital agriculture through platforms like Farm Machinery Online and Krishi Megh.
- Scaling up climate-resilient crop research and sustainable practices.
- Strengthening FPOs with better funding and training.
- Enhancing global market linkages to boost exports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Q1: When was the Ministry of Agriculture renamed as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare?
A1: The Ministry of Agriculture was renamed as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on August 15, 2015.
Q2: What are the three main departments under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare?
A2: The three main departments are the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, and the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Q3: What is the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme?
A3: The primary objective of PM-KISAN is to provide direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families to supplement their financial needs.
Q4: Which scheme provides crop insurance cover to farmers in India?
A4: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides comprehensive crop insurance cover to farmers.
Q5: What is the main aim of the e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)?
A5: The main aim of e-NAM is to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities by networking existing APMC mandis, enabling farmers to get better price realization.
Q6: What is the significance of the “Per Drop More Crop” component under PMKSY?
A6: “Per Drop More Crop” emphasizes efficient water use through micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation to maximize crop output with minimal water.
Q7: Which department under the Ministry is responsible for agricultural research?
A7: The Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), primarily through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is responsible for agricultural research.
Q8: What is the purpose of the Soil Health Card Scheme?
A8: The purpose is to provide farmers with a report on the nutrient status of their soil and recommendations for appropriate fertilizer use, promoting balanced nutrient management.
Q9: What is the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF)?
A9: AIF is a medium-to-long-term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
Q10: How does the Ministry address natural calamities affecting farmers?
A10: The Ministry implements schemes like PMFBY for crop insurance and also coordinates disaster relief and rehabilitation measures for farmers affected by natural calamities.
Top 10 MCQs with Detailed Solutions
MCQ 1
Question: When was the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare first established?
A) 1947
B) 1871
C) 1971
D) 2015
Answer: B) 1871
Solution: The ministry was established in June 1871 as the Department of Revenue, Agriculture, and Commerce during British rule. It was renamed post-independence and became the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in 2015.
MCQ 2
Question: What is the primary vision of the MoA&FW?
A) Promote industrial growth
B) Ensure food security and double farmers’ income
C) Enhance urban development
D) Improve healthcare access
Answer: B) Ensure food security and double farmers’ income
Solution: The ministry’s vision is to transform agriculture into a sustainable, profitable sector, ensuring food security and doubling farmers’ income through modern practices and schemes.
MCQ 3
Question: Which scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to small and marginal farmers?
A) PMFBY
B) PMKSY
C) PM-KISAN
D) Soil Health Card Scheme
Answer: C) PM-KISAN
Solution: Launched on February 24, 2019, PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 per year in three instalments to support small and marginal farmers’ financial needs.
MCQ 4
Question: What is the premium rate for Kharif crops under PMFBY?
A) 1.5%
B) 2%
C) 5%
D) 7%
Answer: B) 2%
Solution: Under PMFBY, farmers pay a flat premium of 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops.
MCQ 5
Question: What is the goal of the FPO scheme launched in 2020?
A) Promote 5,000 FPOs by 2025
B) Promote 10,000 FPOs by 2027
C) Promote 15,000 FPOs by 2030
D) Promote 20,000 FPOs by 2035
Answer: B) Promote 10,000 FPOs by 2027
Solution: The scheme aims to form and promote 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations by 2027 with a budget of ₹6,865 crore to enhance farmers’ market access and bargaining power.
MCQ 6
Question: Which scheme promotes micro-irrigation under PMKSY?
A) Soil Health Card Scheme
B) Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
C) NBHM
D) AIF
Answer: B) Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
Solution: PDMC, launched in 2015 under PMKSY, promotes drip and sprinkler irrigation to improve water-use efficiency.
MCQ 7
Question: What was the food grain production in India as per the 4th advance estimates of 2022?
A) 308.65 million tonnes
B) 315.72 million tonnes
C) 331.05 million tonnes
D) 342.33 million tonnes
Answer: B) 315.72 million tonnes
Solution: As per the 4th advance estimates, food grain production increased to 315.72 million tonnes in December 2022 from 308.65 million tonnes in January 2022.
MCQ 8
Question: Which platform supports data recovery for ICAR?
A) Farm Machinery Online
B) Krishi Megh
C) Jan Dhan Darshak
D) BHIM
Answer: B) Krishi Megh
Solution: Krishi Megh is a cloud-based data recovery center for ICAR, set up at the National Academy of Agricultural Research and Management, Hyderabad.
MCQ 9
Question: What is the interest rate for KCC loans up to ₹3 lakh?
A) 4%
B) 7%
C) 9%
D) 12%
Answer: B) 7%
Solution: KCC offers loans up to ₹3 lakh at 7% per annum, with an additional 3% subvention for prompt repayment within one year.
MCQ 10
Question: When was the ministry renamed as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare?
A) 1947
B) 1971
C) 2007
D) 2015
Answer: D) 2015
Solution: The ministry was renamed the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on August 15, 2015, to emphasize farmers’ welfare.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has been instrumental in transforming India’s agricultural sector since its inception in 1871. Through innovative schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and PMKSY, it has enhanced productivity, ensured financial inclusion, and promoted sustainable practices. With a vision to double farmers’ income and achieve food security, the ministry continues to address challenges like climate change and infrastructure gaps while fostering technological advancements and global competitiveness. For more information, visit the official website: www.agriwelfare.gov.in
