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Source<\/strong>: The post why are farmers protesting has been created, based on the article \u201cRethink<\/strong> the<\/strong> way<\/strong> we<\/strong> grow<\/strong> food<\/strong>\u201d published in \u201cBusiness<\/strong> Standard<\/strong>\u201d on 4th March 2024.<\/p>\n UPSC<\/strong> Syllabus<\/strong> Topic<\/strong>:<\/strong> GS Paper 3-economy-Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;<\/p>\n News<\/strong>: Why are farmers protesting?<\/strong> The article discusses the high costs and challenges in modern farming, both in Europe and India. It highlights issues like climate change, government policies, and the need for sustainable practices.<\/p>\n Protest in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n Demand for Higher MSP:<\/strong> Farmers want increased minimum support prices for their crops due to high production costs.<\/p>\n Lack of Subsidies:<\/strong> Unlike European farmers, Indian farmers receive minimal government support, impacting their profitability.<\/p>\n Climate Challenges:<\/strong> Erratic weather and pest attacks increase risks for farmers.<\/p>\n Protest in Europe:<\/strong><\/p>\n Climate Regulation Impact:<\/strong> European farmers face challenges with new climate rules, like reducing pesticides and fertilizers, which increase their costs.<\/p>\n Financial Burdens: <\/strong>Policies like reducing livestock numbers and cutting fossil fuel subsidies add to the financial stress of farmers in Europe.<\/p>\n Dependency on Subsidies:<\/strong> European agriculture heavily relies on government subsidies, such as the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. For example, each farmer received approximately \u20ac6,700 annually in 2021 as direct income support.<\/p>\n Farm consolidation: <\/strong>Farms have become larger, making it harder for small farmers to compete due to increased costs and bureaucracy.<\/p>\n Rising costs: <\/strong>Both small and large farms face high input costs and debt. Organic farming, covering 10% of EU land, increases cultivation costs.<\/p>\n Intensive agriculture: <\/strong>To improve productivity, there’s more use of chemicals and bio-inputs, leading to higher costs and environmental damage.<\/p>\n Price control dilemma: <\/strong>Governments need to control food prices, but this affects farmers’ income, especially when costs rise due to climate change and pests.<\/p>\n Lack of subsidies:<\/strong> In India, unlike Europe, farmers lack substantial government subsidies, making it hard to cope with increasing costs.<\/p>\n Environmental impact:<\/strong> Intensive farming practices compromise environmental protection efforts.<\/p>\n Conflict between productivity and affordability: <\/strong>Increasing productivity requires expensive inputs, but this isn’t sustainable in regions needing affordable food.<\/p>\n Promote Sustainable Practices: <\/strong>Shift towards regenerative or natural farming to reduce cultivation costs and improve environmental health.<\/p>\n Local Market Support:<\/strong> Implement policies like Odisha\u2019s millet procurement for midday meals to provide farmers with assured markets.<\/p>\n Balance Subsidies and Costs: <\/strong>Adjust subsidy systems to support farmers adequately, especially in regions like India where current support is minimal.<\/p>\n Manage Consumer Prices:<\/strong> Develop strategies to maintain affordable food prices while ensuring fair compensation for farmers.<\/p>\n Reduce Food Waste:<\/strong> Address the global issue of food wastage, ensuring efficient use of agricultural produce.<\/p>\n Enhance Environmental Policies:<\/strong> Integrate environmental standards with agricultural practices, focusing on long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhy are farmers protesting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What are the issues in modern farming?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What should be done?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Read More UPSC Topics-<\/strong><\/h2>\n