11 NCERT CBSE Rural Development
Theme Analysis
Main ThemeRural Development in India: Challenges, Strategies, and Sustainable Practices
Subject CategoryEconomics
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions cover the definition and importance of rural development, the evolution and challenges of rural credit and marketing systems, the necessity and forms of diversification in rural livelihoods including animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, and IT, and the principles, benefits, and limitations of organic farming for sustainable development. A mix of difficulty levels and Bloom's taxonomy is applied, focusing on conceptual understanding and application rather than mere recall.
Which of the following best describes the comprehensive nature of rural development according to the text?
Hint: Think about the broad scope of rural development as defined in the text, beyond just one sector.
Answer
Rural development is a comprehensive term focusing on action for the development of areas that are lagging behind in the overall development of the village economy.
Explanation
The text states that rural development is a comprehensive term, essentially focusing on action for the development of areas that are lagging behind in the overall development of the village economy. This includes various aspects like human resources, land reforms, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation, not just agriculture or infrastructure alone.
According to the text, what did Mahatma Gandhi emphasize as the real progress of India?
Hint: Recall the quote from Mahatma Gandhi mentioned at the beginning of the chapter regarding India's true progress.
Answer
Mahatma Gandhi once said that the real progress of India did not mean simply the growth and expansion of industrial urban centers but mainly the development of the villages.
Explanation
The text explicitly quotes Mahatma Gandhi stating that 'the real progress of India did not mean simply the growth and expansion of industrial urban centres but mainly the development of the villages,' highlighting the foundational importance of rural development.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a challenging area needing fresh initiatives for development in rural India?
Hint: Review the bullet points detailing the challenging areas in rural India that require development initiatives.
Answer
The text lists development of human resources, land reforms, development of productive resources, infrastructure development, and special measures for poverty alleviation as challenging areas. Enhancement of military infrastructure is not mentioned in this context.
Explanation
The document explicitly lists human resource development (literacy, health), land reforms, productive resource development, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation as key challenging areas for rural development. Military infrastructure is not mentioned as a focus area for rural development initiatives in the text.
Why did farmers at the time of independence often fall into a 'debt-trap'?
Hint: Consider the challenges faced by farmers in accessing credit sources before major reforms.
Answer
At the time of independence, moneylenders and traders exploited small and marginal farmers and landless labourers by lending to them on high interest rates and by manipulating the accounts to keep them in a debt-trap.
Explanation
The text clearly states that 'At the time of independence, moneylenders and traders exploited small and marginal farmers and landless labourers by lending to them on high interest rates and by manipulating the accounts to keep them in a debt-trap.' This highlights the predatory practices that led to indebtedness.
What significant change occurred in India's rural credit system after 1969?
Hint: Focus on the shift in banking policy and approach mentioned after 1969.
Answer
A major change occurred after 1969 when India adopted social banking and multi-agency approach to adequately meet the needs of rural credit.
Explanation
The text identifies 1969 as a pivotal year when 'India adopted social banking and multi-agency approach to adequately meet the needs of rural credit,' marking a significant shift from the exploitative practices of private moneylenders.
Which organization was set up in 1982 as an apex body to coordinate rural financing systems?
Hint: Recall the specific national institution established in 1982 for coordinating rural finance.
Answer
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was set up in 1982 as an apex body to coordinate the activities of all institutions involved in the rural financing system.
Explanation
The text explicitly states that 'the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was set up in 1982 as an apex body to coordinate the activities of all institutions involved in the rural financing system,' making it a central player in rural credit.
How did the Green Revolution impact the rural credit system?
Hint: Consider the new focus or direction the Green Revolution brought to rural lending practices.
Answer
The Green Revolution was a harbinger of major changes in the credit system as it led to the diversification of the portfolio of rural credit towards production-oriented lending.
Explanation
The Green Revolution 'was a harbinger of major changes in the credit system as it led to the diversification of the portfolio of rural credit towards production-oriented lending,' indicating a shift towards financing inputs for higher agricultural output.
What primary role do Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play in the rural credit system, particularly for the poor?
Hint: Think about how SHGs overcome the limitations of the formal credit system for the rural poor.
Answer
SHGs promote thrift in small proportions by a minimum contribution from each member. From the pooled money, credit is given to the needy members to be repayable in small instalments at reasonable interest rates. This addresses the gap where collateral is required by formal credit systems.
Explanation
The text explains that SHGs emerged to 'fill the gap in the formal credit system because the formal credit delivery mechanism has not only proven inadequate but has also not been fully integrated into the overall rural social and community development.' They promote thrift and provide credit to members without requiring collateral, which is crucial for poor rural households.
How does the Jan-Dhan Yojana contribute to rural development, according to the text?
Hint: Consider the stated benefits of widespread bank account ownership in rural areas.
Answer
The Jan-Dhan Yojana encourages adults to open bank accounts, which has led to more than 50 crore people opening accounts, indirectly promoting thrift habits and efficient allocation of financial resources particularly in rural areas.
Explanation
The text mentions that Jan-Dhan Yojana has led to 'more than 50 crore people opening bank accounts; indirectly it has promoted thrift habit and efficient allocation of financial resources particularly in rural areas,' contributing to financial inclusion and stability in rural areas.
Which of the following processes is NOT typically included in the definition of agricultural marketing?
Hint: Recall the components of agricultural marketing as defined in the text.
Answer
Agricultural marketing is a process that involves the assembling, storage, processing, transportation, packaging, grading and distribution of different agricultural commodities across the country. Manufacturing of heavy industrial machinery is outside this scope.
Explanation
The text defines agricultural marketing as 'a process that involves the assembling, storage, processing, transportation, packaging, grading and distribution of different agricultural commodities across the country.' Manufacturing heavy industrial machinery is unrelated to this process.
What was a significant problem faced by farmers when selling their produce to traders prior to independence?
Hint: Think about the dishonest practices farmers encountered before government intervention.
Answer
Prior to independence, farmers, while selling their produce to traders, suffered from faulty weighing and manipulation of accounts.
Explanation
The text explicitly states that 'Prior to independence, farmers, while selling their produce to traders, suffered from faulty weighing and manipulation of accounts.' This exploitation was a major challenge for farmers.
Why did government intervention become necessary to regulate agricultural markets?
Hint: Consider the problems faced by farmers in the unregulated market that necessitated government action.
Answer
Government intervention became necessary to regulate the activities of the private traders due to problems like faulty weighing, manipulation of accounts, farmers being forced to sell at low prices, and lack of proper storage facilities.
Explanation
The text highlights that farmers suffered from 'faulty weighing and manipulation of accounts' and 'were often forced to sell at low prices' due to lack of information and storage. Therefore, 'government intervention became necessary to regulate the activities of the private traders' to address these issues.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four measures initiated by the government to improve agricultural marketing?
Hint: Recall the specific government initiatives outlined for improving agricultural marketing.
Answer
The four measures discussed are regulation of markets, provision of physical infrastructure, cooperative marketing, and policy instruments like MSP, buffer stocks, and PDS. Mandatory conversion of land to industrial zones is not mentioned.
Explanation
The text discusses four key measures: regulation of markets, provision of physical infrastructure, cooperative marketing, and policy instruments (MSP, buffer stocks, PDS). Mandatory conversion of agricultural land to industrial zones is not listed as an agricultural marketing improvement measure.
What is cited as testimony to the role of cooperatives in realizing fair prices for farmers' products?
Hint: Look for a specific example of successful cooperative ventures mentioned in the text.
Answer
The success of milk cooperatives in transforming the social and economic landscape of Gujarat and some other parts of the country is testimony to the role of cooperatives.
Explanation
The text highlights 'The success of milk cooperatives in transforming the social and economic landscape of Gujarat and some other parts of the country' as strong evidence of the positive role cooperatives play in ensuring fair prices for farmers.
Which of the following is a policy instrument aimed at protecting farmers' income and providing food grains at subsidized rates to the poor?
Hint: Recall the specific government policies designed to support farmers and ensure food security.
Answer
Policy instruments like (i) assurance of minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural products (ii) maintenance of buffer stocks of wheat and rice by Food Corporation of India and (iii) distribution of food grains and sugar through PDS are aimed at protecting the income of the farmers and providing foodgrains at a subsidised rate to the poor.
Explanation
The text explicitly lists 'assurance of minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural products' as one of the policy instruments aimed at 'protecting the income of the farmers and providing foodgrains at a subsidised rate to the poor.'
What is the primary benefit for farmers who sell their produce through emerging alternate marketing channels like 'Rythu Bazars' or 'Uzhavar Sandies'?
Hint: Consider the direct relationship between farmers and consumers in these channels.
Answer
It has been realised that if farmers directly sell their produce to consumers, it increases their incomes.
Explanation
The text states that 'if farmers directly sell their produce to consumers, it increases their incomes,' which is the main advantage of alternate marketing channels like 'Rythu Bazars' and 'Uzhavar Sandies.'
Why is diversification into new productive activities necessary for rural people?
Hint: Think about the vulnerabilities of relying solely on agriculture and what diversification aims to achieve.
Answer
Diversification towards new areas is necessary not only to reduce the risk from agriculture sector but also to provide productive sustainable livelihood options to rural people.
Explanation
The text clearly states that 'Diversification towards new areas is necessary not only to reduce the risk from agriculture sector but also to provide productive sustainable livelihood options to rural people,' especially considering the overcrowding and seasonal nature of agricultural employment.
Diversification in productive activities includes which two main aspects?
Hint: Recall the dual nature of diversification as explained in the text.
Answer
Diversification includes two aspects - one relates to change in cropping pattern and the other relates to a shift of workforce from agriculture to other allied activities (livestock, poultry, fisheries etc.) and non-agriculture sector.
Explanation
The text defines diversification as encompassing 'two aspects - one relates to change in cropping pattern and the other relates to a shift of workforce from agriculture to other allied activities (livestock, poultry, fisheries etc.) and non-agriculture sector.'
Which of the following non-farm sub-sectors is identified as having 'dynamic linkages that permit healthy growth'?
Hint: Distinguish between the 'dynamic' and 'subsistence' categories of non-farm economy.
Answer
The dynamic sub-sectors include agro-processing industries, food processing industries, leather industry, tourism, etc.
Explanation
The text categorizes non-farm sub-sectors, stating that 'The dynamic sub-sectors include agro-processing industries, food processing industries, leather industry, tourism, etc.,' which possess dynamic linkages for healthy growth.
What is 'Operation Flood' primarily associated with in India?
Hint: Recall the specific program mentioned for improving the dairy sector.
Answer
The impressive performance of the Indian dairy sector is mainly attributed to the successful implementation of 'Operation Flood,' a system for pooling, processing, and marketing milk through cooperatives.
Explanation
The text states that the impressive performance of the Indian dairy sector over the last three decades 'can be attributed mainly to the successful implementation of 'Operation Flood',' which involves a system for pooling, processing, and marketing milk through cooperatives.
What proportion of India's total fish production value comes from inland sources, according to the text?
Hint: Look for the specific percentages given for inland versus marine fish production.
Answer
Presently, fish production from inland sources contributes about 75 per cent to the total value of fish production and the balance 25 per cent comes from the marine sector.
Explanation
The text specifies that 'Presently, fish production from inland sources contributes about 75 per cent to the total value of fish production and the balance 25 per cent comes from the marine sector (sea and oceans).'
Which of the following is NOT listed as a major problem faced by the fishing community in India?
Hint: Review the specific socio-economic challenges identified for the fishing community.
Answer
The text lists rampant underemployment, low per capita earnings, absence of mobility of labour to other sectors, and a high rate of illiteracy and indebtedness as major problems. High rates of literacy and advanced education are not a problem but a desirable outcome.
Explanation
The text clearly states that 'Rampant underemployment, low per capita earnings, absence of mobility of labour to other sectors and a high rate of illiteracy and indebtedness are some of the major problems fishing community face today.' High rates of literacy would be a solution, not a problem.
What is India's global position in producing fruits and vegetables?
Hint: Recall the specific ranking mentioned for India in fruit and vegetable production.
Answer
India has emerged as a world leader in producing a variety of fruits like mangoes, bananas, coconuts, cashew nuts and a number of spices and is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables.
Explanation
The text highlights India's strong performance in horticulture, stating it 'has emerged as a world leader in producing a variety of fruits... and is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables.'
How can Information Technology (IT) play a critical role in achieving sustainable development and food security in rural areas?
Hint: Consider how information sharing through technology can benefit farmers and rural planning.
Answer
IT can disseminate information regarding emerging technologies and its applications, prices, weather and soil conditions for growing different crops etc., positively impacting the agriculture sector and helping predict food insecurity.
Explanation
The text explains that IT 'can disseminate information regarding emerging technologies and its applications, prices, weather and soil conditions for growing different crops etc.' and helps governments 'predict areas of food insecurity and vulnerability,' thus playing a critical role in sustainable development and food security.
What is the core principle of organic agriculture?
Hint: Recall the definition of organic agriculture provided in the text.
Answer
Organic agriculture is a whole system of farming that restores, maintains and enhances the ecological balance.
Explanation
The text defines organic agriculture as 'a whole system of farming that restores, maintains and enhances the ecological balance,' emphasizing its environmental sustainability.
Which of the following is a benefit of organic farming mentioned in the text?
Hint: Consider the economic advantages and input costs associated with organic farming.
Answer
Organic agriculture offers a means to substitute costlier agricultural inputs (such as HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides etc.) with locally produced organic inputs that are cheaper and thereby generate good returns on investment.
Explanation
One key benefit highlighted is that 'Organic agriculture offers a means to substitute costlier agricultural inputs (such as HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides etc.) with locally produced organic inputs that are cheaper and thereby generate good returns on investment.'
What is a significant limitation or challenge faced by farmers transitioning to organic farming, particularly in the initial years?
Hint: Think about the immediate impact on productivity when shifting from conventional to organic methods.
Answer
It has been observed that the yields from organic farming are less than modern agricultural farming in the initial years. This can make it difficult for small and marginal farmers to adapt to large-scale production.
Explanation
The text states, 'It has been observed that the yields from organic farming are less than modern agricultural farming in the initial years.' This initial dip in productivity is a challenge for farmers, especially small and marginal ones.
Based on the text, why is organic farming considered crucial for sustainable development?
Hint: Connect the environmental impact of conventional farming with the ecological benefits of organic farming.
Answer
Conventional agriculture relies heavily on chemical fertilisers and toxic pesticides etc., which enter the food supply, penetrate the water sources, harm the livestock, deplete the soil and devastate natural eco-systems. Organic farming, being eco-friendly, restores, maintains and enhances ecological balance, making it crucial for sustainable development.
Explanation
The text highlights the 'harmful effect of chemical-based fertilisers and pesticides on our health' and eco-systems from conventional agriculture. Organic farming, in contrast, is an 'eco-friendly' technology that 'restores, maintains and enhances the ecological balance,' directly contributing to sustainable development by mitigating these negative impacts.
What is identified as the major source of livelihood in the rural sector where the majority of the poor live?
Hint: Think about the primary economic activity in rural areas of India.
Answer
Agriculture is the major source of livelihood in the rural sector.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'Agriculture is the major source of livelihood in the rural sector,' underscoring its importance for the majority of the poor living in rural areas.
Scholars identify which of the following as a major reason for the deceleration of the agriculture sector's growth rate since 1991?
Hint: Consider the economic policy changes and their impact on government spending in agriculture after 1991.
Answer
Scholars identify decline in public investment since 1991 as the major reason for this.
Explanation
The text mentions that 'after the initiation of reforms, the growth rate of agriculture sector decelerated to about 3 per cent per annum during the 1991-2012,' and scholars 'identify decline in public investment since 1991 as the major reason for this.'
Why do farmers typically borrow from various sources, given the nature of agricultural production?
Hint: Think about the timing of agricultural cycles and when income is generated versus when expenses are incurred.
Answer
As the time of gestation period between crop sowing and realisation of income after production is quite long, farmers borrow from various sources to meet their initial investment on seeds, fertilisers, implements and other family expenses of marriage, death, religious ceremonies etc.
Explanation
The text explains, 'As the time of gestation period between crop sowing and realisation of income after production is quite long, farmers borrow from various sources to meet their initial investment on seeds, fertilisers, implements and other family expenses...'
Which of the following is NOT part of the institutional structure of rural banking today?
Hint: Recall the types of domestic banking institutions involved in rural credit.
Answer
The institutional structure of rural banking today consists of a set of multi-agency institutions, namely, commercial banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), cooperatives and land development banks. The IMF is an international financial institution, not part of the domestic rural banking structure.
Explanation
The text lists 'commercial banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), cooperatives and land development banks' as the institutional structure of rural banking. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization and not part of India's domestic rural banking structure.
Despite the expansion of the banking system, what specific issue plagues the rural banking sector, leading to its promotion taking a backseat after reforms?
Hint: Think about the sustainability challenges faced by rural banks regarding loan repayment.
Answer
Agriculture loan default rates have been chronically high. This, along with the failure of some formal institutions to develop a culture of deposit mobilisation and effective loan recovery, has caused the expansion and promotion of the rural banking sector to take a backseat.
Explanation
The text critically appraises rural banking, noting that 'Agriculture loan default rates have been chronically high.' This, along with other issues like failure to mobilize deposits and recover loans, led to the 'expansion and promotion of the rural banking sector has taken a backseat after reforms.'
Even today, what significant amount of agricultural produce is wasted due to lack of storage facilities?
Hint: Recall the specific statistic mentioned regarding post-harvest losses due to storage issues.
Answer
Even today, more than 10 per cent of goods produced in farms are wasted due to lack of storage.
Explanation
The text points out a continuing problem: 'Do you know that even today, more than 10 per cent of goods produced in farms are wasted due to lack of storage?'
Despite government regulation of markets, what challenge still exists in fully realizing the potential of rural markets?
Hint: Consider the gap that remains in market infrastructure despite existing regulations.
Answer
However, there is still a need to develop about 27,000 rural periodic markets as regulated market places to realise the full potential of rural markets.
Explanation
While market regulation has benefited farmers and consumers, the text notes, 'However, there is still a need to develop about 27,000 rural periodic markets as regulated market places to realise the full potential of rural markets,' indicating an ongoing infrastructure gap.
Which of the following physical infrastructure facilities is crucial for improving agricultural marketing but is currently inadequate?
Hint: Think about the essential facilities needed for efficient movement and preservation of agricultural goods.
Answer
Second component is provision of physical infrastructure facilities like roads, railways, warehouses, godowns, cold storages and processing units. The current infrastructure facilities are quite inadequate to meet the growing demand and need to be improved.
Explanation
The text identifies 'physical infrastructure facilities like roads, railways, warehouses, godowns, cold storages and processing units' as crucial, noting that 'The current infrastructure facilities are quite inadequate to meet the growing demand and need to be improved.'
Despite government intervention, what continues to predominate agricultural markets, necessitating further government involvement?
Hint: Consider who still holds significant power in agricultural trade despite government efforts.
Answer
However, despite government intervention, private trade (by moneylenders, rural political elites, big merchants and rich farmers) predominates agricultural markets. The need for government intervention is imminent particularly when a large share of agricultural products, is handled by the private sector.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'However, despite government intervention, private trade (by moneylenders, rural political elites, big merchants and rich farmers) predominates agricultural markets. The need for government intervention is imminent particularly when a large share of agricultural products, is handled by the private sector.'
Which traditional home-based industries are identified as having potential but seriously lacking infrastructure and other support?
Hint: Recall the specific examples of traditional, home-based industries mentioned in the context of non-farm employment challenges.
Answer
Those sectors which have the potential but seriously lack infrastructure and other support include traditional home-based industries like pottery, crafts, handlooms etc.
Explanation
The text distinguishes between dynamic and subsistence non-farm sub-sectors, placing 'traditional home-based industries like pottery, crafts, handlooms etc.' in the category that 'have the potential but seriously lack infrastructure and other support.'
How does livestock production primarily contribute to income and food security for farming communities?
Hint: Think about the multiple benefits livestock offers to mixed crop-livestock farming systems.
Answer
Livestock production provides increased stability in income, food security, transport, fuel and nutrition for the family without disrupting other food-producing activities.
Explanation
The text highlights that 'Livestock production provides increased stability in income, food security, transport, fuel and nutrition for the family without disrupting other food-producing activities,' making it a vital component of mixed farming systems.
According to Chart 5.1 (referenced in the text), which category accounts for the largest share of livestock in India?
Hint: Refer to the information provided about the distribution of livestock in Chart 5.1.
Answer
Chart 5.1 shows the distribution of livestock in India. Poultry accounts for the largest share with 61 per cent followed by others.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'Chart 5.1 shows the distribution of livestock in India. Poultry accounts for the largest share with 61 per cent followed by others.'
In recent times, what trend is observed regarding women's employment in rural areas?
Hint: Consider the evolving roles of rural women in the labor force.
Answer
Majority of rural women find employment in agriculture while men generally look for non-farm employment. In recent times, women have also begun looking for non-farm jobs.
Explanation
The text notes a shift: 'Majority of rural women find employment in agriculture while men generally look for non-farm employment. In recent times, women have also begun looking for non-farm jobs,' indicating a diversification of their employment aspirations.
To enhance sustainable livelihood options through livestock production, what two key improvements are suggested?
Hint: Think about how to improve both the animals themselves and the support systems for their rearing.
Answer
It requires improved technology and promotion of good breeds of animals to enhance productivity. Improved veterinary care and credit facilities to small and marginal farmers and landless labourers would enhance sustainable livelihood options through livestock production.
Explanation
The text suggests, 'It requires improved technology and promotion of good breeds of animals to enhance productivity. Improved veterinary care and credit facilities to small and marginal farmers and landless labourers would enhance sustainable livelihood options through livestock production.'
What is the approximate contribution of the horticulture sector to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?
Hint: Recall the specific percentage mentioned for horticulture's contribution to GDP.
Answer
Horticulture sector contributes nearly one-third of the value of agriculture output and six per cent of Gross Domestic Product of India.
Explanation
The text clearly states, 'Horticulture sector contributes nearly one-third of the value of agriculture output and six per cent of Gross Domestic Product of India.'
Which of the following is identified as a highly remunerative employment option for women in rural areas within the horticulture sector?
Hint: Look for specific horticulture-related activities mentioned as beneficial for women's employment.
Answer
Flower harvesting, nursery maintenance, hybrid seed production and tissue culture, propagation of fruits and flowers and food processing are highly remunerative employment options for women in rural areas.
Explanation
The text specifies that 'Flower harvesting, nursery maintenance, hybrid seed production and tissue culture, propagation of fruits and flowers and food processing are highly remunerative employment options for women in rural areas' within the horticulture sector.
How can governments use IT to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a food security emergency?
Hint: Think about the analytical and predictive capabilities of IT in relation to resource management.
Answer
Governments can predict areas of food insecurity and vulnerability using appropriate information and software tools so that action can be taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of an emergency.
Explanation
The text states that 'Governments can predict areas of food insecurity and vulnerability using appropriate information and software tools so that action can be taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of an emergency,' showcasing IT's role in proactive food security management.
What is a major environmental concern associated with conventional agriculture, as described in the text?
Hint: Consider the negative impacts of chemical inputs on the environment and living organisms.
Answer
Conventional agriculture relies heavily on chemical fertilisers and toxic pesticides etc., which enter the food supply, penetrate the water sources, harm the livestock, deplete the soil and devastate natural eco-systems.
Explanation
The text explicitly details the 'harmful effect of chemical-based fertilisers and pesticides' in conventional agriculture, explaining how they 'enter the food supply, penetrate the water sources, harm the livestock, deplete the soil and devastate natural eco-systems.'
What trend is observed globally regarding the demand for organically grown food?
Hint: Think about the global consumer preference mentioned in relation to organic products.
Answer
There is an increasing demand for organically grown food to enhance food safety throughout the world.
Explanation
The text notes, 'There is an increasing demand for organically grown food to enhance food safety throughout the world,' indicating a global trend towards healthier food choices.
Why might India find organic farming an attractive proposition in terms of labor?
Hint: Consider India's large rural population and the labor intensity of organic methods.
Answer
Since organic farming requires more labour input than conventional farming, India will find organic farming an attractive proposition.
Explanation
The text states, 'Since organic farming requires more labour input than conventional farming, India will find organic farming an attractive proposition,' implying a benefit in a country with a large agricultural workforce.
What are major concerns that need to be addressed to popularize organic farming?
Hint: Think about the practical difficulties in adopting and selling organic products.
Answer
Popularising organic farming requires awareness and willingness on the part of farmers to adapt to new technology. Inadequate infrastructure and the problem of marketing the products are major concerns which need to be addressed apart from an appropriate agriculture policy to promote organic farming.
Explanation
The text identifies 'Inadequate infrastructure and the problem of marketing the products' as 'major concerns which need to be addressed' for popularizing organic farming, alongside farmer awareness and appropriate policy.
According to the conclusion, what is essential for rural areas to become more vibrant and realize their full potential?
Hint: Consider the multi-faceted approach suggested for making rural areas dynamic and profitable.
Answer
There is a greater need today to make rural areas more vibrant through diversification into dairying, poultry, fisheries, vegetables and fruits and linking up the rural production centres with the urban and foreign (export) markets to realise higher returns on the investments for the products. Moreover, infrastructure elements like credit and marketing, farmer-friendly agricultural policies and a constant appraisal and dialogue between farmers’ groups and state agricultural departments are essential to realise the full potential of the sector.
Explanation
The conclusion emphasizes 'diversification into dairying, poultry, fisheries, vegetables and fruits and linking up the rural production centres with the urban and foreign (export) markets' along with 'infrastructure elements like credit and marketing, farmer-friendly agricultural policies and a constant appraisal and dialogue' as essential for rural vibrancy and potential realization.
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