Ajeet Kumar
The agriculture sector contributes to just 15 percent of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but over 50 percent of the population is still dependent on it.
The farm sector, including forestry and fishing, grew by 3.2 percent in the quarter ending September, as compared o 3.8 percent in previous quarter and 4.7 percent in 2013-14. For the entire financial year, it was 1.4 percent.
With the Modi regime preparing to table the Budget 2015, serious concerns have been raised regarding the agriculture sector. While various credit rating agencies are questioning government's stand over the minimum support prices (MSP), pro-farmers groups have indulged in keeping pressure for a rise in MSP.
Beside MSP, there are other concerns too, which directly affect both the health of the farmers and consumers simultaneously-- food security, procurement and subsidies among them.
It is widely expected by the farmers that government should provide easy loan facility to farmers at a cheaper rate or without interest if they require loan for agriculture purpose.
Also, imparting knowledge to farmers regarding the latest farming technology & fertilizer will add to the total agriculture sector output. Adding to that the government can take some additional measures to ensure the farmers get a good price for their cultivated product.
