Agriculture & Allied Sectors in India
Foundation of food security, rural livelihoods, and inclusive growth.
Cropping Seasons
Kharif Season
Monsoon-dependent crops; productivity closely linked to South-West monsoon performance.
Rabi Season
Winter crops; depend on irrigation and western disturbances.
Zaid Season
Short-duration summer crops requiring assured irrigation.
MSP Mechanism
Price assurance mechanism to protect farmers from market volatility.
Cost Breakdown
Structural Issues
Small & Fragmented Holdings
Average holding ~1.08 ha; limits mechanisation.
Monsoon Dependence
High vulnerability to climate variability.
Low Farmer Income
High input costs, weak market linkages.
APMC & Market Distortions
Intermediaries, cartelisation, limited competition.
Climate Change
Heat stress, erratic rainfall, pest outbreaks.
Key Schemes
PM-KISAN
Direct income support of ₹6,000/year to eligible farmers.
Central Sector SchemePM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Crop insurance against yield losses due to natural calamities.
Low farmer premium, actuarial rates paid by govte-NAM
Digital integration of APMC mandis for better price discovery.
One Nation, One MarketNatural Farming Mission
Promotion of chemical-free, low-input agriculture.
Sustainable agriculture push