Budget Must Address the Needs of Small Farmers

India prepares to unveil its Budget 2025; there is a growing need to ensure that the interests of small and marginal farmers are at the forefront of agricultural policymaking.

- SAIN DASS

Agriculture remains the backbone of India's economy, contributing approximately 18 percent to GDP and providing employment to more than half the population.

Beyond economic output, the sector is integral to the nation's food and nutrition security, rural development, and socio-economic stability. India is among the world's leading producers of food grains, horticultural crops, dairy products, and spices. Despite these achievements, the vast majority of Indian farmers continue to face challenges that hinder their growth and prosperity.

The agricultural landscape in India is dominated by small and marginal farmers, who constitute around 85 percent of the farming community. These farmers, owning less than two hectares of land, are responsible for a significant portion of the country's agricultural output. However, their limited resources, lack of access to modern technology, and inadequate knowledge about government policies often leave them struggling to sustain their livelihoods. The upcoming budget must address their concerns and ensure that they benefit from various government agricultural policies.

Small and marginal farmers encounter numerous obstacles that prevent them from fully benefiting from government schemes and policies. While the government has introduced various programs to support the farming community, the benefits often disproportionately favor larger farmers who have better access to information and resources. Some key challenges faced by small farmers include:

Limited Access to Information: Many small farmers are unaware of government schemes and modern agricultural practices due to their limited education and lack of connectivity to extension services.

Inadequate Financial Support: Although various financial schemes exist, big farmers are mostly the ones taking all the benefits, and small farmers often struggle to access credit from formal institutions.