Importance of Farmers : Role, Importance, and Conditions

India is a country of farmers. About 70 to 80 percent of the population is still directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture, That is why a great country like India is known as an agricultural country in the world. 

Farmer is an important part of our life, Indian farmer fulfills the basic needs of 125 crore people in the country. Farmers are most important in terms of the development of the nation. Farmers are the backbone of our country and society, on whose strength our economy stands.

Importance of Farmers

Role of Farmers

The role of farmers is as mentioned below:

1. Food production: Farmers are responsible for producing the vast majority of the world’s food supply. They grow crops, raise livestock, and produce other food products.
2. Environmental stewardship: Farmers manage large tracts of land. their practices have a significant impact on the environment. Sustainable farming practices help to conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect biodiversity.
3. Economic development: Farming is a major contributor to the economy both in terms of employment and output. In many developing countries, agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the majority of the population.
4. Rural development: Farming is often the backbone of rural communities. Farmers play a key role in maintaining vibrant and thriving rural areas.

Importance of Farmers

The importance of farmers is as given below:

Contribution to GDP

Farmers play a significant role in contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India. Agriculture contributes about 14% to India’s GDP. This share was as high as 51% in 1950–55. But it is gradually decreasing with the progress and development of the country. 

Since independence, the agriculture sector has been a major contributor to the country’s gross domestic product. In the fiscal year 1950–1951, agriculture and other related activities accounted for 59% of the country’s total GDP in that fiscal year. Although the agriculture sector has been steadily declining, it is still one of the most important sectors in the Indian economy. On the other hand, in developed countries like UK and USA, the agriculture sector contributes only about 3% of the total GDP of the country.

Attention to Growing Population

The farmer provides food for the country’s 1.25 billion population, Agriculture is the only option for arranging food for this population. Therefore, for the supply of food grains to this population of the country, it can be completed only by growing intensive agricultural practices, climate and soil-friendly crops and their species. This problem can be solved by growing different types of crops like paddy, wheat, maize, Jowar, pulses, oilseeds, etc.

Source of National Income

Along with the increase in the income of the farmers through crop production, various taxes related to agricultural production such as revenue tax, irrigation tax, production tax, etc. generate income for the state and central government. Apart from this, the nation receives a large amount of foreign exchange from the export of some crops such as tobacco, jute, tea, sugar, coffee, etc. to foreign countries. The maximum share of India’s income is obtained from agriculture and its related business only.

Raw Material Supply

The major industries of India get the raw material from agriculture only. Cotton, jute, textile industry, sugar, vegetable and plantation industries, etc. are directly dependent on agriculture. Many small and cottage industries like handloom, weaving, oil extraction, rice pounding, etc. also get the raw materials from someone.

Main source of livelihood

About 72.8% of the total population of our country still lives in the village itself and earns its livelihood directly or indirectly from agriculture or its related agriculture industry for its sustenance. In the year 1950-51, India’s About 69.5% of the working population was engaged in agriculture and allied sectors.

Conditions of Farmers in India

The conditions of farmers in India are as given below:

• According to the Economic Survey 2019-20, the mechanization of agriculture in India is 40 percent, which is much lower than Brazil’s 75 percent and America’s 95 percent. Due to this, there is a decrease in agricultural productivity.
• It is essential to have good seeds for a good crop. But due to the lack of a proper distribution system, these expensive and good seeds are not accessible to small farmers. Due to this, the quality of their crop is affected.
• Farmers often sell goods through brokers, mandis, and commodity communication, who often buy their crops from them at unfair prices. Hence the farmers do not get the right price for their crops.
• Most of the farmers are not able to take advantage of the government’s schemes related to agriculture due to a lack of education.

Conclusion

Farmers play an important role in the economy of India as they are the producers of food and raw materials for various industries.

However, farmers face several challenges that hinder their productivity, profitability, and quality of life. But addressing these challenges will help farmers improve their livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural development in India.

FAQs on the Importance of Farmers

What are the 3 types of farming?

The 3 types of farming include dairy farming, commercial farming, and plantation farming.

What is the importance of Indian farmers?

The importance of farmers is that they are the driving force of the country and every citizen of the country is dependent on the agricultural production produced by the farmers.

What are the 3 reasons why agriculture is important?

• Agriculture is the main source of raw materials.
• Agriculture is important for International Trade.
• Agriculture provides employment to a huge number of people.