a) Major Challenges Facing the Indian Agrarian Economy
The Indian agrarian economy, which sustains more than half of the population, faces numerous structural and institutional challenges. Despite being the backbone of rural livelihoods, agriculture in India suffers from stagnation, low productivity, and increasing distress among farmers.
1. Land Fragmentation
With increasing population pressure, landholdings have become smaller and more fragmented, making it difficult for farmers to adopt modern farming techniques or achieve economies of scale.
2. Low Productivity
Compared to global standards, India’s agricultural productivity remains low due to poor seed quality, outdated farming practices, and insufficient irrigation.
3. Dependence on Monsoons
A significant portion of Indian agriculture is rain-fed, which makes it vulnerable to climate variability and droughts.
4. Inadequate Credit and Insurance
Small and marginal farmers often lack access to institutional credit and are forced to rely on informal sources with high interest rates. Crop insurance penetration is also low.
5. Market Access and Price Fluctuations
Farmers face challenges in accessing fair markets. The lack of proper storage, transportation, and market infrastructure leads to post-harvest losses and exploitation by middlemen.
6. Rising Input Costs
The costs of fertilizers, seeds, and labor have increased, putting pressure on already narrow profit margins. This leads to indebtedness and, in extreme cases, farmer suicides.
7. Policy Uncertainty
Frequent changes in government policies related to procurement, subsidies, and exports add to the uncertainty and discourage investment in agriculture.
b) Gandhi’s Concept of Machine
Gandhi had a unique perspective on machinery and industrialization. He did not reject all machines but criticized the misuse of machines that led to unemployment, exploitation, and social inequality.
1. Ethical Use of Machinery
Gandhi believed that machines should not be used to replace human labor but to reduce drudgery and improve the quality of life. He supported tools that empower, not exploit.
2. Decentralization Over Mass Production
Instead of large-scale industrialization, Gandhi advocated for decentralized production through village industries and appropriate technology.
3. Impact on Employment
Gandhi feared that mindless mechanization would create joblessness, particularly in a country like India where labor was abundant. He promoted manual labor and the dignity of work.
4. Machines as Servants, Not Masters
Gandhi famously said, “What I object to is the craze for machinery, not machinery as such.” Machines should serve human values, not control them.
5. Example – The Charkha
Gandhi promoted the spinning wheel (Charkha) as a symbol of self-reliance. It was a simple machine that provided employment, encouraged local production, and became a tool of resistance against British rule.
6. Relevance Today
Gandhi’s views are increasingly relevant in the era of climate change, unemployment, and automation. His emphasis on sustainable, human-centered technology aligns with modern goals of inclusive and green development.
Conclusion
While the Indian agrarian economy continues to face serious challenges, revisiting Gandhian principles like self-reliance, decentralization, and ethical use of technology can offer pathways for sustainable rural development and economic justice.