• Source:JND
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting the interim budget on February 1. This will be the last budget of the Modi government ahead of high-stakes Lok Sabha polls slated to happen in the next few months. With huge expectations from across the sectors, addressing agrarian distress will indeed be a big challenge for the government. 

The nation witnessed an unprecedented protest by farmers demanding a rollback of farm laws. The contentious laws were, however, taken back by the government but farmers continued their struggle over a plethora of issues, including MSP and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report. Besides, the government's promise to double the income of farmers by 2023 suffered a big jolt after things on the ground didn't seem to be materialising in the way promised.

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Challenges and expectations of agrarian sector:

The biggest challenge the farmers face today is a disparity in expenditure and earnings. The cost of fertilizers and pesticides has significantly increased in the last few years. The output often gets hit owing to harsh weather conditions and pests which are retentive towards pesticides and withstand their effect. Thus, the condition is rife when the amount spent for a crop often exceeds the amount farmers get by selling it.

Farmers usually do not get the due amount of their crop damaged due to some natural calamity. However, there are several crop insurance schemes but the surveys are often dubious and the amount assigned against damage doesn't even match with the expenditure. Thus, the farmers have been demanding proper assessment and increased compensation.

Most of the farmers in India do not have access to modern techniques which could be cost-effective and can save time. Marginal farmers still use traditional methods of cultivation. Moreover, they are not very aware of the government schemes that could help them in this regard. Hence, the forthcoming budget requires making provisions so that the schemes can reach overlooked farmers.  

Kisan credit card is the most important refuge of the farmers during times of calamities or when they urgently require funds for other reasons. The procurement process must be made more smooth and effective. However, farmers are also demanding a waiver of interest on KCC.

The MSP has been a much-discussed term in the last few years. Farmers have long been demanding a law that would ensure a minimum support price for their crops. Farmers, however, get MSP for their crops but the amount is usually less than what the government assigns for the respective crop. Thus, the farmers are expecting a strong commitment from the government on this issue.

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Farmers usually depend on conventional crops and avoid the risk of exploring. The entrepreneurial approach could help farmers grow and earn much above their expectations. Farmers have their apprehensions which are quite valid but significant opportunities could be explored in this regard if the government helps.