What are the alternative channels available for agricultural marketing? Give some examples.
The small and marginal farmers, selling their product through the middlemen, were exploited by these middlemen. The farmers were not given appropriate price for their product. In this context; there arose a need for an alternative marketing channel. Under this channel, the farmers can sell their product directly to the consumers that would fetch them comparatively higher price, thereby, attractive profits. Some of the examples of alternative agricultural marketing are Apni Mandi in states like Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, Hadapsar Mandi in Pune, Rythu Bazars in Andhra Pradesh, Uzhavar Sandies in Tamil Nadu. Another alternative channel for agricultural marketing is the contract of direct sales between the farmers and the national and international companies. These companies offer advance payments to the farmers for supplying products at pre-determined rates. These alternative agricultural channels raise farmer's income and simultaneously reduce price risk for the small and marginal farmers.
Explain the steps taken by the government in developing rural markets.
Distinguish between ‘Green Revolution’ and ‘Golden Revolution’.
Why is agricultural diversification essential for sustainable livelihoods?
Bring out the importance of animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture as a source of diversification.
Discuss the importance of credit in rural development.
Explain the role of micro-credit in meeting credit requirements of the poor.
Critically evaluate the role of the rural banking system in the process of rural development in India.
What is organic farming and how does it promote sustainable development?
What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.
Explain the role of non-farm employment in promoting rural diversification.
What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
What are the two major sources of human capital in a country?
Define a plan?
Who is a worker?
Explain the term ‘infrastructure’.
What is meant by environment?
Why are regional and economic groupings formed?
Why were reforms introduced in India?
Why calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
What happens when the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of their regeneration?
Explain how the opportunity costs of negative environmental impact are high.
The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Who is a casual wage labourer?
How can we increase the effectiveness of health care programmes?
Explain the relevance of intergenerational equity in the definition of sustainable development.
Keeping in view your locality, describe any four strategies of sustainable development.
In your view, is it essential for the government to regulate the fee structure in education and health care institutions? If so, why?
You are residing in a village. If you are asked to advice the village panchayat, what kinds of activities would you suggest for the improvement of your village which would also generate employment.
How will you know whether a worker is working in the informal sector?