2026 Declared Year of Farmers' Prosperity: Key Initiatives
2026 designated as year dedicated to farmers' prosperity, focusing on welfare.
Photo by Fajar Magsyar
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Economy - Agricultural sector, government policies
Links to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
Potential for questions on agricultural schemes, policies, and challenges
Visual Insights
Key Statistics for Farmers' Prosperity Year 2026
Highlights of key agricultural indicators and government initiatives for the year 2026, focusing on farmer income, sustainable practices, and market access.
- Average Farmer Income
- ₹18,500/month+8% since 2024
- Area Under Sustainable Agriculture
- 12.5 million hectares+15% since 2024
- Agricultural Credit Disbursement
- ₹22 lakh crore+10% since 2024
Increased farmer income is a key goal of the Year of Farmers' Prosperity. This reflects the impact of various government schemes and improved agricultural practices.
Expansion of sustainable agriculture reflects the government's focus on environmental conservation and long-term agricultural productivity.
Increased credit availability supports farmers in adopting modern technologies and expanding their operations.
More Information
Background
The emphasis on farmers' welfare in India has deep historical roots, tracing back to pre-independence agrarian movements. The colonial era witnessed widespread exploitation of farmers, leading to revolts like the Champaran Satyagraha and the Bardoli Satyagraha. Post-independence, land reforms aimed to redistribute land ownership and abolish intermediaries.
The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 70s significantly increased agricultural production but also raised concerns about environmental sustainability and regional disparities. Over the decades, various government policies and schemes, such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism and agricultural credit programs, have been implemented to support farmers. However, challenges like farmer distress, indebtedness, and climate change vulnerability persist, necessitating a renewed focus on farmers' prosperity.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on promoting sustainable agriculture and diversifying income sources for farmers. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) provide direct income support to small and marginal farmers. The government is also focusing on promoting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to enhance farmers' bargaining power and market access.
Furthermore, there is increasing attention on leveraging technology to improve agricultural practices, such as precision farming and digital agriculture. Looking ahead, the focus is likely to be on climate-resilient agriculture, value addition to agricultural produce, and promoting exports to enhance farmers' income and ensure long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in India: 1. FPOs are formed to enhance the collective bargaining power of small and marginal farmers. 2. They are primarily funded by NABARD and SIDBI. 3. FPOs can directly engage in export activities without any restrictions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as FPOs aim to empower small farmers. Statement 2 is incorrect as funding comes from various sources, not solely NABARD and SIDBI. Statement 3 is incorrect as export activities are subject to regulations.
2. With reference to agricultural credit in India, consider the following statements: 1. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are mandated to provide a certain percentage of their lending to the agricultural sector. 2. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme provides collateral-free loans to all farmers. 3. NABARD plays a crucial role in refinancing agricultural lending by commercial banks and RRBs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct as RRBs have a priority sector lending target for agriculture. Statement 2 is incorrect as KCC provides collateral-free loans up to a certain limit. Statement 3 is correct as NABARD provides refinancing support.
3. Which of the following initiatives is NOT directly aimed at enhancing farmers' income in India?
- A.Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
- B.Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- C.Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- D.Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Show Answer
Answer: C
While MGNREGA provides rural employment, it is not directly focused on enhancing farmers' income from agriculture. The other three schemes directly contribute to farmers' income or reduce risks associated with farming.