UPSC Mains 2019 · GS II · Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words

What are the methods used by the farmers’ organisations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods ?

हिन्दी में

भारत में नीति-निर्माताओं को प्रभावित करने के लिए किसान संगठनों द्वारा क्या-क्या तरीके अपनाए जाते हैं और वे तरीके कितने प्रभावी हैं ?

Pressure Groups and Associations

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “To what extent have farmer associations been successful in influencing public policies and governance in the country?”

Sapna Chandel146 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

India has over 50% population relying on agriculture & allied activities. Policies that favour their growth have been advocated by farmer associations.

eg:- Farm bills issue

Body · points

Role of farmer association & public policies

  1. Put forward the demands via means of protests or delegations.

eg:- Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

  1. Acted as pressure groups as farmers are important vote banks.

eg:- Opposition siding with farmers during farm bill.

  1. Greater bargaining power via organizing into farmer producer organisations.

eg- Implementation of e-NAM.

  1. The successful ventures like Amul, Ananda are result of successful association of farmers.

But there are certain issues

i) Party politics → and not understanding of real development needs.

(eg → MSP gradual removal & introduction of technology)

ii) Agriculture being state subject also limits cooperation & efficacy.

Close · a way forward

This calls for reviving spirit of cooperative federalism using the CSO (farmers) to develop policies.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper II, Q3. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.