Farm productivity can be raised in many ways. Which of the following is a source of human capital formation?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Training of farmers in new methods of farming
Human capital is built by investing in people: education, health, on-the-job training, migration and information. Training farmers raises their skill, so it forms human capital.
Option (1) Use of high yielding variety (HYV) seeds — Incorrect. HYV seeds are a physical input of the green revolution; they need fertiliser, pesticide and water.
Option (2) Reliable irrigation facilities — Incorrect. Irrigation is a physical facility, not a skill of the farmer.
Option (3) A higher minimum support price for crops — Incorrect. A higher price may raise farm income, but it adds nothing to farmers’ skills.
Option (4) Training of farmers in new methods of farming — Correct. Training raises the productivity of the farmer.
This question uses Human Capital Formation in India and Indian Economy 1950-1990 together.
NCERT (2026-27): “4.3 Sources of Human Capital Investment in education is considered as one of the main sources of human capital. There are several other sources as well. Investments in health, on-the-job training, migration and information are the other sources of human capital formation. …” Indian Economic Development, Indian Economy 1950-1990: “… The stagnation in agriculture during the colonial rule was permanently broken by the green revolution. This refers to the large increase in production of food grains resulting from the use of high yielding variety (HYV) seeds especially for wheat and rice. The use of these seeds required the use of fertiliser and pesticide in the correct quantities as well as regular supply of water; the application of these inputs in correct proportions is vital. The farmers who could benefit from HYV seeds required reliable irrigation facilities as well as the financial resources to purchase fertiliser and pesticide. …” |