As the government scaled down its agricultural development programmes…

As the government scaled down its agricultural development programmes, who replaced agricultural extension agents in the villages?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Agents of seed, fertiliser and pesticide companies

Option (1) Traders and commission agents of grain markets — Incorrect. Traders and commission agents buy and sell produce in grain markets. Their work is trade in produce, which has nothing to do with advising farmers on seeds and methods.

Option (2) Agents of seed, fertiliser and pesticide companies — Correct. Agricultural extension agents were government workers who advised farmers on new methods. As the state scaled down its programmes, agents of seed, fertiliser and pesticide companies took their place.

Option (3) Field staff of non-governmental organisations — Incorrect. Field staff of non-governmental organisations had no part in this change. It came with globalisation, as multinationals entered as sellers of farm inputs.

Option (4) Staff of cooperative credit societies — Incorrect. Cooperative credit societies give loans to farmers. Their work is lending money, which has nothing to do with advising farmers on new methods.

NCERT (2026-27): “4.6 Globalisation, Liberalisation, and Rural Society …
Another, and more widespread aspect of the globalisation of agriculture is the entry of multinationals into this sector as sellers of agricultural inputs such as seeds, pesticides and fertilisers. Over the last decade or so, the government has scaled down its agricultural development programmes, and ‘agricultural extension’ agents have been replaced in the villages by agents of seed, fertiliser and pesticide companies. These agents are often the sole source of information for farmers about new seeds or cultivation practices, and of course they have an interest in selling their products. This has led to the increased dependence of farmers on expensive fertilisers and pesticides, which has reduced their profits, put many farmers into debt, and also created an ecological crisis in rural areas.”

As the government scaled down its agricultural development programmes, who replaced agricultural extension agents in the villages?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Agents of seed, fertiliser and pesticide companies