Among the structural changes linked to farmers' suicides is the withdrawal of the State from agricultural extension activities. By whom has the State been replaced?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Multinational seed and fertiliser companies
Option (1) Village cooperative societies — Incorrect. Village cooperative societies are farmer-run bodies for credit and marketing. Extension work left by the State went to private seed and fertiliser companies.
Option (2) Panchayati Raj institutions — Incorrect. Panchayati Raj institutions are elected bodies of local self-government in villages. Advice on seeds and methods passed to company agents after the State withdrew.
Option (3) Multinational seed and fertiliser companies — Correct. Agricultural extension means advising farmers on new seeds and ways of cultivation. When the State withdrew from this work, multinational seed and fertiliser companies took its place, and their agents push their own products.
Option (4) Non-governmental organisations — Incorrect. Non-governmental organisations are voluntary groups working for social causes. The gap left by the State was filled by private companies selling farm inputs.
NCERT (2026-27): “4.6 Globalisation, Liberalisation, and Rural Society … |