Can one grow one's own food? One may ask when leaving farmers in the cold! No! Any school student, will tell how working in factories earns many times more than agriculture. In the story पूस की रात the farmer says शहर जा के मजूरी करेंगे in the conclusion, when he falls asleep while his crop gets grazed by grazing bovines. What sadness Modi showing about what happened on the Republic day? Image management. Who is in power and control? https://www.dailypioneer.com/2024/columnists/addressing-the-complexity-of-land-use.html Farmers often face unfair market practices, including receiving low prices for their crops and delayed payments. These multifaceted challenges culminate in a tragic reality - the distressing issue of farmer suicides. Driven by crippling debt, crop failures, and difficulties in securing a sustainable livelihood, many small and marginal farmers are pushed to the brink of despair. This sombre consequence casts a long shadow on the future of Indian agriculture, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and empathetic solutions that address not just the economic aspects but also the social and emotional well-being of the farmers who are the backbone of the nation’s food security. While initiatives like the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana and PM-KISAN Yojana offer crucial financial support to the farmers, they fail to address the fundamental issue of farming being non-remunerative. A market-driven approach, guided by demand and supply, is often proposed and was reflected in the Centre’s response to the pandemic-induced economic crisis. However, the pandemic has also challenged previous notions about the agricultural economy and exposed vulnerabilities in supply chain-dependent food security. Given the complexity and diversity of these challenges, it’s clear that a holistic and integrated approach is essential for sustainable land management. However, the current strategies are plagued by sector-specific focus, decentralised decision-making, outdated data, and unclear land records, often leading to conflicting land uses and unsustainable practices. We need to prioritise both economic growth and environmental sustainability while ensuring social equity. The key to sustainable land management lies in open discussions and collective decision-making among a diverse group of stakeholders. To realise this vision, it’s essential to empower all stakeholders, with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. In this context, building a comprehensive Land Information System becomes vital, especially for small landholders. Farmers often face challenges in decision-making due to the lack of comprehensive land records, particularly during land transactions. Establishing systems that provide crucial data, such as soil conditions, water availability, past crop yields and pricing trends can enhance their decision-making capabilities. Addressing land rights issues and empowering marginalised communities are also crucial for societal robustness and equity. It’s equally important that land acquisition strategies balance the need for public projects with the provision of adequate compensation and rehabilitation support for displaced individuals. Efficiency and effectiveness in land management can also be significantly improved by streamlining regulations, eliminating redundancies, and enhancing data accessibility and transparency. It’s also important to cultivate environmental consciousness, promote climate-smart strategies, and encourage forward-thinking in land use planning. Protecting resource-rich areas, particularly Eco-Sensitive Zones must be prioritised. Establishing clear boundaries and integrating these areas into land use planning will ensure their continued bounty and ecological significance. Enforcing sensible restrictions on the acquisition and conversion of arable lands is fundamental, given their significant role in food security and sustaining agricultural communities. With these comprehensive strategies and mindful practices in place, we can begin to address the multifaceted challenges of land management. This sets the stage for India to navigate its complex land use challenges and secure a future where development and environmental preservation flourish in harmony.
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