In this backdrop, NCEUS has recommended a special package for small and marginal farmers in form of FDRC. For formation of debt-relief commissions, it has asked central government to provide guidelines and assistance to specific states. Further, central government could extend relief package to state commissions on 75:25 basis. These state commissions would examine and institute measures to ensure institutional credit to small and marginal farmers.

The panel has also recommended a special programme that will include preparation of a blueprint for the development of marginal and small farmers. This plan will assess the numbers of such farmers, document the problems faced by them and suggest locally relevant development strategies, sensitive to the growing feminisation of the workforce and set quantitative targets. Emphasis will be on convergence of the small and marginal farmers’ requirements with all existing programmes.

The wretched of the earth

29.5 per cent Marginal farmers out of total number of farmers in India

15.8 per cent Small farmers out of total number of farmers

50 per cent Contribution of small and marginal farmers to total value of national crop output

Land holding

Year Small, marginal farmers

1960-61 61 per cent

2002-03 80 per cent

What is their curse?

• Imperfect markets for inputs/products leading to smaller value realisations

• Absence of access to credit markets

• Poor human resource base

• Poorer access to public goods such as public irrigation and electricity grids

... contd.