Question

Which of the following statements about agricultural subsidies in India during 1950--1990 are correct?
• [(A)] Subsidies encouraged farmers to adopt new technology.
• [(B)] Benefits mainly went to farmers in prosperous regions.
• [(C)] Removing subsidies would increase inequality.
• [(D)] Poor farmers cannot afford inputs without subsidies.

• A. A, B, D only
• B. A, B, C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C, D only

Hint:

Agricultural subsidies helped increase production during the Green Revolution, but their benefits were often unevenly distributed among regions and farmers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Agricultural subsidies are financial supports provided by the government to farmers in order to:
• Reduce the cost of agricultural inputs
• Encourage modern farming techniques
• Increase agricultural productivity
• Support weaker sections of farmers In India, subsidies became important especially after the Green Revolution period.

Step 1: Analyzing Statement (A).}
Subsidies on fertilizers, electricity, irrigation, and seeds reduced production costs and encouraged farmers to adopt:
• HYV seeds
• Chemical fertilizers
• Modern irrigation methods Hence, Statement (A) is correct.

Step 2: Analyzing Statement (B).}
The major benefits of subsidies were often received by farmers in prosperous agricultural regions such as:
• Punjab
• Haryana
• Western Uttar Pradesh These regions had better irrigation and infrastructure facilities. Therefore, Statement (B) is correct.

Step 3: Analyzing Statement (C).}
If subsidies are removed:
• Small and marginal farmers may suffer heavily.
• Rich farmers can still afford expensive inputs.
• Economic inequality among farmers may increase. Thus, Statement (C) is also correct.

Step 4: Analyzing Statement (D).}
Poor farmers generally depend on subsidies to purchase:
• Fertilizers
• Seeds
• Electricity
• Irrigation facilities Without subsidies, many of them cannot afford these agricultural inputs. Hence, Statement (D) is correct.

Step 5: Selecting the correct option.}
Since all four statements are correct, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{A, B, C and D}} \]