Which one of the following best describes the concept of 'Small Farmer Large Field'?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations
The 'Small Farmer Large Field' (SFLF) model is a participatory collective action approach where small and marginal farmers with contiguous land holdings voluntarily form groups to collectively perform key agricultural operations like land preparation, sowing, irrigation, and harvesting. This farmer-led model helps overcome the limitations of fragmented land holdings by achieving economies of scale in input procurement and output marketing, while individual farmers retain ownership of their land. The model was adapted from Vietnam's successful 'Large Field' approach and has been piloted in states like Odisha to address challenges faced by marginal farmers.
Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1 describes a refugee resettlement and rehabilitation program with collective farming, not the SFLF model.
• Option 3 describes corporate farming where farmers surrender land to a corporate body for a fixed term—this involves loss of operational control, unlike SFLF.
• Option 4 describes contract farming where a company provides inputs and technical support to farmers who produce specific crops for the company's requirements—this is company-driven, whereas SFLF is farmer-driven and focuses on collective operations rather than specific crop contracts.
📝 Short Notes: Small Farmer Large Field (SFLF) Model
- Origin: Adapted from the 'Large Field' model successfully implemented in Vietnam
- Objective: To help small and marginal farmers overcome constraints of land fragmentation, low bargaining power, and lack of economies of scale
- Key Feature: Farmers with contiguous land holdings voluntarily organize into groups to synchronize selected agricultural operations
- Ownership: Individual farmers retain complete ownership of their land—only operations are collectively performed
- Operations Synchronized: Land preparation, sowing, irrigation, plant protection, harvesting, and marketing
- Benefits: Economies of scale in input purchase, better bargaining power, reduced cost of cultivation, improved productivity, and better market access
- Implementation in India: Piloted in Odisha and other states as part of initiatives to support marginal farmers
- Nature: Farmer-led participatory model, not corporate-driven or contract farming
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