to realise its true potential. Ø Diversification towards new areas such as livestock, fisheries and other non-agricultural activities is necessary not only to reduce the risk from agriculture sector but also to provide productive sustainable livelihood options to our rural people. Ø The importance of organic farming as an environmentally sustainable production process is on a rise and needs to be promoted. EXERCISES .
Critically evaluate the role of the rural banking system in the process of rural development in India. . What do you mean by agricultural marketing? .
Mention some obstacles that hinder the mechanism of agricultural marketing. . What are the alternative channels available for agricultural marketing? Give some examples.
. Distinguish between ‘Green Revolution’ and ‘Golden Revolution’. . Do you think various measures taken by the government to improve agricultural marketing are sufficient?
Discuss. . Explain the role of non-farm employment in promoting rural diversification. .
Bring out the importance of animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture as a source of diversification. . ‘Information technology plays a very significant role in achieving sustainable development and food security’ — comment. .
What is organic farming and how does it promote sustainable development? . Identify the benefits and limitations of organic farming. .
Enlist some problems faced by farmers during the initial years of organic farming. A CHARYA , S.S. . Agricultural Marketing, State of the Indian Farmer, a Millennium Study .
Academic Foundation, New Delhi. A LAGH , Y.K. . State of the Indian Farmer, a Millennium Study — an Overview.
Academic Foundation, New Delhi. C HAWLA , N.K., M.P.G. K URUP and V. P.
S HARMA . . Animal Husbandry, State of the Indian Farmer, a Millennium Study. Academic Foundation, New Delhi.
D EHADRAI , P.V. and Y.S. Y ADAV . .
Fisheries Development, State of the Indian Farmer, a Millennium Study. Academic Foundation, New Delhi. J ALAN , B IMAL . (Ed.).
. The Indian Economy: Problems and Perspectives. Penguin Publication, New Delhi. REFERENCES N ARAYANAN , S.
. Organic Farming in India. NABARD Occasional Paper No: , Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,