question_answer

Explain the problems faced by a small farmer with only 1 hectare of land do his farming.                                                                (5)  

Answer:

A farmer with 1 hectare of land will produce barely enough for the survival of his family. He needs to buy seeds and fertilizers, for which he needs loans at high interest rates from large farmers, traders or moneylenders. These loans may also require him to work in the lender's fields. He works on his land with his family members. The output depends upon the availability of water for irrigation, or if not available, on rainfall, which is uncertain and erratic. To meet family expenses and repay loans, he and his family members have to also work as farm labourers. After harvest, there is no surplus left, as he uses the produce for his needs or for repaying his lenders.