GS PrelimsAgricultureInnovations in Agriculture2023
Which one of the following best describes the concept of 'Small Farmer Large Field'?
A
Resettlement of a large number of people, uprooted from their countries due to war, by giving them a large cultivable land which they cultivate collectively and share the produce
B
Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations
C
Many marginal farmers in an area together make a contract with a corporate body and surrender their land to the corporate body for a fixed term for which the corporate body makes a payment of agreed amount to the farmers
D
A company extends loans, technical knowledge and material inputs to a number of small farmers in an area so that they produce the agricultural commodity required by the company for its manufacturing process and commercial production
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The concept of 'Small Farmer Large Field' (SFLF) refers to a model where marginal and small farmers in a contiguous area pool their land holdings together for the purpose of cultivation.
2. While they retain ownership of their individual plots, they organize themselves into groups to synchronize and harmonize key agricultural operations like land preparation, sowing, and harvesting.
3. This allows them to achieve economies of scale, improve efficiency, adopt better technology, and enhance bargaining power, effectively functioning as a 'large field'.
4. Option (A) describes collective farming by refugees, which is different.
5. Option (C) describes a form of land leasing or contract farming where farmers surrender their land.
6. Option (D) describes an outgrower scheme or contract farming focused on input provision and commodity procurement by a company.
7. Option (B) most accurately captures the essence of the SFLF concept.