This question was fairly attempted by the candidates. In 10(a) (i and ii), many candidates were able to
state the meaning of agricultural extension and state the demerits of cooperative societies.
However, in IO(b) (i and ii), majority of the candidates could.
Not discuss the effects of rural-urban
migration on agriculture and suggest ways by which the problems of rural-urban migration could be
solved.
The expected answers include:
Effects of rural-urban migration on agriculture:
General rural labor shortage
Rural-urban migration has depleted the workforce in the rural areas
Able-bodied young men and women migrate to the cities in search of white collar jobs
High labor cost
Rural-urban migration has resulted in high cost of labor due to shortage of labor
the few available labor demand high wages because of shortage of labor
Poor quality of labor
The few farm labor available is old and easily fatigued, resulting in reduced and poor quality
output
Due to migration of tile able-bodied, the old ones left behind are too weak to work efficiently on
farms.
Decline in agricultural production
Decline in productivity leading to food insecurity
Poor adoption of agricultural innovation
Adoption of agricultural innovation decreases with age which is the case in the rural areas.
Decrease in Gross Domestic Product
There is decrease in export crop production and hence a decrease in the contribution of
agriculture to the gross domestic product COOP).
Poor Rural Development
Agricultural productivity falls leading to decrease in income levels of rural folks. As a result,
there is poor rural development.
Poor marketing of agricultural produce
Ageing and aged farmers find it difficult to cart produce from the farms to the marketing centres
and are therefore forced to sell at cheap prices at the farm gate.
Ways by which the problems of rural-urban migration could be solved
Provision of electricity in the rural areas.
Provision of health centres in the rural areas.
Provision of pipe-borne water in the rural areas.
Farm mechanization/tractor/equipment hiring units.
Better remuneration for farm labour.
Provision of good roads in the rural areas.
Provision of recreational facilities in rural areas.
Provision of markets.
172 Provision of storage facilities.
Guaranteed minimum prices for farm produce should be introduced.
Provision of agricultural subsidy.
Provision of agricultural credit facilities.
Provision of irrigation facilities.
Provision of processing facilities.
Establishment of farm settlement schemes.
Provision of extension services.
Provision of schools for the farmers' children