Question 1 of 14intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer3 marks

What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.

Correct Answer

Rural development is a comprehensive term which essentially means a plan of action for the development of rural areas which are lagging behind in socio-economic development. It focuses on action for the development of areas that are lagging behind in the overall development of the village economy.

The key issues in rural development include the need for improving the quantity and quality of infrastructure in rural areas such as banking, marketing, storage, transport, and communications. Another major issue is diversification towards new areas like livestock, fisheries, and other non-agricultural activities to reduce the risk from the agriculture sector and provide productive sustainable livelihood options.

Additionally, the promotion of organic farming as an environmentally sustainable production process is a key issue. There is also a need to link rural production centres with urban and foreign markets to realise higher returns on investments.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 1 | (Page 15)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The answer is derived from Section 5.2 and the 'Recap' section of the provided text. The definition is explicitly stated in the text as a 'comprehensive term' focusing on areas lagging in 'socio-economic development'. The key issues are identified from the 'Recap' and 'Conclusion' sections, which list infrastructure development, diversification of activities (livestock, fisheries), and organic farming as critical areas requiring fresh initiatives.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Define rural development using the 'Recap' and Section 5.2 (comprehensive term, plan of action for areas lagging in socio-economic development).

  2. Step 2: Identify key issues from the 'Recap' section: Infrastructure (banking, marketing, storage, transport) and Diversification (livestock, fisheries, non-agricultural activities).

  3. Step 3: Include additional issues from the text such as organic farming and market linkages (from the Conclusion and Recap).

  4. Step 4: Format into 2-3 paragraphs within the word limit (80-120 words) and bold key terms.

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