The correct answer is: B) Small and marginal landholdings.
According to the 2011 Census of India, 76.2% of farmers in Madhya Pradesh had landholdings of less than 2 hectares. This is significantly higher than the national average of 66.7%. The high proportion of small and marginal farmers in Madhya Pradesh is due to a number of factors, including the state’s relatively low level of economic development, its large rural population, and the prevalence of traditional land tenure systems.
Small and marginal farmers are often at a disadvantage compared to larger farmers. They have less land to cultivate, which means they are less able to take advantage of economies of scale. They also have less access to credit and other resources, which can make it difficult for them to invest in their farms and improve their productivity. As a result, small and marginal farmers are often more vulnerable to economic shocks, such as droughts and floods.
The government of Madhya Pradesh has taken a number of steps to address the problems faced by small and marginal farmers. These include providing them with access to credit, land, and other resources, as well as training and support services. However, more needs to be done to help these farmers improve their livelihoods and reduce their vulnerability to poverty.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- A) Large landholdings: This option is incorrect because the majority of farmers in Madhya Pradesh have small and marginal landholdings.
- B) Small and marginal landholdings: This option is correct because the majority of farmers in Madhya Pradesh have small and marginal landholdings.
- C) Medium-sized landholdings: This option is incorrect because the majority of farmers in Madhya Pradesh have small and marginal landholdings.
- D) No land ownership: This option is incorrect because the majority of farmers in Madhya Pradesh do own land.