AN EVALUATION OF GOVERNMENT SCHEMES FOR AGRICULTURAL MARKET STABILIZATION: A SURVEY-BASED STUDY

Agriculture forms the cornerstone of rural livelihoods in India, with a significant portion of the population dependent on farming for income and sustenance. Despite this, farmers often face the brunt of price volatility, supply chain bottlenecks, and market manipulation by intermediaries. In response, the Indian government has introduced multiple schemes, such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP), eNAM, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which are intended to stabilise agricultural markets and ensure fair pricing mechanisms. However, questions persist regarding the reach, accessibility, and real-world impact of these initiatives. This study investigates farmers awareness of these schemes, the extent of their participation, and the perceived outcomes, using primary data collected through a structured survey of 100 farmers in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. The research highlights a disparity between awareness and actual participation, suggesting systemic challenges in implementation, outreach, and support mechanisms. The paper concludes with evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving scheme efficacy, accessibility, and farmer inclusion.