Impact of Globalization on Indian Farmers

What was the main reason for the massive farmers' protests in India in 2020?

• A new law that farmers believed would harm their livelihoods and food security.

• A severe drought that destroyed their crops.

• A lack of access to modern farming equipment.

• High prices for their produce in the market.

What was identified as the primary cause of the large number of farmer suicides in India between 1995 and 2010?

• Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.

• The inability to escape insurmountable debt.

• Lack of government support for agricultural research.

• Poor health conditions and lack of medical care.

After India took loans from international financial institutions in the 1990s, what change did the government encourage farmers to make regarding their crops?

• To grow more food crops for their own use.

• To switch from traditional farming methods to organic farming.

• To shift from growing food crops to cash crops for profit.

• To reduce the overall amount of land used for farming.

What was a consequence of India liberalizing its agriculture and opening it to the global market?

• Increased government subsidies for small farmers.

• Reduced competition for Indian cotton farmers.

• Deepened existing inequalities and forced small farmers into debt.

• A decrease in the overall production of cotton.

What was a significant problem faced by small-town farmers in India after adopting BT cotton seeds?

• They received too much rain, which damaged the crops.

• They struggled to pay back high-interest loans due to monsoon failure.

• The seeds were too expensive and not available in local markets.

• Agribusinesses provided too much support, making farmers dependent.

Which of the following is an argument made by supporters of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

• GMOs reduce the need for irrigation in all crops.

• GMOs decrease global agricultural productivity.

• GMOs can help meet demand and keep up with population growth.

• GMOs increase environmental destruction from chemical fertilizers.

How did the introduction of genetically modified seeds change the ownership and distribution of seeds?

• It allowed small businesses to own and distribute more seed varieties.

• It shifted control from government research stations to individual farmers.

• It led to multinational seed companies controlling who can buy and sell seeds.

• It made all traditional seed-saving practices legal worldwide.

What was an uneven consequence of India opening up its economy, particularly for farmers?

• All farmers equally benefited from new foreign markets.

• Farmers with large amounts of capital fared better, while poor farmers faced massive debt and land loss.

• The government provided equal support to all farmers, preventing debt.

• Urban areas saw a decrease in population as people moved to rural farms.