The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The structure of the agrarian economy in India, specifically the distribution of operational landholdings among different categories of farmers (Marginal, Small, Medium, and Large). This distribution is characterized by significant inequality.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct.
The farmers are broadly classified based on landholding size. Small and Marginal farmers (owning less than 2 hectares) constitute the vast majority (historically cited as approx. 80%, though recent Agricultural Census data places this higher at ~86%). Consequently, Medium and Large farmers constitute the remaining minority, roughly estimated at 20%. This group represents the wealthier segment of the farming community. - Statement 2 is Incorrect.
Land distribution in India is inversely related to the population of farmers. While Medium and Large farmers are few in number (approx. 15–20%), they control a major portion of the total cultivated land area (often exceeding 45–50%). It is the Small and Marginal farmers who, despite their large numbers, cultivate only a fraction of the total land. - Statement 3 is Incorrect.
There is no legal prohibition preventing farmers from engaging in non-farm businesses. On the contrary, large farmers often utilize their surplus capital to engage in non-farm activities such as money lending, transportation, agro-processing, and small-scale manufacturing to supplement their income.
Key Takeaway:
The structure of Indian agriculture is defined by inequitable land distribution: a small minority of large/medium farmers control a large share of the land, while the majority of small/marginal farmers operate on small, fragmented plots.