University of Mumbai 2008 M.A Economics Agricultural ( Part 1,) - Question Paper

Agricultural Economics, October 2008

(3 Hours)
Total Marks: 100
N.B.: 1) Q1 is compulsory
2) ans any three ques. from the remaining six
3) All ques. carry equal marks

1.Write short notes on any three of the following:
a.Measures government can take to combat hunger
b.Price responsiveness of Indian farmers
c.Objectives of agricultural price policy
d.Characteristics of informal rural credit markets
e.Determinants of wage rates in rural labour markets
f.Analysis of rural classes

2.List out the factors that affect demand for food.

3.How efficient are agricultural commodity markets in India?

4.….
a.Explain the behaviour of a rational farmer with respect to product-product relationship.
b.Distinguish ranging from 'risk' and 'uncertainty', and explain any 3 prominent measures to overcome them.

5.What are the main institutional and non-institutional sources of agricultural credit in India? Critically comment on their performance and relative importance in meeting the credit needs of farmers.

6.Answer any two of the following:
a.Briefly discuss Rudra's method of computation of labour surplus
b.Differentiate ranging from free and unfree labour. discuss the different forms of free labour relationships existing in India.
c.Time allocation studies

7.Answer any two of the following:
a.Legal restrictions and directives on India's land market
b.Terms and conditions of a tenancy contract
c.Mechanisms of land transfer
OR
Briefly examine the theoretical basis of Cheung's Theory of Share Tenancy.

Earning:   Approval pending.