Correct Option: B. Provide social infrastructure Explanation of the Correct Answer: To understand why providing social infrastructure is the best option to reduce rural-urban migration, we need to consider what social infrastructure entails and how it impacts rural communities.

1. Definition of Social Infrastructure: Social infrastructure refers to the facilities and services that support the quality of life in a community. This includes schools, healthcare facilities, transportation systems, sanitation, and recreational areas. When these services are available and accessible in rural areas, they improve the living conditions and overall well-being of the residents.
2. Impact on Rural Communities: When social infrastructure is developed in rural areas, it addresses some of the key reasons why people migrate to urban areas. Many individuals leave their rural homes in search of better education, healthcare, and job opportunities. By improving these services in rural areas, the government can make living in these regions more attractive.
3. Quality of Life: Enhanced social infrastructure leads to a better quality of life. For instance, if a rural area has good schools, families are more likely to stay because they can provide their children with a quality education without needing to move to a city. Similarly, access to healthcare can reduce the fear of illness and improve overall community health, making rural living more appealing.
4. Economic Opportunities: Social infrastructure can also stimulate local economies. For example, better transportation can facilitate the movement of goods and services, making it easier for farmers to sell their products. This can lead to job creation and economic growth, which can further reduce the incentive to migrate to urban areas.

Why the Other Options Are Weaker:

• A. Establish commodity boards: While commodity boards can help stabilize prices and support farmers, they do not directly address the social needs of rural communities. They focus more on economic aspects rather than improving living conditions, which is crucial for reducing migration.
• C. Establish tractor-hiring units: This option may improve agricultural productivity by providing farmers with access to machinery. However, it does not address the broader social infrastructure needs such as education, healthcare, and transportation. Without these essential services, farmers may still seek better opportunities in urban areas.
• D. Provide extension services to farmers: Extension services are important for educating farmers about best practices and improving agricultural yields. However, like the previous options, they focus primarily on agricultural productivity rather than the overall quality of life in rural areas. Without adequate social infrastructure, even well-informed farmers may still choose to migrate for better living conditions.

Summary of Key Points:

• Social infrastructure improves living conditions and quality of life in rural areas, making them more attractive to residents.
• Education and healthcare are critical services that, when improved, can reduce the need for migration to urban areas.
• Economic opportunities created by better infrastructure can lead to job creation and community growth.
• Other options focus on economic or agricultural improvements but do not address the essential social needs that influence migration decisions.

By focusing on social infrastructure, the government can create a more sustainable and appealing rural environment, ultimately reducing the trend of rural-urban migration.