Steps taken by the government to check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen:

1. Introduction:
The exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen has been a longstanding issue in India. To address this problem, the government has implemented various measures to safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure fair prices for their produce. Here are three steps taken by the government to check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen.

2. Introduction of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Acts:
The government has enacted Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Acts in different states to regulate the functioning of agricultural markets. These acts aim to create a transparent and competitive environment for farmers by eliminating the dominance of middlemen. Under these acts, APMCs are established, which serve as marketplaces for farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers. This helps in bypassing intermediaries and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their crops.

3. E-NAM (National Agriculture Market) Platform:
The government has launched the E-NAM platform, a pan-India electronic trading portal, to connect all APMCs and provide farmers with online access to national markets. This platform enables farmers to sell their produce to buyers from all over the country, eliminating the need for intermediaries. By providing a transparent and competitive marketplace, E-NAM helps in reducing exploitation and ensuring fair prices for farmers.

4. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for Subsidies:
The government has introduced Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for various agricultural subsidies to ensure that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, i.e., the farmers. Under this scheme, subsidies such as fertilizer subsidies, crop insurance premiums, and other financial assistance are directly transferred to the farmers' bank accounts. By eliminating middlemen and direct cash transfers, this step reduces the chances of siphoning off subsidies and ensures that farmers receive the full benefits they are entitled to.

5. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the government has taken several important steps to check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen. The introduction of APMC Acts, the implementation of the E-NAM platform, and the adoption of DBT for subsidies are some of the significant measures that aim to create a fair and transparent agricultural market for farmers. These steps not only protect the interests of farmers but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the agricultural sector in India.