Dry Farming in India: A Land of Challenges and Potential

Dry farming, cultivating crops with minimal rainfall, is a crucial practice in India. It encompasses a vast swathe of the country:

• North-western Rajasthan plateau: Arid region with very low rainfall.
• Central India plateau: Covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
• Rain shadow regions of the Deccan Plateau: Areas shielded by the Western Ghats from monsoon rains.
• Parts of the Ganga-Yamuna river basin: Despite the river, some areas here have insufficient rainfall.

Despite its prevalence, dry farming faces significant problems:

• Unpredictable rainfall: Droughts and erratic rainfall patterns threaten crop yields.
• Soil degradation: Erosion due to wind and water reduces soil fertility.
• Limited water resources: Groundwater depletion hinders supplemental irrigation.
• Low productivity: Traditional practices often lead to lower crop yields.

However, strategies exist to improve dry farming in India:

• Water conservation techniques: Practices like mulching and rainwater harvesting can maximize moisture retention.
• Drought-resistant crops: Choosing crops like millets, pulses, and certain oilseeds that thrive in low rainfall can improve yields.
• Soil health management: Techniques like crop rotation and organic matter addition can enhance soil fertility.
• Micro-irrigation: Drip irrigation systems can deliver water efficiently to plant roots.
• Technological advancements: Utilizing satellite data for weather forecasting and precision farming techniques can optimize resource use.

By implementing these strategies, India can transform dry farming from a subsistence practice to a more productive and sustainable agricultural system. This will ensure food security for millions and empower farmers in these regions.

India tackles food storage with a mix of traditional and modern techniques, aiming to reduce waste and ensure food security. Here’s a breakdown of some key strategies:

Traditional Techniques:

• Cover and Plinth (CAP) Method: This involves storing grains on raised platforms (plinths) with a protective cover to shield them from moisture, pests, and the elements.

• Airtight Containers: Used for grains, spices, and other dry goods, these containers prevent spoilage by limiting moisture and pests.

Modern Techniques:

• Silos: These tall, tower-like structures offer efficient, large-scale storage with less land usage compared to warehouses.

• Silo Bags: Made from airtight plastic tubes, these bags offer hermetic storage for grains, protecting them from pests, rain, and UV rays.

Government Initiatives:

• World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector: This ambitious plan aims to establish storage facilities at the village level through cooperative societies. This will increase storage capacity, empower farmers, and reduce transportation costs.

Focus on Improvement:

India is constantly looking to improve its food storage infrastructure. Here are some additional areas of focus:

• First-In, First-Out (FIFO) Method: Encouraging the use of older stock before new arrivals helps minimize waste.

• Cold Storage: Expanding access to refrigerated storage for perishables like fruits and vegetables is crucial.

• Upgradation of Transportation: Better roads and refrigerated vehicles can significantly reduce spoilage during transport.

By implementing a combination of these strategies, India is working towards a future with less food waste and a more secure food supply.

Judicial independence is the cornerstone of a fair and functioning democracy. Here’s why it matters:

• Upholds the Rule of Law: An independent judiciary ensures laws are applied impartially, without fear of favor or pressure from powerful individuals or the government. This protects citizens’ rights and guarantees everyone is treated equally under the law.

• Checks and Balances: In a system with separate branches of government, an independent judiciary acts as a check on the legislature and executive. If they overstep their authority, the courts can strike down laws or actions deemed unconstitutional.

• Public Trust: When people believe judges are impartial and make decisions based on law and evidence, they have faith in the justice system. This is crucial for a stable society where citizens feel their rights will be protected.

In short, judicial independence safeguards fairness, prevents abuse of power, and fosters public trust in the legal system – all essential ingredients of a healthy democracy.

Judicial independence is the cornerstone of a fair and functioning democracy. Here’s why it matters:

• Upholds the Rule of Law: An independent judiciary ensures laws are applied impartially, without fear of favor or pressure from powerful individuals or the government. This protects citizens’ rights and guarantees everyone is treated equally under the law.

• Checks and Balances: In a system with separate branches of government, an independent judiciary acts as a check on the legislature and executive. If they overstep their authority, the courts can strike down laws or actions deemed unconstitutional.

• Public Trust: When people believe judges are impartial and make decisions based on law and evidence, they have faith in the justice system. This is crucial for a stable society where citizens feel their rights will be protected.

In short, judicial independence safeguards fairness, prevents abuse of power, and fosters public trust in the legal system – all essential ingredients of a healthy democracy.

India introduced major changes to its criminal justice system in July 2023 with three new laws:

• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces the Indian Penal Code.
• The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaces the Indian Evidence Act.

Major Changes:

• Stricter Timelines: Trials must conclude within 45 days and charges framed within 60 days.
• Focus on Vulnerable Groups: Enhanced protections for women and children, including mandatory female officers recording rape victim statements and faster medical examinations.
• Technological Advancements: Online complaints, electronic summons, and digital evidence play a bigger role.

Controversies:

• Police Powers: Extending police custody from 15 days to 90 days raises concerns about potential abuse and violation of civil liberties.
• Sedition Law: Redefining sedition as treason has been criticized for stifling dissent.
• Uncertainties: Concerns exist about the clarity of some provisions and the capacity of the legal system to handle the digital shift.

These new laws aim for a swifter and more victim-centric justice system, but their effectiveness and potential for misuse remain debated.