Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Begin with a brief definition of marine pollution. Use a fact or definition from a credible source, such as the United Nations, to set the context. Example: According to the United Nations, marine pollution is the introduction of ...
Model Answer Environmental Effects of Agricultural Subsidies in India Agricultural subsidies in India, including input subsidies and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), have significantly impacted the environment. Key negative effects include: Soil Degradation: Subsidies encourage intensive farming practRead more
Model Answer
Environmental Effects of Agricultural Subsidies in India
Agricultural subsidies in India, including input subsidies and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), have significantly impacted the environment. Key negative effects include:
- Soil Degradation: Subsidies encourage intensive farming practices, leading to monocropping and excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which degrade soil health and reduce productivity.
- Air Pollution: The fertilizer industry is a major polluter, releasing harmful substances like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Agriculture contributes approximately 10-12% of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with low nitrogen use efficiency resulting in nitrous oxide emissions.
- Water Pollution: Fertilizer production and usage contaminate groundwater and surface water. Discharges from urea plants contain nitrogen and cyanides, while excess fertilizers runoff into water bodies, causing harmful algal blooms.
- Overexploitation of Groundwater: Power subsidies for irrigation have led to significant groundwater depletion, with regions like Punjab experiencing 79% over-exploitation of groundwater reservoirs.
Strategies to Mitigate Environmental Impact
To address these environmental challenges, several strategies can be implemented:
- Efficient Fertilizer Use: Promote balanced fertilization practices and support the use of Neem-coated urea to reduce chemical inputs.
- Drip Irrigation: Encourage the adoption of drip irrigation systems to minimize water wastage and improve water efficiency.
- Conditional Funding: Implement funding mechanisms that reward farmers for adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as reduced deforestation.
- Organic Farming: Promote organic farming methods that reduce reliance on chemical inputs and enhance soil health.
- Precision Agriculture: Utilize technologies like GPS and remote sensing to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impacts.
- Integrated Projects: Support collaborative projects that involve farmers and scientists to innovate sustainable agricultural practices.
The Indian government has initiated programs like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture to promote sustainable practices. However, further innovation and modern techniques are essential for long-term sustainability in agriculture.
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Model Answer Main Causes of Marine Pollution Marine pollution, as defined by the United Nations, is the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the ocean, resulting in adverse effects on marine life, human health, and seawater usability. The primary sources of marine pollution include: OilRead more
Model Answer
Main Causes of Marine Pollution
Marine pollution, as defined by the United Nations, is the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the ocean, resulting in adverse effects on marine life, human health, and seawater usability. The primary sources of marine pollution include:
Environmental Impact
Marine pollution has severe ecological consequences. Nutrient pollution leads to toxic algal blooms that cause oxygen depletion. Chemicals like DDT and PCBs accumulate in animals, leading to reproductive issues and biomagnification up the food chain. Plastic waste kills marine species, while oil spills damage habitats and reduce seafood quality.
noise pollution affects animal communication and migration patterns. Efforts to combat marine pollution are ongoing, with international agreements such as MARPOL and OSPAR, though enhanced research and technology are essential for progress (UN).
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