BPSC Mains PYQs

Major Problems of Indian Agriculture and Solutions

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, employing nearly half the population and contributing significantly to GDP. However, Indian agriculture faces several challenges, ranging from outdated practices to external pressures like climate change. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable development.

Major Problems of Indian Agriculture

1. Low Productivity

• India’s agricultural yield per hectare is significantly lower than global standards.
• Reasons:
  • Traditional farming techniques.
  • Lack of mechanization.
  • Limited access to quality seeds and fertilizers.

2. Dependence on Monsoons

• Over 50% of India’s agricultural land is rainfed. Erratic monsoon patterns lead to droughts or floods, directly impacting crops.

3. Fragmented Landholdings

• With rising population, farms are divided into smaller plots, reducing economies of scale and profitability.
• Example: Over 86% of farmers in India are small or marginal, owning less than 2 hectares of land.

4. Post-Harvest Losses

• Inefficient storage and transportation infrastructure lead to significant losses, especially in perishable crops like fruits and vegetables.
• Fact: Nearly 20-30% of produce is wasted due to poor logistics.

5. Inadequate Credit Availability

• Farmers often rely on informal moneylenders due to limited access to institutional credit. This traps them in debt cycles.

6. Market and Pricing Issues

• Farmers often face price volatility and lack of proper marketing channels to sell their produce.
• Example: Despite bumper harvests, farmers sometimes fail to secure a fair price due to middlemen and inadequate MSP (Minimum Support Price) coverage.

7. Climate Change and Soil Degradation

• Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and soil erosion affect crop productivity.
• Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has degraded soil fertility.

8. Water Scarcity

• Overexploitation of groundwater for irrigation, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana, is unsustainable.
• Fact: Agriculture accounts for 80% of India’s freshwater usage.

Solutions to Overcome Problems

1. Adopting Modern Techniques

• Promote mechanization, precision farming, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Use technologies like drones and sensors for monitoring crop health.

2. Improving Irrigation Facilities

• Expand micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems) to reduce water wastage.
• Invest in watershed management and rainwater harvesting.

3. Land Reforms

• Encourage consolidation of fragmented landholdings into cooperative farming models for better resource utilization.

4. Strengthening Credit Support

• Expand coverage of institutional credit to reach marginal farmers.
• Simplify loan processes and provide crop insurance coverage.

5. Enhancing Storage and Logistics

• Build cold storage facilities and improve rural infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Develop better supply chain systems to connect farmers directly with markets.

6. Boosting Market Access

• Expand e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) to bring transparency in pricing and reduce dependence on middlemen.
• Increase MSP coverage and ensure timely procurement.

7. Addressing Climate Change

• Promote crop diversification and climate-resilient crops.
• Reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and encourage organic farming.

8. Education and Awareness

• Provide training to farmers on modern techniques, financial literacy, and government schemes.

Government Programs for Agricultural Development

1. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

• Objective: Provides insurance against crop losses due to natural disasters.
• Impact: Reduces financial burden on farmers during adverse climatic conditions.

2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY):

• Objective: Promotes efficient use of water resources and expands micro-irrigation coverage.
• Tagline: “Per Drop More Crop.”

3. Soil Health Card Scheme:

• Objective: Monitors soil health and promotes balanced use of fertilizers.
• Achievement: Over 23 crore soil health cards distributed by 2022.

4. e-NAM (National Agricultural Market):

• Objective: Creates a unified online market for agricultural commodities to ensure fair pricing.

5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):

• Objective: Provides financial assistance to States to invest in agriculture and allied sectors based on local needs.

6. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):

• Objective: Promotes organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices.

7. Operation Green:

• Objective: Stabilizes the supply and price of tomato, onion, and potato (TOP) crops.

8. Kisan Credit Card (KCC):

• Objective: Ensures timely and affordable credit to farmers for crop production and allied activities.

Illustrations

1. Water Management:
   • Example: Farmers in Gujarat benefitting from PMKSY’s micro-irrigation systems, reducing water consumption by up to 40%.
2. Crop Insurance:
   • Example: PMFBY has helped thousands of farmers in Maharashtra recover losses due to floods in 2021.
3. Market Access:
   • Farmers in Madhya Pradesh using e-NAM have seen better prices for wheat and soybean compared to traditional markets.

Conclusion

Indian agriculture is at a critical juncture, facing numerous challenges but also opportunities for growth. By addressing systemic issues through modern techniques, better infrastructure, and supportive policies, the sector can achieve sustainable development. The government’s initiatives like PMFBY, PMKSY, and e-NAM are steps in the right direction but need effective implementation and increased reach. Collaborative efforts between the Centre, States, and farmers are key to transforming Indian agriculture into a resilient and prosperous sector.

India’s political landscape has witnessed a significant rise in regional political parties, which play an increasingly vital role in shaping governance and influencing national policies. These parties cater to specific regions, communities, and local issues, and their growth has transformed the dynamics of Indian party politics.

What Are Regional Political Parties

Regional political parties primarily operate in specific states or regions and address local issues rather than national concerns. Examples include:

• DMK in Tamil Nadu.
• TMC in West Bengal.
• BJD in Odisha.
• TRS (now BRS) in Telangana.

Implications of Growing Regional Political Parties

1. Strengthening Federalism

• Regional parties advocate for state-specific interests, leading to greater decentralization of power.
• They challenge central dominance, ensuring a balance between the Union and state governments.
• Example: DMK and AIADMK have been vocal about Tamil Nadu’s rights in language policies and economic distribution.

2. Coalition Politics

• The rise of regional parties has made coalition governments more common at the national level.
• National parties often rely on regional allies to form or sustain governments.
• Example: The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalitions include several regional parties like the Shiv Sena and JDU.

3. Focus on Local Issues

• Regional parties prioritize local concerns such as infrastructure, employment, and cultural identity, ensuring these issues gain political attention.
• Example: TRS (BRS) in Telangana campaigned on promises of state-specific development after its formation in 2014.

4. Increased Political Competition

• Regional parties challenge the dominance of national parties, leading to more competitive elections.
• This competition often results in better governance as governments aim to meet voter expectations.
• Example: In West Bengal, the TMC defeated the national party BJP in the 2021 assembly elections by emphasizing grassroots programs like Duare Sarkar (Government at Your Doorstep).

5. Rise of Identity Politics

• Regional parties often leverage caste, language, or ethnic identities to consolidate their voter base.
• While this strengthens representation for marginalized groups, it can sometimes deepen societal divides.
• Example: RJD in Bihar has historically built its base on caste identity politics.

6. Challenges to National Unity

• Excessive regionalism may lead to conflicts between states and the central government, affecting national integration.
• Example: Disputes over river water sharing between states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu often see regional parties taking strong stands.

7. Impact on National Policies

• Regional parties influence national policy decisions by leveraging their coalition power.
• Example: TMC’s opposition to certain central policies during its time as a UPA ally led to significant policy changes or delays.

8. Governance Challenges

• Frequent coalition politics may lead to instability and compromises in decision-making.
• Example: The fall of coalition governments due to withdrawal of support by regional parties has disrupted governance in the past.

Illustrations of Regional Party Influence

1. Economic Policies:
   • States like Odisha under BJD have pushed for more mining royalties, benefiting their state economies.
2. Cultural Preservation:
   • Shiv Sena in Maharashtra promotes Marathi culture and the rights of local people.
3. Electoral Competition:
   • In states like Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) consistently challenge national parties, ensuring a multi-party system.

Conclusion

The growth of regional political parties has reshaped Indian politics, enhancing federalism, increasing focus on local issues, and making elections more competitive. However, it also brings challenges like political instability, identity-based divisions, and policy delays at the national level.

A balanced approach, where national and regional interests coexist harmoniously, is essential for sustaining India’s democratic and federal structure. Regional parties will likely continue to play a crucial role in shaping India’s political and governance framework.

Role of the Election Commission of India in Conducting Free and Fair Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional authority established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. It is tasked with ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in India for the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President.

Functions of the Election Commission

1. Conduct of Elections:
   • Organizes and supervises elections to ensure they are free from bias or malpractices.
   • Prepares and updates electoral rolls.
2. Model Code of Conduct (MCC):
   • Enforces the MCC to ensure all political parties and candidates maintain decorum during campaigns.
   • Prohibits hate speech, misuse of government machinery, and bribery of voters.
3. Monitoring Election Expenditure:
   • Regulates the spending limits of candidates and parties to ensure a level playing field.
4. Use of Technology:
   • Introduces reforms like Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to enhance transparency.
5. Resolving Disputes:
   • Adjudicates disputes related to recognition of political parties and allocation of election symbols.
6. Voter Awareness:
   • Runs programs like SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) to encourage voter turnout and educate citizens about the voting process.

Challenges Faced by the ECI

1. Political Pressure:
   • Allegations of favoritism or pressure from ruling parties at times challenge the ECI’s credibility.
2. Money and Muscle Power:
   • Use of illegal funds and intimidation tactics by some candidates hinder free elections.
3. Fake News and Social Media:
   • Misinformation campaigns can influence voter behavior, requiring stronger monitoring mechanisms.
4. Implementation of MCC:
   • Ensuring strict compliance with the MCC is challenging, especially when political leaders use covert methods to influence voters.

Role of the Electoral Identity Card

The Electoral Identity Card, issued by the ECI, is a crucial tool for conducting free and fair elections.

Purposes and Benefits:

1. Prevention of Electoral Fraud:
   • Ensures that only eligible voters participate in the election, reducing instances of bogus or multiple voting.
2. Proof of Identity:
   • Acts as an official ID for citizens during voting, making the process more streamlined and secure.
3. Empowering Voters:
   • Gives individuals a tangible acknowledgment of their right to vote, increasing their participation in the democratic process.
4. Facilitating Voter Verification:
   • Eases the process of identifying voters at polling stations, ensuring efficiency.

Illustrations of ECI’s Impact

1. Conducting Peaceful Elections:
   • In states like Jammu and Kashmir, where elections have faced challenges due to insurgency, the ECI has ensured peaceful voting through tight security and robust planning.
2. Curbing Malpractices:
   • During the 2019 general elections, ECI seized over ₹3,000 crores in cash, liquor, and other items meant to influence voters.
3. Voter Participation:
   • Initiatives like SVEEP and easy access to voter ID registration have significantly increased voter turnout in several elections.

Critical Evaluation

• Strengths:
  • The ECI has successfully established itself as a guardian of India’s democracy by ensuring largely free and fair elections since its inception.
  • Its technological innovations like EVMs and VVPAT have improved transparency and reduced human error.
• Weaknesses:
  • Allegations of political bias and delays in addressing complaints weaken public trust in the institution.
  • Loopholes in campaign finance monitoring and limited enforcement powers over political parties need reform.

Conclusion

The Election Commission of India plays a pivotal role in upholding democracy by conducting free and fair elections. While it has achieved significant milestones, challenges like political pressure and misuse of money power need more robust mechanisms to preserve its credibility.

The Electoral Identity Card, as a cornerstone of this process, empowers voters and enhances the integrity of elections, ensuring that every vote counts and democracy thrives in India.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a register designed to identify Indian citizens and exclude illegal immigrants. Originally implemented in Assam, the NRC gained national attention when discussions arose about expanding it across India. The Assam NRC, updated in 2019, aimed to address the long-standing issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. However, its execution and potential nationwide implementation have sparked significant debate.

Key Features of the NRC

• Purpose:
  • To identify Indian citizens and detect illegal immigrants.
  • In Assam, it targeted migrants from Bangladesh who entered after March 24, 1971 (as per the Assam Accord of 1985).
• Requirements for Inclusion:
  • Citizens must provide documentary proof of their family’s presence in India before the cutoff date.
• Exclusion in Assam (2019):
  • Out of 3.3 crore applicants, 19 lakh people were excluded from the final NRC list. Many of these individuals claim to have valid documentation, leading to widespread concern.

Political Intentions Behind the NRC

1. Illegal Immigration Concerns:
   • The government justifies the NRC as a necessary step to curb illegal immigration, which is argued to strain resources, impact local demographics, and create security risks.
2. Association with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA):
   • The NRC has been linked to the CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
   • Critics argue this combination could marginalize certain communities, especially Muslims, potentially leading to exclusion and statelessness.
3. Polarization for Electoral Gains:
   • Many see the NRC as a politically motivated move to consolidate vote banks by appealing to concerns about cultural identity and immigration in specific regions, particularly the Northeast and border states.

International Impacts of the NRC

1. Bangladesh Relations:
   • The NRC’s focus on identifying illegal Bangladeshi immigrants has strained ties with Bangladesh, which denies that many of these people are its citizens.
   • Accusations of forced deportation or repatriation could escalate tensions.
2. Human Rights Concerns:
   • International organizations like the UNHCR and Amnesty International have raised concerns about statelessness and human rights violations, especially for those excluded from the NRC.
3. Regional Security:
   • NRC-related unrest could destabilize the Northeast, a sensitive area bordering China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, potentially affecting India’s regional security dynamics.
4. Global Image of India:
   • India’s secular and democratic image has been questioned internationally, with criticism of the NRC and related CAA policies. This has impacted India’s relations with Muslim-majority countries and other global players.

Illustrations

1. Protests Across India:
   • The implementation of the Assam NRC and its proposed nationwide rollout triggered widespread protests in 2019-2020. These protests, often combined with anti-CAA demonstrations, drew international attention and criticism.
2. Detention Centers:
   • Reports of detention centers for those excluded from the NRC list have alarmed rights groups. In Assam, individuals declared “foreigners” have been placed in such facilities.
3. Human Stories:
   • Many individuals excluded from the Assam NRC claim to have valid documents but lack the means or access to challenge their exclusion in tribunals. This raises humanitarian concerns about fairness and inclusivity.

Conclusion

The NRC remains one of India’s most contentious issues, deeply intertwined with political, social, and humanitarian dimensions. While the government argues it is a necessary step to secure borders and resources, critics see it as a politically motivated tool that risks marginalizing vulnerable populations.