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Farm Subsidies & Food Security
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Discuss the importance of the fisheries sector in contributing to food security, livelihoods, and economic development. Additionally, examine the concerns surrounding the fisheries subsidies agreement under negotiation at the World Trade Organization. (150 words)
Model Answer Introduction India is the world’s third-largest fish producer, and the fisheries sector plays a crucial role in the country’s food security, livelihoods, and economic development. Over 14 million people are employed in this sector, contributing significantly to India’s economy. However,Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
India is the world’s third-largest fish producer, and the fisheries sector plays a crucial role in the country’s food security, livelihoods, and economic development. Over 14 million people are employed in this sector, contributing significantly to India’s economy. However, there are growing concerns about the fisheries subsidies agreement currently being negotiated at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which could have implications for India’s fisheries sector.
Importance of the Fisheries Sector
1. Food Security
2. Livelihoods
3. Economic Growth
Concerns Regarding the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Pact
While the fisheries subsidies agreement seeks to address overfishing and sustainable fishing practices, it raises several concerns for India’s fisheries sector:
1. Prohibition on Research and Development (R&D) Subsidies
2. Potential Job Losses
3. Competitiveness Issues
4. Market Disruptions
5. Limited Access to Resources
6. Unequal Impact on India
- Critics argue that the agreement disproportionately affects countries like India, which have smaller fisheries subsidies compared to developed nations. It does not adequately address the overfishing and overcapacity problems caused by advanced fishing nations that have historically provided large subsidies.
See lessHow do subsidies influence farmers' decisions on cropping patterns and crop diversity? Provide examples to illustrate. (150 words)
Model Answer Introduction Agricultural subsidies are financial aids provided by governments to encourage specific agricultural practices, enhance production, and support the livelihoods of farmers. These subsidies can significantly influence the choices farmers make regarding which crops to grow andRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Agricultural subsidies are financial aids provided by governments to encourage specific agricultural practices, enhance production, and support the livelihoods of farmers. These subsidies can significantly influence the choices farmers make regarding which crops to grow and how diverse their cropping patterns are. While subsidies are designed to ensure food security and stabilize income, they also have complex effects on crop diversity.
How Subsidies Influence Cropping Patterns and Crop Diversity
Positive Impacts:
Subsidies for key crops like rice and wheat in India have contributed to higher production levels, which in turn improve food security. For example, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat and rice ensures that farmers are guaranteed a fixed price, encouraging them to grow these crops.
Subsidies provide financial stability to farmers, especially during periods of market price fluctuations. The MSP system, for instance, helps farmers by ensuring they receive a minimum price, which protects them against low market prices.
Some subsidies help reduce the risks associated with farming by offering financial support for risky ventures. For example, subsidies on crop insurance premiums enable farmers to protect their crops against unforeseen events like droughts or pest infestations, encouraging them to diversify into higher-risk, potentially higher-reward crops.
Certain subsidies encourage farmers to adopt crop rotation or mixed cropping practices. For example, subsidies for micro-irrigation promote the efficient use of water throughout the year, making it easier for farmers to rotate crops or grow a variety of crops, enhancing diversity in agricultural production.
Programs like PM-KISAN, which provide direct income support to farmers, allow them to experiment with different crops and adapt to changing market conditions. This financial cushion allows them to explore diverse cropping options without fearing financial ruin.
Negative Impacts:
- Promotion of Monoculture:
- Neglect of Non-Subsidized Crops:
- Overuse of Inputs:
- Market Distortions:
- Environmental Concerns:
See lessWhile subsidies aim to ensure food security, they often target specific crops, which may lead to monoculture practices. In India, for example, rice and wheat, which receive heavy subsidies, occupy nearly 42% of the total cropped area. This over-reliance on a few crops can reduce biodiversity and make farmers vulnerable to market price changes.
The emphasis on subsidized crops often leads to a neglect of non-subsidized or traditional crops. This can result in a reduction in the variety of crops grown in a region, as farmers focus on growing the subsidized crops that offer guaranteed financial returns.
Input subsidies, such as those on fertilizers and pesticides, encourage excessive use of these chemicals, which can have negative environmental impacts. In Punjab, India, for example, the Green Revolution, which relied heavily on subsidized fertilizers and irrigation, resulted in ecological imbalances, such as water depletion and soil degradation.
Subsidies can distort domestic markets by making certain crops artificially more profitable than others. This can lead to inefficient cropping decisions and market imbalances. For example, the subsidy-driven focus on wheat and rice has sometimes reduced the incentive for farmers to grow other essential but non-subsidized crops, such as pulses or oilseeds.
Some subsidies promote practices that lead to environmental degradation. The MSP for rice, for instance, encourages excessive water use, especially in water-scarce regions like Punjab, leading to falling groundwater levels and environmental strain.
What role does the 'One Nation-One Ration Card' scheme play in ensuring food security for vulnerable populations in India, and what challenges need to be addressed for its successful implementation?
Model Answer The 'One Nation-One Ration Card' (ONORC) scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for vulnerable populations in India by improving the portability and efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS). Role of ONORC in Ensuring Food Security Portability of PDS Benefits: ONRead more
Model Answer
The ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ (ONORC) scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for vulnerable populations in India by improving the portability and efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Role of ONORC in Ensuring Food Security
Portability of PDS Benefits: ONORC allows over 67 million migrant households to access PDS benefits at any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across the country. This is especially beneficial for migrant workers and their families, who often face difficulty in accessing food entitlements due to migration.
Elimination of Fake & Duplicate Ration Cards: The scheme uses Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, which significantly reduces fraud, duplicate cards, and leakages in the system. This ensures that the rations reach the intended beneficiaries.
Choice and Convenience: Beneficiaries can choose any FPS that suits them, enabling them to avoid corrupt or inefficient dealers. This gives families flexibility and ensures that they can access their entitlements easily.
Mera Ration App: The mobile application allows beneficiaries to register online, check their entitlements, locate nearby FPSs, and verify their Aadhaar seeding status, improving accessibility and transparency.
Challenges to Successful Implementation
Lack of Awareness: Despite the benefits, 20% of eligible households did not know they could use the portability feature. This lack of awareness hampers the full potential of ONORC.
Technical Issues: The scheme relies heavily on technology, and problems like poor internet connectivity, device failure, and glitches in biometric authentication can cause inconvenience. 57% of dealers reported issues like poor connectivity, leading to refusal of service.
Supply Chain Challenges: 32% of PDS dealers reported stockouts, as the portability feature leads to an unpredictable demand at FPSs. This creates challenges in managing the supply of food grains.
Under-coverage and Aadhaar Seeding Issues: The 2011 census for NFSA eligibility excludes many low-income households, while problems with Aadhaar seeding (such as name mismatches) prevent some individuals, especially divorced women, from accessing their rations.
To achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by 2030, overcoming these challenges is crucial for ensuring the success of ONORC and securing food access for vulnerable populations.
See lessDiscuss the provisions of National Food Security Act, 2013. What reforms are required to strengthen the food security? Explain. (200 Words) [UPPSC 2020]
Provisions of National Food Security Act, 2013 Introduction: The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 aims to provide food and nutritional security by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices. It marks a paradigm shift in addressing food security by legally entiRead more
Provisions of National Food Security Act, 2013
Introduction: The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 aims to provide food and nutritional security by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices. It marks a paradigm shift in addressing food security by legally entitling the poor to receive subsidized food grains.
Key Provisions:
Reforms Required to Strengthen Food Security:
Conclusion: While the NFSA, 2013, has played a crucial role in enhancing food security in India, there is a need for continuous reforms and effective implementation to address challenges like malnutrition and ensure that the benefits reach the most vulnerable sections of society.
See lessविवेचना करें कि भारत में समानता के साथ आर्थिक संवृद्धि एवं न्यायपूर्ण वितरण की नीति समावेशी विकास के लक्ष्यों को पूरा करने में किस हद तक सहायक रही हैं? (200 Words) [UPPSC 2019]
भारत में समानता के साथ आर्थिक संवृद्धि एवं न्यायपूर्ण वितरण की नीति का समावेशी विकास पर प्रभाव समावेशी विकास के उद्देश्य: समानता के साथ आर्थिक संवृद्धि: इस नीति का उद्देश्य उच्च आर्थिक विकास प्राप्त करना है, जबकि यह सुनिश्चित करना है कि विकास के लाभ समाज के सभी वर्गों तक पहुँचें। न्यायपूर्ण वितरण: इRead more
भारत में समानता के साथ आर्थिक संवृद्धि एवं न्यायपूर्ण वितरण की नीति का समावेशी विकास पर प्रभाव
समावेशी विकास के उद्देश्य:
नीति की सफलताएँ:
चुनौतियाँ और सीमाएँ:
हालिया उदाहरण:
निष्कर्ष: भारत ने समानता के साथ आर्थिक संवृद्धि और न्यायपूर्ण वितरण की नीति के माध्यम से कुछ उपलब्धियाँ प्राप्त की हैं, लेकिन समावेशी विकास के लक्ष्यों को पूरा करने में चुनौतियाँ अभी भी मौजूद हैं। इन चुनौतियों का समाधान करने के लिए नीति के कार्यान्वयन में सुधार और सामाजिक-आर्थिक असमानताओं को दूर करने की आवश्यकता है।
See lessExplain the challenges of food security in India. How can they be removed? Explain. (200 Words) [UPPSC 2019]
Challenges of Food Security in India and Their Solutions Challenges: Population Growth: Rapid population growth has increased the demand for food, putting pressure on existing agricultural resources. By 2030, India’s population is expected to reach 1.5 billion, further straining food security. ClimaRead more
Challenges of Food Security in India and Their Solutions
Challenges:
Solutions:
Conclusion: Addressing food security challenges in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving technological innovation, climate adaptation, infrastructure development, and effective social welfare programs. Implementing these measures can significantly enhance food security and ensure that all citizens have access to sufficient and nutritious food.
See lessWhat are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. (250 words) [UPSC 2023]
Direct and Indirect Subsidies Provided to the Farm Sector in India Direct Subsidies: Minimum Support Price (MSP): The MSP is a significant direct subsidy where the government guarantees a minimum price for certain crops to ensure farmers' income stability. For instance, in 2023, the MSP for wheat waRead more
Direct and Indirect Subsidies Provided to the Farm Sector in India
Direct Subsidies:
Indirect Subsidies:
Issues Raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO):
In summary, while subsidies play a crucial role in supporting the agricultural sector in India, they also raise significant concerns under WTO regulations, particularly regarding trade distortions and sustainability.
See lessWhat are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, of 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
The National Food Security Act, 2013 aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-third of the country’s population. The enactment of this landmark legislation, brought a paradigm shift in approach to food security, from welfare to rights-based approach. The salient features of the acRead more
The National Food Security Act, 2013 aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-third of the country’s population. The enactment of this landmark legislation, brought a paradigm shift in approach to food security, from welfare to rights-based approach. The salient features of the act are as:
Role of NFSA in eliminating hunger and malnutrition:
However, there is still a long way for India to reach nutritional sufficiency as:
The food bill has revolutionized the access to food grains; however, the need is to move towards nutritional security and not just food security. Further the structural bottlenecks in the implementation food bill should be corrected by leverage of technology.
See lessDiscuss the role of farm subsidies in the context of the ongoing farmer protests and the demands for a comprehensive agricultural policy framework that addresses the concerns of various stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, and the environment.
Role of Farm Subsidies in the Context of Farmer Protests and Demands for Agricultural Policy Framework Introduction Farm subsidies are a crucial component of agricultural policy, designed to support farmers and stabilize agricultural markets. However, recent farmer protests in India have highlightedRead more
Role of Farm Subsidies in the Context of Farmer Protests and Demands for Agricultural Policy Framework
Introduction
Farm subsidies are a crucial component of agricultural policy, designed to support farmers and stabilize agricultural markets. However, recent farmer protests in India have highlighted significant concerns about the current subsidy regime and the need for a comprehensive agricultural policy framework. This discussion explores the role of farm subsidies within this context and examines how they intersect with the demands of various stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, and environmental advocates.
Role of Farm Subsidies in Agricultural Policy
Farmer Protests and Concerns
Demands for a Comprehensive Agricultural Policy Framework
Government Initiatives and Responses
Conclusion
Farm subsidies play a vital role in supporting agricultural production and farmer incomes but have also been a focal point in the recent farmer protests. Addressing the demands for a comprehensive agricultural policy framework requires balancing the interests of farmers, consumers, and the environment. This involves ensuring equitable subsidy distribution, legal guarantees for MSP, and promoting sustainable practices. Government initiatives are moving towards these goals, but ongoing engagement and policy adjustments will be crucial in achieving a fair and effective agricultural policy.
See lessAnalyze the distributional impacts of farm subsidies, and discuss the measures taken by the government to ensure the equitable access and distribution of these benefits, particularly among small and marginal farmers, and the landless agricultural workers.
Distributional Impacts of Farm Subsidies and Government Measures for Equitable Access Introduction Farm subsidies play a crucial role in supporting agricultural production and stabilizing incomes for farmers. However, the distributional impacts of these subsidies can vary significantly, affecting diRead more
Distributional Impacts of Farm Subsidies and Government Measures for Equitable Access
Introduction
Farm subsidies play a crucial role in supporting agricultural production and stabilizing incomes for farmers. However, the distributional impacts of these subsidies can vary significantly, affecting different segments of the farming community in diverse ways. This analysis explores how farm subsidies impact various groups, particularly small and marginal farmers and landless agricultural workers, and examines the measures taken by the Indian government to ensure equitable access to these benefits.
Distributional Impacts of Farm Subsidies
Government Measures for Equitable Access and Distribution
Conclusion
Farm subsidies have a significant impact on various segments of the farming community, with large farmers often benefiting more than their smaller counterparts. To address these disparities and ensure equitable distribution of benefits, the Indian government has implemented a range of targeted programs, infrastructure investments, and support systems. By focusing on direct income support, inclusive support mechanisms, and improved outreach and monitoring, these measures aim to better serve small and marginal farmers and landless agricultural workers, promoting a more equitable agricultural sector.
See less