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Agriculture & Food Management
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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 lessHow can the integration of solar energy with farming, known as agrivoltaics, revolutionize Indian agriculture?
Model Answer 1. Efficient Use of Agricultural Land: Agrivoltaics allows farmers to use the same land for both crop production and solar energy generation, optimizing space and resource utilization. For instance, in the Vidarbha region, a six-acre agrivoltaic system combined with a 100MW solar instalRead more
Model Answer
1. Efficient Use of Agricultural Land:
Agrivoltaics allows farmers to use the same land for both crop production and solar energy generation, optimizing space and resource utilization. For instance, in the Vidarbha region, a six-acre agrivoltaic system combined with a 100MW solar installation allowed farmers to continue regular agricultural activities while producing renewable energy.
2. Enhanced Agricultural Productivity:
The shade provided by solar panels helps create a microclimate that reduces plant stress, especially in areas with intense sunlight. A study in Greece found that solar panels reduced net radiation by 44% and wind speed by 38%, leading to a cooler environment that could potentially increase crop yields.
3. Water Conservation:
Solar panels reduce water evaporation, thereby conserving water for irrigation. At Oregon State University, agrivoltaics improved water conservation by 328%, showing how this system can drastically reduce the water needed for crop irrigation in water-scarce regions.
4. Additional Income for Farmers:
Agrivoltaics can generate additional revenue streams for farmers by allowing them to sell surplus electricity. For example, in Vidarbha, a solar system generated $27,655 annually from excess electricity sold back to the grid, offering farmers a sustainable financial boost.
5. Reducing the Carbon Footprint:
By generating clean, renewable energy, agrivoltaics reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and helps cut greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes significantly to climate change mitigation.
6. Enhanced Agricultural Resilience:
Solar panels provide protection against extreme weather conditions such as hailstorms, enhancing agricultural resilience. Agrivoltaics also contributes to powering essential farm facilities like cold storage units and irrigation systems.
Incorporating agrivoltaics into Indian farming could ensure a sustainable future for agriculture while improving food security and environmental sustainability.
Highlights:
- Efficient Land Use: Simultaneous crop production and solar generation (Vidarbha case).
- Enhanced Productivity: Cooler microclimates boost yields.
- Water Conservation: 328% improvement at Oregon State University.
- Additional Income: $27,655 annually from surplus electricity (Vidarbha).
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Helps cut GHG emissions.
- Resilience: Protects crops from extreme weather.
- Improved Irrigation: Daytime power for irrigation.
See lessHow can digital technology contribute to transforming animal husbandry in India?
Model Answer India is a global leader in livestock production, being the largest producer of milk and buffalo meat, the second largest producer of goat meat, and the third largest in egg production. Digital technology can significantly enhance the productivity and sustainability of animal husbandryRead more
Model Answer
India is a global leader in livestock production, being the largest producer of milk and buffalo meat, the second largest producer of goat meat, and the third largest in egg production. Digital technology can significantly enhance the productivity and sustainability of animal husbandry in the country.
Precision Nutrition
Digital technology enables precision livestock farming, using tools like IoT devices, smart feeders, and nutritional apps to optimize animal feeding practices.
Better Farm Management
Technologies like sensors and big data analytics provide farmers with insights into animal health, behavior, and performance. This allows farmers to make data-driven decisions to improve their farming practices.
Improved Animal Health Management
Digital tools can provide real-time health insights throughout the animal’s lifecycle, helping ensure optimal feeding, health care, and harvest times.
Increased Reach and Market Access
Digital platforms like AgriMarketplace and FarmCrowdy connect farmers directly with consumers, bypassing middlemen. This ensures fair prices and expands market access.
Enhanced Reproductive Efficiency
Smart breeding programs help farmers detect heat and breed animals at the optimal times, which improves conception rates and reduces unsuccessful breeding attempts.
Conclusion
The integration of digital technologies in animal husbandry can revolutionize India’s livestock sector by improving productivity, enhancing animal health, and expanding market access. However, the successful implementation of these technologies requires robust digital infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity in rural areas, and effective training programs.
See lessWhat are the environmental impacts of monoculture farming practices?
When a farmer plants only one crop species in each field this style of farming creates serious problems for our environment. Soil Degradation: -Nutrient Depletion: When farmers keep planting the same crop year after year they drain essential nutrients from their soil which harms its planting abilityRead more
When a farmer plants only one crop species in each field this style of farming creates serious problems for our environment.
Soil Degradation:
-Nutrient Depletion: When farmers keep planting the same crop year after year they drain essential nutrients from their soil which harms its planting ability.
-Erosion: When farmers cultivate monoculture they break up soil on fields which then leads to more erosion on hillsides especially.
-Organic Matter Reduced: When farmers grow only one type of plant in their field their crops produce fewer diverse roots which then leads to reduced organic matter entering the soil and poorer soil conditions.
Biodiversity Loss:
Habitat Destruction: Large-scale single-crop operations destroy natural vegetation which eliminates shelter for nearly all plants insects and animals.
-Pest and Disease Outbreaks: When farmers plant only one type of crop over many acres disease and insect threats become bigger problems that push up pesticide use.
Water Pollution:
-Chemical Runoff: When fertilizer and pesticide use gets out of hand they taint their way through groundwater and surface water systems.
-Increased Water Use: Corn and cotton fields consume large amounts of water which stresses our water supplies.
Climate Change:
See less-Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Monoculture farming depends heavily on fossil fuel tools and synthetic farming compounds which both create CO2 emissions.
-Reduced Carbon Sequestration: Our monoculture farmlands store less carbon because they host lower amounts of plant diversity than diverse natural habitats.
What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent? (150 words)[UPSC 2022]
PDS, in India is a crucial linkage of the country's food security network. Though PDS has run into a spate of troubles. -Leakages and Diversions: The majority of foodgrains reach no beneficiary destination. It all gets leaked out, and diverted at multiple corruptive delivery and distribution stages.Read more
PDS, in India is a crucial linkage of the country’s food security network. Though PDS has run into a spate of troubles.
-Leakages and Diversions: The majority of foodgrains reach no beneficiary destination. It all gets leaked out, and diverted at multiple corruptive delivery and distribution stages.
-Targeting Errors: This again brings many households ineligible on inclusion error where really needy households remain out of PDS list.
-Bottlenecks in the Supply Chain: Transportation delays, lack of proper storage facilities, and lack of proper stock management result in losses and delay service delivery.
-Lack of Transparancy and Accountability: Limited access to information and grievance redressal mechanisms are weak to monitor the performance properly.
Less Choices: PDS largely relies on staple grains, ignoring the nutritional requirements of the client groups.
For more transparency and efficiency
-Digitization: All records are digitized, including ration cards, beneficiary data and the movement of stock, to improve monitoring and reduce leakages.
-Biometric Authentication: Biometric systems, such as Aadhaar, should be used for the authentication of beneficiaries to prevent fraudulent withdrawals.
Real-time Tracking: Implement GPS-based tracking of foodgrain transportation to monitor movement for efficient delivery.
Strengthen Grievance Redressal: There needs to be proper grievance redressal mechanisms to attend to beneficiary complaints but with accountability.
– Regular Audits: Carry out regular, independent audits that point out irregularities in the system.
Diversify Food Offerings: Enhance the offerings under PDS by incorporating pulses, millets, and fortified foods for nutrition.
See lessWhat is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
It is an integrated farm system that deals with a unit of a farm, integrating diverse farming practices within it. Usually, crop production is combined with livestock production on the same unit such as poultry, dairy, piggery, aquaculture, and agroforestry (tree cultivation). Benefits for small andRead more
It is an integrated farm system that deals with a unit of a farm, integrating diverse farming practices within it. Usually, crop production is combined with livestock production on the same unit such as poultry, dairy, piggery, aquaculture, and agroforestry (tree cultivation).
Benefits for small and marginal farmers in India
Income diversification : IFS allows multiple sources of income and diversifies income; hence, not dependent on single crops, thereby raising overall profitability.
-Resource Efficiency: Animal waste is applied as manure to crops thereby reducing the dependence on external inputs. Water usage is optimized throughout the different parts.
-Improved Soil Health: Legumes and cover crops contribute to soil fertility; hence, lesser chemical fertilizers are required.
-Risk Mitigation: The crop failure because of weather or pests is minimized with diversification.
-Enhanced Food Security: It provides the farmer’s family with a well-balanced diet, and it could also be offered to the local community.
Environmental Sustainability: It supports organic farming, which is also sustainable and decreases the environmental footprint of agriculture.
See lessHow do Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) contribute to the storage and marketing of agricultural produce in India? Discuss the importance of the newly introduced 'World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector.' ( 200 Words)
Model Answer Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are grassroots-level cooperative institutions in India that play a vital role in the rural credit system. With over 100,000 PACS serving more than 130 million farmers, they significantly contribute to the storage and marketing of agriculturalRead more
Model Answer
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are grassroots-level cooperative institutions in India that play a vital role in the rural credit system. With over 100,000 PACS serving more than 130 million farmers, they significantly contribute to the storage and marketing of agricultural produce.
Importance of the ‘World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector’
The “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector” is an initiative aimed at transforming the storage and marketing infrastructure for agricultural produce in India.
This plan represents a significant step in decentralizing grain storage in India and promoting a ‘whole-of-Government’ approach to food security and agricultural development.
See lessWhat are the reasons behind the uneven shift towards water-intensive cropping patterns in India? Discuss the measures that can be adopted to promote a sustainable water-efficient cropping pattern.( 200 Words)
Model Answer Price Support Mechanisms: The government’s price support mechanisms, such as Minimum Support Price (MSP), predominantly favor water-intensive crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Despite MSP being announced for 23 crops, effective support is primarily provided for these three, drivingRead more
Model Answer
Price Support Mechanisms: The government’s price support mechanisms, such as Minimum Support Price (MSP), predominantly favor water-intensive crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Despite MSP being announced for 23 crops, effective support is primarily provided for these three, driving their extensive cultivation. This policy has led to an overemphasis on water-intensive crops.
Increasing Demand: The demand for crops like sugar has increased due to their link with ethanol production, co-generated electricity, and by-products like bio-CNG and molasses. In regions like Karnataka and Maharashtra, the area under sugarcane cultivation has nearly doubled in the last 6-7 years, further contributing to water-intensive cropping.
Input Subsidies and Irrigation Infrastructure: Subsidies on water, electricity, and fertilizers, combined with enhanced irrigation infrastructure, incentivize farmers to grow water-intensive crops. States like Punjab rely heavily on irrigation for crops like paddy, whereas states with sufficient rainfall like Assam and Bihar lack similar incentives.
Impact of the Green Revolution: The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of rice and wheat, which, although more productive, require large amounts of water. This has cemented the dominance of these crops in India.
Measures for Promoting Sustainable Water-Efficient Cropping Patterns
Promotion of Diversified Agriculture: The government can incentivize the cultivation of less water-intensive, drought-resistant crops like millets and pulses by offering enhanced MSP and support schemes. This would help reduce the over-reliance on water-guzzling crops.
Innovation and Technology: Implementing advanced water management technologies, such as drip irrigation, can optimize water usage. Maharashtra’s mandate for drip irrigation in sugarcane cultivation is a notable example of saving water while maintaining productivity.
Educational Programs and Community Engagement: Workshops and extension services should be organized to educate farmers on the benefits of crop diversification and sustainable water practices.
Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure for storage, processing, and marketing of less water-intensive crops like fruits and vegetables is essential. Establishing cold storage and processing units can provide economic incentives for farmers to shift to these crops.
Enhanced Research and Development: Focused research on developing water-efficient crop varieties suited to local climates can help reduce dependency on traditional, water-intensive crops.
By implementing these measures, India can achieve a more sustainable water-use cropping pattern, crucial for long-term agricultural and environmental sustainability.
See lessDiscuss how India can utilize its comparative advantage in food processing to transform the sector into a global powerhouse.( 200 Words)
Model Answer Introduction India’s food processing industry holds significant potential to become a global powerhouse, contributing 14% to the manufacturing GDP, 13% to exports, and 6% of total industrial investment. By leveraging its comparative advantages, India can transform this sector to play aRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s food processing industry holds significant potential to become a global powerhouse, contributing 14% to the manufacturing GDP, 13% to exports, and 6% of total industrial investment. By leveraging its comparative advantages, India can transform this sector to play a pivotal role in the global food supply chain.
Strategic Geographic Location
India’s strategic geographic location places it close to major export markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. However, the country faces high logistics costs, approximately 14% of GDP, which hampers competitiveness. Developing infrastructure and policy reforms are crucial to reduce these costs. Improving supply chain efficiency will help India capitalize on its geographical advantage and enhance export potential.
Diverse Agro-climatic Conditions
India’s diverse agro-climatic zones enable the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for food processing. However, productivity remains a challenge, with India’s wheat productivity at 3.08 tons per hectare, much lower than the Netherlands’ 8.54 tons. To maximize this advantage, improving agricultural productivity through better farming techniques and innovations is essential.
Adoption of Advanced Technologies
Integrating advanced technologies can revolutionize the food processing industry by improving efficiency, product consistency, and quality standards. Technologies like AI for crop monitoring, supply chain management, and automated packaging can streamline operations and help meet international quality standards. This will not only improve productivity but also enhance the competitiveness of Indian processed food in global markets.
Large Workforce and Growing Domestic Market
India’s young workforce, with more than 600 million people aged between 18 and 35, offers significant labor potential for the food processing industry. However, there is a need for skilling programs to improve labor productivity. Simultaneously, India’s large domestic market and rising middle class are driving the demand for processed food. Ensuring quality assurance is vital, as 24.6% of food samples analyzed by FSSAI were found non-conforming to standards.
Conclusion
By focusing on these strategic areas—logistics, agricultural productivity, technology adoption, workforce development, and quality assurance—India can harness its comparative advantages to make its food processing sector a global leader.
See lessIn what ways has the lack of effective and equitable land reforms contributed to the ongoing poverty in India? ( 200 Words)
Model Answer Introduction Land reforms in India were designed to address feudal landlordism, ensure landownership for tenants, and increase agricultural productivity. However, the lack of effective and equitable implementation of these reforms has contributed to the persistence of poverty in the couRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Land reforms in India were designed to address feudal landlordism, ensure landownership for tenants, and increase agricultural productivity. However, the lack of effective and equitable implementation of these reforms has contributed to the persistence of poverty in the country. Below are the key ways in which ineffective land reforms have exacerbated poverty:
1. Land Inequality
The failure of land reforms, such as the land ceiling act, and issues like benami transactions have resulted in a concentration of land ownership. As of 2020, the top 10% of landowners in India hold 45% of the farmland (Global Land Inequality Report, 2020). This unequal distribution restricts access to land for marginalized communities, limiting their ability to generate income and perpetuating poverty.
2. Exploitative Conditions for Tenant Farmers
A significant portion of India’s rural population works as tenant farmers or sharecroppers under exploitative conditions. In Punjab, for example, one-third of farmers are involved in farming leased land, often paying high rents to landlords, leaving them with little surplus. This cycle of exploitation contributes to sustained poverty among these farmers.
3. Fragmentation of Landholdings
Due to the failure of land reforms, landholdings in India are highly fragmented. Approximately 70% of agricultural households hold less than one hectare of land (National Statistical Office, 2021). This fragmentation makes it difficult for farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices, lowering productivity and income.
4. Limited Access to Formal Credit
The absence of proper land records and conflicting land claims prevent many farmers from accessing formal credit. A Reserve Bank of India report highlights that only 40% of small and marginal farmers are covered by formal credit. This forces farmers to rely on informal lenders who charge high interest rates, further entrenching poverty.
5. Legal Complexity and Conflicting Laws
Land being a state subject has resulted in varying state laws, creating legal complexity and prolonged litigation. This hampers equitable land distribution and reduces rural investment, further aggravating poverty in vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
Addressing these issues through comprehensive land reforms is crucial to reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in India.
See less