Inclusive Growth & Economic Development

Model Answer

India’s agriculture sector, contributing 14% to the country’s GHG emissions, faces significant challenges. However, traditional knowledge offers sustainable solutions for promoting environmental conservation and agricultural resilience. These age-old practices, rooted in local ecosystems, can contribute to more sustainable farming practices.

1. Effective Resource Management

Traditional knowledge emphasizes efficient resource management, such as the Kaipad system in Kerala. This unique fish-farming technique uses tidal water for irrigation while integrating rice and fish farming, promoting a balanced ecosystem. This system ensures optimal use of water resources while maintaining agricultural productivity.

2. Rainwater Harvesting

In the face of depleting groundwater resources, traditional rainwater harvesting systems offer a sustainable solution. One notable example is the Zabo System of Nagaland, where a protected forest area on top of a hill collects rainwater, which is then stored in tanks and used for irrigation in the paddy fields below. This system helps conserve water and supports agricultural sustainability.

3. Food Security

Traditional agricultural practices help preserve local ecosystems and enhance food security. The Bari system of Assam, a home garden method, utilizes kitchen waste and fallen tree leaves as manure to grow local crops like jackfruit, banana, and mango. This promotes biodiversity and supports local food systems.

4. Organic Manure

In regions like Kerala, traditional knowledge has fostered the use of organic manure, where farmers mix cow dung, used fuel wood ash, and coconut fiber waste to create chemical-free fertilizers. This practice promotes soil health and reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals.

5. Crop Diversification and Pest Management

The Baranaja system, practiced in the Himalayas, involves growing diverse crops without pesticides, promoting biodiversity and protecting crops from extreme climatic events. Additionally, natural pest management methods, such as using neem-based pesticides, reduce the dependence on harmful chemicals and enhance sustainability.

Conclusion

Reviving and integrating India’s traditional knowledge systems into modern agricultural practices can play a crucial role in enhancing sustainability, protecting the environment, and securing food supplies in the face of climate change. These methods offer valuable lessons for building a more resilient agricultural system.

Model Answer

Limitations of Using GDP as the Primary Indicator for Comparing Well-Being Among Countries

Economic Inequality

• Fact: GDP fails to disclose economic inequality within nations, a consequence of economic growth. India witnessed a doubling of income inequality over two decades of high GDP growth.
• Source: World Inequality Report, 2022

Negative Externalities

• Fact: GDP overlooks social and environmental costs like pollution and resource depletion stemming from economic growth.
• Source: World Bank, Environmental and Social Framework

Unaccounted Unpaid Work

• Fact: GDP disregards unpaid activities such as caregiving and volunteering, impacting well-being significantly.
• Source: United Nations Development Programme, Human Development Report

Intangibles

• Fact: GDP fails to quantify intangible aspects like leisure and overall quality of life, vital components of well-being beyond material wealth.
• Source: OECD Better Life Index

GDP, while informative about economic performance, inadequately represents the holistic well-being of populations. To mitigate these limitations, economists have proposed alternative indices such as the Human Development Index (HDI), Human Poverty Index (HPI), Gross National Happiness Index (GNH), and Green GDP. These measures offer a more comprehensive view of well-being and societal progress, aiding policymakers in making informed decisions.

By supplementing GDP with these alternative indicators, policymakers can better grasp the overall welfare and quality of life within a country, fostering more inclusive and holistic development strategies.

This discussion outlines the deficiencies of relying solely on GDP as a gauge of well-being among countries, integrating data from credible sources to provide a comprehensive perspective on the topic.