Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Start by briefly mentioning the context of India’s agricultural sector and its challenges. Highlight the importance of sustainability in agriculture, given its significant contribution to India’s economy and environmental footprint (e.g., agriculture accounts for 14% of India’s ...
Model Answer Introduction Basic infrastructure facilities form the bedrock of economic growth. Without adequate infrastructure, India's economy operates below its potential, hindering both rapid and inclusive growth. Investment in infrastructure is crucial to address these challenges. Body CreationRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Basic infrastructure facilities form the bedrock of economic growth. Without adequate infrastructure, India’s economy operates below its potential, hindering both rapid and inclusive growth. Investment in infrastructure is crucial to address these challenges.
Body
Creation of Jobs
Infrastructure development projects, such as road construction and railway expansion, are labor-intensive, significantly boosting employment opportunities in both formal and informal sectors. For instance, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) exemplifies how infrastructure initiatives can create jobs and fuel domestic demand.
Multiplier Effect
Capital expenditure on infrastructure has a multiplier effect of 2.45, stimulating both demand and supply. This leads to accelerated economic growth and job creation. The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) for FY 2019-25 aims to provide world-class infrastructure, enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
Improved Connectivity
Investments in infrastructure enhance connectivity between regions, fostering economic integration. Projects like Bharatmala and Sagarmala improve trade and commerce, driving economic growth by facilitating smoother movement of goods.
Reducing Logistic Costs
World-class infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports can significantly reduce logistic costs, which currently stand at 12-14% of GDP—higher than the global benchmark of 7-8%. Initiatives like the Gati Shakti scheme aim to streamline multi-modal connectivity, thereby lowering logistics expenses.
Inclusive Growth
Infrastructure investment promotes inclusive growth by extending access to essential services like education and healthcare to underserved communities. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All by 2022) aims to provide dignified housing to all by addressing the needs of those living in inadequate conditions.
Increased Productivity
Infrastructure development leads to greater productivity by facilitating the efficient flow of goods and services, thereby reducing transaction costs and enhancing production efficiency.
Conclusion
Investment in infrastructure is vital for India’s journey toward achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Initiatives like the NIP, Gati Shakti, and NaBFID must be effectively implemented to establish a robust foundation for a self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
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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 ecosystemRead more
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.
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