What obstacles does crop diversification face today? In what ways may developing technology help diversify agricultural production? (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
Model Answer Introduction The National Food Security Act (NFSA), enacted in 2013, aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India's population. This landmark legislation marked a significant shift in India's approach to food security, transitioning from a welfare-based moRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), enacted in 2013, aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population. This landmark legislation marked a significant shift in India’s approach to food security, transitioning from a welfare-based model to a rights-based framework.
Salient Features of the NFSA
- Coverage and Entitlement: The Act covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Each individual is entitled to 5 kg of food grains per month, while Antyodaya households receive 35 kg per household per month.
- Identification of Households: States and Union Territories are responsible for identifying eligible households.
- Women Empowerment: The eldest woman (aged 18 years or above) in a household is recognized as the head for issuing ration cards.
- Maternity Benefits: Pregnant women and lactating mothers (PWLM) are entitled to maternity benefits of at least ₹6,000.
- Nutritional Support: PWLM and children aged 6 months to 14 years are entitled to meals according to prescribed nutritional norms under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) schemes.
- Grievance Redressal: The Act establishes a dedicated mechanism for grievance redressal at both district and state levels.
- Transparency and Accountability: Provisions for social audits, vigilance committees, and disclosure of Public Distribution System (PDS) records are included.
- Food Security Allowance: Beneficiaries are entitled to a food security allowance in case of non-supply of entitled food grains or meals.
Impact on Hunger and Malnutrition
The NFSA has significantly contributed to reducing hunger and malnutrition in India. According to a UN report, the number of undernourished people in India decreased by 60 million between 2006 and 2019. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that undernourishment fell from 22% to 15% during this period. The wide coverage of the Act has enhanced food security among the poor, increasing their resilience against income shocks. Additionally, stunting in children under five years of age has declined from 38% in NFHS-4 to 35% in NFHS-5. The monetary compensation provided to PWLM has improved access to healthier food options, and awareness initiatives have increased exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants from 11.2 million in 2012 to 13.9 million in 2019.
Conclusion
While the NFSA has been a game changer in addressing food security, challenges remain, including high levels of hunger and anemia among women. Moving towards nutritional security is essential, and recommendations from various committees must be implemented for effective execution of the NFSA.
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Present Challenges Before Crop Diversification **1. Monoculture Dependency: Many regions in India rely heavily on monoculture, particularly the cultivation of a single crop like paddy or wheat, due to traditional practices and market incentives. This dependency limits the adoption of diverse croppinRead more
Present Challenges Before Crop Diversification
**1. Monoculture Dependency: Many regions in India rely heavily on monoculture, particularly the cultivation of a single crop like paddy or wheat, due to traditional practices and market incentives. This dependency limits the adoption of diverse cropping systems.
**2. Inadequate Infrastructure: The lack of sufficient irrigation facilities, market access, and storage infrastructure hampers the ability of farmers to switch to new or diverse crops. For example, regions with insufficient irrigation often focus on water-intensive crops like paddy.
**3. Economic Viability: Farmers may be reluctant to diversify due to the economic risks associated with new crops, such as uncertain market prices and yield. For instance, growing high-value crops like fruits and vegetables requires investment and risk management which many smallholders might not afford.
**4. Lack of Knowledge and Extension Services: There is often a knowledge gap about the benefits and techniques of crop diversification. Agricultural extension services may be insufficient in providing the necessary training and support to farmers.
Emerging Technologies Providing Opportunities for Crop Diversification
**1. Precision Agriculture: Technologies like drones, satellite imagery, and soil sensors help in assessing soil health and optimizing crop selection. For instance, Precision Farming provides data on soil conditions that can guide farmers in choosing appropriate crops for their land.
**2. Genetic Engineering: Advances in crop genetics have led to the development of drought-resistant and high-yielding varieties of diverse crops. The introduction of GM crops like Bt cotton and biofortified crops helps in adapting to varying climatic conditions.
**3. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Climate-resilient farming practices supported by technology, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, enable farmers to cultivate a variety of crops even under adverse weather conditions.
**4. Digital Platforms: Agri-tech platforms and mobile apps provide real-time market information, weather forecasts, and expert advice, helping farmers make informed decisions about crop diversification. For example, apps like Kisan Suvidha offer critical insights that support crop diversification strategies.
**5. Supply Chain Innovations: Cold storage solutions and efficient logistics supported by technology improve the marketability and shelf-life of diverse crops, encouraging farmers to grow high-value crops like fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion: While crop diversification faces challenges such as monoculture dependency, inadequate infrastructure, and economic risks, emerging technologies offer significant opportunities to overcome these barriers. By leveraging precision agriculture, genetic engineering, climate-smart practices, and digital platforms, farmers can enhance their ability to diversify crops, leading to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
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