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Highlight the potential, significance and challenges facing the food processing sector in India.
The food processing sector offers a vital linkage between agriculture and industry.. With India moving from a position of scarcity to surplus in food production the prospects for increasing processing levels are enormous. Potential of Food Processing Sector in India Sunrise industry: Less than 10% oRead more
The food processing sector offers a vital linkage between agriculture and industry.. With India moving from a position of scarcity to surplus in food production the prospects for increasing processing levels are enormous.
Potential of Food Processing Sector in India
Significance of Food Processing Sector
Challenges facing the Food Processing Sector
To realize the potential of this sector, the Government of India has accorded it ‘high priority’ status under its Make in India initiative. Furthermore, policy environment is being made conducive through efforts like relaxation of FDI norms, marketing reforms, and facilitation of infrastructure creation through schemes like National Mission on Food Processing, Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, Mega Food Parks Scheme, Agri export zones etc. This shall go a long way in making India the ‘Food Basket of the world’.
See less5 Year Plan
India's 5-year plans, also known as the Five-Year Plans, are a series of national development plans designed to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life for the Indian population. Since independence in 1947, India has implemented several 5-year plans to achieve theseRead more
India’s 5-year plans, also known as the Five-Year Plans, are a series of national development plans designed to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life for the Indian population. Since independence in 1947, India has implemented several 5-year plans to achieve these goals. Here’s an overview of the employment generation aspect of each plan:
First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956)
Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961)
Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966)
Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969-1974)
Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-1979)
- Focus: Social and economic development, especially in the rural areas
- Employment generation: The plan aimed to create 12 million jobs in the organized sector
- Achievements: The plan saw a moderate growth rate of 4.8% in GDP, with employment growth increasing to 3.5%
See lessAssess India's vulnerability to earthquakes and suggest measures for better resilience to earthquakes.
The Indian subcontinent is one of the most earthquake prone regions of the world. In the last few decades, India has witnessed many devastating earthquakes e.g. Kashmir 2005, Gujarat 2001 and Uttarkashi 1991, which caused significant loss of human life as well as physical infrastructure. India's vulRead more
The Indian subcontinent is one of the most earthquake prone regions of the world. In the last few decades, India has witnessed many devastating earthquakes e.g. Kashmir 2005, Gujarat 2001 and Uttarkashi 1991, which caused significant loss of human life as well as physical infrastructure.
India’s vulnerability to earthquakes
Measures for better resilience to earthquakes
Unlike other disasters, it is not possible to prevent the occurrence of earthquakes; hence, the only Olution to minimise loss of lives and properties is effective disaster preparedness and mitigation gainst them. It is thus necessary to empower communities to ensure the seismic safety of the built mvironment by encouraging the use of simple, easy and affordable technical solutions and stitutional arrangements.
See lessEnumerate the issues associated with storage and management of food grains in India. Also mention the steps taken by the government to address these.
In India, surplus grains are stored with government agencies like Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Central and State warehousing Corporations. As per the report of ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology (CIPHET), around 5-6% of total food grain production is lost owinRead more
In India, surplus grains are stored with government agencies like Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Central and State warehousing Corporations. As per the report of ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology (CIPHET), around 5-6% of total food grain production is lost owing to various issues associated with storage and management of food grains in India.
These include
In this regard, the government has taken various steps to improve the situation. These are
Recently, the government has announced a Rs 1 trillion fund for entrepreneurs to set up facilities to procure, store and market agricultural produce. Apart from these steps, the government needs to act on the recommendations of Ashok Dalwai Committee such as promoting integrated agro- logistics systems and preparing a district and state wise storage plan.
See lessExplain the need for promoting energy efficiency in India. Mention some of the government measures taken in this regard.
Energy efficiency essentially means using a lesser amount of energy while producing a given amount of output. For example, incandescent lights used to transform only a maximum up to 10% of electrical energy to useful light, whereas LED light converts at least 25% of the energy input into visible ligRead more
Energy efficiency essentially means using a lesser amount of energy while producing a given amount of output. For example, incandescent lights used to transform only a maximum up to 10% of electrical energy to useful light, whereas LED light converts at least 25% of the energy input into visible light energy.
Need for promoting energy efficiency in India
India had realised the importance of energy rationing long back, evident from the launch of the Energy Conservation Act in 2001. Overall, various energy efficiency measures have translated into savings worth INR 89,000 crores (approximately) in 2018-19 and contributed in reducing 151.74 Million Tonnes of CO2 emission in India. This has been made possible due to various government efforts such as:
By urgently and fully adopting an energy energy effici efficient lifestyle, India can build a positive momentum towards transformation of the energy system that will achieve the common climate change and sustainable development goals.
See lessExplaining the concept of inclusive growth, examine its significance for overall development in India.
India has made significant progress on several indicators of inclusive growth such as, skill development, financial inclusion, improvement in indices such as Human Development Index, Social Progress Index etc. However, the process of inclusive growth has not been completely actualised. Inclusive groRead more
India has made significant progress on several indicators of inclusive growth such as, skill development, financial inclusion, improvement in indices such as Human Development Index, Social Progress Index etc. However, the process of inclusive growth has not been completely actualised. Inclusive growth is significant for overall development in India for following reasons:
The government has undertaken several initiatives in this context such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Zojana, MGNREGA, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, PM-KISAN scheme etc. However, more measures are needed to attain multi-dimensional inclusive growth. Further, hitherto marginalised groups such as specially-abled, transgenders, elderly etc. need to be made active participants in the development process going forward.
See lessWhat are the domestic support measures available to WTO member countries under the Agreement on Agriculture? Analyse the provision of 'peace clause' in this context.
The Agreement on Agriculture (AOA), was negotiated during the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and entered into force with the establishment of the WTO in 1995. It is the first international treaty to recognise a close link between domestic measures and trade policRead more
The Agreement on Agriculture (AOA), was negotiated during the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and entered into force with the establishment of the WTO in 1995. It is the first international treaty to recognise a close link between domestic measures and trade policies. One of the key objectives of AoA has been to reduce domestic support, but leaving scope for governments to design domestic agricultural policies.
Types of Domestic Support Measures under AoA
Amber Box: (Production or trade distorting measures)
Blue Box: (‘Amber box with conditions”)
Green Box: (measures with no or minimal trade distortive effects)
Development Box: [S&DT (Special and Differential Treatment) box]
An important provision of the Agriculture Agreement is Due Restraint or ‘Peace Clause’, which was adopted in the 2013 Bali Conference and reaffirmed in the 2015 Nairobi meet by making it perpetual (until a permanent solution is mutually reached). It holds that no member can drag any developing country to the Dispute Settlement Mechanism of WTO for violation of De- minimis limits in AoA, provided that the concerned developing country is:
Issues surrounding Peace Clause
Recently, India has invoked the Peace Clause for exceeding the 10% ceiling on the value of production for rice farmers, marking the first time any country has used this clause.
See lessDiscuss the issues faced by the agricultural marketing system in India.
Agricultural marketing refers to all those processes, which relate to taking the agricultural product from the farmers to the consumers, which includes gathering the agricultural produce, their standardization and grading, value addition (processing and preservation), their storage, transportation aRead more
Agricultural marketing refers to all those processes, which relate to taking the agricultural product from the farmers to the consumers, which includes gathering the agricultural produce, their standardization and grading, value addition (processing and preservation), their storage, transportation and selling in the market. An efficient system of agricultural marketing provides an incentive to take up agriculture as a gainful occupation and reduce unemployment. It also leads to the integration of the different sectors of the economy such as agriculture, industry, etc. A well-organised marketing system makes it possible to make available foodstuffs at different centres and secure non-farm products. Not only it facilitates modernization of agriculture but also helps to maintain stability in the prices by maintaining balance between demands and supply.
However, the agricultural marketing system in India faces a lot of issues such as
To overcome these issues, the government has set up a digital national market (e-NAM), incentivized setting up of FPOs, setting up an agri-marketing infrastructure fund to upgrade agricultural marketing infrastructure in the Grameen Agricultural Markets (GrAMs) and APMCS. Also, the government has introduced institutional reforms that include amending the Essential Commodities Act to remove the existing restrictions on stocking food produce, a new law The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020 to end the monopoly of the APMCs (APMC) and allows anyone to purchase and sell agricultural produce and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020 to legalise contract farming, so that big businesses and companies can cultivate vast swaths of land on contract.
See lessState the objectives and limitations of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. What steps have been taken by the Government to deal with these limitations?
Public distribution system (PDS) is a government-sponsored mechanism entrusted with the work of distributing basic food and non-food commodities to the needy sections of the society at subsidised rates. The system is operated jointly by the Central and the state governments. It has following objectiRead more
Public distribution system (PDS) is a government-sponsored mechanism entrusted with the work of distributing basic food and non-food commodities to the needy sections of the society at subsidised rates. The system is operated jointly by the Central and the state governments.
It has following objectives
It is supplemental in nature and is not intended to make available the entire requirement of any of the commodities distributed under it to a household or section of the society. Yet, it acts as a safety net for a large section of the population.
Limitations of PDS In India
Some recent steps taken by government
To improve the PDS further, Wadhwa Committee (2006) and Shanta Kumar Committee (2015) have suggested universalisation of PDS, gradual introduction of cash transfers (DBT) and food coupons. A Universal Basic Income may also be introduced to do away with multiple subsidies existing in India.
See lessHow will the current scenario of the Indian economy affect our global political position?
The current scenario of the Indian economy is likely to have significant implications for India's global political position. Here are some key ways in which the state of the Indian economy can affect India's global standing: Economic Growth and Influence: India's economic performance is a crucial faRead more
The current scenario of the Indian economy is likely to have significant implications for India’s global political position. Here are some key ways in which the state of the Indian economy can affect India’s global standing:
- Economic Growth and Influence:
- India’s economic performance is a crucial factor in its ability to wield influence on the global stage.
- Sustained high economic growth rates and a thriving economy can enhance India’s bargaining power in international negotiations, trade agreements, and diplomatic relations.
- Conversely, a prolonged economic slowdown or instability could diminish India’s economic clout and reduce its ability to shape global economic and political outcomes.
- Geopolitical Implications:
- India’s economic strength is closely tied to its geopolitical ambitions and its ability to project power in the region and globally.
- A robust economy provides the resources and capabilities for India to pursue a more assertive foreign policy, invest in defense and security, and expand its sphere of influence.
- Economic challenges, however, can limit India’s ability to engage in strategic initiatives and respond to regional and global dynamics effectively.
- Diplomatic Relationships and Partnerships:
- India’s economic performance can influence its relationships and alliances with other countries, both developed and developing.
- A thriving Indian economy can make it an attractive partner for trade, investment, and cooperation, potentially strengthening its diplomatic ties.
- Conversely, economic vulnerabilities could make India a less desirable partner, affecting its ability to forge new alliances and maintain existing ones.
- Soft Power and Global Influence:
- India’s economic achievements and its ability to provide development assistance, technological expertise, and innovative solutions can enhance its soft power and global influence.
- A strong economy can enable India to play a more prominent role in international organizations, standard-setting, and global governance frameworks.
- Conversely, economic challenges could limit India’s capacity to project its soft power and take on a more significant leadership role on the global stage.
- Domestic Political Dynamics:
- The state of the Indian economy can also have reverberations within the domestic political landscape, affecting the government’s legitimacy, policy priorities, and public sentiment.
- Economic performance is a crucial factor in determining the political fortunes of the ruling party and can influence voter preferences and political stability.
See less