Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce India’s global position in pulse production and consumption. Mention the rise in domestic production and the persistent reliance on imports to meet demand. Key Fact: India contributes 35% of the global area and 25% of global pulse ...
Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions
Bharti SinghBegginer
List the several obstacles that India’s cattle industry faces. Additionally, recommend actions to get rid of these obstacles.(Answer in 200 words)
Vihaan ChoudhuryLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce agricultural cooperatives and their importance in India’s agricultural sector. State the key roles they play in boosting farmers’ income, promoting exports, and strengthening the rural economy. 2. Role in Boosting Farmers’ Income Bargaining Power: Explain how cooperatives ...
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Model Answer 1. Boosting Farmers' Income Bargaining Power: By joining cooperatives, farmers can collectively negotiate contracts, stabilizing prices and ensuring consistent sales. This reduces their vulnerability to price volatility. For example, NAFED helps stabilize prices and supports market inteRead more
Model Answer
1. Boosting Farmers’ Income
- Bargaining Power: By joining cooperatives, farmers can collectively negotiate contracts, stabilizing prices and ensuring consistent sales. This reduces their vulnerability to price volatility. For example, NAFED helps stabilize prices and supports market interventions.
- Access to Inputs: Cooperatives make quality inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and technology more affordable, boosting productivity and profitability. The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) is an example, providing farmers with cost-effective fertilizers.
- Value Addition: Cooperatives invest in processing facilities, allowing farmers to convert raw products into higher-value goods. Amul, for instance, has significantly increased the income of dairy farmers in Gujarat by adding value to milk.
2. Promoting Agricultural Exports
- Marketing and Branding: Agricultural cooperatives help farmers reach international markets by promoting their products through trade fairs and exhibitions. Mahagrapes in Maharashtra is an example of a cooperative promoting grape exports.
- Certification and Compliance: Cooperatives assist farmers in obtaining certifications and meeting international quality standards, expanding market access. National Cooperative Organics Limited helps farmers achieve organic certification for global markets.
3. Strengthening the Rural Economy
- Employment Generation: Cooperatives create jobs and provide training in rural areas. For example, NERAMAC helps train farmers and youth, enhancing employability and local economic growth.
- Financial Inclusion: They provide financial services like credit and insurance, improving financial inclusion. Megha Cooperative in Gujarat supports tribal women with financial services.
- Infrastructure Development: The establishment of cooperatives leads to rural infrastructure development, such as storage, cold chains, and transportation facilities.
Challenges
Despite these benefits, challenges like politicization, mismanagement of funds, and lack of technical expertise hinder the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives. Government initiatives like the Krishak Dirghawadhi Punji Sahakar Yojana aim to address these issues by providing long-term credit to cooperatives.
Key Highlights:
- Income Boost: Through bargaining power, access to inputs (IFFCO), and value addition (Amul).
- Exports: Marketing and certification (Mahagrapes, National Cooperative Organics Limited).
- Rural Economy: Employment (NERAMAC), financial inclusion (Megha Cooperative), and infrastructure development.
Agricultural cooperatives play a pivotal role in transforming rural India, but overcoming challenges is essential for maximizing their potential.
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Rubi GautamBegginer
List the problems that India has with managing and storing food grains. Mention the actions the government has done to resolve this as well.
TeamSupreme
Another opinion holds that the establishment of Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) under State Acts has contributed to India’s food inflation as well as hindered the growth of agriculture. Analyze critically. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
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Model Answer Introduction Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) were established under state acts in the 1950s to enhance transparency and eliminate trader discretion in agricultural markets. These committees regulate the sale of notified agricultural products, which vary by state and typicRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) were established under state acts in the 1950s to enhance transparency and eliminate trader discretion in agricultural markets. These committees regulate the sale of notified agricultural products, which vary by state and typically include essential cereals and vegetables. However, there is a growing perception that APMCs have impeded agricultural development and contributed to food inflation in India.
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Monopoly and Cartelization
APMCs often create a monopoly that restricts farmers’ access to better customers, thereby reducing their profitability. Agents within APMCs frequently form cartels, manipulating prices by restraining competitive bidding. This leads to produce being sold at artificially low prices, while hoarding by agents exacerbates food inflation, particularly for perishable goods, which farmers cannot store or bargain over effectively.
Entry Barriers and Costs
The high license fees and additional costs such as commissions, marketing fees, and APMC cess further burden farmers. These financial barriers not only hinder agricultural growth but also increase the risk of food inflation by raising the overall cost of produce.
Conflict of Interest
APMCs operate with a dual role as both regulators and market participants, which creates a conflict of interest. This duality undermines their regulatory function, allowing vested interests to manipulate market conditions to their advantage.
Other Manipulations
Agents often engage in practices that disadvantage farmers, such as withholding payment slips or blocking payments for dubious reasons. This lack of transparency hampers farmers’ ability to secure loans and invest in future crops, leading to stagnation in agricultural productivity.
Conclusion
While the central government introduced the Model APMC Act in 2003 to address these issues, its implementation has been inconsistent across states. Some states, like Bihar and Delhi, have abolished APMCs, but this has not significantly improved agricultural conditions or reduced food inflation. The challenges of food inflation stem from a combination of structural issues, including inadequate supply chains and high wastage, with APMCs being a contributing factor that requires reform.
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TeamSupreme
Considering how susceptible Indian agriculture is to natural disasters, talk about the importance of crop insurance and highlight the key components of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
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Model Answer Introduction Indian agriculture is excessively dependent on monsoons, with only 35% of the total area under cultivation being irrigated as of 2010, according to the World Bank. This heavy reliance on monsoon rains, coupled with fluctuations and natural calamities such as droughts, floodRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Indian agriculture is excessively dependent on monsoons, with only 35% of the total area under cultivation being irrigated as of 2010, according to the World Bank. This heavy reliance on monsoon rains, coupled with fluctuations and natural calamities such as droughts, floods, and hailstorms, has severely impacted farmers’ livelihoods. Even in years of abundant production, farmers often face price volatility, making crop insurance essential for stabilizing their income and production.
Need for Crop Insurance
- Protection Against Crop Failure: Crop insurance safeguards farmers from losses due to crop failures, ensuring stability in their income.
- Yield Protection: It provides coverage against reduced production and post-harvest losses, helping farmers recover from adverse conditions.
- Revenue Protection: The insurance offers a safety net against price fluctuations, guaranteeing a minimum assured income during bumper harvests when prices may crash.
- Reduced Government Expenditure: By minimizing the need for reactive relief measures during natural calamities, crop insurance serves as a proactive financial tool.
- Encouragement of Investment: With reduced risk, farmers are more likely to invest in innovative agricultural practices, enhancing productivity.
Recognizing these needs, the government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to replace the outdated National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNIAS), aiming to cover 47% of farmers within a year.
Salient Features of PMFBY
- Comprehensive Coverage: PMFBY covers Rabi, Kharif, and horticultural crops, including protection against various natural calamities and post-harvest losses.
- Affordable Premium Rates: The scheme offers a uniform premium rate of 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops, with the government subsidizing the remaining amount.
- Technological Integration: The use of remote sensing, smartphones, and drones facilitates quick assessment of crop losses.
- Area Approach Implementation: The scheme is executed on an area basis, focusing on homogenous crop cultivation and risk assessment at the village level.
- Optional Enrollment: Since 2020, enrollment in the scheme has been made optional for all farmers, moving away from the previous mandatory requirement for loanee farmers.
Conclusion
The increasing frequency of climate-induced extreme weather events and market fluctuations has heightened the distress among farmers, underscoring the urgent need for effective crop insurance. The PMFBY represents a significant step towards safeguarding farmers’ interests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India.
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TeamSupreme
Examine how the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) has helped horticulture farms increase their output, profitability, and level of productivity. To what extent has it been successful in raising farmers’ incomes? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
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Model Answer Introduction The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) was launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to enhance the production and productivity of horticultural crops in India. Its primary objective is to develop horticulture to its maximum potential across variRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) was launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to enhance the production and productivity of horticultural crops in India. Its primary objective is to develop horticulture to its maximum potential across various states.
Role of NHM in Boosting Productivity and Income
- Integrated Development of Horticulture (IDH): NHM promotes a holistic approach by integrating production, processing, and marketing activities, which enhances overall productivity.
- Modernizing Production: The mission encourages the use of advanced technologies, natural fertilizers, and eco-friendly pesticides. For instance, the introduction of harvester machines has improved efficiency in harvesting crops like coffee.
- Farmer Aggregation: NHM supports the formation of farmer groups such as Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which help in achieving economies of scale.
- Governance and Market Access: Specific boards, such as coffee and cashew boards, have been established to streamline production and marketing processes, providing farmers with better access to markets.
- Capacity Building: NHM facilitates training programs that transfer technology and knowledge from research institutions to farmers, focusing on production, post-harvest management, and marketing strategies.
Success in Increasing Farmers’ Income
The NHM has significantly impacted farmers’ income through various measures:
- Production Growth: The production of fruits increased from 43.5 million tonnes in 2004-05 to 107.7 million tonnes in 2021-22, demonstrating substantial growth in horticultural output.
- Area Expansion: The area under horticulture has grown at an average rate of 3% per annum, with annual production increasing at an average rate of 7.0% per annum.
- Diversification and Alternative Income: NHM encourages the cultivation of high-value crops alongside traditional crops, providing farmers with additional income sources.
- Market Opportunities: The mission has created new market opportunities for horticultural products, contributing to reduced rural unemployment over the past two decades.
Conclusion
The NHM has played a crucial role in transforming horticulture in India, leading to increased production, productivity, and farmer income. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and market access remain, necessitating ongoing efforts to stabilize and enhance farmers’ income.
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TeamSupreme
Describe the different kinds of agricultural revolutions that India had following its freedom. In what ways have these revolutions aided India’s efforts to reduce poverty and provide food security? (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
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Model Answer Introduction India's economy has a strong agricultural foundation, with a significant portion of the population relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. Post-independence, various agricultural revolutions supported by the government have transformed the sector, enhancing productiviRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s economy has a strong agricultural foundation, with a significant portion of the population relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. Post-independence, various agricultural revolutions supported by the government have transformed the sector, enhancing productivity and food security.
Various Types of Agricultural Revolutions After Independence
- Green Revolution
- Introduced in the 1960s, this revolution focused on high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to a significant increase in food grain production, particularly wheat.
- Fact: Wheat production rose from 12 million tons in 1965 to over 25 million tons by the early 1970s (source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research).
- White Revolution
- Launched in 1970 through Operation Flood, this initiative transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer by improving breeding techniques, fodder quality, and veterinary services.
- Fact: India now accounts for approximately 17% of global milk production (source: National Dairy Development Board).
- Blue Revolution
- Focused on the fisheries sector, this revolution led to increased fish production through better management practices in aquaculture and marine fisheries.
- Fact: Fish production in India increased from 0.75 million tons in 1950-51 to over 13 million tons by 2020 (source: Department of Fisheries).
- Other Revolutions
- Yellow Revolution: Focused on oilseed production.
- Golden Fibre Revolution: Pertained to jute production.
- Golden Revolution: Related to horticulture.
- Silver Fibre Revolution: Focused on cotton.
- Red Revolution: Concerned with meat production.
Significance of These Revolutions
- Self-Sufficiency
- The Green Revolution made India self-sufficient in food grains, while the White Revolution transformed it into a leading milk producer.
- Reduced Poverty
- Agricultural innovations have generated rural income opportunities, lifting millions out of poverty and stabilizing food prices for consumers.
- Nutritional Security
- Increased milk availability has improved nutritional security, with per capita milk consumption reaching 337 grams/day.
- Diversified Income Sources
- Farmers diversified into livestock and poultry, helping mitigate agricultural uncertainties and enhancing financial stability.
Conclusion
To sustain the progress made through these revolutions and ensure long-term food security, the Indian government has initiated the Rainbow Revolution, focusing on holistic agricultural development. Continued efforts in this direction will further strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of millions.
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Introduce PM-KISAN and its significance. Key Information: Mention that PM-KISAN is a central scheme launched in 2019, aimed at providing income support of Rs 6,000 annually to small and marginal farmers. Thesis: State that the scheme has ...
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Model Answer Introduction PM-KISAN, launched on 24th February 2019, is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to landholding farmers. The scheme offers an annual financial benefit of Rs 6,000, paid in three equal instalments, directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts thRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
PM-KISAN, launched on 24th February 2019, is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to landholding farmers. The scheme offers an annual financial benefit of Rs 6,000, paid in three equal instalments, directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It has been a crucial intervention in addressing agrarian concerns and fostering rural growth.
PM-KISAN’s Role in Addressing Agrarian Concerns
- Income Stability
- The Rs 6,000 annual payment provides a stable source of income, helping farmers manage fluctuations in their income caused by unpredictable weather and volatile market conditions.
- Example: During periods of drought or crop failure, this assistance offers crucial financial relief to small and marginal farmers.
- Debt Relief
- Many farmers use the PM-KISAN funds to pay off small debts, thereby reducing their financial burden and improving their creditworthiness.
- Illustration: Small farmers have reported lower instances of distress, including a reduction in suicides due to the added financial support.
- Reducing Input Costs
- The financial support helps farmers cover essential input costs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, improving their capacity to manage crops effectively.
- Example: Farmers can afford better-quality seeds, leading to improved crop yields and productivity.
- Boosting Agricultural Investment
- PM-KISAN enables farmers to invest in modern agricultural practices like improved irrigation systems or machinery, enhancing productivity.
- Illustration: With this financial support, a farmer may purchase drip irrigation systems, reducing water usage and increasing efficiency.
PM-KISAN’s Contribution to Fostering Rural Growth
- Increased Purchasing Power
- The scheme directly boosts the purchasing power of farmers, leading to increased demand for goods and services in rural areas.
- Example: Rural markets see a rise in the sale of consumer goods and farming equipment, stimulating local economies.
- Investment in Local Businesses
- The additional disposable income allows farmers to diversify their income by investing in small businesses or other non-agricultural activities, fostering rural entrepreneurship.
- Illustration: A farmer might open a small shop or invest in a service like mobile repair, creating local jobs.
- Agricultural Value Addition
- Farmers with increased incomes are more likely to invest in value-added agricultural products, contributing to rural economic diversification.
- Example: A farmer may use surplus income to produce and sell processed food items like pickles or jams, increasing profits.
Challenges Facing PM-KISAN
- Limited Beneficiary Coverage
- While PM-KISAN targets 125 million small and marginal farming households, only 32% of them (about 40.27 million) have benefited.
- Insufficient Support Amount
- The Rs 6,000 annual benefit, though helpful, covers only about a tenth of the production costs per hectare, limiting its effectiveness in solving long-term financial challenges.
- Exclusion of Tenant Farmers and Landless Laborers
- PM-KISAN is limited to landholding farmers, excluding tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and landless laborers, who form a large part of the rural population.
- Market Distortions
- Some critics argue that without accompanying market reforms, income support schemes like PM-KISAN may distort market incentives, leading to unintended consequences, such as over-reliance on certain crops.
- Awareness Issues
- Many eligible farmers are unaware of the scheme or find it difficult to apply.
- Example: In Bihar, only 41% of farmers surveyed were aware of PM-KISAN.
- Non-Farmers Benefiting
- In some cases, non-farmers have wrongly received benefits due to inadequate verification processes.
- Example: In Uttar Pradesh, over 12,000 non-farmers, including government employees, received PM-KISAN benefits.
Way Forward
- Expanding Beneficiary Criteria: Include tenant farmers and landless laborers to ensure wider coverage.
- Awareness Campaigns: Improve outreach through community meetings and local media to ensure that more eligible farmers are aware of and apply for benefits.
- Digital and Offline Accessibility: Strengthen both online and offline registration processes for easier access, especially in areas with limited digital infrastructure.
- Data Verification: Implement a robust system for regularly verifying and updating beneficiary data to ensure accurate targeting.
- Complementary Reforms: Integrate PM-KISAN with broader agricultural reforms and support measures like market access, crop insurance, and infrastructure improvements.
- Income Stability
Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly define GM crops and mention their primary objectives, such as increasing yields, enhancing resistance to pests and diseases, and improving tolerance to environmental stresses like drought. Mention the dual nature of the debate: the promise of ...
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Model Answer Introduction Genetically modified (GM) crops are plants that have been altered through modern biotechnology to include novel combinations of genes. In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is responsible for the approval and commercial release of GM crops. While GM cRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Genetically modified (GM) crops are plants that have been altered through modern biotechnology to include novel combinations of genes. In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is responsible for the approval and commercial release of GM crops. While GM crops are praised for their potential to enhance yields and resilience, concerns regarding their ecological impact and food safety remain significant.
Role of GM Crops in Enhancing Yields and Resilience
GM crops are designed to tackle several agricultural challenges, contributing to both improved crop productivity and resilience:
- Pest Resistance: GM crops, like Bt cotton, are engineered to be resistant to pests. Bt cotton contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces a protein toxic to specific pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and ensuring higher yields.
- Drought Tolerance: GM crops can be modified to withstand water stress, which is especially beneficial in areas prone to drought. For example, drought-resistant GM maize can thrive in water-scarce regions, ensuring stable yields even during dry spells.
- Nutritional Enhancement: GM crops like Golden rice have been engineered to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Golden rice, enriched with beta-carotene, helps address vitamin A deficiency, a major health issue in many developing countries.
Ecological and Food Safety Concerns
Despite the potential benefits, GM crops raise several environmental and food safety concerns:
- Biodiversity Loss: The use of herbicide-tolerant GM crops may lead to overuse of specific herbicides, causing the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. This disrupts local ecosystems and reduces plant biodiversity.
- Biosafety Risks: GM crops may unintentionally harm non-target species. For instance, insect-resistant plants could affect beneficial insects, leading to a loss of species diversity.
- Cross-Pollination and Gene Flow: GM crops such as canola can cross-pollinate with wild relatives, potentially spreading modified genes to non-GM populations. This gene flow can affect natural plant varieties and disrupt ecosystems.
- Unintended Ecological Consequences: The introduction of GM crops with resistance to pests may inadvertently harm other organisms, leading to imbalances in the ecosystem. For example, pests may develop resistance to the modified genes, causing a cycle of escalating pesticide use.
Food Safety Concerns
- Allergenicity: There is concern that GM crops could introduce new allergens. The transfer of allergenic genes into GM crops might pose risks to sensitive individuals, raising safety concerns.
- Health Impacts: GM crops often have altered nutritional profiles. While they are engineered for improved traits, the long-term health effects of consuming GM foods remain uncertain, and more studies are needed.
- Resistance Development: Over-reliance on specific GM traits (such as pest resistance) can lead to the evolution of resistant pests or diseases. This would require increased pesticide use, which could harm both the environment and human health.
Way Forward
To address the challenges surrounding GM crops, several measures can be taken:
- Evidence-Based Decisions: Governments should base decisions regarding GM technology on robust scientific research, ensuring that all benefits and risks are carefully evaluated.
- Openness and Transparency: A transparent approach to GM crop regulation can help build public trust. Clear communication about scientific findings and safety protocols is crucial to mitigate concerns.
- Stakeholder Involvement: It is important to involve all relevant parties, including scientists, farmers, consumers, and environmentalists, in decision-making processes. A participatory approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.
- Precautionary Principle: Due to the uncertainty surrounding GM technology, adopting a precautionary principle is advisable. This means waiting for broader scientific consensus before rolling out GM crops on a large scale.
- Improved Policy Frameworks: Policymakers should focus on creating frameworks that address pricing, input costs, and equitable benefits for all stakeholders involved in GM cultivation.
- Strong Liability Laws: Enforcing strict liability laws will hold companies accountable for any environmental or unforeseen harm caused by GM technology. This encourages responsible practices and environmental stewardship.
Model Answer Introduction India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, contributing 35% of the global area and 25% of global production. Despite a 50% rise in domestic production over the last decade (from 18.3 million tonnes to 27.5 million tonnes), the country still relies on imports, accRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, contributing 35% of the global area and 25% of global production. Despite a 50% rise in domestic production over the last decade (from 18.3 million tonnes to 27.5 million tonnes), the country still relies on imports, accounting for 9% of pulse consumption in 2021-22.
Key Factors Contributing to the Imbalance
1. Inadequate Government Procurement
2. Hoarding and Cartelization
3. Lower Yields
4. Production Disparities
5. Infrastructure Gaps
6. Rising Demand from Dietary Changes
Conclusion
To reduce import dependency, India must focus on improving yields through better technology, incentivizing farmers with assured MSP, reducing wastage via robust infrastructure, and diversifying pulse production. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring food security and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses.
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