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There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) and Their Impact on Agriculture and Food Inflation Introduction Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) were established under state legislation to regulate agricultural markets and ensure fair prices for farmers. However, there is a viewpoint thRead more
Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) and Their Impact on Agriculture and Food Inflation
Introduction Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) were established under state legislation to regulate agricultural markets and ensure fair prices for farmers. However, there is a viewpoint that APMCs have hindered agricultural development and contributed to food inflation in India.
Impact on Agricultural Development
Contribution to Food Inflation
Reforms and Recent Developments
Conclusion While APMCs were established to protect farmers’ interests, their operational inefficiencies, market control, and impact on transaction costs have contributed to impediments in agricultural development and food inflation. Comprehensive reforms are needed to address these issues and enhance the effectiveness of agricultural marketing in India.
See lessGiven the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
Need for Crop Insurance in Indian Agriculture Indian agriculture is highly vulnerable to the vagaries of nature such as floods, droughts, and unseasonal rains, which can significantly impact crop yields. Given the dependency of millions of farmers on agriculture for their livelihood, crop insuranceRead more
Need for Crop Insurance in Indian Agriculture
Indian agriculture is highly vulnerable to the vagaries of nature such as floods, droughts, and unseasonal rains, which can significantly impact crop yields. Given the dependency of millions of farmers on agriculture for their livelihood, crop insurance becomes crucial for:
Crop insurance provides financial protection against losses due to natural calamities, reducing the economic burden on farmers. For example, the 2019 Kerala floods caused massive damage to crops, and insurance helped affected farmers recover.
It aids in risk management by providing a safety net that encourages farmers to invest in new technologies and practices without the fear of total loss. The 2020-21 rabi season saw significant claims paid out under crop insurance schemes due to adverse weather conditions.
By offering compensation for crop losses, insurance helps maintain income stability and ensures continued agricultural activity even after a disaster.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) aims to provide comprehensive crop insurance coverage. Its salient features include:
PMFBY covers losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. It also includes preventive measures for better crop health.
Farmers pay a low premium, while the government subsidizes the rest. For example, farmers pay only 1.5% of the sum insured for kharif crops, while the government covers the remaining cost.
The scheme incorporates technology for timely claims processing and assessment. Use of satellite imagery and drone technology has improved the efficiency of loss assessment and claim settlements.
PMFBY aims to be transparent and easily accessible, with a focus on reaching out to small and marginal farmers.
Conclusion
Crop insurance is essential for mitigating the risks associated with agricultural production in India. The PMFBY enhances the resilience of farmers by providing comprehensive coverage, affordable premiums, and a streamlined claims process, thereby supporting agricultural stability and sustainability.
See lessExplain various types of revolutions, that took place in Agriculture after independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
Introduction After independence, India witnessed several agricultural revolutions aimed at increasing productivity, ensuring food security, and reducing poverty. These revolutions transformed India's agricultural landscape and helped in achieving self-sufficiency. Types of Agricultural Revolutions GRead more
Introduction
After independence, India witnessed several agricultural revolutions aimed at increasing productivity, ensuring food security, and reducing poverty. These revolutions transformed India’s agricultural landscape and helped in achieving self-sufficiency.
Types of Agricultural Revolutions
Introduced high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation methods, primarily in wheat and rice. It led to a significant rise in food grain production, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, helping India overcome food shortages.
Also known as Operation Flood, it focused on increasing milk production. Under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien, India became the world’s largest producer of milk, improving rural incomes and nutrition levels.
Focused on fish production, particularly through aquaculture, enhancing protein availability and increasing livelihoods in coastal and inland areas.
Aimed at increasing the production of oilseeds to reduce dependency on imports. It boosted mustard and sunflower oil production, contributing to self-reliance in edible oils.
Focused on the growth of meat and poultry production, helping meet protein demands and supporting the export sector.
Impact on Poverty Alleviation and Food Security
These revolutions significantly increased food grain and livestock production, ensuring food security and reducing dependence on imports. The Green and White Revolutions were particularly instrumental in reducing rural poverty by providing income and employment opportunities. Enhanced agricultural productivity also helped in stabilizing prices, thus making food more affordable.
Conclusion
See lessThe various agricultural revolutions not only ensured food security but also played a vital role in poverty alleviation by boosting productivity, creating jobs, and enhancing incomes across rural India.
Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
Role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in Boosting Horticulture Introduction The National Horticulture Mission (NHM), launched in 2005, aims to enhance the production, productivity, and income of horticulture farms in India. It focuses on promoting various horticultural crops, including fruits,Read more
Role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in Boosting Horticulture
Introduction
The National Horticulture Mission (NHM), launched in 2005, aims to enhance the production, productivity, and income of horticulture farms in India. It focuses on promoting various horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices.
Boosting Production and Productivity
NHM has facilitated the development of infrastructure such as cold storage, packhouses, and processing units. For instance, the establishment of cold storage facilities under NHM has helped in reducing post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables, thereby increasing the overall production.
The mission provides subsidies and financial support for various horticultural activities, including the adoption of modern technology and practices. This has led to the adoption of drip irrigation systems, high-yielding varieties, and greenhouses, which have significantly boosted productivity.
NHM supports research and development activities, leading to the introduction of improved varieties and pest management practices. The development of disease-resistant varieties has improved crop yields and quality.
Increasing Farmer Income
NHM enhances market linkages through initiatives such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which help farmers get better prices for their produce. For example, the establishment of Kisan Call Centers and online marketing platforms has facilitated direct sales to consumers.
NHM promotes diversification and value addition activities. Initiatives like organic farming and product processing have enabled farmers to enter higher value markets. The Rajasthan government’s support for processing units for fruits and vegetables has led to increased farmer incomes.
Success in Increasing Farmer Income
According to data, NHM has contributed to a significant increase in horticultural production, with the area under horticulture crops expanding by approximately 20% over the past decade. For instance, the production of mangoes and citrus fruits has seen substantial growth.
Reports suggest that farmers involved in NHM-supported activities have experienced a 20-30% increase in income due to better yields and market access. Success stories include apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, who have seen improved returns due to better storage and marketing facilities.
Recent Examples
Conclusion
See lessThe National Horticulture Mission has played a crucial role in enhancing horticultural production, productivity, and farmer incomes through infrastructure development, financial assistance, and market linkages. Its efforts have resulted in notable successes, although continued focus on market access and technological adoption is essential for sustaining income growth among farmers.
Enumerate 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 lessIdentify various impediments faced by the livestock sector in India. Also, suggest measures to remove these impediments.
According to the 20th Livestock Census, India has the world's highest livestock population. Livestock sector provides livelihood to around two-third of rural community and about 8.8% of the population in India. The sector contributes to 4.11% of GDP and 25.6% of total agriculture GDP. Impediments faRead more
According to the 20th Livestock Census, India has the world’s highest livestock population. Livestock sector provides livelihood to around two-third of rural community and about 8.8% of the population in India. The sector contributes to 4.11% of GDP and 25.6% of total agriculture GDP.
Impediments faced by livestock sector in India:
Thus, following measures can be taken to remove the impediments to the sector:
Livestock provides not only a hedge against improper agriculture but also provides an opportunity to earn an additional income. Therefore, taking the above measures will help boost the potential of the sector and realise the goal of doubling the farmers’ income.
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