The emergence of climate change is contributing to the resurgence of millet farming. Talk about it. Mention the initiatives the government has taking to boost millet production in India as well. (Answer in 150 words)
Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions
Rohit ValiyanLearner
Describe the variations between a cropping system and a cropping pattern. Discuss the various farming systems that are used in India as well. (Answer in 200 words)
Shekhar jaatBegginer
Describe what you mean by urban agriculture and list the many kinds. Talk about its importance in relation to India as well. (Answer in 150 words)
-
Urban agriculture refers to agricultural practices followed in urban and peri-urban areas i.e. growing of plants and the rearing of animals primarily for food and other domestic use within a city or a town. It also involves activities such as the production, processing, marketing, and delivery of faRead more
Urban agriculture refers to agricultural practices followed in urban and peri-urban areas i.e. growing of plants and the rearing of animals primarily for food and other domestic use within a city or a town. It also involves activities such as the production, processing, marketing, and delivery of farming products.
Urban agriculture has different types:
- Backyard Gardens: Backyard Garden farming is a type of urban farming carried out on the house property to grow food which if the surplus is shared among neighbors, friends, and family.
- Street Landscaping: In this type of urban farming, grass, landscaping, street trees, vegetation, and others are produced in the private streets of the society or community.
- Vertical Farms: Vertical farming is the practice of producing crops vertically stacked. It also provides controlled environment farming. Vertical farming aims to optimize crop growth.
- Forest Gardening: Forest gardening is the practice of having grown gardens in the urban forest. In this type, different types of crops are produced.
- Rooftop Gardens: Rooftop gardens provide temperature control, architectural enhancement, corridors for wildlife, habitats, and recreational opportunities with decorative benefits.
- Aquaponics: In aquaponics, fish are raised in water tanks. In these tanks, plants are also grown, and the waste from the fish gives manure to the plants.
- Urban Beekeeping: It is also known as backyard beekeeping or hobby beekeeping. It is said that bees from the city are healthier and more productive.
- Greenhouse: It includes the practice of agriculture in commercial, residential, and communal urban spaces. It helps farmers to increase their yield and performance with improved quality.
Significance for India
- Decentralized Production: Small-scale decentralized production can supplement diets at the household or community level.
- Environment Management: Urban agriculture can combat the urban heat island effect and function as an urban lung in addition to providing visual appeal. Additionally, it brings purposeful recreation that has a direct impact on city health.
- Eco-Cultural Learning: Urban agriculture helps city dwellers establish linkages with nature and educate them about its richness and diversity.
- Waste Management: The use of suitably treated wastewater for urban agriculture can reduce the demand for fresh water and help in wastewater disposal.
- Moreover, organic waste from the city can be composted and used in food and flower production which can reduce the total quantum of waste and its dumping on land, thereby, reducing the requirement of landfills.
- Employment Generation: It can add to the number of jobs improve livelihood opportunities in the cities and generate some income, especially for the poor. As urban populations grow, urban agriculture must become vital to municipal functions. Similarly, urban plans must include urban agriculture in their land-use strategies.
Kumudini LakhiaEnthusiast
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the concept of cropping patterns in India, highlighting the shift towards water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane. Define “water-intensive cropping patterns” and explain their implications for water resources. 2. Reasons Behind the Uneven Shift Towards Water-Intensive ...
-
Model Answer Price Support Mechanisms: The government’s price support mechanisms, such as Minimum Support Price (MSP), predominantly favor water-intensive crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Despite MSP being announced for 23 crops, effective support is primarily provided for these three, drivingRead more
Model Answer
Price Support Mechanisms: The government’s price support mechanisms, such as Minimum Support Price (MSP), predominantly favor water-intensive crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Despite MSP being announced for 23 crops, effective support is primarily provided for these three, driving their extensive cultivation. This policy has led to an overemphasis on water-intensive crops.
Increasing Demand: The demand for crops like sugar has increased due to their link with ethanol production, co-generated electricity, and by-products like bio-CNG and molasses. In regions like Karnataka and Maharashtra, the area under sugarcane cultivation has nearly doubled in the last 6-7 years, further contributing to water-intensive cropping.
Input Subsidies and Irrigation Infrastructure: Subsidies on water, electricity, and fertilizers, combined with enhanced irrigation infrastructure, incentivize farmers to grow water-intensive crops. States like Punjab rely heavily on irrigation for crops like paddy, whereas states with sufficient rainfall like Assam and Bihar lack similar incentives.
Impact of the Green Revolution: The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of rice and wheat, which, although more productive, require large amounts of water. This has cemented the dominance of these crops in India.
Measures for Promoting Sustainable Water-Efficient Cropping Patterns
Promotion of Diversified Agriculture: The government can incentivize the cultivation of less water-intensive, drought-resistant crops like millets and pulses by offering enhanced MSP and support schemes. This would help reduce the over-reliance on water-guzzling crops.
Innovation and Technology: Implementing advanced water management technologies, such as drip irrigation, can optimize water usage. Maharashtra’s mandate for drip irrigation in sugarcane cultivation is a notable example of saving water while maintaining productivity.
Educational Programs and Community Engagement: Workshops and extension services should be organized to educate farmers on the benefits of crop diversification and sustainable water practices.
Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure for storage, processing, and marketing of less water-intensive crops like fruits and vegetables is essential. Establishing cold storage and processing units can provide economic incentives for farmers to shift to these crops.
Enhanced Research and Development: Focused research on developing water-efficient crop varieties suited to local climates can help reduce dependency on traditional, water-intensive crops.
By implementing these measures, India can achieve a more sustainable water-use cropping pattern, crucial for long-term agricultural and environmental sustainability.
See less
Swapna SundariLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce crop diversification as an agricultural strategy that involves growing different types of crops, either through crop rotation, intercropping, agroforestry, or adding new species. Highlight its importance in addressing challenges in both market uncertainty and sustainability in ...
-
Model Answer Navigating Market Uncertainties: Minimizes Financial Risk: Crop diversification helps farmers reduce their financial vulnerability by spreading risk across a variety of crops. If one crop fails due to unfavorable weather conditions or market fluctuations, others can still thrive, ensuriRead more
Model Answer
Navigating Market Uncertainties:
- Minimizes Financial Risk: Crop diversification helps farmers reduce their financial vulnerability by spreading risk across a variety of crops. If one crop fails due to unfavorable weather conditions or market fluctuations, others can still thrive, ensuring more stable incomes. For example, farmers in India have seen benefits from diversifying with crops like pulses, which can also mitigate the risks posed by unpredictable markets .
- New Agriculture-Based Industries: Diversifying crops can lead to the establishment of new agriculture-related industries, such as processing and packaging, which not only help farmers tap into new markets but also create employment opportunities in rural areas. This strategy encourages economic growth within agricultural communities .
- Cost Reduction: Including legumes in crop rotations, for instance, helps reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, lowering production costs. This is an effective method to cut input expenses, which is crucial for smallholder farmers operating on tight budgets.
Promoting Soil Health and Sustainability:
- Enhances Soil Microbial Diversity: Crop diversification fosters a broader range of beneficial microbes in the soil. These microbes help cycle nutrients, suppress diseases, and improve soil fertility, which is vital for long-term agricultural sustainability.
- Boosts Agricultural Biodiversity: A diverse cropping system contributes to genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, improving the resilience of farming systems to pests, diseases, and changing climatic conditions.
- Pest and Disease Management: Growing multiple crops reduces the risk of pest infestations and diseases. The natural buffer created by crop diversity reduces the need for chemical pesticides, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.
Challenges and Policy Support: While crop diversification offers numerous benefits, challenges like market access, infrastructure limitations, and the complexity of managing diverse crops exist. To overcome these, government initiatives like the National Food Security Mission and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture can provide the necessary support. Investments in infrastructure and increased research are essential to fully realize the benefits of crop diversification.
See less
Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly define climate change and its relevance to agriculture. Highlight the role of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and temperature shifts, in altering cropping patterns. Mention that India, heavily reliant on agriculture, is seeing significant changes in ...
-
Model Answer Impact of Climate Change on Cropping Patterns in India Climate change and extreme weather events are significantly altering agricultural practices in India, a country highly dependent on rainfed agriculture. These changes are affecting cropping patterns across various regions in the folRead more
Model Answer
Impact of Climate Change on Cropping Patterns in India
Climate change and extreme weather events are significantly altering agricultural practices in India, a country highly dependent on rainfed agriculture. These changes are affecting cropping patterns across various regions in the following ways:
1. Shifting from Kharif to Rabi Crops Due to Flooding
In flood-prone regions, farmers are adjusting their cropping patterns to avoid the damages caused by unpredictable rainfall and floods. For example, in Assam’s Dhemaji district, farmers are increasingly opting to cultivate Rabi crops such as mustard, potatoes, and peas, instead of traditional Kharif crops like rice, which are more susceptible to flooding.
2. Early Harvesting Due to Rising Temperatures
Rising temperatures are shortening crop cycles, forcing farmers to harvest crops earlier than usual. In North India, for instance, mustard was harvested as early as February 2023, a significant shift from the traditional harvest time of March or April. This change impacts crop yields and overall productivity.
3. Shifting to Higher Altitudes
In regions like Himachal Pradesh, increasing winter temperatures are affecting the farming environment. As a result, apple growers are moving their orchards to higher altitudes or adopting mixed farming by intercropping vegetables and fruits in lower-altitude areas to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
4. Transition to Aquaculture in Coastal Areas
In coastal regions like South Gujarat, saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels has made traditional agriculture unsustainable. As a result, many farmers are transitioning to aquaculture, adjusting their practices to the changing ecosystem.
5. Adopting Less Water-Intensive Crops
Changes in precipitation and increasing evaporation are leading to water scarcity, particularly in drought-prone areas. Farmers in Maharashtra, for example, have shifted from water-intensive crops like grapes to more drought-tolerant crops like pomegranates.
6. Adopting New Techniques
To cope with extreme weather events, many farmers are incorporating new technologies, such as storm-resistant greenhouses, which provide a protective environment for crops against harsh weather.
Conclusion
The impacts of climate change on cropping patterns in India are profound, but adaptation strategies like those promoted by government initiatives, such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), are crucial to making Indian agriculture more resilient.
See less
TeamSupreme
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define Integrated Farming System (IFS). Explain the main goal of IFS: resource optimization, sustainability, and year-round employment. 2. Definition of Integrated Farming System Describe IFS as a combination of various farming practices, including: Crop production Animal husbandry Forestry Mention the principle of waste ...
-
Model Answer Introduction Integrated Farming System (IFS) is an agricultural approach that combines various farming practices, such as crop production, animal husbandry, and forestry, to create a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. The primary goal of IFS is to optimize resource use, minimize externRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Integrated Farming System (IFS) is an agricultural approach that combines various farming practices, such as crop production, animal husbandry, and forestry, to create a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. The primary goal of IFS is to optimize resource use, minimize external inputs, and enhance overall productivity and profitability while providing year-round employment opportunities.
Benefits of Integrated Farming System for Small and Marginal Farmers in India
According to the Agricultural Census 2015, 86% of Indian farmers are classified as small and marginal farmers. IFS offers several advantages to these farmers:
- Reduced Use of Fertilizers: IFS promotes the recycling of nutrients and minimizes the reliance on chemical fertilizers. This not only lowers input costs but also decreases the chemical residues in food and soil, which is particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers who may not afford chemical inputs.
- Reduced Wastage and Financial Burden: By utilizing waste from one farming process as input for another, IFS significantly reduces wastage and lowers overall input costs. This alleviates the financial burden on small and marginal farmers.
- Economic Activity: IFS enables multiple farming activities on the same piece of land, ensuring continuous employment throughout the year. This consistent flow of income supports the farming community economically.
- Nutritional Security: The diverse produce from IFS, including cereals, poultry, fish, and fruits, helps combat malnutrition caused by reliance on single-crop diets.
- Financial Security: Given the dependence of many small and marginal farmers on monsoon rains for irrigation, IFS mitigates risks by providing alternative income sources through animal husbandry and horticulture, thus enhancing financial stability.
Conclusion
While IFS offers numerous benefits, such as resource optimization and income diversification, challenges like lack of finance and resistance to new methods persist. To achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, India must adopt a well-designed Integrated Farming System.
See less
TeamSupreme
What impact do subsidies have on farmers’ economies, crop diversity, and cropping patterns? What role do food processing, minimum support price, and crop insurance play for small and marginal farmers? (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
-
Model Answer Introduction An agricultural subsidy is an incentive paid by the government to farmers as a supplement to their income, aimed at maintaining the supply of agricultural commodities. In India, subsidies cover various aspects such as fertilizer, irrigation, equipment, credit, seed, and expRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
An agricultural subsidy is an incentive paid by the government to farmers as a supplement to their income, aimed at maintaining the supply of agricultural commodities. In India, subsidies cover various aspects such as fertilizer, irrigation, equipment, credit, seed, and export subsidies.
Impact of Subsidies on Cropping Pattern, Crop Diversity, and Economy of Farmers
- Cropping Pattern:
Subsidies significantly influence the cropping patterns in agricultural regions. Crops that receive substantial subsidies tend to dominate the landscape. For instance, in Punjab, the availability of cheap electricity and irrigation subsidies has led farmers to cultivate water-intensive crops like rice, which has resulted in a skewed cropping pattern favoring these crops over others. - Crop Diversity:
The provision of subsidies often discourages crop diversity. Farmers are incentivized to grow subsidized crops, leading to a reduction in the cultivation of diverse crops. To counteract this, governments have begun to announce subsidies for alternative crops to promote greater crop diversity. - Economy of Farmers:
Subsidies provide a safety net for farmers by reducing their dependence on volatile market forces, ensuring a more stable income. While this can help farmers sustain their livelihoods during adverse market conditions, it can also create a dependency on government support, potentially leading to inefficiencies in the agricultural sector and limiting farmers’ responsiveness to market signals.
Significance for Small and Marginal Farmers
- Crop Insurance:
Crop insurance serves as a protective measure against crop failures due to unforeseen events, helping small and marginal farmers avoid financial ruin. By paying a small premium, farmers can secure future support in case of crop loss. - Minimum Support Price (MSP):
The MSP guarantees a minimum price for certain agricultural commodities, ensuring that small and marginal farmers receive fair compensation for their produce, even when market prices are low. - Food Processing:
Food processing industries provide a stable market for small farmers, allowing them to add value to their products. By processing and packaging their produce, farmers can sell at higher prices, thereby improving their financial stability.
Conclusion
Subsidies, crop insurance, minimum support price (MSP), and food processing play crucial roles in supporting small and marginal farmers. However, it is essential to design and implement these policies carefully to achieve their intended goals without unintended consequences.
See less - Cropping Pattern:
TeamSupreme
What are the main causes of the cropping system’s diminishing yields of wheat and rice? In what ways can crop variety aid in stabilizing the system’s agricultural yield? (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
-
Model Answer Introduction India’s agrarian landscape, underpinned by staple crops like rice and wheat, is witnessing a paradigm shift. Despite the country being the second-largest producer of wheat and rice globally, regions, notably North-west India, have observed declining yields. Major Reasons foRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s agrarian landscape, underpinned by staple crops like rice and wheat, is witnessing a paradigm shift. Despite the country being the second-largest producer of wheat and rice globally, regions, notably North-west India, have observed declining yields.
Major Reasons for the Declining Yield
- Declining Soil Productivity:
Continuous cropping has led to soil fatigue, loss of essential minerals, and an increase in salinity. For example, Punjab, the ‘Granary of India’, has seen a drop in soil fertility due to over-cultivation and absence of fallow periods. Studies indicate that in some regions of Punjab, soil organic carbon levels have decreased by about 15-20% over the last two decades. - Impact of Climatic Changes:
Global warming and erratic monsoons have jeopardized the predictable climate essential for these crops. For instance, wheat production in Haryana faced a setback in 2020 when untimely rains coupled with increased temperatures affected the crop’s maturity. A study by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute found that for every 1°C increase in temperature, wheat yields could decrease by 4-5%. - Unscientific Agricultural Practices:
Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improper irrigation techniques have compromised soil health. For example, excessive irrigation in rice fields of Andhra Pradesh led to a condition called ‘alkaline soils’, which are less productive. India uses 2.2 times more fertilizer than the global average per hectare of arable land, as per the World Bank.
Crop Diversification as a Solution
- Nutrient Management and Soil Health:
Different crops extract varied nutrients from the soil. Rotating crops ensures balanced nutrient extraction and replenishment. For example, introducing pulses post a paddy harvest can help fix atmospheric nitrogen, replenishing the soil’s nitrogen content. According to FAO, crop rotation can increase soil nutrient content by up to 25%. - Conservation of Water Resources:
Diversifying into less water-intensive crops can reduce stress on water tables. For instance, transitioning to millets in semi-arid regions can reduce water usage by up to 60% compared to paddy. - Enhanced Pest and Disease Management:
Crop diversification can disrupt the life cycles of pests and diseases specific to a particular crop. For example, introducing mustard in a wheat-paddy rotation can deter pests common to both wheat and rice. Studies indicate that diversifying crops can reduce pest-related losses by up to 40%.
Conclusion
India’s agricultural resilience hinges on its adaptability. While rice and wheat are staples, the declining yields necessitate a re-examination of our agricultural practices. Crop diversification emerges as a holistic solution, addressing soil health, water conservation, and pest management. Embracing these shifts can ensure sustained yields, ecological balance, and food security for the nation.
See less - Declining Soil Productivity:
TeamSupreme
How have recent cropping patterns changed as a result of the focus on particular crops? Explain in further detail why millets are produced and consumed. (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
-
Model Answer Introduction Cropping patterns refer to the distribution of various crops over agricultural land at a given time and are influenced by geo-climatic, socio-economic, and historical factors. Recent shifts in cropping patterns highlight a renewed emphasis on certain crops, particularly milRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Cropping patterns refer to the distribution of various crops over agricultural land at a given time and are influenced by geo-climatic, socio-economic, and historical factors. Recent shifts in cropping patterns highlight a renewed emphasis on certain crops, particularly millets.
Changes in Cropping Patterns
Post-Green Revolution Impact
The Green Revolution significantly altered India’s cropping patterns, leading to the dominance of paddy, wheat, cotton, soybean, and sugarcane, which now occupy more than half of the total sown area. This shift resulted in a monoculture system, particularly the rice-wheat cycle, which displaced traditional crops like millets, oilseeds, and pulses that were better suited to local conditions.
Environmental Consequences
The emphasis on these high-demand crops has led to soil degradation, declining fertility, and groundwater depletion. Additionally, the reliance on chemical fertilizers has resulted in pollution, adversely affecting human health.
Resurgence of Pulses and Millets
Recently, the focus has shifted back to millets and pulses due to changing consumer preferences, water scarcity, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices.
Emphasis on Millets: The NutriCereals
Millets, including sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), and finger millet (ragi), are now recognized as “NutriCereals” for their high nutritional value.
Climate Resilience
Millets are drought-resistant and require less water, making them ideal for regions facing unpredictable weather. Their short growing season (approximately 65 days) allows for multiple cropping cycles.
Nutritional Benefits
Rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, millets address widespread micronutrient deficiencies. They are also gluten-free, catering to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Sustainability and Adaptability
Millets are often cultivated using traditional farming methods, promoting sustainability. Their adaptability to various soils and climates makes them a versatile option for farmers.
Government Initiatives
In recognition of their importance, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, and various states in India are distributing millets through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Conclusion
India’s Millet Revolution reflects a growing awareness of the health and environmental benefits of millets. As traditional agricultural practices are revived, millets offer a promising avenue for enhancing food security and improving farmer incomes, addressing both nutritional and ecological challenges.
See less
The agricultural sector is one of the sectors most sensitive to climate change because the climate of a region determines the nature and characteristics of vegetation and crops. In such a situation, there is a need to look for crops, which can survive the ongoing climate change. In this context, theRead more
The agricultural sector is one of the sectors most sensitive to climate change because the climate of a region determines the nature and characteristics of vegetation and crops. In such a situation, there is a need to look for crops, which can survive the ongoing climate change. In this context, the cultivation of millets is being revived owing to the following reasons:
Moreover, climate change, which is now impacting agricultural production and food stability, threatens nutritional security as well. In this context, millets gain importance as they act as rich sources of macronutrients and micronutrients, with high levels of calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, protein, and essential amino acids. They are non-glutinous and rich in antioxidants as well. India currently has around 14 million hectares of land under millet cultivation. Further, according to the fourth advance estimates for the year 2021-22, about 16 million tonnes of millet have been produced in India, which is about 5 percent of the national food grain basket. Considering the benefits, various steps have been taken by the government to promote millet cultivation, including:
With 2023 being the UN-designated International Year of Millets, there is a need to promote and strengthen the value chain for millets and millet-based products, including the ready-to-eat category. Millets are being increasingly recognized as climate-smart crops with enormous nutritional and health benefits.
See less