India to Resume Wheat Imports and Remove Import Tax
Context: India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer, plans to resume wheat imports after a six-year hiatus to replenish depleted reserves and control rising prices, following three consecutive years of disappointing crops. The country is likely to remove a 40% import tax on wheat, permitting private traders to purchase from countries like Russia, albeit in small […]
High Inflation in Pulses Strains Consumers and Impacts Self-Sufficiency Goals
Context: Pulses recorded an annual retail inflation of 16.84% in April 2024, exacerbating consumer hardship, especially since pulses are seldom distributed through the public distribution system (PDS). Food inflation pressures, driven by an El Niño event and an election year, have reversed the nation’s progress towards achieving near self-sufficiency in pulse production. Relevance: GS III: […]
Decline in India’s Agricultural Trade Highlights Need for Balanced Policy
Context: Recently, data from the Department of Commerce revealed that India’s agricultural exports decreased by 8.2% in 2023-24, mainly due to government restrictions on various commodities. At the same time, agricultural imports fell by 7.9% due to lower edible oil prices. These trends highlight the necessity for a balanced agriculture export-import policy to stabilize the […]
CSIR and DSIR Unveil Electric Tiller to Support Small Farmers
Context: In a bid to empower small and marginal farmers, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) have introduced the CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute’s Electric Tiller. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Electric Tiller for Small to Marginal Farmers Target Users Features […]
AI is Revolutionising Sustainable Tech-driven Farming
Context: Despite the planet producing enough food to feed everyone, approximately one billion people remain hungry and malnourished due to various factors. With the world’s population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the agriculture sector faces mounting pressure to produce food more efficiently while minimizing resource use and environmental impact. Fortunately, AI holds significant promise for revolutionizing […]
H5N1 Outbreak Highlights Animal Welfare Concerns in India
Context: The recent H5N1 outbreak has shed light on significant vulnerabilities in India’s industrial livestock sector, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of animal welfare within the country’s environmental and legal frameworks. This outbreak underscores the importance of the One Health principle, which integrates public health, ecosystem health, and biodiversity conservation. Relevance: GS […]
Balanced Fertilisation Policy
Context: In a significant development, urea consumption reached a historic high of 35.8 million tonnes (mt) by the conclusion of the fiscal year ending in March 2024. This figure represents a notable 16.9% increase compared to the 30.6 mt recorded in 2013-14. Consequently, it is anticipated that achieving balanced fertilization will emerge as a pivotal […]
Controversy Surrounds FSSAI’s Decision to Increase Pesticide Limits
Context: The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently drew criticism from activists and scientists following its decision to raise the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides. The FSSAI order increased the MRL of pesticides allowed in herbs and spices by tenfold, from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, sparking concerns over potential health risks […]
Paira Cropping System
Context: A unique conservation agricultural practice, Paira cropping system has dwindled in recent years due to climate change. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Paira Cropping System: An Overview Geographical Distribution and Practice: Regions: Cropping Technique: Agronomic Features: Advantages of Paira Cropping System: Optimal Resource Utilization: Enhanced Yield: Sustainable Crop Intensification: Relay Cropping Method: A General Overview […]
Agricultural Transformation in West Bengal
Context: West Bengal has been undergoing a notable transformation in its agricultural sector, especially in districts bordering Bangladesh. Farmers in these regions are increasingly diversifying away from traditional wheat cultivation. Instead, they are embracing alternative crops such as bananas, lentils, maize, and other varieties. This shift towards crop diversification not only reflects changing agricultural practices […]