Populism will not let Food Subsidy Reforms Take Off
Context: In the Budget presented by Union Finance Minister on July 23, 2024, the government set the budget estimate (BE) for food subsidy in FY 2024-25 at Rs 205,250 crore, which aligns with the figure provided in the interim Budget. Over the last five years, the Central government’s expenditure on food subsidy has consistently exceeded Rs 200,000 crore […]
Resumption of Tur Dal Imports from Mozambique Following Disruption
Context: India has resumed importing Tur dal (Pigeon pea) from Mozambique following a temporary halt caused by disruptions from an “anti-India” group. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Overview of Tur Dal (Pigeon Pea) in India Characteristics of Tur Dal Climatic Requirements for Tur Dal Challenges in Cultivation Production Statistics Current State of […]
About The Saffron Crop
Context: The erratic weather patterns have led many farmers to convert their saffron fields into apple orchards or to grow mustard crops in Kashmir. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Saffron Crop -Source: The Hindu
Budget Proposals for 2024-25
Context: In her Budget proposals for 2024-25, the Union Finance Minister announced that in the next two years, one crore farmers across the country will be initiated into natural farming, supported by certification and branding. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Union Budget 2024-25 Announcements on Natural Farming Key Announcements: What is Natural, […]
Supreme Court Split Verdict on GM Mustard
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court pronounced a split verdict on the validity of the Centre’s 2022 decision granting conditional approval for the environmental release of genetically modified (GM) mustard crops. This decision reflects the ongoing debate and legal challenges surrounding the introduction and regulation of GM crops in India. Relevance: Dimensions of the Article: Supreme […]
Central Government Plans Rs 50,000 Crore Scheme for Agricultural Reforms
Context: The Central Government is contemplating a new scheme with an allocation of Rs 50,000 crore aimed at incentivizing states to implement agricultural reforms. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Problems Faced by the Agriculture Sector in India NITI Aayog’s Proposal on Agricultural Reforms Overview Historical Context Reforms Under Consideration Key Areas for […]
Climate Resilient Agriculture
Context: Recently, the Union government is planning to unveil a framework to promote climate-resilient agriculture in 50,000 villages located in climatically-vulnerable districts. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA): Overview and Practices Definition Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture Impact of Extreme Events Practices to Enhance Climate Resilience Key Challenges Related to Climate […]
Bihar Government’s Request for Makhana MSP
Context: The Bihar government has urged the Centre to declare a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana, an aquatic crop. Additionally, the state has highlighted the lack of manpower at the Darbhanga-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research — National Research Centre (ICAR-NRC) for Makhana. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Makhana (Fox Nuts) […]
Direct Seeding of Rice
Context: The Government of Punjab is actively promoting the Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) also called the ‘tar-wattar’ technique of rice cultivation, which promises a multitude of advantages over traditional transplanting. Relevance: GS III- Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: What is DSR? Direct Seeding of Rice (DRS): Normal Paddy Transplanting: How much water can DSR help save? Advantages of DSR tech: […]
Protecting Health Through Food Safety
Context: Food is a vital part of our lives, and the quality of the food we eat significantly influences the development and management of chronic diseases. Many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer, are closely tied to diet and nutrition. Unfortunately, people often overlook the importance of food quality. Relevance: GS3- […]