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- […]
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 […]