Agriculture: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Indian Economy)

Explanation

India’s Imports of Top-10 Agricultural Commodities [Value in Rs. Crores. Quantity in ‘000’ Tonnes)

Option (d) is correct: As per the data from Department of Commerce, Government of India, Vegetable oils account for the highest import in terms of value in the last five years(i.e. Between 2014-15 and 2018-19). India relies on imports for 70% of its edible oil consumption. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect: Pulses account for second-most highest while fresh fruits account for third highest and spices account for least imports in terms of value in the last five years among the above-mentioned agricultural commodities imported in India.

Explanation

Land reforms in independent India were primarily aimed at redistributing land to achieve social equity and increase agricultural productivity.

Option (a) is incorrect: Ceiling laws often target individual holdings to prevent landowners from circumventing the laws by splitting land among family members. While some states applied ceilings to family holdings, this was not consistent across India. Example: In Uttar Pradesh, ceiling laws were implemented based on individual holdings, allowing families to distribute land titles among relatives to bypass ceilings. In contrast, states like Kerala applied ceilings based on family holdings.

Option (b) is correct: The primary goal of land reforms in independent India was to redistribute land to landless farmers and promote social justice. This aimed to reduce inequalities in land ownership and improve agricultural productivity.

Option (c) is incorrect: Land reforms primarily focused on redistribution and tenancy reforms, with the aim of promoting food security and subsistence farming rather than the cultivation of cash crops. Example: In West Bengal and Kerala, land reforms led to increased production of rice and staple crops, not cash crops like cotton or sugarcane.

Option (d) is incorrect: Many states provided exemptions to ceiling limits for specific purposes, such as plantations, religious institutions, and educational establishments. Example: Religious and charitable institutions were also exempt in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: China is the world’s largest producer of rice, yet it exports only a small portion of its total production. The majority of its rice is directed towards domestic consumption, reflecting the country’s significant internal demand rather than a focus on international exports.

Option (b) is correct: Over the last five years, India has firmly held its position as the largest exporter of rice in the world. The country exports a wide range of rice varieties, including basmati rice, known for its aromatic quality, and non-basmati rice, which caters to diverse global markets. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India has maintained its leading position in rice exports from 2018 to 2023.

Option (c) is incorrect: Myanmar is an important regional rice exporter, particularly to China and ASEAN countries. However, its export volumes are much smaller, and political instability in recent years has affected its agricultural output.

Option (d) is incorrect: Vietnam consistently ranks amongst the top three rice exporters after India. While it exports significant quantities to Africa and Southeast Asia, its total exports are considerably lower than India’s.

Explanation

India holds a significant position in the global oilseeds industry, contributing about 10% to the world’s total production. However, the demand for edible oils (including those derived from oilseeds, aside from palm oil) greatly exceeds domestic production, resulting in a reliance on imports for nearly 60% of the required supply.

Statement 1 is correct: With respect to the year 2018, Over the past five years, India’s edible oil imports have consistently surpassed domestic production, highlighting a significant dependence on foreign sources to meet consumption needs. This rising trend in imports persisted through 2023-24, reaching approximately 15.96 MMT. Meanwhile, domestic production has remained largely stagnant, accounting for only about 40% of the country’s total edible oil consumption. This imbalance highlights the widening gap between supply and demand, making large-scale imports essential to meet national requirements.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Indian government may impose customs duties on imported edible oils, adjusting rates to balance consumer interests and support domestic farmers. For instance, effective from September 14, 2024, a 20% basic customs duty was imposed on crude palm oil, crude soybean oil, and crude sunflower oil to support local oilseed farmers.

Explanation

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-set price for crops. It helps prevent distress sales when market prices fall below this level. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) makes recommendations on MSP. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) announces the MSP based on these recommendations. MSP ensures that farmers receive a fair income.

Option (b) is correct: The government announces minimum support prices (MSPs) for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane. Amongst the above, Barley, Finger millet, Groundnut, Sesamum are part of MSP crop list. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect: Areca nut, coffee, and turmeric being commercial crops, are typically not covered under MSP.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: National Agriculture Market (NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The NAM networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.

Statement 2 is correct: NAM promises more options for sale. The scheme facilitates farmers’ access to a wider market, which can help them get better prices based on the quality of their produce. It eliminates intermediaries and allows farmers to directly connect with buyers.

Explanation

Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that applies small amounts of water and fertilizer uniformly across a specific area. Examples of drip irrigation methods include surface drip irrigation, subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), drip tape, and micro-sprinklers.

Option 1 is correct: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant’s root zone, reducing water availability for weeds, which helps in minimizing weed growth.

Option 2 is incorrect: Some of the disadvantages of Drip Irrigation are sensitivity to clogging, problem of moisture distribution, salinity hazards and high cost compared to furrow.

Option 3 is correct: Drip irrigation generally doesn’t contribute to significant erosion since water is delivered at low pressures and in controlled amounts, unlike surface irrigation where water flow can lead to erosion.

Explanation

The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) is the price set by the government that mills are legally required to pay farmers for the sugarcane they purchase. It is mandated under the Sugarcane Control Order, 1966 published under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955. The FRP is announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), and it serves as a benchmark price for sugar mills to pay farmers. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) announces the decision following the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices’ (CACP) recommendation.

Explanation

Agricultural markets in India are primarily regulated under the APMC Acts, which are state-level legislations. These acts establish regulated markets (mandis) where farmers are required to sell their produce through licensed traders to ensure fair prices and reduce exploitation. The central government provides guidelines, but states have the authority over agricultural marketing as agriculture is a state subject under the Constitution. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Essential Commodities Act, 1955: This act is aimed at controlling the production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities to prevent hoarding and black marketing. It does not regulate agricultural markets directly but empowers the government to regulate the prices and stock limits of certain agricultural products in times of scarcity. Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937: This act deals with the grading and quality control of agricultural products through standards like AGMARK. It focuses on quality assurance rather than the regulation of markets or the sale process. Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat and Food Products Order, 1973: These orders are related to the quality control and standardization of food products and meat, ensuring they meet safety and hygiene standards. They do not regulate the agricultural markets directly.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched in 1996-97. Its goal was to provide Central Loan Assistance (CLA) to the states, rather than directly to poor farmers. The programme aimed to help states complete their major irrigation projects that were in the advanced stages of development. Its primary objective was to speed up the completion of ongoing irrigation projects.

Statement 2 is correct: The Command Area Development (CAD) programme was launched in 1974-75. Its aim was to close the gap between the irrigation potential and the actual use of major and medium irrigation schemes. The ultimate goal of the programme is to deliver irrigation water to the fields. The plan involves creating field channels, land contouring, and a rotational water supply. These measures are designed to improve water use efficiency in agriculture. In 2004, the programme was restructured into the Command Area Development and Water Management Program.