Topic : Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
6) “Shift to Horticulture is a Way of Doubling Farmers’ Income in India”. Discuss along with the achievements of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) in this direction.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is intended to evaluate the potential of Horticulture as a standalone sector in India and how it can help double farmer’s income and its role in proving to be a source of livelihood in Indian agriculture.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the importance of horticulture to India in doubling farmer’s income along with the achievements of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In a few introductory lines provide for current scenario of horticulture in India, provide for statistics – The Indian agricultural land covers area of 140 million hectares out of which, 17% of area is dedicated to horticultural crops that contributes to 30% of total agricultural GDP.
Body:
- The Horticulture is diversified to cover 6 subsectors namely vegetables, fruit crops, spices, ornamentals, plantation crops and mushrooms.
- Discuss how has the horticulture section performed lately in quantitative and qualitative terms ? Also, frame the statistics comparing it with the overall agriculture sector.
- How can we increase our produce quality and quantity?
- Discuss the achievements of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Conclusion:
Conclude with potential of horticulture in India and need to harvest it.
