Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
7. Examine the problem of locust invasion that has caused an unusual threat to food security and livelihood in parts of East and West Africa, South West Asia, and India, What measures need to be taken? Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The article explains why locusts are being sighted in urban areas, what it can mean for crops.
Key demand of the question:
Explain problem of locust invasion that has caused an unusual threat to food security and livelihood in parts of East and West Africa, South West Asia, and India while suggesting measures that need to be taken.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must 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.
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the issue of Locusts in the country. The first swarms were sighted along the India-Pakistan border on April 11, months ahead of the usual time of arrival.
Body:
To start with, explain what are locusts and when are they are sighted in India. Explain the issue – These insects feed on a large variety of crops. If not controlled, locust swarms can threaten the food security of a country. At present countries in the Horn of Africa such as Ethiopia and Somalia are witnessing one of the worst locusts attacks in the last 25 years. Present the case of current locust storms that have infested north- western parts of India. Explain in what way they lead to food insecurity if not controlled. Present the case of India.
Conclusion:
Suggest measures to address the issue.
