Topic : GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS-3: 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.
5. Discuss the Fertilizer woes in Indian agriculture. Do you think Indian farmers can reduce urea use by half by 2022? Comment. (250 words)
Reference: Financial Express
Why the question:
The article presents to us the fertilizer related challenges of the Indian Agriculture system.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to explain the challenges associated with fertilizers in Indian Agriculture, also brief on whether Indian farmers can reduce urea use by half by 2022.
Directive:
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:
Start by presenting few key facts related to fertilizer reforms in the recent times.
Body:
Explain that over the last five years, the government has made several efforts to tackle diversion, hoarding, black marketing and excessive use of urea—a widely-used fertilizer that accounts for nearly half of India’s total fertilizer consumption.
Explain the factor of excessive urea use in the country. Suggest what way it needs to be overcome.
What policy measures are must at this point to overcome the fertilizer woes in the country.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions.
