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.
4. While India has made significant progress in achieving self-reliance in the production of pulses, it continues to rely heavily on imports for edible oil. Suggest measures to make India self-reliant in edible oil. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article discusses India’s self-reliance in the production of pulses (legumes) while highlighting its dependence on imports for edible oil.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the reasons for achieving self sufficiency in pulses and write about the key lessons from it to make edible oil production self sufficient.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, cite statistics to show growth in India’s pulses and reduced import dependence. Next, write about the reasons for reduction in Import and how India achieved self-sufficiency in pulses.
Next, throw light on the current status of edible oils. Mention the issues because of which India is import dependent for edible oils.
Next, mention the measures that are needed to remedy this situation.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
