Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;
3. Do you think urea should be brought under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) regime? Examine its potential impact on the Indian agricultural sector. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended that the Indian government bring urea under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) regime to address the issue of overuse.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the rationale behind to bring urea under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS), the benefits and challenges of including urea in the NBS regime,
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate 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:
Briefly explain the concept of the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) regime.
Body:
In the first part, provide an overview of the CACP’s recommendation to bring urea under the NBS regime
Next, write about Current Scenario of Urea Usage – Highlight the prevalent use of urea in Indian agriculture, Discuss the drawbacks and consequences of excessive urea application and the need for regulating urea use to ensure sustainable agriculture
Next, write about Implications of the above for the Indian Agricultural Sector – Discuss the potential impact of urea regulation on crop productivity and soil health, Highlight the economic implications for farmers, fertilizer industry, and government subsidies, Assess the overall effect on food security and sustainability in India
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
