Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Q5. “Agricultural export growth is sustainable only when supported by robust food safety systems.” Examine the importance of food safety standards in agricultural exports. Analyse the challenges faced by India in ensuring compliance. Suggest suitable measures. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Recent concerns over rejection and scrutiny of Indian agricultural exports, particularly horticultural products, have highlighted the growing importance of food safety standards and compliance in global agricultural trade.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires examining why robust food safety systems are essential for sustainable agricultural export growth, analysing the challenges India faces in meeting global food safety standards, and suggesting suitable measures to strengthen compliance and export competitiveness.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Highlight the increasing role of food safety, traceability and quality standards in determining access to global agricultural markets.
Body
- Importance of food safety standards: Explain how food safety systems support market access, consumer trust, export competitiveness and trade sustainability.
- Challenges in ensuring compliance: Discuss issues related to production practices, residue management, traceability, infrastructure, institutional capacity and farmer awareness.
- Measures for strengthening compliance: Suggest reforms relating to quality assurance, traceability, testing infrastructure, capacity building, technology adoption and regulatory strengthening.
Conclusion
Emphasise that a quality-driven and compliance-oriented agricultural ecosystem is essential for making India a reliable and globally competitive agri-export powerhouse.
