Tag: Sustainable agriculture

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“Agrifood systems are both victims and drivers of biodiversity loss.” Analyse this paradox. Suggest policy recalibrations required to align agrifood systems with biodiversity targets.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. “Agrifood systems are both victims and drivers of biodiversity loss.” Analyse this paradox. Suggest policy recalibrations required to align agrifood systems with biodiversity targets. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Recent CBD deliberations before COP17 (2026) have highlighted agrifood …

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Analyse the economic rationale behind fertiliser subsidies in India. Analyse how the present subsidy architecture influences farmer input behaviour and cropping choices. Propose reforms to improve efficiency without compromising affordability.

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies Q6. Analyse the economic rationale behind fertiliser subsidies in India. Analyse how the present subsidy architecture influences farmer input behaviour and cropping choices. Propose reforms to improve efficiency without compromising affordability. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Fertiliser subsidies are among India’s …

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Rajasthan Panchayat Organic Pledge

Context: Bamanwas Kankar panchayat in Rajasthan has become the first village body in the State to be certified as fully organic, marking a major grassroots milestone in India’s shift towards chemical-free and sustainable agriculture. About Rajasthan Panchayat Organic Pledge: What it is? Bamanwas Kankar panchayat, comprising seven hamlets in Kotputli–Behror district, has formally committed to …

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FAO released The State of Food and Agriculture 2025 report

Syllabus: Forest and Environment Source:  FAO Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released The State of Food and Agriculture 2025 report titled “Addressing Land Degradation Across Landholding Scales,” highlighting how human-induced land degradation undermines global food production. About FAO released The State of Food and Agriculture 2025 report: What it is? An annual flagship …

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“Repurposing harmful agricultural subsidies could be the single biggest lever for climate adaptation”. Comment.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country. Q6. “Repurposing harmful agricultural subsidies could be the single biggest lever for climate adaptation”. Comment. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: Agricultural subsidy reform with climate adaptation, a key policy debate highlighted in COP30 discussions and national fiscal realignment efforts. …

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Discuss how rising temperatures across India reflect the changing dynamics of climate variability and its implications for the country’s water and food security.

Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes Q1. Discuss how rising temperatures across India reflect the changing dynamics of climate variability and its implications for the country’s water and food security. (10M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: The …

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Why are Indian farmers shifting towards high-cost seed varieties despite technological and ecological concerns? Assess its implications for farm economics and rural livelihoods.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. Why are Indian farmers shifting towards high-cost seed varieties despite technological and ecological concerns? Assess its implications for farm economics and rural livelihoods. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question The silent spread of unapproved herbicide-tolerant cotton in states like …

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A Fungus Fighting Pineapple

Source:  PIB Context: Indian researchers at Bose Institute have developed a fungus-resistant pineapple by overexpressing the AcSERK3 gene, offering a sustainable solution against Fusariosis, a devastating fungal disease. About A Fungus Fighting Pineapple: What is it? A genetically modified pineapple variety engineered to resist Fusarium moniliforme, a fungus causing Fusariosis, which destroys stems, leaves, and fruits. Developed by Bose Institute (DST) scientists Prof. Gaurab …

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Japonica Rice

Source:  TH Context: Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing to enhance phosphate uptake in japonica rice, leading to a 20–40% increase in yield under controlled phosphate use. About Japonica Rice: What is Japonica Rice? Japonica rice is a short-grain, high-starch variety of rice primarily grown in East …

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How does nitrogen fertiliser production contribute to global carbon emissions? Explain how plasma-based green fertilisers offer emission reductions.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology Q6. How does nitrogen fertiliser production contribute to global carbon emissions? Explain how plasma-based green fertilisers offer emission reductions. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: Recent innovations like NitroCapt’s plasma-based green fertiliser have triggered debate on decarbonising fertiliser production, …

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Pollination is both a biological service and an economic input. Explain how pollinator decline challenges sustainable agriculture. Analyse the potential and risks of scaling up managed pollination services. Suggest ways to incentivise farmers to adopt pollinator-supportive practices.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, Q5. Pollination is both a biological service and an economic input. Explain how pollinator decline challenges sustainable agriculture. Analyse the potential and risks of scaling up managed pollination services. Suggest ways to incentivise farmers to adopt pollinator-supportive practices. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: …

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What is meant by a Micro Green Revolution in agriculture? How does it differ from the original Green Revolution in terms of input use, sustainability, and long-term viability? Examine its feasibility in the Indian context.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country. Q5. What is meant by a Micro Green Revolution in agriculture? How does it differ from the original Green Revolution in terms of input use, sustainability, and long-term viability? Examine its feasibility in the Indian context. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why …

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How has the prolonged use of GM crops in India contributed to a rebound in pesticide dependence? Analyse the role of pest resistance and monoculture cropping. Propose structural shifts in pest management strategies.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q6. How has the prolonged use of GM crops in India contributed to a rebound in pesticide dependence? Analyse the role of pest resistance and monoculture cropping. Propose structural shifts in pest management strategies. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question …

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UPSC Editorial Analysis: Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in Food

General Studies-2; Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.   Introduction The call by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare for a nationwide strategy to monitor pesticide residues in food is of immense significance in the context of public health and food safety in India. Contamination …

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UPSC Editorial Analysis: Optimizing Maize Fodder Production with Water-Soluble Fertilisers

General Studies-3 Topics: Major crops and cropping patterns, irrigation systems, agricultural marketing challenges, and e-technology in farming.   Introduction Water-soluble fertilisers (WSFs) have emerged as a crucial innovation in modern agriculture, significantly improving fertiliser efficiency, maintaining soil health, and enhancing maize fodder yield. Unlike traditional fertilisers, which often result in uneven nutrient distribution and environmental …

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Contract Farming

Context: India has transitioned from being an importer to a major exporter of frozen French Fries (FF), with exports exceeding domestic consumption due to contract farming. About Contract Farming: What is Contract Farming? Contract farming involves agreements between farmers and buyers (companies, exporters, etc.) where the farmer commits to producing specific crops in exchange for …

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Women Empowerment Through Organic Farming

Anecdote: In West Bengal’s Jhargram district, women like Panchabati Baske have not only embraced organic farming but also defied entrenched patriarchal norms. By cultivating indigenous varieties of paddy through the Aamon farmer producer company, these women have gained economic independence, social recognition, and the confidence to challenge societal stereotypes. From riding bicycles to attending rural …

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

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Soil

Syllabus: Agriculture Source:  IE  Context: The 10th World Soil Day, themed “Caring for Soils – Measure, Monitor, and Manage,” highlighted soil health’s critical role in food production. Present Status of Soil in India: Factors Impacting Soil: Water Erosion: Heavy rainfall and poor land management practices result in topsoil loss in over 94 million hectares. Wind …

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