2nd September 2024
Topic: Drones in Agriculture
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Agriculture
Source: Indian Express
Context
Drones are being used by farmers in Bhagthala Khurd, Kapurthala, and Amritsar to spray pesticides on their maize and moong crops.
Drone Technology for Agriculture
- Although it is still in its early phases, the Indian drone market for agriculture is growing quite quickly.
- Ninety-three of the one hundred drones that the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) loaned to farmers in Punjab as part of the Center’s “NAMO Drone Didi” program are currently in use.
- These drones have 12-liter water tanks and cost Rs 16 lakh apiece.
Benefits
- Health Protection: Farmers who use drones are less likely to be directly exposed to toxic pesticides, which can cause cancer and kidney problems, among other serious health problems.
- Efficiency: Compared to several hours when done by hand, spraying an acre only takes 5-7 minutes with drones.
- Moreover, they guarantee consistent application, raising crop yields.
- Drones are an efficient means of handling nano fertilizers, ensuring a uniform application of small quantities that would be difficult to spread manually.
- Pest Control: When it comes to infestations of pests like locusts, pink bollworm, and whiteflies, drones offer prompt and efficient application.
- Benefits for the environment: Drones can reduce runoff and pollution by up to 90% by increasing the amount of nutrients absorbed from nano fertilisers.
- Water Conservation: When compared to conventional pesticide application techniques, drones can save up to 90% on water usage.
- Reduced Costs: Using drones reduces the need for manual labor as well as the use of chemicals and pesticides, which lowers overall costs.
- Additional Uses: In order to prepare for possible reforestation projects, drones are also being used to drop seed balls, which are balls of soil and cow dung filled with seeds.
Obstacles in Using Drone Technology
- Job Loss: The deployment of drones may result in a decline in the need for manual labor, which would affect laborers’ employment prospects.
- Lack of Information and Training: It’s possible that farmers lack the knowledge and training needed to properly use drones.
- Cost: For many farmers, the high expense of drones may be a deterrent.
- Regulatory Obstacles: The use of drones in agriculture may be hampered by regulatory obstacles.
Initiatives:
- The Digital India campaign seeks to train people and upgrade digital infrastructure.
- Drones and other precision agriculture technologies are being promoted by organizations such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- The Production Linkage Incentive (PLI) scheme provides a substantial financial boost of Rs. 120 crore (US$ 14.39 million) to encourage the manufacture of drones domestically and lessen reliance on imports.
- Submission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): This program makes drone technology more accessible by offering financial assistance to farmers who buy them.
- The Namo Drone Didi Scheme was introduced by the Indian government with the intention of empowering women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) and giving them access to contemporary agricultural technology.
- Assistance and Education: Attempts are underway to furnish farmers with the essential guidance and assistance to surmount obstacles in the way of drone adoption.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- Agriculture could undergo a revolution thanks to drone technology, which can increase yields, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- The application of fertilizer and pesticides in Punjabi fields, which has historically been done manually by hired laborers or the farmers themselves, may be revolutionized by drones.
- In order to overcome obstacles and guarantee that the advantages of drone technology are realized while minimizing any concerns, it is imperative that farmers and legislators work together.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/new-horizons-drones-take-flight-over-indian-farms-2909035
Mains Model Questions
Q. By 2030, the Indian government wants to blend 20% ethanol into gasoline. Discuss the benefits of blending ethanol with gasoline in light of this claim, as well as the difficulties in accomplishing this goal.
Introduction:
The process of blending ethanol and gasoline to create less expensive and cleaner motor fuel is known as ethanol blending. A biofuel called ethanol is produced from plant materials like wheat, corn, and sugarcane. India has embraced ethanol blending as a tactic to lower carbon emissions, boost farmer incomes, and decrease its dependency on imports of crude oil.
Body:
By 2025, the Indian government hopes to achieve 20% ethanol blend in gasoline, or E20, which could save the nation $4 billion annually.
Benefits of blending ethanol into gasoline:
- lessens reliance on imported oil: Approximately 85% of India’s crude oil needs are imported. India can save foreign exchange and lessen its reliance on imported oil by mixing ethanol with gasoline. An estimated 2.2 million metric tonnes of oil would be saved annually if India blended 20% ethanol into gasoline.
- Enhances air quality: Because ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, it emits less particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
- Increases engine longevity: Ethanol can aid in engine cleaning and the removal of deposits that accumulate over time. This can increase fuel efficiency and prolong the engine’s lifespan. According to a University of California study, adding 10% ethanol to gasoline can prolong engine life by up to 20%.
Obstacles to reaching the goal:
- Ethanol availability: India presently produces roughly 3 billion litres of ethanol annually, but this is insufficient to meet the country’s 20% blending requirement.
- Engine compatibility: Certain newer engines may need to be modified in order to make them compatible with ethanol, and some older engines may not be able to run on ethanol blends.
- Infrastructure: The ethanol distribution network is not as developed as the gasoline distribution network, and there are not enough ethanol blending plants.
Conclusion:
For India, blending 20% ethanol into gasoline by 2030 is a difficult but doable target. Increasing the production and availability of ethanol from different feedstocks, such as sugarcane, corn, rice, and biomass, building a strong supply chain and distribution network for ethanol blending across the nation, and other critical actions are some of the crucial measures to address the challenges. India can lessen its reliance on foreign oil, cut its carbon emissions, and advance sustainable development by overcoming these obstacles.
Topic: India-Pakistan Relations
Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – International Relations
Source: The Hindu
Context
According to a recent survey conducted by the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), there is little chance that India and Pakistan’s relations will improve in the near future.
About
- The survey reflects unequivocally the decline in India-Pakistan relations since 2016, following which there have been no high-level bilateral discussions.
- Prior polls conducted in 2011 and 2013 had shown far greater hope for subcontinental reconciliation.
An overview of India-Pakistan Relations
- After both India and Pakistan gained independence from Britain in 1947, their complicated relationship has seen times of tension, conflict, and sporadic cooperation.
Timetable - Early Conflicts and Partition: There were widespread migrations and acts of violence following the 1947 division of British India into India and Pakistan.
- The First Kashmir War (1947–1948), which was fought over the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, was the first significant conflict.
- Wars and Conflicts: The two nations engaged in three additional significant wars:
- Another conflict centered on Kashmir, the 1965 War ended with a ceasefire imposed by the UN.
- After a bloody battle, Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) gained its independence in the 1971 War.
- 1999 Kargil Conflict: India won this short-lived but fierce conflict in Kashmir’s Kargil district.
- Nuclearization: In 1998, both nations carried out nuclear tests, which gave the strategic calculus a new angle.
- Peace Efforts and Dialogues: Several summits, such as the one in Lahore (1999) and Agra (2001), have attempted to foster dialogue and peace.
- Terrorism and Security Concerns: Incidents such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament have severely strained relations.
- At least forty soldiers were killed in the Pulwama attack in February 2019, which targeted a convoy of Indian paramilitary forces in Kashmir.
- Present-Day Dynamics: Although there have been occasional attempts at normalization and dialogue, the relationship is still tense due to persistent problems like the Kashmir dispute, cross-border terrorism, and political tensions.
Domains of Collaboration
- The 1960-established Indus Water Treaty regulates the use of the Indus River and its tributaries.
– It has mainly been successful in managing water resources between the two countries, despite ongoing disputes.
- Kartarpur Corridor Agreement (2019): In order to satisfy the pilgrims’ long-standing request for simple and convenient access to the holy Gurudwara, India and Pakistan signed an agreement in 2019 to facilitate pilgrims’ visits to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Pakistan.
- Cricket: The India-Pakistan cricket match has garnered a lot of attention and has occasionally been utilized as a forum to reduce tensions and promote goodwill.
- Bilateral Talks: Despite their ups and downs, regular diplomatic summits and dialogues offer forums for discussing a range of topics and identifying points of agreement.
- The main peace-establishing agreements that both countries have signed are the Simla Agreement (1972), the Lahore Summit Declaration (1999), and the Agra Summit (2001).
Way Forward
- Significant internal and external issues affect both nations, which has an effect on their bilateral relations.
- India wants to have normal neighborly relations with Pakistan in accordance with its “Neighbourhood First Policy.”
- India has made it plain that it will not back down from national security-related issues and that it will deal firmly and decisively with any attempts to compromise the country’s security and territorial integrity.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Mains Model Questions
Q. What are the disputes surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty? Why is the Treaty being called for modification?
Introduction:
India now controls the three eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej) thanks to the Indus Waters Treaty. Three Western Rivers (Chenab, Indus, and Jhelum) are taken over by Pakistan. According to the treaty, Pakistan receives 80% of the water from the Indus River System, while India receives 20% of it. India is permitted by the treaty to use the Western Rivers for restricted irrigation purposes as well as non-consumptive uses like power generation and navigation.
Body:
Issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty:
- There has been an ongoing disagreement concerning two hydroelectric power projects: one on the Chenab (Ratle) River and the other on the Kishanganga River, which is a tributary of the Jhelum.
- Regarding India’s 850 megawatt Ratle hydroelectric power project, Islamabad has expressed concerns about the project’s design on multiple occasions, claiming that India would intentionally and artificially create a shortage of water or cause flooding in Pakistan by using the project’s reservoir.
- India had requested a Neutral Expert to settle the dispute, while Pakistan had demanded the establishment of a Court of Arbitration.
- Any disagreement must be settled in accordance with the agreement using a three-stage process. However, India felt that the World Bank had violated the IWT when it initiated two parallel dispute redressal processes in the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydro Electric Projects at Pakistan’s insistence.
Why is the Treaty being called for modification?
- Unfair distribution of the waters: Pakistan is allotted about eighty percent of the Indus basin waters. This is the most generous water sharing treaty, according to experts. It is the only water-sharing agreement in the world that requires the upper riparian state to give the downstream state’s interests priority.
- In order to end the protracted disagreement, Pakistan must be given the chance to start “intergovernmental negotiations” about the differences that the Indian side has labeled a “material breach” within 90 days.
- India is unable to construct any storage facilities on the western rivers as a result. Despite the fact that the treaty specifies that storage systems may be constructed in certain extraordinary situations.
Conclusion:
India needs to take action to make full use of the Western Rivers waters that it is entitled to. In J&K, the infrastructure needed to use the waters has not improved.
Topic: NITI Aayog report on Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils towards Atmanirbharta
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Economy
Source: PIB
Context
NITI Aayog published a study titled “Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils Towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta.”
Principal points of the report
- India ranks fourth globally in terms of edible vegetable oil production, behind the United States, China, and Brazil.
- Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka are the seven main states in India that grow oilseeds.
- Demand: The report emphasizes how the nation’s per capita edible oil consumption has increased over the previous few decades, hitting 19.7 kg annually.
- Import: Only 40–45% of India’s needs for edible oils were met by domestic production in 2022–2023, with 16.5 million tonnes (MT) imported.
- Based on a Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario, there is a projected increase in the national edible oil supply to 16 MT by 2030 and 26.7 MT by 2047.
- Government National Mission for Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) initiatives: By 2025–2026, the mission is dedicated to increasing the production of crude palm oil to 11.20 lakh tonnes by means of oil palm cultivation.
- The government’s 2018–19 National Food Security Mission–Oilseeds (NFSM–OS) aims to expand the area where Oil Palm & Tree Borne Oilseeds are grown, boost oilseed productivity, and lessen the reliance on imports by increasing the supply of edible oils.
- The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for oilseeds was raised by the government.
Ideas
- In order to attain self-sufficiency within this industry, the report recommends various tactical measures to bridge the existing gap and ensure long-term sustainability.
- The suggested approach is organized around three main pillars:
– Crop Diversification and Retention
– Horizontal Expansion: The Plan seeks to systematically expand the area planted with edible oil crops. One possible route is to use highly suitable wastelands and rice fallow lands.
– Vertical Expansion: The strategy’s main goal is to increase the yield of currently practiced oilseed farming. Better farming techniques, higher-quality seeds, and cutting-edge production technologies can all help achieve this.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Mains Model Questions
Q. India will become less dependent on imports and more self-sufficient in edible oil with the help of the National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm. Discuss.
Introduction:
A National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) was announced by the Prime Minister, involving a five-year investment exceeding Rs 11,000 crore. A new Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being proposed, with the goal of expanding palm oil production to 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025–2026.
Its goal is to become self-sufficient in edible oil and triple domestic palm oil production to 11 lakh MT by 2025–2026. Domestic edible oil prices are currently set by costly imports of palm oil.
Body:
Importance of the Plan
- Boost Farmers Income: It is anticipated that this will encourage the production of palm oil to reduce dependence on imports and help farmers cash in on the huge market.
- Increased Yields and Decreased Imports: India is the world’s biggest user of vegetable oil.
- Approximately 55% of its total vegetable oil imports consist of palm oil.
Problems related to the mission
- Impact on Tribal Lands: There is concern that more land will be allocated for oil palm cultivation because palm oil is a monoculture crop that consumes a lot of water and has a lengthy gestation period, making it unsuitable for small farmers.
- Threat to Wildlife: Oil palm plantations would deplete forest cover and ruin the habitat of endangered wildlife because focus areas are “biodiversity hotspots and ecologically fragile.”
- The palm is an invasive species that is not a naturally occurring forest product in northeastern India. As such, even in non-forest areas, its effects on biodiversity and soil conditions need to be examined.
- Consumer health is also at risk because oil palm requires 300 liters of water per tree per day and is heavily pesticide-used in areas where it is not a native crop.
- Farmers Not Receiving Fair Price: The biggest problem with oil palm farming has been farmers’ inability to get a fair price for fresh fruit bunches, which are extremely perishable and must be processed within 24 hours of harvest.
Conclusion:
Oilseeds, which are native to India and well-suited for dryland agriculture, can contribute to achieving self-reliance by reducing reliance on oil palm if subsidies and support are given to them. Furthermore, import taxes on crude palm oil will have an impact on the mission oil palm’s success.
Topic: Fertilizers are source of several diseases
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Agriculture
Source: The Hindu
Context
Amit Shah, the Union Minister of Home and Cooperation, has recently drawn attention to the connections between chemicals found in fertilizers and a number of health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hypertension.
Organic Farming
About:
- According to the FAO, organic farming is a method of production management that supports and improves the biodiversity, biological cycles, agro-ecosystem health, and soil biological activity.
- FSSAI: The goal of organic farming is to create an agricultural ecosystem free of synthetic inputs like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, artificial hormones, or genetically modified organisms.
The fundamentals of organic farming in India are as follows:
- Principle of Health: Promotes general well-being by concentrating on the health of communities, people, and ecosystems.
- The ecology principle supports natural processes by maintaining a harmonious balance between ecosystems and the surrounding environment.
- The principle of fairness, which encompasses social justice and fair trade, emphasizes relationships that are equitable and the quality of life for all parties involved.
- Principle of Care: Promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship while taking the environment’s long-term effects into account.
Advantages of Organic Farming:
- Enhanced Soil Fertility: Consists of crop rotation, composting, and green manure applied over time to improve soil health and structure.
- Control of Pests and Diseases: Uses organic pesticides and natural pest predators to keep pests under control without endangering the environment or beneficial insects.
- Water conservation reduces the need for irrigation by improving soil water retention.
- Decreased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Lower chemical input consumption results in lower emissions of nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide.
- Better Farm Livelihoods: Stabilizing farmer incomes can be achieved by gaining access to premium markets and lowering input costs.
Policies & Initiatives of the Government:
- Launched in 2015, the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) aims to ensure consistency and quality in organic farming by encouraging farming in clusters.
- The Northeastern region is to become a hub for organic produce through the 2015 initiative, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCDNER).
- Jaivik Kheti Portal: A website that was introduced in 2018 to promote organic farming methods and sales.
- In order to establish guidelines for organic goods, certification, and export promotion, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) was founded in 2001.
Challenges:
- Costs of Certification: Small and marginal farmers are discouraged from using organic practices by the high and complicated certification costs.
- Lack of Awareness and Training: The general adoption of organic techniques is hampered by a lack of knowledge about them.
- Market Access: Organic farmers’ access to premium markets is limited by inadequate market linkages and infrastructure.
- Transition Period: Switching from conventional to organic farming requires a two- to three-year transition period, which frequently results in lower yields and lower financial returns.
Way Forward
- Research and technological advancements in agriculture will improve organic farming methods, increasing output and lowering dependency on outside inputs.
- Stressing natural farming techniques and working with the global community will enable successful practices to be scaled up and replicated, linking organic farmers to the world’s supply chain.
- To properly take advantage of the domestic market for organic products, a comprehensive strategy is required.
- India’s standing in the international agribusiness will be enhanced by raising awareness of and adherence to international standards.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/org_farm/orgfarm_introduction.html
Mains Model Questions
Q. Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economic benefits of Organic State? (UPSC PYQ 2018)
Introduction:
The distinction of being the first “Organic State” in India belongs to Sikkim. This accomplishment highlights the advantages of switching to organic farming methods by bringing forth considerable ecological and financial benefits.
Body:
- The use of natural fertilizers and pest control techniques is prioritized in organic farming practices in Sikkim, which has the ecological benefit of conserving soil and water. This helps to conserve soil and water resources by lowering soil erosion and preventing water bodies from becoming contaminated.
- Biodiversity Preservation: By avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms, organic farming methods help to preserve biodiversity. This promotes the health of numerous plant and animal species and aids in preserving the ecological balance.
- Decreased Pollution in the Environment: By doing away with chemical pesticides and fertilizers, The organic state status of Sikkim reduces soil, water, and air pollution. Cleaner ecosystems and fewer detrimental effects on the health of people and animals result from this.
The benefits of organic states economically
- Market Demand and Premium Prices: Sikkim’s competitiveness in the market is bolstered by its recognition as an organic state. Farmers in Sikkim can benefit economically from the growing demand for organic products worldwide, as they can fetch high prices for their organic produce.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Financial Savings: Organic farming methods lessen reliance on pricey synthetic inputs, which eventually results in financial savings for farmers.
- Tourism & Ecotourism: Sikkim’s status as an organic state draws travelers who value the environment and those who love the outdoors. The state’s pristine environment and the encouragement of organic agriculture both support the expansion of sustainable tourism by offering additional income and employment opportunities.
Conclusion:
In addition to creating a healthier environment by reducing the use of chemicals, Sikkim’s organic status has improved the state’s economy by increasing agricultural output, attracting tourists, and creating a market for organic goods.