Agriculture

National Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks in India (NPOA - SHARKS)

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Whale Shark: Largest Shark Species in the World and also the world's largest living fish

About Sharks

  • 'Shark' is used as an 'envelope term' and comprises true sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras (together comprising the class Chondrichthyes ie cartilaginous fish).
  • Sharks generally live in marine environments. However, species such as Bull Shark and River Shark can be found in both seawater and freshwater.
  • Apex predators: Most sharks are predators and top of the marine food chain and therefore known as tiger of oceans. They feed on wide variety of species. Examples tiger shark, blue shark etc.
  • Habitats: Sharks live fresh and intertidal waters to the open ocean, continental shelf and deep slope to ocean floor at depths of over 4,000 metres. Most shark species are found in temperate and tropical seas, but some species are also found in Arctic and Antarctic waters.
  • Shark landings: Estimated landings of sharks were around 0.69 million tonnes in 2019. Atlantic Ocean and its surrounding seas produce 40% of global shark catches followed by Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Blue sharks are by far the most common of dozen commercially important shark species captured.
  • Largest Shark: Whale Shark is a slow moving, filter feeding carpet shark and is the largest extant fish species in the world. They inhabit open waters of all tropical oceans. The feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes and pose no threat to humans.
  • Smallest Shark: Dwarf Lanternshark is the smallest shark species in the world. It has a maximum known length of around 20 cm. It is found at a depth of around 250-500 m in the Northern tip of South America and Caribbean Sea. Like other lantern sharks, dwarf lantern sharks, dwarf lantern shark has light emitting organs called photophores which help them camouflage and attracts its prey.
  • All species of Sharks were placed under Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Highest Protection).

Importance of Sharks in Marine Ecosystem

  • One of the oldest living organisms with an evolutionary history of over 400 million years. They predate dinosaurs.
  • Keystone species and apex predators of marine ecosystem
  • Keep prey population healthy by feeding on the sick and week members of their prey population.
  • Keep seagrass beds and other vital habitats healthy

Economic & Commercial importance of sharks

  • Shark meat: Sharks have been traditionally used as food in coastal areas. According to FAO, in 2019
  • Shark fins: Sharks fins are one of the most expensive fish products primarily used in preparing shark fin soup which is primarily consumed by Chinese ethnic groups in South East Asia and China.
  • Shark oil products: Traditionally shark's liver (Known as cod liver oil) was a rich source of Vitamin A. However, Vitamin A is manufactured.

Need for protecting sharks

  • Slow growth
  • Late age at maturity
  • Low fecundity and productivity (small, infrequent litters)
  • Long gestation periods
  • High natural survivorship for all age classes
  • Long life spans

Status of shark fishery in India

  • India is the third largest shark fishing nation after Indonesia accounting for 6% of global shark catches in terms of weight.
  • Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of sharks, followed by Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
  • Most sharks harvested in India come from non-targeted mixed catch. However, targeted shark fisheries are found among Thoothoor fishermen of Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) and Veraval (Gujarat).
  • Shark meat is a local delicacy, especially in south India.

Major issues needing focus for Shark Conservation

  • Indications of decline in shark biomass and species diversity.
    • Sharks are associated fisheries and catch composition.
  • Inadequate monitoring, control and surveillance, including gaps in data collection and identification of species.
  • Fractured view of different stakeholder groups on the status of shark and acceptable conservation measures.
  • Research gaps covering areas of taxonomy, biological aspects, gear targeting sharks, real time data, distribution and socio-economic profit.
  • Lack of a holistic framework to address the above issues.

Purpose and scope of NPOA-SHARKS

  • Conservation and management of sharks and their long-term sustainable use.
  • NPOA Sharks aims to conserve and manage shark populations based on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries.
  • 'Sharks' are defined as all species in the class Chondrichthyes and includes sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras.
  • Applies to shark species found within India's EEZ and Territorial Sea, migratory species frequenting India's EEZ and Territorial Sea and species taken by India-flagged vessels fishing on the High Seas.
    • Bridge research and information gaps on the status of sharks at species level.
    • Understand socio-economic implications of conservation and management of sharks to design sustainable exploitation policies.
    • Managing negative impacts of shark fishing.

Proposed actions under NPOA-SHARKS

  • Do not promote direct catching of sharks till sufficient scientific evidence is there.
  • Implement comprehensive fisheries MCS plan at the earliest.
  • Identify and ascertain shark breeding grounds and shark breeding period and agree on conservation measures such as seasonal ban or specific area closures.
  • Initiate research to catalogue shark in Indian waters through genetic coding. Develop species specific indicators using fisheries and survey data.
  • Awareness drive among stakeholders, share research findings with fishermen and encourage fishermen and their associations to monitor and report shark catches.
  • Initiate research on value addition for sharks and share findings with the community.
  • Encourage ecotourism and reef shark diving.
  • Ensure effective implementation of fin-attached policy of the Government and initiate research on value addition for sharks and share the findings with the community.
  • Review shark export policy, encourage value addition.
  • Introduce logbook system; develop national shark identification kit; build awareness; mobilize fishermen association and build research skill in taxonomy as well as data collection skills of enumerators from agencies involved in data collection.
  • Review policy on reporting of catch of prohibited species or species protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; and encourage regional integration.

About Bay of Bengal Program - Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOB-IGO)

  • BOB-IGO is a unique regional fisheries body specifically mandated to assist the member countries to enhance cooperation and provide technical and management advisory services for sustainable marine fisheries development.
  • Objectives of the BOBP-IGO are to increase awareness and knowledge of the needs, benefits and practices of marine fisheries management; enhance skills through training and education; transfer appropriate technologies and techniques for development of the small-scale fisheries; establish regional information networking; and promote women's participation in marine fisheries value chain.
  • Member Countries: Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
  • Non-contracting parties: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.

Additional Activities included in National Livestock Mission (NLM)

Context: Union Cabinet has approved modification of National Livestock Mission by including additional activities like (i)establishment of entrepreneurship for horse, donkey, mule and camel (ii) Establishment of entrepreneurs for fodder seed processing infrastructure (iii) Increasing fodder cultivation areas (iv) simplification of livestock insurance program.

National Livestock Mission intends to achieve the objectives of employment generation through entrepreneurship development in small ruminant, poultry and piggery sector & Fodder sector, increase of per animal productivity through breed improvement, increase in production of meat, egg, goat milk, wool and fodder.

New Components added under National Livestock Mission

  1. Promoting entrepreneurship for horse, donkey, mule, camel by providing 50% capital subsidy up to 50 lakhs to individuals, FPOs, SHGs, JLGs, FCO and Section 8 Companies. State Governments will be assisted for breed conservation of horse, donkey and camel. Central Government will provide Rs 10 cr. for establishment of entrepreneurs of semen status and nucleus breeding farm for horse, donkey and camel.
  2. Promoting entrepreneurship for fodder seed processing infrastructure like processing & grading units and fodder storage godowns. Capital subsidy of 50% up to Rs 50 lakhs will be provided to private companies, startups /SHG/FPOs/FCOs/JLGs/Farmers Cooperative Societies (FCOs) and Section 8 companies for establishment of infrastructure like construction of building, receiving shed, drying platform, machinery etc. including grading plants and seed storage godown. The remaining cost of the project needs to be arranged by the beneficiary through bank finance or self-funding.
  3. Incentivising increase of fodder cultivation areas: State governments will be assisted for fodder cultivation in "Non-Forest Wasteland/Rangeland/Non-arable Land" and "Fodder Production from Forest Land" as well as in the degraded forest land. This will increase the fodder availability in the country.
  4. Simplification of livestock insurance program:
  • Share of the premium to be paid by beneficiary has been reduced to 15% as against the earlier beneficiary share of 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%.
  • Remaining amount of premium will be shared by Centre and State Governments in 60:40 for all states, 90:10 for Himalayan States.
  • Number of animals to be insured has been increased to 10 cattle unit instead of 5 unit for cattle, sheep and goat.

About National Livestock Mission

National Livestock Mission was launched in 2014-15 aims towards employment generation, entrepreneurship development, increase in per animal productivity and thus targeting increased production of meat, goat, milk, egg and wool.

Nodal Ministry: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Funding Mechanism: Consists of both Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector components.

Mission Objectives

  • Employment generation through entrepreneurship development in small ruminant, poultry and piggery & fodder sector.
  • Increase of per animal productivity through breed improvement
  • Increase in production of meat, egg, goat milk, wool and fodder.
  • Increasing availability of fodder and feed through strengthening the fodder and supply chain and availability of certified fodder seeds.
  • Encouraging establishment of fodder processing units to reduce demand supply gap
  • Promoting risk management measures including livestock insurance for farmers.
  • Promoting applied research in prioritised areas of poultry, sheep, goat, feed and fodder.
  • Capacity building of state functionaries and livestock owners through strengthened extension machinery
  • Promoting skill based training and dissemination of technologies for reducing cost of production and improving production of livestock.

Components under National Livestock Mission Scheme

  1. Sub-Mission I: Breed improvement of livestock and poultry
    • Establishment of Entrepreneurs for breed development of rural poultry, small ruminants (sheep & goat farming).
      1. Genetic improvement of sheep and goat breeds
        1. Establishment of Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for sheep and goat.
        2. Establishment of State Semen Bank
        3. Propagation of Artificial Insemination through existing cattle and buffalo Artificial Insemination centres.
        4. Import of exotic sheep and goat germplasm.
      2. Promotion of Piggery entrepreneurship.
      3. Genetic improvement of Pig breeds
        1. Establishment of pig semen collection and processing lab.
        2. Import of exotic pig germplasm.
  2. Sub-Mission II: Feed & Fodder
    1. Assistance for quality fodder seed production by incentivising fodder seed chain ie breeder, foundation and certified quality fodder seed production aiming towards multiplication of seeds of high yielding fodder varieties. 100% incentivisation to be provided for production of all categories of fodder seed production by ICAR, other Central and State Agencies. Seed production incentive will be given to central seed agencies like National Seed Corporation, ICAR, IFFC, KRIBHCO etc. Assistance will be provided in two instalments on the basis of per kg cost of seed.

Cost assistance for productions of various category of seeds:

  1. Breeder seed: Up to Rs 250 per kg.
  2. Foundation seed: Up to Rs 150 per kg.
  3. Certified seed: Up to Rs 100 per kg.

When farmers are engaged by seed producing agencies in fodder seed production activity, 75% subsidy to be given to farmers and 25% to be kept for seed producing agency to meet expenditure of certification cost.

  1. Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder.
    1. Development of entrepreneurship for feed and fodder.
    2. Promoting, developing and disseminating forage technologies through frontline technology demonstrations.
    3. Making quality fodder and affordable price available.
    4. Encourage fodder production by local farmers for supplying to these entrepreneurs.
  2. Sub-Mission III: Innovation & Extension
    1. Incentivize R&D for advancement of sheep, goat, pig, poultry, other livestock, fodder sector, meat and other livestock products in ICAR, Central Institutes, State Agricultural University. 100% central assistance to be provided for extension, R&D and innovation activities.Extension activities: Increase awareness among all stakeholders in animal husbandry sector by activities like seminar, training, capacity building, livestock farmers groups/breeders association etc.
  3. Livestock Insurance to be implemented in all districts to manage life risk and uncertainties by providing protection mechanisms to the farmers against any eventual loss of their animals due to death.
    1. Animals covered: milch animals, pack animals (Horse, Donkey, Mule, Camel, Ponies and Cattle/Buffalo Male) and other Livestock (Goat, Sheep, Pigs, Rabbit, Yak and Mithun etc.). Efforts will be made to bring all large and small animals under insurance coverage.
    2. Benefits: Subsidy is restricted to 5 animals per beneficiary per household for all animals. However, for pig and rabbit the benefit will be restricted to 5 cattle units per beneficiary household and 10 cattle units for sheep and goat. (1 cattle unit = 10 sheep/goat/pig/rabbit).

Funding Pattern for Livestock Insurance:

For Normal Areas

CategoryCentral Share & State ShareBeneficiary Share
BPL/SC/ST60 (Central): 40 (State) of remaining15%
APL60 (Central): 40 (State) of remaining15%

For North East/Himalayan States

CategoryCentral Share & State ShareBeneficiary Share
BPL/SC/ST90 (Central): 10 (State) of remaining15%
APL90 (Central): 10 (State) of remaining15%

Potassium Derived from Molasses

Context: The Indian government has approved the retail price of potassium derived from molasses (PDM) at ₹4,263 per tonne or ₹213.5 per 50 kg bag.  

Potassium Derived from Molasses (PDM): 

  • PDM is a potassium-rich fertiliser derived from ash in molasses-based distilleries. 
  • India currently imports 100% of the potash it needs for fertilisers, in the form of muriate of potash (MOP). The by-product of the sugar-based ethanol industry (PDM) can offer an alternative to the existing potash fertilisers. 
  • Presently, about 5 Lakh tonnes of Potash Ash generated from ethanol distilleries is being sold domestically whereas the potential to produce this Ash could reach up to 10 to 12 Lakh tonnes. 

The Process:

  • During molasses fermentation for ethanol production, a large volume of wastewater called "spent wash" is generated. This wastewater is rich in organic matter, inorganic salts, and other dissolved solids, making it highly polluting if released untreated. 
  • To comply with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) regulations and minimise environmental impact, some molasses-based distilleries opt for incineration. The Incineration boilers (IBs) burn the spent wash at high temperatures, converting the organic matter into heat, flue gases, and ash as a byproduct. 
  • The potash-rich ash has 14.5% potash content and can be used by farmers in the field as an alternative to Muriate of Potash (MOP, also known as potassium chloride, contains 60% potash content). 

Significance: 

  • Production of PDM will reduce import dependency and will make India Atma Nirbhar in its production. 
  • Manufacturing and sale of PDM can add another revenue stream for sugar mills to add to their cash flows and also to make payment to farmers in a timely manner. 

Low Incomes of Farmers in India

Context: National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) ‘Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households and Land and Livestock Holding, 2019’ survey, which was released in 2021 has highlighted that average monthly income of a farmer household in India was as low as Rs. 10,218.

Farming in India:

  • Agriculture sector contributes to 16% of the overall GDP and accounts for employment of approximately 50% of the Indian population.
  • According to Economic Survey 2019-20, the share of agriculture and its allied sectors in India's export was around 11%.
  • Agricultural sector is a major contributor to rural economy, with majority of rural households being dependent on agriculture for sustenance and income.
  • Income disparity across states: There is a wide disparity in farming incomes at the state level as shown below. States such as Punjab, Haryana has highest average monthly income among states with farming households earning more than Rs 20,000 per month. While farmers in Jharkhand and Odisha fare poorly with average monthly incomes around Rs 5,000. 
image 105

Issues with agriculture/farming in India: 

  • Subsidy issues: Expenditure on subsidies account for around 8% of agricultural GDP but capital expenditure by government in agricultural sector is only around 3.2% of GDP. This in turn has become an obstacle for structural reforms in agricultural sector such as market reforms, high yield variety seeds, etc.
  • Production issues: Dalwai panel has spoken about the rising input cost of farming inputs. Also, the lower rate of adoption of modern farming techniques has made the production process quite inefficient. Ex: farm mechanisation rate is only around 25% in India.  
  • Productivity issues: agricultural yield is found to be lower in the case of most crops, as compared to other top producing countries such as China, Brazil and the United States. Ex: India ranks third in the production of rice, its yield is lower than Brazil, China and the United States.  The same trend is observed for pulses, where it is the second highest producer.
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  • Market Issues: The agriculture market in India Is highly fragmented, with multiple restrictions- not allowed to sell in market area of one's choice, only 15% of the APMCs have cold storage facilities and less than 50% of mandis have weighing machines. Farmers are forced to indulge into distress sale of their produce. 
  • Stagnant model of farming: Rice and wheat account for 40% of area under cultivation. The cereals account for 42% of area under cultivation but contribution to agricultural GDP is 20%. But horticulture cultivation accounts for 14% of area under cultivation but contribution to agricultural GDP is 33%.
  • Lower Export performance: India's processed form of agricultural exports is only around 16%. Also, India has been lacking in market intelligence to cater to ongoing demands of the market. Ex: Lower rate of adoption of organic farming in India, although in market there is a greater demand of it.
  • Low procurement on MSP: States with efficient procurement at MSP such as Punjab and Haryana have relatively higher incomes for farming households, while eastern states have fared poorly. In this context, Shanta Kumar Committee has pointed out that only 6% of farmers have benefitted from MSP regime.

Measures to increase the income of farmers:

  • Crop diversification: According to Dalwai Panel, increase in 1 ha area of diversification can lead to increase in 1 lakh of income annually to farmers.
  • Boosting productivity: Productivity of agriculture can be increased by introducing high yielding variety seeds, promoting farm mechanization, shifting to micro-irrigation, etc. Dalwai Panel- micro-irrigation can lead to 45% increase in productivity.
  • Investing in R&D in agriculture: According to ICRIER study, every rupee spent on agricultural R&D yield better returns (11.2 times) as compared to fertilizer (0.88) and power subsidy (0.79). The enhanced productivity will in turn lead to better income for farmers.
  • Market reforms: Digitalization of agricultural market(E-NAM), better infrastructure in terms of cold storage facilities, increasing accessibility of agricultural market to rural pockets, etc.
  • Alternative strategies: Promotion of FPOs, contract farming can help in connecting the farmers directly to their consumer base by eliminating the middlemen. Ex: success of dairy sector in Gujarat and Punjab via contract farming.
  • Realizing the export potential: The Indian agriculture stands 2nd in terms of agricultural production globally but 9th in terms of exports. In this context, it is important for the Government to incentivize the exports of processed, high value products.

Conclusion:

Agriculture sector in India embodies three thrust areas i.e. to promote inclusive growth, to enhance rural income and to sustain food security. Going forward, it is important to promote structural addressal of agricultural problems to achieve the vision of inclusive and sustainable development in India.

‘Bharat’ Rice

Context: Centre launches sale of Bharat Rice at an MRP of Rs. 29/kg in 5Kg and 10Kg packs.

What is Bharat Rice 

  • It is the retail sale of Food corporation of India’s (FCI) rice to general consumers at a subsidised rate. 
image 83
  • Ministry - Ministry of Consumer Affairs, food and public distribution.
  • Agencies 
    • Kendriya Bhandar 
    • National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)
    • National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF)
  • The Bharat Rice will be available for purchase from mobile vans and physical outlets of the three central cooperative agencies.
  • As per the ministry in future, it will be expanded to other retail outlets and e-commerce platforms.

Why this step 

  • Government received a lukewarm response for sale of rice to bulk users at the same rate through the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).
  • To check inflationary trends in the food economy, as prices of rice are increasing despite good produce in the Kharif season.
  • Ample stock in FCI is lying idle due to various regulations on rice exports.

Significance 

  • The launch of retail sale of ‘Bharat’ Rice will increase supplies in the market at affordable rates and will help in continued moderation of prices of this important food item.

Other Commodities

  • Bharat Atta (wheat flour) is already being sold by these 3 agencies @ Rs. 27.50 per Kg in 5Kg and 10 Kg packs.
Bharat rice - atta
  • Similarly, Bharat Dal (chana dal / Chickpea) is also being sold by these 3 agencies @ Rs.60 per kg for 1kg pack and Rs.55 per kg for 30 kg pack along with onions @ Rs.25 per kg. 
  • Apart from these 3 agencies, state- controlled cooperatives of Telangana, Maharashtra and Gujarat are also involved in retail sale of Bharat Dal. 

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)

  • It was established in the year 1958. 
  • It is registered under the Multi State Co-operative Societies Act. 
  • It was setup with the object to promote Co-operative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit the farmers. 
  • Agricultural farmers are the main members of Nafed, who have the authority to say in the form of members of the General Body in the working of Nafed.
  • Headquarters is situated in New Delhi.

National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF)

  • It was established in 1965 to function as the apex body of consumer cooperatives in the country. 
  • It is registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. 
  • It operates through a network of 24 Branch Offices located in different parts of the country.
  • NCCF Headquarters is situated in New Delhi. 

Kendriya Bhandar

  • The Central Govt. Employees Consumer Cooperative Society Ltd. popularly known as Kendriya Bhandar 
  • It was set up in 1963 as a welfare project for the benefit of Central Govt. employees and public at large. 
  • It functions under aegis of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Govt. of India.
  • It is registered with Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Govt. of India as a Multi-State Consumer Cooperative Society.

Food Corporation of India’s (FCI)

  • It is a statutory body setup under the Food Corporation’s Act 1964.
  • It is a public sector undertaking under Department of food & Public distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.  
  • Objective
    • Effective price support operations for safeguarding the interests of the farmers.
    • Distribution of food grains throughout the country for public distribution system.
    • Maintaining satisfactory level of operational and buffer stocks of foodgrains to ensure National Food Security

Minimum Support Price in Indian Agricultural Economy

Context: Recent protest by farmers, demanding legalization of MSP and revision of MSP to C2 calculation method has given rise to debates regarding utility and issues of MSP regime in Indian economy.

What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

  • Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to ensure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices.
  • Announced by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs at the beginning of the sowing season for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
  • Price fixed by Government of India to protect the producer - farmers - against excessive fall in price during bumper production years. They are a guaranteed price for farmer's produce from the Government.
  • List of crops are as follows.
    • Cereals (7) - paddy, wheat, barley, jowar, bajra, maize and ragi
    • Pulses (5) - gram, arhar/tur, moong, urad and lentil
    • Oilseeds (8) - groundnut, rapeseed/mustard, toria, soyabean, sunflower seed, sesamum, safflower seed and nigerseed
    • Raw cotton
    • Raw jute
    • Copra
    • De-husked coconut
    • Sugarcane (Fair and remunerative price)
    • Virginia flu cured (VFC) tobacco

Origin of MSP in India:

  • In the early 1960s, India was facing an enormous shortage of cereals. In this regard, new agricultural policies were born marking the start of the Green Revolution.
  • In 1964, the government set up the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to procure food grains from farmers at remunerative prices, and through the public distribution system distribute them to consumers and maintain buffer stock for food security.
  • To buy food grains, there had to be a policy on pricing. In 1965, an Agricultural Prices Commission was set up to advise on the pricing policy for agricultural commodities and its impact on the economy.
  • It was then that the Price Support Policy of the Government came in, providing a fool proof solution to agricultural producers against a sharp fall in farm prices. The minimum guaranteed prices are fixed to set a floor below which market prices cannot fall. If no one else buys it, the government will buy the stock at this minimum guaranteed price. This is what came to be known as the minimum support price or MSP.

Determination of MSP in India

Factors considered:

  • Cost of production
  • Changes in input prices
  • Input-output price parity.
  • Trends in market prices
  • Demand and supply.
  • Terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture
  • Inter-crop price parity
  • Effect on industrial cost structure.
  • Effect on cost of living.
  • Effect on general price level.
  • International price situation
  • Parity between prices paid and prices received by the farmers.
  • Effect on issue prices and implications for subsidy.
  • NOTE: The pricing of sugarcane is governed by the statutory provisions of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 issued under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955. So, there is a statutory binding on the sugar factories to pay the FRP declared by the government each year.

Benefits of MSP:

image 80

Issues and challenges with MSP regime:

  • MSP is calculated based on A2+FL cost and not based on C2. Swaminathan commission had recommended C2 cost based calculation.
  • MSP calculated is based on average cost taken for the whole of country. But there is a substantial regional variation in production cost of different crops.
  • Lack of awareness among farmers. Case study of farmers in Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, where majority of farmers were neither aware about MSP nor how it worked no about the prices of crop at which procured it. The awareness on mandi was also low.
  • Disproportionate procurement model- rice and wheat account for major share under MSP procurement.
  • Regional disparity- States like Punjab and Haryana account for disproportionately larger share in procurement under MSP.
  • Lack of comprehensive coverage- Shanta Kumar Committee has highlighted that only 6% farmers have benefitted from MSP program.
  • Market fragmentation- when MSP is higher than international prices of crops then farmers avoid exporting of agricultural produce, whereas if international prices are higher than MSP then farmers go for exporting their produce, thereby creating a scarcity of food grains in domestic market, giving rise to food inflation.
  • Hampering agricultural diversity- MSP model of procurement has promoted monocultural cropping in terms of rice and wheat, making India one of the largest importers of oilseeds and pulses globally.

Demand of farmers:

  • Legalisation of MSP: The farmers have been protesting for getting legal status for MSP, to insulate themselves from market volatility in price of crops. But the government and some critics have argued that legalization of MSP could have fiscal cost amounting to 18 lakh crores annually.
  • Giving statutory status to CACP: Farmers have been demanding that CACP is not independent body, as all its members are appointed by government with no representation of the farming community. Thus, there been calls for giving statutory backing to CACP with adequate representation to farmers also.
  • Changing the formula for computing MSP based on C2, rather than the current formula on A2+FL, thereby ensuring higher incomes for farmers. 

Way Forward: 

  • Building awareness regarding MSP among farmers- organising awareness drives, pushing the government agencies to foray into areas that have still not been covered for procuring directly from farmers rather than farmers coming to the agencies.
  • Role of farmers in MSP calculation- Including and encouraging the farmer bodies and associations to take part in MSP calculation.
  • Increasing capital expenditure in agriculture in terms of investment in agricultural Research and Development.
  • Formal credit for farmers- streamlining the flow of formal credit to farmers, specially small and marginal farmers.
  • Increasing accessibility of farmers to Mandis or agricultural markets.
  • Expanding open market sales and export of existing stock of food grains beyond the strategic reserve.
  • Swaminathan Commission Report (National Commission on Farmers):
    • Ensure that women farmers have the needed support services and have access to timely credit and extension services.
    • Setting up of a National Board for Women in Agriculture under Ministry of Agriculture.
    • Establishing Farm schools to spread the message and methods of innovative farmers.
    • Code of conduct for contract farming and amendments in the APMC acts and Essential Commodities Act.

Wheat farmers are advised to be vigilant against yellow rust pest

Context - Based on the input from wheat researchers and the weather bureau, the Karnal-based Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) has appealed to the farmers to remain vigilant against yellow rust, a pest used to appear a few years ago in some districts of Haryana during this period.

Key facts about yellow rust:

  • Yellow Rust disease appears as yellow stripes of powder or dust on leaves and leaf sheaths of the wheat crop. This yellow powder comes out on clothing or fingers when touched. 
image 91
  • Rust colonies in the leaves drain the carbohydrates from the plant and reduce the green leaf area.
  • The main economic loss from yellow rust is in wheat. 
  • The disease does occur in barley but it is rare due to effective varietal resistance.
  • Areas that have cool, damp summers and mild winters are prone to yellow rust infections, for example, coastal regions or regions around rivers or estuaries.
  • Epidemics of yellow rust often start as individual plants, usually in the autumn.
  • Symptoms develop slowly over winter and are often missed until the early spring when small patches or foci of infected plants can be seen in fields. 
  • These patches usually spread in the direction of prevailing wind. 
  • In India, yellow rust is a major disease in the Northern Hill Zone and the North-Western Plain Zone and spreads easily during the onset of cool weather.

A new variety of wheat called HD-3226 or Pusa Yashasvi was released by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, which had higher levels of resistance against major rust fungi such as the yellow/stripe, brown/leaf and black/stem. According to the IIWBR advisory, if farmers observe yellow rust in patches in their wheat fields, they should spray fungicides.

Let’s prepare for a millets decade

Context - The International Year of Millets (2023) is over.

General growing conditions for Millets:

  • Temperature: Generally, the Millets are grown in tropical as well as sub-tropical up to an altitude of 2,100m. It is a heat loving plant and for its germination the minimum temperature required is 8- 10°c. A mean temperature range of 26-29°c during the growth is best for proper development and good crop yield. 
  • Rainfall: Sorghum grows in 450 – 650 mm rainfall. Kodo Millet has a heavy water requirement which grows well in moderate rainfall of 50-60cm. Finger millet grows in 40-45cm rainfall. 
  • Soil : Millet has wide adaptability to different soil from very poor to very fertile and can tolerate a certain degree of alkalinity. The best soils are alluvial, loamy and sandy soil with good drainage. 
  • Topography: Kodo millet can be grown in gravelly and stony soil such as in the hilly region. 

PROPERTIES AND ASSOCIATED BENEFITS

  • Can withstand high Temperature and long period of drought.
  • Poor soils and difficult terrain also support millet. 
  • Can grow in sub topical and tropical areas with low or seasonal rainfall thus can be easily grown in semi-arid areas lacking in irrigation. 
  • Millets are anti acidic; gluten free; Helps to prevent type 2 diabetes; Effective in reducing blood pressure; Reduces risk of gastrointestinal conditions like gastric ulcers or colon cancer; Eliminate problems like constipation, excess gas, bloating and cramping; Millet act as a probiotic feeding micro flora in our inner ecosystem. 
  • It will also be critical for climate change measures in drylands and important for smallholder and marginal farmers. 
  • Bioethanol can be created using sorghum (jowar) and pearl millet (bajra), and that this fuel could bring down carbon emissions by about half.
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Distribution

  • India (41%), Niger (11.5%) and China (7.5%) are the largest millet producers in the world, accounting for about 60% of global production in 2023. 
  • However, in recent years, millet production has increased dramatically in Africa. 
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  • Major producers in India include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, U.P, Karnataka. 
  • India’s export of Millets is 64 million USD in the year 2021-22. There is an increase in export of Millets by 12.5 % during the period April-December 2023 as compared to the same period last year. 
  • Export of millets has witnessed a change in paradigm in the last decade. The major importing countries were USA, Australia, Japan, Belgium etc in 2011-12 which had been shifted to Nepal (USD 6.09 million), UAE (USD 4.84 million) and Saudi Arabia (USD 3.84 million) in 2021-22.
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Why is India slow in adopting millet-based products?

  • General perception is that the millets are increasingly seen as “poor person’s food”. 
  • Lower or near absence of production support when compared to the support enjoyed by other crops.
  • Competition from other market friendly remunerative crops like rice and wheat. 
  • Changes in preference patterns in consumption moving away from them, mainly due to inclusion of only rice and wheat into the Public Distribution System (PDS)
  • Lack of appropriate post-harvest processing technologies for small millets.
  • Absence of public or private funded promotion of millets as a nutritious food category.

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STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE NUTRI-CEREALS

  • Additional areas should be brought under millets which will significantly increase the cropping intensity in dryland agriculture and contribute to higher output and farm revenues. Use post-kharif fallow lands with residual soil moisture in high rainfall regions like central and eastern Indian states.
  • Special Agribusiness Zones (SABZ) for millets: Focus on development of particular millets which is popularly cultivated in the local areas. Examples: sorghum in Telangana, finger millet in Karnataka, pearl millet in Gujarat, and small millets in Madhya Pradesh. These SABZs can develop around FPOs, farm gate level primary processing facilities, ware housing units and value-added food products. 
  • Promoting Organic Millets to cater to increased demand of the consumers.
  • MGNREGA funds can be used to develop common wastelands into cultivable lands, and an integrated and target oriented strategy may be drawn up for this purpose.
  • Explore Trade opportunities: The export of Indian millets has not been up to the mark as compared to other cereal grains due to poor quality; farmers need to be educated about quality concerns at all stages of production and harvesting.
  • Expanding the coverage of small millets under MSP as well as PDS.
  • Promotion of Contract farming for millets.

India proposes Group Standards for Millets at Codex Alimentarius and gets elected to Executive Committee

Context: India has unanimously elected as a member representing Asian region in the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) during 46th meeting of FAO Headquarters in Rome.

About Codex Alimentarius Commission

  • Codex Alimentarius  or 'Food Code' is a collection of internationally adopted food standards and related texts presented in a uniform manner. These standards are developed by consensus and are based on the most robust up-to-date science available. Codex Alimentarius standards are adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
  • Codex Alimentarius Commission is a body established by FAO and WHO to develop food standards under Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Program.
  • Codex Alimentarius Commission meets in regular session once a year alternating between Geneva and Rome.
  • Codex Alimentarius Commission is based in FAO in Rome, Italy.
  • Scope: Includes standards for all principal foods, whether processed, semi-processed or raw for distribution to the consumer. Codex texts are voluntary and do not have binding effect on national food legislation. However, WTO Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) encouraged WTO members to harmonise national regulations with the international standards.
  • Members of Codex Alimentarius Commission: Currently, Codex Alimentarius has 189 Codex Members and 1 Member Organisation i.e., European Union. Membership to Codex Alimentarius Commission is open to all member nations and associate members of FAO and WHO which are interested in international food standards.

Mandate of Codex Alimentarius

  • Contribute to safety, quality and fairness of international food trade.
  • Protection of consumer's health
  • Promote coordination of all food standards at work.

Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius

  • Executive Committee of Codex comprises of Chair, three vice Chairs along 6 regional and 7 elected representatives from various geographical groups of Codex.
  • Between sessions, Executive Committee acts as the Executive organ of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
  • Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius contributes substantially in International standard setting process for different food products and is involved in the decision making process. It makes proposals to Codex Alimentarius Commission regarding general orientation, strategic planning and programming of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

India's Proposal for Group Standards on Millets

  • Codex Alimentarius Commission  accepted India's proposal for development of global standards for millets.
  • Currently, Codex Alimentarius Commission has brought out standards for Sorghum and Pearl Millets.
  • India put forward a proposal for development of global standards for millets, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Proso millet and Little millet as group standards in case of pulses.
  • Currently, FSSAI (a statutory regulatory body mandated for food standards) has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters. They are:
    • Maximum limits for moisture content
    • Uric acid content
    • Extraneous matter
    • Other edible grains
    • Defects
    • Weevilled grains
    • Immature grains
    • Shriveled grains.
  • The group standard for millets developed by FSSAI will act as an important foundation for development of global standards for millets. The existing Codex standards for Sorghum and Pearl millet would also be reviewed while making group standards for millets.
  • Important standards proposed by India include Standard for Okra, BWG Pepper, Aubergines, Dried and Dehydrated Garlic, Dried or Dehydrated Chilli Pepper and Paprika, Fresh Dates, Mango Chutney, Chili Sauce, Ware Potatoes and labelling requirements for non-retail containers.

Supply-Demand projections of Agricultural commodities

Context: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) has released a report ‘Prospects of India’s Demand and Supply for Agricultural Commodities towards 2030’. 

As per the report, 

  • The per capita consumption of food grains particularly cereals has declined considerably while the demand for high valued commodities like fruits and vegetables, livestock products as well as processed food have increased over time.
  • The NSSO’s consumption expenditure highlights the changing consumption pattern of Indian households. There has been a decline in the per capita consumption of cereals from 12.68 kg per capita/per month in 1993-94 to 10.62 kg per capita/per month in 2011-12.

Demand-supply gap of Agriculture commodities (in million tonnes)

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Factors that determine the demand for crops/cropping patterns: 

Changes due to consumption patterns:

Changes in consumption patterns due to evolving dietary patterns for various reasons resulted in crop pattern changes in the following way:

  • The area under millet cultivation has been significantly reduced over the decades as their consumption substituted by cereals such as rice and wheat due to rise in income, their availability through PDS, penetration of their diversified value-added products, ease of preparation, and short cooking time.
  • Dietary transition towards more protein and mineral rich foods resulted in increased cultivation of Pulses and Horticultural crops. 
  •  Shift in demand for organic products, especially fruit and vegetables in the cities due to increased awareness about organic food in consumers led to increased area of cultivation of organic crops in India. E.g., The share of net area under organic farming in India increased from 0.9% in 2016 to 3.9% in 2022. 

Changes due to market conditions:

  • Government intervention in marketing: 
    • MSP support and Procurement policies changed the cropping pattern in favour of cereal crops like Rice and Wheat. 
    • Government subsidy support to sugar mills for procuring cane from the farmers at FRP resulted in excessive sugar production in India. The area under cultivation and production of sugarcane in India almost doubled from 1990-91 to 2020-21.
  • Export demand: Commercial crops cultivation increased in India due to favourable export potential after LPG reforms. Area under food grains in gross cropped area (GCA) declined by 11% and replaced by crops like oilseeds, fruits & vegetables, and non-food crops in the last three decades. 
  • Contract farming: new marketing arrangements like contract farming between corporates/traders and farmers resulted in crop diversification and introduction of new crops in many regions of India. E.g., Chicory farming in Punjab; Gherkins in Andhra Pradesh; Potato in Gujarat. 

As per the report, the country will continue importing large quantities of Pulses and Oilseeds by 2030-31 because of a substantial gap between demand and supply of these commodities.

Edible Oil:

The diverse Agro-climatic conditions of India are favourable for growing wide variety of edible oil seeds, which include groundnut, Mustard, sunflower, soyabean and Niger. Despite having this climatic advantage India has now become one of the largest importers of edible oil in the world.          

India’s edible oil imports have increased from 11.6 mt (valued at Rs 60,750 crore) in 2013-14 to 16.5 mt (Rs 138,424 crore) in 2022-23. 

Reasons:

  • Green revolution: success of green revolution encouraged cereal crops like rice and wheat in traditionally oil producing regions.           
  • Ex: Rice-wheat cycle replaced Rice-mustard and mixed-cropped farms on which oilseeds were cultivated in Punjab region
  • Rainfed farming: 72% of oil crops confined to rainfed confined to Rainfed areas.
  • Low seed replacement and Marginal landholdings decreased the productivity of oil crops.
  • Govt policy and Business interests favoured cheaper palm oil imports at the cost of domestic production of traditional oil crops.
  • Change in consumption pattern increased the demand for edible oil which couldn’t be met by domestic production.

Need for self-sufficiency:

  • To reduce import bill and unfavourable trade balance.
  • Palm oil accounted for the lion’s share of the total imports (62%) of edible oil but consumption of palm oil is unhealthy. Replacing it with indigenous oil is necessary to save healthcare expenditure.
  • Domestic production of edible oil gives by products like oil cake, which is the raw material for dairy and poultry industry. Importing of edible oil deprive the supply of these raw materials.

Way forward: 

  • Increasing production through adoption of high yielding varieties of seeds; soil and moisture conservation techniques in rainfed areas; balanced Utilisation of fertilisers; Intercropping of Oilseeds with other crops; Contract farming etc.
  • Encourage Cooperatives and FPOs and link them to oil processing Industries. 
  • Reduce per capita consumption of edible oil and minimize import. Campaign for healthy oil consumption. 
  • Promotion of Secondary Sources (rice bran, coconut, cotton seed, oil palm and TBOs).
  • Enhancing capacity utilization of domestic processing industries.
  • Promoting consumption of coconut as edible oil.

Challenges in Indian Pulses Industry:

  • High Yield Gap: pulses yield gap (yield Achieved in Experimental Lab Conditions to the actual Farmer’s field in India) in Pigeon Pea is 50%, Green Gram 45%
  • Inputs related challenges: non-availability of recommended HYVs quality certified seeds at all levelsin-flow of spurious and sub-standard seedsLack of demonstration of implements like light seed drills, zero-till machine.Inability of farmers to access institutional credit discourage them to purchase quality inputs and adopt improved technology.
  • Production Related challenges: Prone to numerous biotic & abiotic stresses (like mid-season cold waves and terminal heat during Rabi, micronutrient deficiency etc), soil alkalinity, salinity, waterlogging etc. Crop failure occur due to reasons like erratic monsoon behaviour and moisture stress.
  • Cultivation on marginalised lands: Green revolution pushed pulses cultivation in marginal and sub-marginal lands - declining productivity.
    • 84% area under pulses is rain-fed with soils relatively of low fertility.
    • Drought and heat stress influence 50% reduction in seed yields particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
  • Ineffectiveness of MSP: Though MSPs are announced for 23 commodities, substantial benefits accrue to wheat & rice growers in selected States leaving pulse-growers often receiving prices much below MSP. Lack of assured market make pulse production less attractive for farmers compared to other crops.
  • Price Volatility: inflation in pulses follows a cyclical pattern, with prices shooting up every 2-3 years. Pulses follow cobweb phenomenon wherein production responds to prices with a lag, causing a recurring cycle of rise and fall in output and prices. This phenomenon can be attributed to a number of factors, including pricing policies, import policies, production decisions, and the weather.

Road Ahead:

  • Enhancing production: Between 1991 and 2010 average increase in yield of two major pulse crops viz. chickpea and pigeon pea were as high as 81% to 100% in AP recording a substantially higher increase in yield than the national average yield increase. This has been attributed to:
    • On-time availability of HY, short-duration and wilt resistant varieties
    • Adoption of improved varieties and easy access to production technologies
    • Commercial cultivation by mechanising field ops and efficient management
    • Availability of grain storage facilities to farmers at the local level at an affordable cost
  • Maintaining Buffer stocks: Building a need-based buffer stock with accountability for proper management incurring no wastage
  • Accessibility to pulses: Better system of easy availability of pulses in the open market throughout the year through distribution through PDS if necessary.
  • Provisions of imports: Keeping a close watch on the crop growth in 30 pulse-exporting countries through services of the FAO and our embassies that can help negotiate favourable terms for timely import as and when imminent.

GI tag for the Cashew industry in Goa

Context: Recently, GOAN Cashew (Kernel) got the GI tag.

diagram of cashew kernel 652e1c6182fd3
Diagram of Cashew Kernel

About Cashew in India

  • Cashew tree is a tropical evergreen variety which was native to northeast Brazil and was introduced to Goa and Mozambique by the Portuguese as a crop.
  • Initially, they were introduced for combating soil erosion in coastal areas, since they are fast-growing, tolerate salinity and thrive on sandy soils. 
  • The story was that the edible value of cashew was discovered by Goan prisoners exiled to Portuguese territory of Africa (Mozambique) during Goa’s freedom movement in the mid-18th century.
  • The true fruit of the cashew tree is the cashew nut, which is attached to the bottom of a swollen stalk, known as the cashew apple. The part commonly known as a cashew nut is the kernel, which is protected by a thin skin (testa) and a thicker outer shell. The latter contains an acidic oil, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), which is a key by-product of cashew nut production, with a variety of uses
  • India is one of largest cashew exporter, with more than 15% of the world's export share.
  • Top three cashew consuming countries: India, USA and Germany.
  • Cashews account for 17% of world tree nut production in 2019/20, making it the third most popular tree nut after almonds and walnuts.
  • Cashew nuts are consumed in a variety of forms, including as salty or sweet snacks and as ingredients in desserts and savoury dishes, or are further processed into cashew butter or as ingredients in a variety of spreads, sauces, bars and drinks.

Global Production, exports of Cashew Nut

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Key climatic factors that affect cashew cultivation

  • Temperature: High temperatures (20-35oC, most suitable temperature is between 30-38oC) can promote rapid growth and flowering, but they can also lead to heat stress and decreased yields. Low temperatures can delay flowering and fruit set and can even damage the trees.
  • Rainfall: Cashew trees require adequate rainfall for optimal growth and production. However, too much rain can lead to waterlogging and diseases. (100-200 cm annually)
  • Relative humidity: High relative humidity (60-90%) can promote the growth of fungal diseases. However, cashew trees also require some humidity to prevent the flowers and fruits from drying out.
  • Soil: Cashew trees can be grown in a variety of soil types, but they prefer well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Heavy clay soils are not suitable for cashew cultivation.
  • Cashew trees are sensitive to cold and frost, so they should not be grown in areas where the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F) for prolonged periods of time. Cashew trees also require a dry season of at least 4-5 months for flowering and fruit set.

About GI tag

  • A geographical indication (GI) tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and qualities or reputation that are due to that origin.
  • In India, the GI tag is regulated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
  • GI tags are important for protecting the reputation and quality of Indian products.
  • They also help to promote the economic development of the regions where the products are produced.

Tea industry

Context: Tea industry in acute financial crisis, says Indian Tea Association in a report. 

About Tea Plantation

Tea is a globally popular beverage that is cultivated in a variety of climates, with different types of tea requiring specific growing conditions.

  • Temperature: Tea plants generally thrive in moderate temperatures, ideally ranging between 13°C to 30°C (55°F to 86°F). While some varieties can tolerate cooler temperatures, prolonged frost can be detrimental to the plants.
  • Rainfall: Tea plants require a significant amount of rainfall, preferably distributed evenly throughout the year. Generally, tea cultivation requires an annual rainfall of around 1500 to 2500 millimetres (59 to 98 inches). However, certain varieties can thrive in regions with lower rainfall levels.
  • Humidity: Tea plants prefer areas with moderate to high humidity. High humidity helps in maintaining the moisture levels in the soil and promotes healthy growth.
  • Altitude: Altitude plays a crucial role in determining the quality and flavour of the tea produced. Higher altitudes, typically ranging from 600 meters to 2,100 meters (2,000 to 6,900 feet) above sea level, often produce superior tea due to cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover.
  • Soil: Tea plants prefer well-drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter. They can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and laterite soils. Proper soil drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to tea plants.

Tea Growing States Of India

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About Tea Board Of India

  • The present Tea Board set up under section 4 of the Tea Act 1953 was constituted on 1st April 1954.
  • Organisation of the Board: The present Tea Board is functioning as a statutory body of the Central Government under the Ministry of Commerce. The Board is constituted of 31 members (including Chairman) drawn from Members of Parliament, tea producers, tea traders, tea brokers, consumers, and representatives of Governments from the principal tea producing states, and trade unions .The Board is reconstituted every three years.
  • Office of Tea Board of India-Kolkata
  • Foreign Offices: Currently Tea Board has only one office located at Moscow. This foreign office of the Board is designed to undertake the various promotional measures to boost up export of Indian tea.