Agriculture Mainstorming 2023 WWW - Iasparliament.com1

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INDEX
1. AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ............. 3 4. ISSUES RELATED TO MSP, FARM

1.1 India’s Dairy Sector ........................................... 4 SUBSIDIES ...................................... 14
1.2 India’s Poultry Sector ........................................ 6 4.1 Role of Woman Livestock Farmer .................... 14
1.3 Open-Source Seeds Movement ........................... 7 4.2 Issues with Farm Mechanization ...................... 16
4.3 Food Wastage ................................................... 17
2. CROP MANAGEMENT ........................ 8
2.1 Role of Drones in Agriculture ............................ 8 5. ACTS & POLICIES ........................... 18
2.2 Over-application of Urea and DAP .................... 9 5.1 The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment)
Bill 2023 ........................................................... 18
3. ISSUES IN AGRICULTURAL
PRODUCTION .................................. 11 6. GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS ..... 19
3.1 GEAC's Approval for GM-Mustard .................. 11 6.1 Importance of International Year of Millets ..... 19
3.2 Issues with Cotton Production.......................... 12 6.2 Strengthening Cooperatives ............................. 20

6.3 Selective Ban on Rice Exports .......................... 21
CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

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1. AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
DATA POINT – AGRICULTURE SECTOR OF INDIA
• India is the primary source of livelihood for ~55% of

India’s population.
• India has the world's
o Largest cattle herd (buffaloes)
o Largest area planted to wheat, rice, and cotton
o Largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices
• It is the 2nd largest producer of fruit, vegetables, tea,
farmed fish, cotton, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and
sugar.
• Agriculture sector in India holds the record for 2nd -largest agricultural land in the world.
• The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32% of the country’s total food market and is ranked 5th in terms
of production, consumption, export
and expected growth.
• The government is targeting to raise
fish production to 220 lakh tonnes by
2024-25.
• 3% growth in 2021-22 compared to
3.3% in 2020-21
• In recent years, India has also rapidly
emerged as the net exporter of
agricultural products. Growth of Indian Agriculture
• During 2021-22, agricultural exports reached an all-time high of US$ 50.2 billion.
Largest Producing States (based on 2021-22)

Crops
Top Producing state 2nd top producing state 3rd top producing state
Rice West Bengal Uttar Pradesh Punjab
Wheat Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Punjab
Maize Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra
Pulses Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Rajasthan
Oilseeds Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Gujarat
Sugarcane Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra Karnataka
Cotton Gujarat Maharashtra Telangana
Jute & Mesta West Bengal Assam Bihar

1.1 India’s Dairy Sector
Why in news?
The Centre has reportedly been considering import of butter and ghee as the country is facing with a milk shortage.
What is the significance of milk and dairy products?
• Milk and milk products are rich in protein.
“The private dairy sector has surpassed
• They are a key source of calcium, vitamins and protein for
a large vegetarian population in India. the combined capacity of the dairy
cooperatives and government dairies in
• Dairy industry strengthens the rural economy. the past 20 years” - 2022-23 Annual
• It acts as a source of income for farmers and potential for Report of the Ministry of Animal
women empowerment. Husbandry and Dairying.
What are the challenges in dairy sector?
• COVID - It led to a crash in prices and demand
destruction which led to the inability of dairy farmers to invest in their cattle.
• Lumpy skin disease (LSD) has led to a death count of 1.9 lakh cattle which made capital losses for dairy
farmers.
• Fodder inflation – According to ICAR scientists, fodder and feed account for 70 % of the cost of milk.
• Fodder inflation at 30% has been a critical factor for soaring milk prices.

• Milk shortage - Dairy products demand is growing rapidly with rising population, incomes, urbanisation and
changing diets.
• Investment – There is a need for investment in supply chains in this capital intensive business.
• Cooperatives – They revolutionised dairying, but due to a variety of factors their success has not gone beyond
Gujarat and Karnataka.
DATA POINT - India’s Dairy Sector
• According to Food and Agriculture Organization

Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT), India
is the highest milk producer in the
world contributing 24% of global milk
production.
• Top milk-producing states - Rajasthan
(15.05%), Uttar Pradesh (14.93%) and Madhya
Pradesh (8.6%)
• Indian dairy sector has an annual growth trend of
5-6 %.
• In 2022, there was 39% jump in exports of dairy
products.
• Milk has a weightage of 6.6% in the consumer
price index, any spike could have a reasonable
implication on headline inflation
• Key export destinations - Bangladesh, UAE,
Bahrain, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
What efforts were taken by the government to boost dairy sector?

• National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) – It is monitoring the supply-demand gap in dairy products
along with the Central government.
• Operation Flood - It was launched in 1970 by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
• It transformed India from a milk-deficient into the world's largest milk producer.
• Dr Verghese Kurien was the architect of Operation Flood.
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission – It aims to genetically improve the cattle population and promote and conserve
indigenous cattle breeds.
• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) - It aims to strengthen infrastructure for the
production of high-quality milk as well as for the procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk
products.
• Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) – It aims to create self-employment
opportunities in the dairy industry.
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is carrying out the programme.
National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
• The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was founded in 1965.

• NDDB is declared as a statutory body under the NDDB Act of 1987.
• It is under the ownership of the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• NDDB’s efforts to make dairying a viable and profitable economic activity while addressing the country’s need
for self-sufficiency in milk production.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
• NABARD came into existence on 12 July 1982 by transferring the agricultural credit functions of RBI and
refinance functions of the then Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC).
• NABARD today is fully owned by Government of India.
NABARD Sponsored Schemes
• Producers Organisation Development Fund (PODF) • Micro Enterprise Development Programme

• Watershed Development Programme • Livelihood and Enterprise Development
Programmes
• Tribal Development Programmme
• Scheme for promotion of Women SHGs (WSHGs)
• Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) in backward & LWE districts of India
• Research and Development (R&D) Fund • Refinance support to Banks
1.2 India’s Poultry Sector
Why in news?
Despite the rapid improvement of India’s poultry sector, there is a need for actions from the government and the
industry.
DATA POINT - India’s Poultry Sector
• As per the 20th Livestock Census, the total

poultry population in India is 851.81
million in 2019.
• In six years ending 2020-21, the livestock
sector registered an 8% CAGR.
• The poultry sector is projected to grow in
the next five years at a CAGR of over 8% to
reach $35 billion.
• Tamil Nadu hosts the major poultry
population in India, followed by Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana.
• Commercial poultry accounts for a major
share in the total poultry population
compared to backyard poultry.
What is the feed challenge?

• Stakeholders in the feed market face several challenges - uncertainty of feed availability, affordability and
access.
• As feed constitutes a significant part of the overall production cost, higher feed prices impact production costs
which in turn negatively impact demand because of the price sensitivity of consumers.
• The role of poultry comes into sharper focus in the context of the country’s serious nutrition challenge.
• To ensure adequate feed supply at economical rates, supplies have to be augmented which can be achieved by
tweaking the trade policy.
What efforts can be taken in this regard?
By the Government
• Import of Soybean - As partial replacement for soy oil we can import the basic raw material soybean itself.
• Import of soybean will deliver multiple economic benefits including utilisation of idle processing capacity in the
solvent extraction even while augmenting oil availability for consumer and feed availability for poultry.

• Import of DDG - Dried Distillers Grain (DDG) is the residue grain that remains after extraction of ethanol
from corn/maize.
• Import of DDG should be allowed as it will insulate the poultry sector from undue price volatility in maize.
By the Industry
• Investment - Industry must plan for assured and captive availability of soy and corn through backward linkages
by investing more in the sector.
• Contract farming - Partnering with the Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will help achieve scale
economies.
• Forward contracts - ‘Delivery based forward contracts’ can also be considered.
• R & D Capability - The poultry industry must build commercial intelligence and research capability to track
the feed market dynamics and drivers, both domestic and global.
• A strong government-industry-research interface is called for to bring global best practices to India to ensure
food safety, food hygiene and animal care.
1.3 Open-Source Seeds Movement
Why in news?
In recent times, public sector breeding has declined and the private sector has begun to dominate the seed sector.
What are the issues faced by farmers regarding the seed sector?
• Genetic revolution - Agriculture was led by the private sector with seeds mostly made available as hybrids
and/or protected by strong IPRs.
• Intellectual property rights (IPR) protection – Plant breeders’ rights and patents restrict farmers’ rights
to develop new varieties using germplasm from IP-protected varieties.
• Plant breeders’ rights (PBR) - Farmers’ rights were limited while rights holders could demand royalty on
seeds and legally enforce PBRs.
• Exclusive rights - Farmers haven’t sought exclusive rights over seeds and germplasm to prevent others from
innovating on the seeds.
How has the PPV&FR Act addressed the issue?
Seeds Act, 1966, Seeds Rules
• PPV&FR Act, 2001 grants the proprietary ownership of the variety to 1968 and Seeds (Control Order)
the plant breeders and farmers for their varieties. 1983 are the legal instruments
• The duration of protection of registered varieties is different for for regulating the production,
different type of crops distribution and the quality of
o Trees and vines - 18 years certain seeds for sale.
o For other crops - 15 years

• For extant varieties notified - 15 years from the date of notification under section 5 of the Seeds Act, 1966.
• Protection - Farmer who has bred or developed a new variety shall be entitled for registration and other
protection under PPV&FR Act 2001, in the same manner as a breeder of a variety.
• Rights - Farmers can register varieties as ‘farmer varieties’ and have the right to save, use, sow, re-sow,
exchange and share or sell the seed of a variety.
• Commercial purposes - The farmers can’t breed and trade in varieties protected under the Act for
commercial purposes.
• Genetic fund - Farmer who is engaged in the conservation of genetic resources of land races and wild relatives
of economic plants and their improvement through selection and preservation shall be entitled genetic fund.
Patent PPV&FR Act
• A patent deals with IPR over devices of Industrial • PPV & FR Act, 2001 confers IPR to plant breeders
applications. who have bred or developed plant varieties.
• A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a state
(national government) to an inventor or their

assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for • The PPV&FR Act, give rights to farmers, breeders and
the public disclosure of an invention. researches besides giving protection to varieties of all
crop species which are notified under the Act.
What are open source seeds?

• The open source seeds is a mechanism based on the principles of open source software.
• Open Source Seeds Initiative (OSSI) is the first open source seeds initiative launched by Jack Kloppenburg
in 2012.
• It asks for a pledge, that an individual won’t restrict others’ use
of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means. In India, Hyderabad-based Centre
• Significance - Using the open source approach will enable for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA),
farmers to gain more rights over germplasm and seeds and part of the Apna Beej Network,
facilitate innovation. developed a model incorporated into
an agreement between CSA and the
• It can bring uniformity across India. recipient of the seed/germplasm.
• Farmer-led seed conservation and distribution systems can
be created using open source approach.
• It facilitates testing, improvisation, and adoption that will benefit India’s food security and climate resilience.
2. CROP MANAGEMENT
2.1 Role of Drones in Agriculture
Why in news?
World Economic Forum (WEF), in its latest report, stated that drones have the potential to be the indicator of
technology-led transformation of Indian agriculture.
What are the challenges in the agriculture sector?
• Significance of agriculture - India's agriculture sector provides livelihood for 8% of families and ensures
food security to 1.3 billion of people.
• Indian agriculture is not just significant for the domestic market but it is also a key component of the global food
supply chain.
• Challenges - Food security challenges are compounded by nutritional security, self-sufficiency, ecological
problems, climate change and sharp inflation.
• The farm sector faces challenges, including
o Fragmented landholdings
o Inefficient usage of agricultural inputs
o Poor availability of credit and financial inclusion
o Lack of market access
o Poor post-harvest infrastructure
What role do drones play in addressing the challenges?
• The term drone, sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) refers to any aerial vehicle that
receives remote commands from a pilot or relies on software for autonomous flight.
• Many drones display features like cameras for collecting visual data and propellers for stabilising their flight
patterns.
• Applications- There are multiple uses for drones, including
o Pesticide and nutrient application
o Mapping water spread area
o Sampling water
o Mapping macrophyte infestation

o Aquaculture management practices

• Cost of application - As per WEF, drone usage could reduce the cost of application by 20% and mitigate
health hazards of manual work.
• Precision agriculture - It is also useful in promoting precision agriculture, thereby optimising input use.
• Productivity - Precision agriculture know-how and farm advisory services based on data sources can enable
15% increase in productivity.
• Evidence-based planning - Drones enable data collection and resource-efficient nutrient application which
facilitates crop production forecast, and evidence-based planning.
• Emerging technologies - Drones can be an effective enabler for mainstreaming emerging technologies such
as yield estimation or insurance.
• Aid in government initiatives - With drones, government initiatives like Per Drop More Crop will improve
and water use inefficiency in irrigation will decline.
• Drones’ data integrated with GIS and Google Earth satellite images will streamline schemes like PMFBY by
aiding crop cutting experiments, crop-loss estimation, insurance determination and dispute resolution.
• Agri-research - With drones, agri-research will become highly customised and localised.
• Better pricing - Since drones can capture backward and forward linkages, food processing industries will
procure from farmers at better prices.
What steps were taken by the government to promote the use of drones?
• The agriculture ministry had released standard operating procedures (SOPs) for using drones in pesticide
and nutrient application.
• Agriculture Ministry provides grant upto Rs. 10 lakhs to agricultural institutes for purchase of drones.
• Union Finance Minister has announced in the Budget 2022-23 that the Centre will promote ‘Kisan Drones’
to help farmers assess crops, digitise land records, spray insecticides and nutrients.
• The government has notified the Drone Rules 2021 which is expected to make drone operations simpler for
civilian drone operators.
• New Delhi has eased drone policies with mechanisms such as the Production Linked Incentive scheme and
import bans paving the way for the domestic manufacturing sector.
What is the need of the hour?
• The need is to scale up drone use in the agriculture sector from the present 10,000 aerial vehicles.
• Civil-military engagement should be promoted to realise gains from cross-industry application of drones.
• Consultations may be held with experienced strategic partners like Israel where AI-enabled drones are
used for mapping plots, assessing crop damage, and even plucking only ripe apples.
• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and custom hiring centres should be encouraged to buy and loan them
to the farmers for a nominal fee.
• As reported by ICAR, other challenges such as weather dependency of drones, improper internet connectivity
across farms, unskilled end user, and potential for misuse, etc. should be addressed.
• India also needs a national level streamlining of production systems and production capacity, and rapid cycle
manufacturing.
2.2 Over-application of Urea and DAP
Why in news?
India’s fertiliser sector which has been riddled with distortions from
excessive use of urea is seeing a similar phenomenon of over-application Urea has 46% nitrogen (N), while DAP
of Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) due to underpricing. contains 46% phosphorus (P) plus 18%
What are the major reasons behind over usage? N and MOP has 60% potassium (K).
• High fertilizer subsidy - High government subsidies are The ideal Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
behind the low pricing, and high sales, of these two fertilisers. Potassium (NPK) use ratio is 4:2:1.

• Under the Nutrient based subsidy scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on an annual basis, is provided
on each grade of subsidised phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers, except for urea, based on the nutrient
content present in them.
• Cooling of global fertilizer prices - The easing of global fertilizer prices significantly improved overall
availability of the fertilizers, except Muriate of Potash (MOP), during the ongoing rabi cropping season.
What efforts were taken to optimize the fertilizer usage in India?
• NBS scheme - The nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) scheme was launched in 2010 to discourage farmers from
applying too much urea, DAP and MOP.
• By moving away from product-specific subsidy, to one where the government fixed a per-kg NBS rate for each
nutrient (N, P, K and sulphur or S), it was expected to promote balanced fertilisation.
• It also meant more use of complex fertilisers and single super phosphate (SSP, which contains 16% P and 11%
S).
• Neem coating of urea - The government made coating of urea with neem oil compulsory from 2015-16, to
check illegal diversion of the heavily-subsidised fertiliser for non-agricultural uses.
• Neem oil acted as a mild nitrification inhibitor, allowing a gradual release of nitrogen thus promoting nitrogen
use efficiency.
What is the concern now?
• The current fiscal has witnessed a worsening of nutrition imbalances.
• Consumption of both urea and DAP has shot up while the sales of complexes (SSP and MOP) have reduced.
• The problem is attributed the imbalances to “disturbances in the price hierarchy”.
• Among the non-urea fertilisers, the maximum retail price (MRP) was normally the highest for DAP and lowest
for MOP.
• But it’s the other way round now, prompting the farmers to use more DAP.
India is the top country by
What is the road ahead?
Di-Ammonium Phosphate
• Restriction of DAP - The DAP use must be restricted to rice and wheat. (DAP) import in the
world.
• All other crops can meet their Phosphorus requirement through SSP and
complexes.
• Promotion of SSP - The SSP’s acceptance can be raised by permitting sale only in granular and not in
powdered form as SSP powder is prone to adulteration with gypsum or clay.
• Farmers can be assured of quality through granules, which will also promote slower release of P without drift
during application.
Urea
• Urea is a source of nitrogen, an essential nutrient crucial for crop growth and development.
• Urea is the most important nitrogenous fertilizer in the country because of its high N content (46%N).
• It is a white crystalline organic chemical compound with neutral pH.
• Urea is widely used in the agricultural sector both as a fertilizer and animal feed additive.
Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)
• DAP is a water-soluble ammonium phosphate salt which is produced by the reaction of ammonia with phosphoric
acid under controlled conditions.
• DAP is the 2nd most commonly used fertiliser in India after urea and farmers normally apply this fertiliser just
before or at the beginning of sowing.
• It is a basic nutrient for Rabi crops like mustard and wheat.
• Fertilizer grade DAP contains 18% Nitrogen and 46% Phosphorus (P2O5).
• Though there are other phosphatic fertiliser such as Single Super Phosphate (SSP), DAP is the preferred source
since it contains nitrogen as well.

3. ISSUES IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
3.1 GEAC's Approval for GM-Mustard
Why in news?
Mustard
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal
Committee (GEAC) has again cleared the
proposal for commercial cultivation of • Family - Brassicaceae
genetically modified (GM) mustard. • Types
What is the case with GM mustard? o White or Yellow mustard (Sinapis alba) - Mediterranean
• A crop which has a gene artificially origin
inserted into it from another species o Brown or Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) - Himalayan
to give some desired properties (pest origin
resistant, herbicide tolerant, etc.) is
known as GM crop. • The seeds contain about 30-40% vegetable oil, a slightly smaller
proportion of protein, and a strong enzyme called myrosin.
• The GEAC had earlier cleared the
proposal in 2017 but the Union • Rajasthan is the largest producing state in the country.
Ministry of Environment, Forest • Other states- Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana,
and Climate Change had vetoed it.
Punjab, Madhya Pradesh.
• The Ministry suggested GEAC to
hold more studies on the GM crop. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
• The Supreme Court also stayed the
• GEAC is established under Ministry of Environment, Forests and
clearance saying public opinion
Climate Change.
should be sought on the issue.
• It is the apex body for approval of activities involving large scale
• Recently, GEAC recommended the
use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants.
environmental release of transgenic
hybrid mustard DMH-11 (Dhara • It is responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of
Mustard Hybrid-11) for seed genetically engineered organisms and products including
production and conduct of field experimental field trials.
demonstration studies with respect
to its effects.
• This is the first GM food crop that India has permitted for commercial release.
• After 2006 when the Centre permitted the commercial release of Bollgard II cotton (Bt-Cotton), this is the
first crop that has overcome regulatory and political hurdles to be allowed for release.
• Though attempts were made to introduce field trials of GM brinjal, it met with stiff resistance.
What is the need for GM mustard?
• Difficulty in hybridisation – Hybridisation involves crossing two genetically dissimilar plant varieties that
can even be from the same species. The first-generation (F1) offspring from such crosses tend to have higher
yields than the parents.
• The process of hybridisation is difficult in mustard, as the plants are largely self-pollinating.
• The limitation in the scope for developing hybrids in turn affects the production of superior offsprings.
• Rising edible oil import bill - The country produces only 8.5-9 million tonnes of edible oil annually, while
importing 14-14.5 million tonnes during the fiscal year 2022.
How is GM mustard produced?
• GM mustard is developed by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) in Delhi University.
• The scientists have deployed the barnase-barstar GM technology to develop DMH-11, containing two alien
genes isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
• The barnase gene codes for a protein that impairs pollen production and renders the plant into which it is
incorporated male-sterile.
• This plant is then crossed with a fertile parental line containing the barstar gene that blocks the action of the
barnase gene.

• The resultant F1 progeny is both high-yielding and

also capable of producing seed/ grain.
• DMH-11 was developed by crossing the Indian
mustard variety ‘Varuna’ (barnase line) with an
East European ‘Early Heera-2’ mutant (barstar).
What does the GEAC decision mean?
• GM mustard clearance - By permitting
environmental release, the GEAC has allowed the
commercial release of GM mustard.
• The Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crops,
University of Delhi has to grant permission for the
commercial release.
• State governments will have a role in the
commercial release of GM variety.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR) will be the authorised agency to accord
necessary permissions for the development of any
other mustard hybrids.
• All hybrids released using this technology shall
also be regulated under Seed Act 1966.
• GEAC nod is not the final approval for commercial release but a step
forward.
• The approval is valid for the next 4 years.
• Other clearances - The GEAC asked Review Committee on Genetic
Manipulation (RCGM) to permit to permit field trials of genetically-
engineered potato, banana and rubber.
What are the pros and cons of DMH-11?
Pros of DMH-11 Cons of DMH-11
• Yield - DMH-11 is claimed to have shown an average • Free pricing of technology -The Centre fixing a
28% yield increase over Varuna in contained field cap on the royalty to be paid for the technology
trials carried out by the Indian Council of discourages companies involved in developing the
Agricultural Research (ICAR). new technologies from sharing them with Indian
firms.
• New traits - New traits relating to resistance against
disease, etc. can be incorporated. • Effect on honey bees - There is a concern over GM
mustard threatening or undermining the population
• Indigenous - Since the seeds are indigenously of honey bees.
developed, the patent remains with government
unlike cotton where it is with corporates. • Use of chemicals - It increases the use of toxic
herbicides.
• Import bill - Mustard oil production from this
variety of crop will save a lot on foreign exchange • Corporates - It is a Trojan horse to clear the
exchequer. doorway for powerful companies like Monsanto.
• Transfer to humans- So far, there is no evidence • Entering the wild population - Concerns include
suggesting that the transgenes could be transferred the capability of the GE Plant to escape and
to humans or animals through consumption of GE potentially introduce the engineered genes into wild
food. populations.
3.2 Issues with Cotton Production
Why in news?
Cotton farmers in Northern India suffered heavy losses in the last kharif season.

What are the reasons for less cotton

productivity? Cotton (Gossypium sp.)
• The cotton productivity estimate was • Old world cotton - G. arboreum and G. harbaceum
reported to be at its lowest in the North
zone comprising of Punjab, Haryana • New world cotton - G. barbadense,(Egyptian) G hirsutm
and Rajasthan. (American)
• North zone cotton, which recorded the 1. It is white gold
highest cotton yield in 2019-20 is now 2. Backbone of textile industry
down by over 30%.
3. Contributes 7% of GDP
• Reasons – The losses are mounting
due to the rising cost of cultivation, 4. Provides employment to 60 million people in India
climate induced change in pest 5. Meets 45% of world’s fibre need
dynamics and rampant sale of
unauthorised seeds and unchecked 6. Meets 10% of world’s edible oil
pesticides sprays.
• Production - China is the world’s biggest producer of cotton
• Health & Environment – The boom followed by India.
and tractor mounted sprayers are back
• The USA is the leading global exporter of cotton.
with unimaginable consequences on
human health and environment. • In India, Gujarat is the top producer followed by Maharashtra
and Telangana.
• Climate Change – Climate change
induced weather a • Climate - Cotton is a tropical and subtropical crop.
• berration, widespread infestation of boll • The optimum temperature range for vegetative growth is 21 -
devouring pink bollworm, new tobacco 27 degree C.
streak virus disease and boll rot have
recently threatened cotton farmers. • Soil - Soil should be black medium to deep (90cm) having
good drainage availability.
• Crop diseases – The white fly
transmitted severe cotton leaf curl virus • Cotton does not tolerate water-logging condition.
and sudden outbreak of para wilt have • Post-harvest practices – Ginning is the process of
worsened the situation for North zone separating cotton fibers from the seeds
farmers.
• Lack of infrastructure – The cotton sector seems to be dogged by some serious structural deficiencies.
What is the impact of low cotton productivity?
• Imbalance in demand-supply – Cotton productivity, has continuously been decelerating, causing
imbalance in demand-supply of cotton and uncertainty in the cotton textile industry.
• Increase in imports – This dip in cotton production has forced the textile industry to rely on imports.
• The relaxation in import duty structure would hit the balance of trade in cotton, which remained favourable
over the last two decades.
• Decrease in exports – On the other hand, cotton exports, which peaked in 2014-15, have since declined.
What are the strategies used to overcome the challenges?
• HDPS – The cropping system of cotton must gradually undergo a
systematic change to high density planting system (HDPS).
• Dibbling – Our farmers practice dibbling based sowing of bushy-
type, long duration hybrid cotton seeds at a large spacing
accommodating fewer plants per acre.
• The farmers harvest seed cotton 3-4 times in a season spanning 180 to
280 days in different cotton growing zones.
• Hybrid Cotton – New erect type hybrid cotton genotypes have been introduced to optimise plant population.
• However, but this forms just one-fourth of what is being practiced under HDPS in countries with high cotton
yield.
What is the way forward?
• Policies – The government-led policy paradigm on cotton must give way to progressive evidence-based policies
on pricing of seeds and safeguarding intellectual property.

• Intellectual Property Rights – Enforcement of IPR on new varieties suitable for HDPS while ensuring
farmers’ rights must be strengthened to attract investment in R&D and breeding of high-density suitable
genotypes.
• Transfer of Seeds – Exchange of pre-breeding germplasm under material transfer agreement (MTA) and
access and benefit sharing (ABS) mechanism for cross border material transfer must be prioritised.
• Price Control – The price control of cotton seeds under the Cotton Seed Price (Control) Order, 2015
has discouraged breeding activities and stalled introduction of much needed technologies for weed
management.
• This has also fuelled the growth of illegal market for herbicide tolerant (HT) cotton.
4. ISSUES RELATED TO MSP, FARM SUBSIDIES
4.1 Role of Woman Livestock Farmer
Why in news?
On the International Day of Rural Women (October 15), we need to recognise the role of women in livestock rearing and
to include women in all facets of livestock development.
What are the issues in the inclusion of women livestock farmers?
• Data
collection- Conventional
labour force surveys fail to
accurately record women’s
work in livestock-raising.
• The women livestock
farmers are not visible to
policymakers due to the
lack of gender-
disaggregated data.
• Reasons for inaccurate
data
o Sporadic nature of
work undertaken
o Own responses of
women
• Underestimation-
Women actually engaged
in the livestock economy
were four times the official
estimate.
o Statistics from
India’s first national Time Use Survey in 2019 corroborate this finding.
• Reach of extension services- The reach of extension services to women livestock farmers remains scarce.
o According to official reports, 80,000 livestock farmers were trained across the country in 2021, but we
have no idea how many were women farmers.
• Credit availability- Women in poor households, without collateral to offer to banks, found it difficult to avail
loans to purchase livestock.
o Around 15 lakh new Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) were provided to livestock farmers under the KCC scheme
during 2020-22 but there is no data on how many of them were women.
• Technical knowledge- Women livestock farmers lacked technical knowledge on choice of animals (breeding)
and veterinary care.
• Women were not aware of the composition and functions of dairy boards.

• Decision making- Men exercised decisions even in women-only dairy cooperatives.

• Marginalised- The voice of women from landless or poor peasant Scheduled Caste households was rarely
heard.
What is the need of the hour?
• Data errors- The augmented work participation rate needs to be calculated.
• This estimate includes women who work for major part of the year and also the time spent on specific activities
such as kitchen gardening, household dairy/poultry, etc.
• Inclusion- There is a need to include women in all facets of livestock development — breeding, veterinary care,
extension services, training or access to credit and markets.
Schemes/ Programs to Promote Livestock Sector in India
Operation Flood • It was launched in 1970 by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
• It transformed India from a milk-deficient into the world's largest milk producer.
• Dr Verghese Kurien was the architect of Operation Flood.
National Livestock • It is aimed at increasing livestock production and productivity in a sustainable manner.
Policy (NLP), 2013
National Livestock • The mission commenced from 2014-15 with the objective of sustainable development
Mission (NLM) of the livestock sector.
• It focuses on entrepreneurship development Enterprise Capital Subsidy
and breed improvement by providing
incentives to individual entrepreneurs, FPOs, Poultry Up to Rs. 25 lakh
farmer cooperatives, joint liability groups,
SHGs, etc. Sheep and goat 50% up to 50 lakh
• It is being implemented as a sub scheme of
White Revolution - Rashtriya Pashudhan Piggery 50% up to Rs. 30 lakh
Vikas Yojana since April 2019.
• The mission is organised into four sub-missions
1. Sub -Mission on Livestock Development
2. Sub - Mission on Pig Development in North-Eastern Region
3. Sub - Mission on Feed and Fodder Development
4. Sub -Mission on Skill Development, Technology Transfer and Extension
Rashtriya Gokul • It was initiated in 2014 with a focus on the conservation and development of indigenous
Mission breeds and improve their genetic makeup.
• The scheme is implemented on 100% grant-in-aid basis.
• Components of the scheme
o Establishment of integrated indigenous cattle centres - Gokul Gram
o Establishment of breeder’s societies - Gopalan Sangh
o Gopal Ratna award to Farmers and Kamadhenu award to breeders’ societies
o National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres are being established as Centres of
Excellence
• Provision for capital subsidy up to Rs. 200 lakh for setting up breeding farm with at
least 200 milch cows/ buffalo using latest breeding technology.
E-Pashu Haat • An e-market portal connecting breeders and farmers to provide quality- disease free
bovine germplasm

Pashu Sanjivni • An Animal Wellness Programme with the provision of animal health cards along with
UID identification
e-Gopala • It is a web application that provides real-time information to livestock farmers on the
availability of disease-free germplasm in relevant centres, veterinary care, etc.
National Animal • It was launched in 2019 to control and eradicate the Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and
Disease Control Brucellosis amongst the livestock.
Programme
Animal Husbandry • The fund has been set up with an outlay of Rs. 15000 crore under AtmaNirbhar Bharat
Infrastructure Abhiyan stimulus package.
Development Fund
(AHIDF) • It aims to incentivize the investments to establish dairy and meat processing and value
addition infrastructure and animal feed plants.
Livestock Census • The census is conducted across the country Livestock Major State
periodically since 1919.
Cattle West Bengal
• It was released by Department of Animal Husbandry
& Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
and Dairying. Poultry Tamil Nadu
• The 20th Livestock Census was launched in 2018 to Buffalo Uttar Pradesh
capture breed-wise number of animals and poultry
birds. Sheep Telangana
• The total livestock population is 535.78 million in the
country showing an increase of 4.6% over Livestock Goat Rajasthan
Census 2012.
Overall Uttar Pradesh
4.2 Issues with Farm Mechanization
Why in news?
National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in its recent report have raised concerns about farm
mechanization in India.
What is farm mechanization?
• Farm mechanization is the application of engineering and technology in agricultural operations to do a job in
a better way to improve productivity.
• Farm mechanization is technic which refers to only those activities normally occurring inside the boundaries of
the farm unit or at the farm unit level.
• Farm machinery comprises equipment used at various stages of farm operations like
o Seed bed preparation,
o Soil working,
o Seeding,
o Planting and plant protection,
o Harvesting and threshing.
Benefits of farm mechanization Issues with farm mechanization
• Timeliness of operation • Fragmented land-holdings

• Precision of operation • Practice of subsistence agriculture
• Enhancement of safety • Higher presence of small and marginal farmers

• Reduction of hard working of labour • Lack of awareness in using the technology

• Reduction of loss of crops and food • Lack of skilled personnel to produce farm machinery
products
• Diverse soil conditions and cropping patterns
• Increased productivity of land
• High cost of equipments’ and inadequate after-sale services
• Increased economic return to
farmers • Lack of credit access to buy farm equipments
• Improvement of work environment • Low penetration of farm machinery with 40-45%
• Progress and prosperity in rural • Tedious acquiring process of subsidised farm machinery
areas • Less focus on non-tractors farm industry
• Less production subsidy compared to Chinese equipments’
• Feminisation of agriculture and the need to train them
What could be done?

• Skill shortages - The Agricultural Skills Council of India should work at the district level to address skill
shortages on the demand side.
• PPP - Public-Private Partnerships with custom hiring centres may be useful.
• Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) are basically a unit comprising a set of farm machinery and equipment meant for
hiring by farmers of small, marginal and poor farmers at subsidized rates.
• Educational courses - ICAR institutes can offer short courses to address skills shortages and Industrial
Training Institutes (ITIs) can also be leveraged to address repair and maintenance gap.
• Banking - Sensitise the banking industry about the importance of farm machinery.
• R & D - Intensification of Research & Development to produce market oriented devices
4.3 Food Wastage
Why in news?
The menace of hunger or undernourishment can be mitigated to a considerable extent by curtailing the wastage of raw
food and making a better use of the left-over cooked food.
DATA POINT - Picture of Food Wastage
Global picture
• UNEP Data - The UNEP index assesses
the food lost between harvest and
consumption at around 17% of
production.
• FAO Data - The UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) has
quantified the overall losses at 1.3 billion
tonnes a year.
Indian Scenario
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Data - One-third of all food in India is spoiled or
wasted before it is consumed.
• UNEP Report - The Food Waste Index Report 2021 of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
had estimated household food wastage in India at around 50 kg per capita per year.
What are the major causes of food wastage?

• Causes of food wastage - A sizeable amount of food is discarded because of the tendency to buy/ cook more
food than can be consumed by the individuals at social events.
• Paucity of refrigeration and cold-storage facilities is also responsible for food spoilage.

• A significant quantity of food (17 %of production) is lost between harvest and consumption.
• The wastage also include losses at supply chain — transportation, storage, and marketing.
• Need for preventing food wastage - The prevention of food wastage can help feed 1.26 billion hungry people
every year.
• The menace of hunger or undernourishment can be mitigated to a certain extent by curtailing the wastage of
raw food and making a better use of the left-over cooked food.
What efforts were taken in this regard globally?
• Section 12.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has envisaged halving the per-capita global
food wastage by 2030 by improving supply chains and cutting down food losses at retail and consumer levels.
• France has enacted legislation requiring supermarkets to either give unsold food to charity or pass it on to
farmers for use as animal feed or fertiliser.
What about the efforts taken by India?
• IFSA - Indian Food Sharing Alliance (IFSA) by the FSSAI, seeks to develop a network of food-collection
agencies.
• It aims to bring together citizens, food businesses, corporate houses, civil society organisations, volunteers and
local bodies to minimise food wastage all across the supply chain
• Awareness - Union government has been counselling to states to include a chapter on “Prevention of Food
Wastage” in school textbooks to make the children and the youth aware about the need to save food.
• Policy paper of NAAS - A policy paper brought out by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)
has made a request for using discarded food as animal feed or converting it into manure.
5. ACTS & POLICIES
5.1 The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023
Why in news?
The Government has recently introduced the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023 to promote ease of
doing business.
What is Coastal Aquaculture?
• Coastal aquaculture refers to culturing or cultivating, under
India is the 3rd largest fish
controlled conditions in ponds, pens and enclosures or in coastal
areas of shrimp, prawn, fish or any other aquatic life in saline or producing country in the world
brackish water. accounting for 8% of global
production and contributing about
• Coastal aquaculture does not include freshwater aquaculture.
1.09% to the country’s GVA and
What is the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act 2005? over 6.7% to the agricultural GVA.
• Coastal Aquaculture Authority - The Act introduced the
Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA).
• The main objective of the Authority is to regulate coastal aquaculture activities in coastal areas in order to
endure sustainable development without causing damage to the coastal environment.
• The authority consists of a Chairperson who a current or former HC judge is being an expert in coastal
aquaculture.
• The members will be nominated by the
o Central Department of Ocean Development
o Ministry of Environment and Forests
o Ministry of Agriculture
o Ministry of Commerce
o 4 members representing coastal States on a rotation basis and one member secretary.

• Coastal area - It refers to the area declared as the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), and includes such other
area as the Central Government may notify under Environment Protection Act 1986.
What are the new provisions of the amendment bill 2023?
• Definition - It broadens the definition of coastal to include rearing and cultivation of any life stages of fish
including crustacean, mollusc, finfish, seaweed or any other aquatic life.
• Environment friendly - It encourages environment friendly aquaculture such as cage culture, seaweed
culture, bi-valve culture, marine ornamental fish culture and pearl oyster culture.
• It has the potential for creating employment opportunities for coastal fisher communities
especially fisherwomen.
• Brood stocks - It encourages the establishment of facilities in areas having direct access to seawater to produce
genetically improved and disease-free brood stocks and seeds for use in coastal aquaculture.
• Brood stock or brood fish are a group of mature individuals used in aquaculture for breeding purposes.
• Brood Stock Multiplication Centre - The center will be used to rear marine organisms under strict
biosecurity and disease surveillance.
• Usage of antibiotics - The Bill seeks to prevent the use of antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances
which are harmful to human health in coastal aquaculture.
• Biosecurity - It introduces measures for analyzing and preventing the risk of introducing or spreading harmful
organisms like viruses and bacteria within the coastal aquaculture unit.
6. GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS
6.1 Importance of International Year of Millets
Why in news?
As proposed by India, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 2023 as International Year of Millets
(IYM).
What are millets?
• Millets are a group of cereal grains that belong to the Poaceae family (grass family).
• Millets are primarily grown during the kharif season in rainfed Major millets Minor millets
areas as these crops require less water and agricultural inputs
than other cereals.
Kodo millet
• It is widely consumed in developing countries of Africa and Asia.
Pearl millet (Bajra) Barnyard millet
• Millets are rich in dietary fibre and this helps control blood Finger millet (Ragi) Little millet
pressure and sugar levels.
Sorghum (Jowar) Foxtail millet
• Millets have gained popularity in the West because they are
gluten-free and boasts high protein, fiber, and antioxidant Proso millet
contents.
• This crop is also divided into two categories - large and small millets, with major millets being the commonly
cultivated varieties.
How has the Indian government taken a lead in spearheading this?
• In 2018, the government had rebranded millets as “Nutri Cereals”.
• The government declared 2018 as the National Year of Millets with the objective of generating more
production and demand.
• In December 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organised the opening ceremony for the IYM
2023 in Rome.
• The Prime Minister of India aims to make IYM 2023 a ‘People’s Movement’ and also to position India as the
‘Global Hub for Millets’.

What is the government’s plan of action?

• The Union Ministries like Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, etc have
planned some activities to promote millet production and usage.
• Other than these, some states would carry out specific activities for promotion of IYM and conduct millet-centric
activities.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will organise Eat Right Melas in Punjab, Kerala and
Tamil Nadu.
• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) will be participating in
a trade show in Belgium where it will showcase the diversity of Indian millets.
• Indian embassies across more than 140 countries will be participating in celebration of IYM during 2023.
Why is increasing the consumption and production of millets important to India?
• Millets production has great potential to generate livelihoods, increase farmers’ income and ensure food and
nutritional security, not only in India but also in other parts of the world.
• Unless consumption is increased, the demand will not be generated to motivate farmers for shifting to millets.
• Increasing consumption in India will help improve people’s health since millets contain many nutrients and
minerals crucial for the human body.
• Production of millets is crucial to promote its consumption and meeting future demand.
Can the government policies increase millet production in India?
• The Minimum Support Price (MSP) of millets (ragi, bajra and jowar) has been raised by 80-125% between 2013-
14 and 2021-22.
• However, their combined production has dropped by 7% to 15.6 million tonnes during the last eight years.
• While Bajra output has been stagnant, both jowar and ragi production has declined.
• This points to the requirement of policy-level intervention so that farmers get remunerative prices for millets
and their returns become higher than that of crops such as paddy.
• The $470-million (in 2021) global millets market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.5% during the 2021-2026
period.
• APEDA has set a target of $ 100 million millet exports by 2023-24 from $64.28 million in 2021-22.
Advantages of Millets Health benefits of Millets
• Climate smart Crops • Millets are anti acidic

• Are drought-resistant • Millets are gluten free
• Are hardier than other cereals • Helps to prevent type 2 diabetes
• Are more resilient to changes in climate • Effective in reducing blood pressure
• Grow in infertile soil • High protein, fiber, and antioxidant contents.
• Require less water to cultivate (as much as 70% less • Reduces risk of gastrointestinal conditions like
than rice) gastric ulcers or colon cancer
• Require less energy to process (around 40% less than • Eliminate problems like constipation, excess gas,
wheat) bloating and cramping
• Require fewer inputs • Millet act as a probiotic feeding micro flora in our
inner ecosystem
• Can revive soil health
6.2 Strengthening Cooperatives
Why in news?
The Budget 2023-24 strengthens the cooperatives to take forward the agenda for inclusive growth.

What is the role of cooperatives?

• Cooperatives play a major role in enhancing the income of the small and weaker sections and provides
opportunities for employment, access to credit and market.
• The cooperative sector will play an important role in aggregation, adherence of standards, provision for storage,
packaging, integrated supply chain, promotion and branding of to make products competitive for export.
What are the recent initiatives?
• Vibrant Villages Programme - The Cabinet approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Vibrant Villages
Programme for the FYs 2022-23 to 2025-26.
• The scheme will strengthen the cooperative movement through 2 lakh multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit
Societies (PACS) in each uncovered panchayat.
• Computerisation of PACS - The Budget outlay for the Cooperation Ministry of Rs. 1,150.38 crore will boost
the initiatives that have been taken for computerisation of PACS.
• Budget Allocation - The budget allocation will also aid in
o Establishing National Multi State Cooperative Societies in export, seed and organic products
o Creation of large grain storage infrastructure and national cooperative database
• Pan-India services - The establishment of the National Export Society, National Cooperative Society for
Organic Products and National Level Multi-State Seed Cooperative Society will bring pan-India services to
farmers and producers.
What is the role of PACS?
• To address the credit needs of the producers, PACS disburse credit and related services.
• The model bye-laws on PACS pave the way to make PACS as multi service centres to dispense services in a timely
and affordable manner.
• The PACS can come up with diverse business models and or instrument for aggregation and distribution.
• The PACS and FPOs can go hand in hand by completing the backward and forward linkages.
What is the way forward?
• The ecosystem of PACS, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and electronic national agriculture
market (e-Nam) provides for gainful linkages for the diverse wholesale and retail market.
• However, the missing link of storage facilities results in losses and inability to march the supply with demand.
• The storage of grains, pulses and oilseeds should be backed by timely market information system.
6.3 Selective Ban on Rice Exports
Why in news?
India’s selective clampdown on rice exports has raised the eyebrows of both local traders and global commentators.
What is the Centre’s ban about?
• There are four categories of rice exports.
1. Raw (white)
2. Basmati rice
3. Parboiled non-basmati rice
4. Broken non-basmati rice
• The government has notified a 20% duty on exports of rice “other than
parboiled and basmati rice”.
• The government has also imposed a blanket ban on broken rice exports.
• Reasons for selective ban
1. Possibility of decline in rice production because of deficient monsoon rainfall.

2. Possibility in yield reduction due to a new virus that has caused “dwarfing” of paddy plants in Punjab
and Haryana.
3. Low rice stocks could pose a threat on Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana and the public distribution system (PDS).
4. To ward off the threat of a price spiral.
5. Broken rice can be used to boost India’s ethanol production.
To know about India’s export restriction on wheat, click here
How important is India to the global rice trade?
• The major rice producing states are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, and Haryana.
• India has a 40% share of the world’s total rice exports out of which
non-basmati forms the bulk of it.
• More than 75% of basmati exports in 2021 were to Iran and Arabian
Peninsula countries.
• In non-basmati rice, almost 55% went to African countries.
• India’s non-basmati rice exports witnessed an astounding growth of
109 % in FY 2013-14 to FY 2021-22.
• China, Senegal, Vietnam, Djibouti and Indonesia were the top importers of broken rice exports in 2021-22.
What is promising about the selective ban of rice exports?
• The Centre has decided to ensure that the broken rice is available for its own poultry and other user industries.
• Shipments of rice to the nations in the East, have
been curbed as these countries depend on cheaper
Indian rice mainly for feed purposes.
• The Centre’s indirect message is to import corn
from us.
• Conserving domestic stocks of foodgrains in a
populous country like India is definitely essential
at a time of fears of a global food crisis precipitated
by fertiliser shortages and droughts.
What are the criticisms against the government’s
move?
• There are fears that the curb will
o Affect supplies when demand is increasing
for Indian rice in the global market
o Add to global food shortages
o Spur inflation hitting the poor nations
What is the way ahead?
• Minimum export price can be announced to prevent any under-invoicing.
• There should be regular checks to ensure premium non-Basmati and other types of rice are not get shipped as
Basmati rice to escape the 20% tax by hawala traders.
************

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1. AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ............. 3 4. ISSUES RELATED TO MSP, FARM

3.2 Issues with Cotton Production.......................... 12 6.2 Strengthening Cooperatives ............................. 20

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

DATA POINT – AGRICULTURE SECTOR OF INDIA

• India is the primary source of livelihood for ~55% of

Largest Producing States (based on 2021-22)

Rice West Bengal Uttar Pradesh Punjab

Wheat Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Punjab

Maize Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra

Pulses Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Rajasthan

Oilseeds Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Gujarat

Sugarcane Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra Karnataka

Cotton Gujarat Maharashtra Telangana

Jute & Mesta West Bengal Assam Bihar

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

1.1 India’s Dairy Sector

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

DATA POINT - India’s Dairy Sector

• According to Food and Agriculture Organization

What efforts were taken by the government to boost dairy sector?

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

• The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was founded in 1965.

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

NABARD Sponsored Schemes

• Producers Organisation Development Fund (PODF) • Micro Enterprise Development Programme

1.2 India’s Poultry Sector

DATA POINT - India’s Poultry Sector

• As per the 20th Livestock Census, the total

What is the feed challenge?

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

1.3 Open-Source Seeds Movement

o For other crops - 15 years

Patent PPV&FR Act

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

What are open source seeds?

2.1 Role of Drones in Agriculture

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

o Aquaculture management practices

2.2 Over-application of Urea and DAP

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

3. ISSUES IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

3.1 GEAC's Approval for GM-Mustard

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

• The resultant F1 progeny is both high-yielding and

Pros of DMH-11 Cons of DMH-11

3.2 Issues with Cotton Production

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

What are the reasons for less cotton

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

4. ISSUES RELATED TO MSP, FARM SUBSIDIES

4.1 Role of Woman Livestock Farmer

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

• Decision making- Men exercised decisions even in women-only dairy cooperatives.

Schemes/ Programs to Promote Livestock Sector in India

CHENNAI |SALEM| MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

4.2 Issues with Farm Mechanization

Benefits of farm mechanization Issues with farm mechanization

• Timeliness of operation • Fragmented land-holdings