Question 16GS3GS3

Assess the environmental impact of agricultural subsidies in India. Additionally, suggest measures to reduce this impact.

Introduction

Agricultural subsidies have been an integral part of the Indian agricultural system over many years. Various types of subsidies provided under these are:

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Main Body

i) Input subsidies (electricity, fertilisers, power, irrigation, seed, etc.) ii) Output or guaranteed – minimum support price, export subsidies etc. However, these lucrative subsidies have major environmental impact: 1) Minimum support price => incentivises farmers to crop adoption rather than crop rotation => over exploitation of soil => soil degradation => extensive use of fertilisers subsidised 2) Water stress: without understanding vulnerability overuse—surface runoff to injudicious use of water by farmers, plaid leening MSP leading to river water bodies pollution—eutrophication (Water pollution) => [Water stress] — can be again attributed to virtual water export—expert subsidies on water intensive crop

3Air pollution: Subsidies on thermal husbandry, fertilisers — led to extensive use of fertilisers (classified as 3rd category of CPCB). Release of NH3, Nitrates, methane, SO2, fluoride. Animal–poultry, cattle are major producers of methane. Certain cow crops are known emitters of methane. 4) Forest clearance: To increase the total cultivable land → to raise productivity of crops. Measures to reduce this impact: 1) Promotion of crop rotation: bringing various crops under the ambit of minimum support price to autogates escaping loss by promoting open market economy. 2) Support efficient use of fertilisers: promotion of organic methods, reducing dependence on fertiliser by efficient use, eg ! 100! Neem coated subsidised urea. 3) Promotion of drip irrigation system: efficient use of water by water-stressed areas & reduce their dependency on groundwater level depletion. 4) Funding for nature-based organic methods of farming:

eg, Paramparagat Lekshi Vikas Yojana - promotes cluster organic farming. 5) Building critical infrastructure: Reach, storage house, will help farmers get better prices for their crops & reduce their exploitation. Also reduce their dependence on subsidies. 6) Education & Awareness: Educating them about organic farming, mixed-cropping, efficient use of fertilisers, soil profiling to make them more efficient farmers. 7) Admit Inclusivesle sustainable agriculture. 8) Zero Tillage & extended crop rotation. 9) Spending on Research & Development to develop high yield pest resistant crops so that dependency on fertilisers is reduced.

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Conclusion

Since 54.6% of Indian population's main occupation is agriculture, their impact on environment is significant. Without their constitution facilitating environmental degradation will be impossible. Thus, promoting sustainable agricultural practice is crucial.

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Diagram

Diagram showing relationships: Water stress <-- (connected to) --> Groundwater depletion <-- (connected to) --> Water pollution; Water pollution leads to Biodiversity damage

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Topper

SAYALI BHIKA PAGAR

AIR 872023

Subject & Paper

GS3GS3

Topic

Agriculture and Food Security

Government Schemes

Agricultural Subsidies Impact

Writing Stats

383

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone