Question 5GS3GS3
Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy?
Main Body
India imports about 58% of the edible oil requirement. India is a major agricultural economy: 1. Largest producer of horticulture 2. 2nd largest exporter - 2nd in price 3. Largest producer of sugarcane 4. 22% of agri-seeds Causes for high import dependency: (1) Low cost of palm oil as compared to groundnut and soyabeans (2) Lack of economies of scale and hence high production cost (3) Absence of domestic supply-chain
4Limited climatic conditions availability for palm oil - E.g. North-east and the Andaman (5) Long incubation period for palm oil - E.g. 4 to 5 years before 1st harvest (6) Environmental concerns: i High water absorption ii Deforestation iii Bring air pollution (7) Dependency from farmers to adopt - a. Preference to cash crop - E.g. sugarcane b. Low government support c. Low price discovery Way Forward: 1. Subsidy through NMED-PO during incubation period 2. BIA to ensure sustainable cultivation 3. Promotion through One District One Product 4. Focus on the north-east through PPI-DIDING
165 words1 paragraphs
Topper
Alase Hrishikesh Rajendra
AIR 61
Subject & Paper
GS3GS3
Topic
Agriculture and Food Security
Major Crops - Cropping Patterns
Oilseed Production
Writing Stats
165
Total words
1
Paragraphs