Question 17DiscussGS3GS3
While agricultural subsidies have supported farmers' income, they have also contributed to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)
Main Body
Agricultural subsidies are govt incentives to farmers at various stages of production (sowing, cropping, harvesting) boost: i Agricultural Yield ii Farmers Income iii Promote general welfare of people Benefits of Agri-subsidies to farmers: i Reduced input costEasy, timely and cheaper availability of seeds, fertilisers, machinery etc. (HYV seeds, UREA subsidy) ii Higher productivityPrecision agriculture, smart agriculture, higher growth iii Mitigation against calamitiesPM Fasal Beema Yojana and other crop insurance schemes iv Reduced post harvest lossesSubsidised storage facilities eg Granin Chandaram Yojana v Diversification of high income potential sectors eg PM Matsya Sampada Yojana - adoption of fisheries sector Subsidies having deteriorating impact: i MonocroppingAdoption of HYV seeds & MSP - hasled to growth of wheat & rice at cost of other cereals ii Soil degradationIndiscriminate use of npce has led to soil salinity iii Groundwater issuesPower irrigation ensures have
led to decrease in groundwater level & fertility iv Threat to pollinators - like honeybees, butterflies due to use of toxic chemicals v Decreased yieldExcessive use of fertilisers has now started to degrade overall production vi Land degradation, salinity and rising infertility in around Punjab, Haryana vii EutrophicationChemical discharge ends up reaching ponds, lakes, rivers causing damage. Agricultural subsidies need to strike a balance between increasing farmers' income & food security on the other hand on environmental conservation. Conclusion: Agricultural subsidies were created to increase farmers' income and food production, but their sustained use has led to serious environmental problems. The balance needs to be achieved between supporting farmers' income and environmental conservation.
270 words1 paragraphs
Conclusion
Agricultural subsidies were created to increase farmers' income and food production, but their sustained use has led to serious environmental problems. The balance needs to be achieved between supporting farmers' income and environmental conservation.
34 words
Topper
Nikita Verma
AIR 302079
Subject & Paper
GS3GS3
Topic
Agriculture and Food Security
Government Schemes
Agricultural Subsidies Impact
Writing Stats
304
Total words
1
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone