Topic– Part of static series under the heading – “Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and
irrigation systems storage”
4) India’s agricultural policy for the next decade should shift away from cereal (and quantity) centricity and be primarily focused on water effectiveness. Discuss. (250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss how the focus areas for promoting agriculture need to shift away from enhancing quantity of particular food crops and focus on enhancing effectiveness of irrigation system to tackle the problem of water scarcity. We have to debate this hypothesis by bringing out points both for and against the current focus area and how focussing on water effectiveness is likely to improve the situation. We need to conclude with way forward.
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain how critical agricultural sector and its growth is for Indian economy.
Body
- Explain that the current focus area of the agricultural policies, since the time of green revolution has been to increase productivity and quantity. The focus has remained on certain food grains which has now become a part of the problem.
- Thereafter, debate the advantages and disadvantages of the current approach. In advantages one can talk about legislation like right to food which require increasing cereal production, MSP and economic requirement dictates the crop choices if farmers etc
- Thereafter, explain why water scarcity is going to be a huge hindrance to agricultural growth. Bring out points like climate change, salinity, groundwater availability etc. Explain the way forward such as focussing on drip irrigation etc
Conclusion – Highlight the urgency of the situation and give an overview of what needs to be done.
