Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. Examine how India’s agricultural policies have evolved from welfare-oriented interventions to a comprehensive and farmer-centric development approach.
- Q. India’s ethanol-blending programme has supported energy diversification and rural incomes, but its next phase must account for the water–energy–food nexus. Discuss.
Q. Examine how India’s agricultural policies have evolved from welfare-oriented interventions to a comprehensive and farmer-centric development approach.
(GS Paper III: Agriculture, Irrigation, Farm Subsidies, MSP.)
Introduction:
India’s agricultural policy has gradually moved beyond limited input subsidies and production support towards a broader framework covering income security, risk protection, credit, markets, infrastructure, technology, sustainability and allied activities. This reflects a shift from welfare delivery to long-term farmer empowerment.
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Income and Social Security
- PM-KISAN provides direct income support of ₹6,000 annually through DBT.
- PM-Kisan Maandhan Yojana offers pension support to small and marginal farmers.
- Expanded MSP and public procurement strengthen price assurance and market security.
Risk Mitigation and Institutional Credit
- PM Fasal Bima Yojana provides insurance against pre-sowing, standing crop and post-harvest losses.
- The Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline improve grievance redressal.
- Expansion of Kisan Credit Cards and ground-level agricultural credit has improved access to formal finance.
Productivity and Sustainability
- PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana promotes irrigation and water-use efficiency.
- Soil Health Cards encourage balanced fertiliser use.
- PKVY, NMNF and climate-resilient crop varieties support sustainable agriculture.
- PM-KUSUM promotes solar pumps and clean energy in farming.
Markets, Infrastructure and Value Addition
- e-NAM promotes digital trading and transparent price discovery.
- The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund supports storage, cold chains and processing.
- Mega Food Parks, PMFME and PM Kisan Sampada Yojana strengthen value addition and farm-to-market linkages.
- FPOs and computerised PACS improve collective bargaining and institutional capacity.
Diversification and Technology
- Growth in dairy, livestock, fisheries, horticulture, beekeeping and ethanol has reduced dependence on crop income alone.
- The Digital Agriculture Mission, Namo Drone Didi, National Pest Surveillance System and Kisan e-Mitra promote technology-driven farming.
- KVKs and ATMA strengthen extension and farmer training.
Challenges
Small holdings, climate risks, unequal access to irrigation, weak procurement coverage, digital gaps and inadequate market infrastructure continue to limit farmer incomes.
Conclusion:
India’s agricultural policy has evolved into a more integrated and farmer-centric framework. The next stage must focus on climate resilience, inclusive credit, efficient markets, value addition and stable farm incomes so that higher production translates into lasting prosperity for farmers
Q. India’s ethanol-blending programme has supported energy diversification and rural incomes, but its next phase must account for the water–energy–food nexus. Discuss.
( GS Paper III: Energy Security, Agriculture, Biofuels, Water Resources, Environment, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development.)
Introduction:
India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme seeks to reduce crude-oil imports, support farmers and sugar mills, and diversify transport fuels. The achievement of E20 reflects rapid policy-driven capacity expansion. However, installed ethanol capacity has now reached nearly twice the quantity required for E20, creating concerns about resource use and surplus capacity.
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Benefits of the Programme
- Ethanol blending reduces part of India’s petrol demand and exposure to global oil shocks.
- It saves foreign exchange and supports current-account stability.
- Assured demand creates an additional market for sugarcane, maize and grains.
- Sugar mills receive an alternative revenue source, helping them manage sugar surpluses and farmer dues.
- Distilleries create rural investment and employment.
- 2G ethanol can convert crop residues into fuel and reduce stubble burning.
- Ethanol can reduce selected tailpipe emissions and support fuel diversification.
Emerging Challenges
Water stress: Sugarcane, maize and rice-based ethanol have substantial water footprints. Their expansion in water-stressed regions can intensify groundwater depletion.
Food–feed–fuel competition: Maize and rice are important for food and livestock feed. Diversion to distilleries may increase grain and poultry-feed prices.
Cropping distortion: Assured ethanol prices may shift land away from pulses and oilseeds, increasing import dependence in these sectors.
Shifting external dependence: Reduced crude imports may be offset by higher imports of fertiliser inputs, natural gas, edible oils or grains.
Excess capacity: India needs around 10–11 billion litres for E20, whereas capacity has approached 20 billion litres. Higher targets may therefore be driven by capacity utilisation rather than resource efficiency.
Environmental concerns: Cultivation, fertilisers, transport, coal-based electricity and distillation generate upstream emissions.
Consumer impact: Ethanol’s lower energy density can reduce mileage, while older vehicles may face compatibility and maintenance issues.
Way Forward
India should redirect incentives towards 2G ethanol, develop biomass aggregation hubs and conduct feedstock-wise life-cycle assessments. Water-intensive crops should not be encouraged in stressed regions. Flex-fuel vehicles, multi-grade fuel pumps, compatible retrofitting kits and specialised storage systems are also necessary. Ethanol pricing should combine farmer protection with crude-price and sustainability signals.
Conclusion:
Ethanol can remain an important transition fuel, but blending percentages should not become an end in themselves. India must balance energy security with food security, water sustainability, consumer welfare and ecological protection
