Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. Paddy dwarfing disease in Punjab highlights the growing vulnerability of Indian agriculture to pest and disease outbreaks. Discuss the causes, impacts and preventive measures needed to manage such crop diseases.
- Q. Indian federalism is facing increasing stress due to demographic, fiscal and institutional challenges. Examine. Suggest measures to strengthen cooperative federalism in India.
Q. Paddy dwarfing disease in Punjab highlights the growing vulnerability of Indian agriculture to pest and disease outbreaks. Discuss the causes, impacts and preventive measures needed to manage such crop diseases.
(GS Paper III – Economy, Agriculture)
Introduction:
Indian agriculture is increasingly facing risks from pests, viral diseases and changing farming patterns. The recurrence of paddy dwarfing disease in Punjab, linked to the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus, shows the need for strong crop surveillance and preventive agriculture.
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Causes of Paddy Dwarfing Disease
- The disease is transmitted by the white-backed plant hopper.
- The insect carries the virus from infected plants to healthy plants.
- It survives on alternate grassy hosts and weeds during non-crop periods.
- Continuous paddy cultivation over large areas increases the chance of spread.
- Early sowing exposes nurseries to insect attack for a longer time.
- Poor field hygiene around bunds and water channels supports insect survival.
Impact on Farmers and Agriculture
- The disease reduces plant height and weakens root growth.
- Grain formation becomes poor or completely absent in severe cases.
- Farmers in affected areas reported very low yield compared to normal paddy yield.
- It causes heavy income loss, especially for small and marginal farmers.
- Since symptoms appear late, farmers may not get enough time to re-transplant the crop.
- It can affect rice production in major paddy-growing regions like Punjab.
Preventive Measures
- Farmers should monitor nurseries and young paddy fields regularly.
- White-backed plant hopper should be identified through simple field inspection.
- Yellow-light traps can be used to monitor insect activity.
- Weeds and grassy hosts near fields and water channels should be removed.
- Farmers should follow the officially recommended transplantation schedule.
- PAU-recommended insecticides should be used only after detecting infestation.
- Agricultural extension services must conduct village-level awareness camps.
Way Forward
- Develop early warning systems for crop diseases.
- Promote scientific pest surveillance at village level.
- Strengthen farmer training through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities.
- Encourage crop diversification to reduce risks of continuous monocropping.
- Improve coordination between scientists, extension officers and farmers.
Conclusion:
Paddy dwarfing disease is not only a plant health issue but also a farmer livelihood issue. Since viral diseases have limited curative options, India must focus on prevention, early detection and scientific crop management. This will help protect food security and support sustainable agriculture.
Q. Indian federalism is facing increasing stress due to demographic, fiscal and institutional challenges. Examine. Suggest measures to strengthen cooperative federalism in India.
(GS Paper II – Polity & Governance, Federalism, Centre-State Relations and Cooperative Federalism)
Introduction:
Indian federalism is described as quasi-federal because it combines a strong Centre with constitutionally recognised States. Article 1 describes India as a “Union of States”, and in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994), the Supreme Court held federalism to be part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution. However, recent issues related to delimitation, fiscal sharing, Governor’s role and centralisation have created stress in Centre-State relations.
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Major Stresses on Indian Federalism
1. Demographic and Delimitation Concerns
The proposed post-2026 delimitation may readjust parliamentary seats on the basis of population. States that successfully controlled population growth, especially in southern India, fear loss of political representation. This creates the problem of a demographic penalty, where better-performing States may lose voice in Parliament.
2. Fiscal Federalism Under Pressure
States depend on the Centre for tax devolution. However, the rising use of cesses and surcharges, which are not shared with States, reduces the effective divisible pool. Though vertical devolution is officially 41%, the actual fiscal space available to States becomes lower. This weakens State capacity to spend on welfare, health, education and infrastructure.
3. Conditional Borrowing Limits
States argue that linking additional borrowing limits with reforms such as power sector changes affects their fiscal autonomy. Such conditions may restrict State-specific development priorities.
4. Centralisation in Concurrent List Subjects
The Centre can legislate on Concurrent List subjects, but States often complain of inadequate consultation. Major reforms in areas such as criminal law, agriculture, labour and education create federal tensions when States feel excluded from decision-making.
5. Governor-State Friction
The Governor is expected to act as a constitutional bridge. However, delays in giving assent to Bills passed by State Legislatures have created conflict. In State of Punjab v. Principal Secretary to the Governor (2023), the Supreme Court held that Governors cannot indefinitely delay Bills.
6. Weak Inter-State Council
Article 263 provides for the Inter-State Council, but its limited use weakens dialogue. This increases litigation and reduces cooperative decision-making.
Measures to Strengthen Cooperative Federalism
- Revitalise the Inter-State Council as a regular Centre-State consultation forum.
- Limit excessive cesses and surcharges to protect States’ fiscal share.
- Adopt a balanced delimitation formula that considers population, demographic performance and human development.
- Define Governor’s discretionary powers clearly and implement Sarkaria and Punchhi Commission recommendations.
- Consult States before legislating on Concurrent List subjects.
- Strengthen Rajya Sabha as a true Council of States.
- Use the GST Council model for other shared governance areas such as health, climate, migration and internal security.
Conclusion:
Indian federalism cannot function only through constitutional provisions; it also requires trust, consultation and democratic self-restraint. A strong Union is necessary for national unity, but strong States are equally important for democracy and development. Cooperative federalism must therefore be strengthened through fair fiscal sharing, institutional dialogue and respect for regional diversity.
