Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. The issue of substandard fertilisers highlights systemic weaknesses in agricultural input regulation in India. Examine its implications for farmers and food security, and suggest measures to strengthen quality control mechanisms. (15 M)
- Q. India’s energy strategy reflects a balance between renewable expansion and continued reliance on coal. Examine the role of solar energy and coal in ensuring energy security, especially under climate variability such as El Niño. (15 M)
Q. The issue of substandard fertilisers highlights systemic weaknesses in agricultural input regulation in India. Examine its implications for farmers and food security, and suggest measures to strengthen quality control mechanisms. (15 M)
(GS Paper III – Agriculture | Food Security | Input Regulation)
Introduction:
The recent detection of non-standard fertilisers in Vidisha during the Rabi season has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory mechanisms governing agricultural inputs in India. Fertilisers being a critical determinant of crop productivity, any compromise in their quality directly affects farmer livelihoods and national food security
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1)Nature of the Issue: Substandard Fertilisers
- Fertilisers such as DAP, APS, and TSP were found to have nutrient deficiencies below prescribed standards.
- These inputs failed to meet specifications under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.
- The issue was identified during the sowing stage, where nutrient availability is crucial for crop establishment.
- Authorities halted sales and initiated further testing, indicating regulatory lapses
2) Implications for Farmers and Food Security
- Reduced Crop Productivity: Deficient nutrients lead to poor germination, weak root development, and lower yields.
- Economic Losses: Farmers incur financial losses due to ineffective inputs and may need additional fertiliser application.
- Soil Health Degradation: Imbalanced nutrient supply affects long-term soil fertility.
- Increased Input Costs: Farmers compensate by overusing fertilisers, increasing production costs.
- Food Security Risk: Declining yields can affect overall agricultural output and food supply stability.
- Loss of Trust: Repeated quality failures reduce confidence in institutions and input supply systems
3) Systemic Issues in Fertiliser Regulation
- Weak Enforcement: Limited inspections and monitoring capacity at field level.
- Testing Infrastructure Gaps: Overburdened laboratories delay timely detection.
- Supply Chain Issues: Storage and transport conditions degrade fertiliser quality.
- Adulteration and Counterfeiting: Presence of fake fertilisers in informal markets.
- Regulatory Loopholes: Inefficient coordination between central and state authorities.
4) Importance of Fertiliser Quality in Agriculture
- Fertilisers are essential for ensuring balanced nutrient supply and optimal crop growth.
- High-quality inputs improve productivity, soil fertility, and sustainability.
- They are central to India’s food security and Green Revolution model.
- Poor-quality fertilisers disrupt nutrient balance and reduce efficiency of agricultural practices
5) Way Forward
- Strengthen enforcement through regular inspections and strict penalties for violations.
- Expand and modernize fertiliser testing laboratories for timely analysis.
- Implement digital tracking systems for supply chain transparency.
- Increase farmer awareness on fertiliser quality and grievance mechanisms.
- Promote balanced nutrient management including bio- and nano-fertilisers.
- Enhance coordination between central and state agencies for effective regulation
Conclusion:
The Vidisha case underscores critical gaps in India’s fertiliser regulation framework. Ensuring the quality of agricultural inputs is essential not only for protecting farmer incomes but also for sustaining food security. Strengthening regulatory enforcement, improving institutional capacity, and promoting scientific nutrient management are key to building a resilient agricultural system.
Q. India’s energy strategy reflects a balance between renewable expansion and continued reliance on coal. Examine the role of solar energy and coal in ensuring energy security, especially under climate variability such as El Niño. (15 M)
(GS Paper III – Energy | Environment | Climate Change)
Introduction:
India is witnessing a sharp rise in electricity demand, exacerbated by climate variability such as El Niño, which weakens monsoons and increases cooling and irrigation needs. To ensure uninterrupted power supply, India is adopting a dual strategy of expanding solar capacity while maintaining coal-based base-load power.
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1) India’s Energy Demand and Climate Context
- Peak electricity demand has reached record levels, driven by rising temperatures, urbanisation, and industrial growth.
- El Niño conditions weaken the monsoon, increasing dependence on irrigation and electricity consumption.
- This creates pressure on the energy system to ensure both reliability and sustainability.
2) Role of Coal in Ensuring Energy Security
- Coal provides stable and continuous base-load power essential for round-the-clock electricity supply.
- It supports grid stability and can be adjusted to meet peak demand fluctuations.
- India’s large domestic coal reserves enhance energy security and reduce import dependence.
- Coal remains cost-effective and supports core industries such as steel and cement.
- During weak monsoons, reduced hydropower output increases reliance on coal-based generation.
3) Role of Solar Energy in Energy Transition
- Solar energy contributes significantly to India’s clean energy transition and emission reduction goals.
- It efficiently meets daytime electricity demand, particularly during peak cooling hours.
- Rapid capacity expansion (record additions in recent years) reflects strong policy push.
- Solar reduces fossil fuel dependence and supports climate commitments.
- It plays a crucial role in diversifying India’s energy mix
4) Challenges in Renewable Energy Integration
- Intermittency: Solar energy is available only during daylight hours.
- Storage Constraints: Lack of large-scale battery systems limits usage at night.
- Grid Instability: Fluctuations in renewable output affect frequency and supply balance.
- Transmission Gaps: Renewable energy sites are often far from demand centers.
- Seasonal Variability: Output varies across seasons and weather conditions
5) Concept of Renewable Curtailment
- Renewable curtailment refers to the reduction of renewable power generation despite availability.
- It occurs due to excess supply, lack of transmission infrastructure, and grid limitations.
- This leads to wastage of clean energy and highlights inefficiencies in the system
6) Significance of Dual Energy Strategy
- Ensures uninterrupted electricity supply during extreme weather conditions.
- Balances environmental sustainability with economic growth and industrial needs.
- Reflects a pragmatic transition strategy rather than abrupt fossil fuel phase-out.
- Strengthens resilience against climate variability and global energy shocks.
7) Way Forward
- Develop large-scale battery energy storage systems for better renewable utilization.
- Strengthen transmission networks through Green Energy Corridor projects.
- Promote hybrid systems combining solar, wind, and storage.
- Improve grid flexibility using smart technologies and forecasting tools.
- Gradually reduce coal dependence while ensuring energy security.
- Encourage demand-side management to align consumption with renewable availability.
Conclusion:
India’s energy transition is characterized by a careful balance between sustainability and reliability. While solar energy is expanding rapidly, coal continues to play a critical role in ensuring grid stability and meeting peak demand, especially under climate uncertainties like El Niño. A successful transition will depend on overcoming storage and infrastructure challenges to make renewable energy a dependable primary source without compromising energy security.
