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GS Paper: GS3-06.Storage, transport and marketing of Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints

  • Rajasthan farmers object to GI tag for Unjha jeera and saunf

    Why in News?

    Rajasthan’s cumin and fennel farmers have objected to Geographical Indication tags granted to Gujarat’s ‘Unjha Jeera’ and ‘Unjha Fennel’ (saunf), arguing Unjha is a trading hub, not the growing region.

    Key Highlights

    1. The GI tags for ‘Unjha Jeera’ and ‘Unjha Fennel’ were registered in the name of Gujarat’s Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Unjha.
    2. Farmers from Rajasthan contend that a significant share of the crops is cultivated in Rajasthan, making the GI registration misleading.
    3. The Unjha APMC has defended the GI registrations, citing over 1,000 pages of scientific, historical, and commercial evidence submitted during the registration process.
    4. The dispute raises questions over the criteria for GI registration, particularly the link between a product’s reputation, production area, and marketing centre.

    Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

    • A Geographical Indication (GI) identifies goods that possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially attributable to their geographical origin.
    • Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
    • Registration is granted by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
    • Validity: 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
    • GI protection applies to agricultural products, natural products, handicrafts, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs.

    Value Addition

    • First GI tag in India: Darjeeling Tea (2004-05).
    • Benefits of GI: Protects producers from misuse, preserves traditional knowledge, enhances product value, promotes exports, and supports rural livelihoods.
    • Difference from Trademark: A GI belongs collectively to eligible producers from a specific region, whereas a trademark is an exclusive right owned by an individual or company.

    [2018] India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to

    (a) ILO

    (b) IMF

    (c) UNCTAD

    (d) WTO

  • White Gold: India’s Cotton Story

    Why in News?

    The Government released “White Gold: India’s Cotton Story – From Seed to Shirt”, highlighting India’s global leadership in cotton production and new initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability.

    Key Highlights

    • India is the only country cultivating all four recognized cotton species.
    • Ranks: 1st in global cotton acreage. 2nd in production and consumption.
    • Cotton production (2025–26, provisional): 290.91 lakh bales.
    • Domestic consumption: 328 lakh bales.
    • Contributes nearly 19% of global fibre production.
    • Supports livelihoods of 6 million farmers and employment for 40–50 million people in allied sectors.

    Four Cotton Species

    • Gossypium arboreum (Asian cotton)
    • Gossypium herbaceum (Asian cotton)
    • Gossypium hirsutum (American upland cotton; ~90% of India’s hybrid cotton)
    • Gossypium barbadense (Egyptian cotton)

    Bt Cotton

    • Genetically modified cotton containing genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
    • Commercially introduced in 2002.
    • Resistant to bollworms, reducing insecticide use and improving yields.

    Major Cotton Growing Zones

    • Northern: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
    • Central: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh
    • Southern: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
    • Also cultivated in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

    Government Initiatives

    Mission for Cotton Productivity (2025–26)

    • Five-year mission with an outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore.
    • Target: Increase production from 297 lakh bales to 498 lakh bales by 2031.
    • Focus on: Climate-resilient varieties, Pest-resistant seeds, Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton, and Advanced breeding and biotechnology.

    Minimum Support Price (MSP)

    • Procurement by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
    • MSP (2026–27): Medium Staple: ₹8,267/quintal and Long Staple: ₹8,667/quintal

    Special Project on Cotton (NFSM)

    • Promotes: High Density Planting System (HDPS), Closer Spacing Planting System, and ELS cotton technologies.
    • Demonstrations recorded 30–40% yield improvement.

    Kapas Kisan App

    • Digital platform for Farmer registration, MSP procurement slot booking, Aadhaar-linked payments, and SMS updates.

    Kasturi Cotton Bharat

    • National branding and traceability initiative.
    • Features: QR-code certification, Blockchain-based traceability, and NABL-accredited quality testing.
    • Promotes Indian cotton as a premium global brand.

    Economic Importance

    • Cotton is known as “White Gold”.
    • Integral to the textile value chain and India’s export earnings.
    • Cottonseed provides: Edible oil, Animal feed, Biomass fuel, and Surgical cotton and medical products.

    [2020] “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?

    a) Cotton
    b) Jute
    c) Sugarcane
    d) Tea

  • India Secures Three New Codex Standards for Spices

    Why in News?

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopted global standards for Large Cardamom, Coriander, and Vanilla at its 49th Session (CAC49) in Geneva. India also became Co-Chair of a new Electronic Working Group (EWG) on risk analysis for new food products.

    Key Highlights

    • Three Codex Standards Adopted: Large Cardamom, Coriander, and Vanilla.
    • Codex Commission: Jointly established by FAO and WHO to develop international food safety and quality standards.
    • India’s Role:
      • Hosts the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH).
      • Spices Board India serves as the Secretariat of CCSCH.
    • Significance:
      • Harmonised global quality standards for spices.
      • Improves market access, fair trade, and export competitiveness.
    • Large Cardamom: Indigenous to the North-Eastern Himalayan region of India.
    • New Leadership Role: India accepted as Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group (EWG) on risk analysis for new food products.

    Prelims Facts

    • Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):
      • Established in 1963 by FAO and WHO.
      • Develops science-based international food standards.
      • Protects consumer health and promotes fair practices in food trade.
    • Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH): Hosted by India. Secretariat: Spices Board India.

    [2022] With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
    1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
    2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
    4. The Board has overseas office at Dubai and Moscow.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] 1 and 3

    [B] 2 and 4

    [C] 3 and 4

    [D] 1 and 4

  • ICAR Foundation Day 2026

    Why in News?

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 98th Foundation Day (16 July 2026), highlighting its achievements in climate resilient agriculture, biofortified crops and technology dissemination.

    Key Highlights

    • Established: 16 July 1928
    • India’s apex organization for agricultural research, education and extension under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
    • During 2025-26, ICAR developed 386 improved varieties across 44 crops: 94% are climate resilient and 29 varieties are biofortified.
    • Released: 43 improved crop varieties, 17 agricultural technologies and 14 publications
    • New technologies include:
      • Climate resilient and salinity/alkalinity tolerant rice varieties
      • Export-oriented mango production technology
      • India’s first indigenous African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine
      • Digital Swine Disease Atlas
      • Affordable cassava harvester for smallholders.
    • 72 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with 51 industry partners for commercialization of ICAR technologies.
    • 18 international MoUs signed to strengthen global agricultural cooperation.
    • ICAR technologies reached: Nearly 1 crore farmers directly. Over 5 crore farmers through media and social media.

    Economic Impact

    • Agriculture, horticulture, livestock and fisheries generated an additional economic value of about ₹1.70 lakh crore in 2025-26.
    • Agricultural research alone contributed an estimated ₹55,000 crore.

    About ICAR

    • Full Form: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
    • Established: 16 July 1928
    • Headquarters: New Delhi
    • Parent Department: Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)
    • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
    • Coordinates: Agricultural research, Agricultural education and Extension services through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
    • Played a major role in: Green Revolution, Food and nutritional security, Development of improved crop varieties, Livestock, fisheries and horticulture research, and Climate resilient agriculture

    [2021] In the context of India’s preparation for climate-smart agriculture, consider the following statements:
    1. The ‘Climate-Smart village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the climate change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
    2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under consultative group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
    3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1,2 and 3

  • Matcha Tea: India’s First Commercially Produced Matcha

    Why in News?

    An Assam tea estate, Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district, has produced and sold India’s first commercially produced matcha tea at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, marking India’s entry into the premium global matcha market.

    What is Matcha?

    • Matcha is a finely powdered green tea made from specially cultivated shade-grown leaves of Camellia sinensis.
    • Unlike conventional green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, the entire powdered leaf is consumed, providing higher nutritional benefits.

    How is Matcha Produced?

    • Tea plants are shaded for 3 to 4 weeks before harvest.
    • Around 90% of sunlight is blocked, resulting in:
      • Increased chlorophyll content (bright green colour).
      • Higher L-theanine (amino acid) levels.
      • Enhanced antioxidants and natural caffeine.
    • Young leaves are Steamed to prevent oxidation, Dried, De-stemmed and de-veined, Stone-ground into a fine green powder.

    How is Matcha Different from Green Tea?

    • Matcha uses shade-grown tea leaves, whereas ordinary green tea is generally grown under normal sunlight.
    • In matcha, the entire powdered leaf is consumed, while in green tea the leaves are steeped in water and then discarded.
    • Matcha contains higher levels of chlorophyll, antioxidants, L-theanine, and natural caffeine.
    • It has a rich umami flavour and vibrant green colour.

    [2022] With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
    1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
    2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
    4. The Board has overseas office at Dubai and Moscow.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] 1 and 3

    [B] 2 and 4

    [C] 3 and 4

    [D] 1 and 4

  • Kisan Sarathi Platform

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted Kisan Sarathi, India’s integrated digital agro-advisory platform, for strengthening agricultural extension services through technology, multilingual support, and expert-based advisories.

    What is Kisan Sarathi?

    • Launched in July 2021.
    • India’s largest integrated digital agro-advisory platform.
    • Joint initiative of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
    • Implemented by Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) and Digital India Corporation

    Key Features

    • Provides real-time, multilingual, location-specific advisories.
    • Two-way communication through Interactive Information Dissemination System (IIDS).
    • Offers: Weather forecasts, Mandi prices, Crop advisories, Government scheme information, and Expert consultations
    • Covers: Crops, Livestock, Poultry, Fisheries, and Allied sectors

    [2020] In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment agriculture?

    1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all corps
    2. Computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
    3. Social Capital development
    4. Free electricity supply to farmers
    5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
    6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the government

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    a) 1, 2 and 5 only
    b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
    c) 2, 3 and 6 only
    d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

  • There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees [APMCs] set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine

  • Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?

    Supermarkets are organised retail chains that procure, store and distribute fruits, vegetables and other food items through integrated, modern supply chains.

    Role of Supermarkets in supply chain management

    Direct Procurement from Farmers – Eg- Big Basket & Reliance Retail procure directly from FPOs.

    Standardisation, Grading & Sorting improves quality consistency. Eg- Walmart trains farmers on GAP (Good Agricultural Practices).

    Efficient Logistics & Inventory Management – Eg- use of real-time inventory tracking, forecasting tools, barcoding/RFID

    Cold Chain infrastructure reduces losses of perishable goods like fruits

    Contract Farming, buy-back arrangements ensure stable demand and price security for farmers. Eg- PepsiCo in Punjab (Potato farming)

    Value Addition – Supermarkets invest in cut vegetables, ready-to-cook items etc – increases shelf-life of products.

    Diverse products– Gives greater choice for consumers and promotes crop diversification.

    Challenges faced by supermarkets

    Lack of infrastructure – Eg- cold storage can only accommodate about 11% of the country’s total produce.

    Poor forward and backward linkages – Eg- Only 13% mandis digital.

    Fragmented landholdings – 86% farmers are small and marginal – prevents economy of scale

    Regulatory Hurdles – APMC monopoly and interstate movement regulations complicate direct buying from farmers.

    Organised retail remains concentrated in metro and Tier-1 cities, with limited rural coverage

    Low investment – Private investment <1% Agri-GDP.

    Supermarkets eliminating intermediaries

    Enhancing efficiency of supply chain and doubling farmers income requires FPO strengthening, cold-chain expansion and adoption of Model contract Farming Act.

  • What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

    Efficient transport and marketing are critical components of the agriculture value chain. However, gaps in logistics and markets hinder farmers’ ability to access markets, realise fair prices, and reduce post-harvest losses.

    Main Constraints in Transport of Agricultural Produce

    FCI transit loss stands at Rs 300 crore/annum

    Poor Rural Road Connectivity– About 25% rural habitations lack pucca road connectivity .

    Lack of Multi-Model connectivity – heavy dependence on roads for transport

    Inadequate First-Mile Logistics – Scarcity of tractors, mini-trucks, and affordable transport

    High Post-Harvest Losses in Transit due to improper packaging, rough handling, and delays. 6-18% losses in fruits & vegetables (NABARD/FAO).

    Cold storage capacity in India can only accommodate about 11% of the country’s total produce.

    Fragmented Landholdings – 86% farmers are small/marginal – increase per-unit transport cost

    High Logistics Cost of 14% of GDP – raise farm-to-market cost.

    Main Constraints in Marketing of Agricultural Produce

    63% of agricultural households sold their crops to local markets and only 7.2% sold to APMCs.

    Dominance of Intermediaries leads to low price realisation. Eg- Farmers get only 25-30% of final price in perishables.

    Inadequate Market Infrastructure – Mandis lack grading, sorting, storage, and drying yards. Only 10% of mandis meet required norms (Dalwai Committee).

    APMC operating in monopolised silos limit free inter-state movement and competition.

    Poor Access to real-time price and demand Information – weakens bargaining power of farmers

    Low Digital Integration – Only about 1500 mandis integrated with e-NAM (2024).

    Quality & SPS Compliance Gaps – Inadequate testing infrastructure impacts domestic sales and exports. Eg- EU rejecting Mango consignment

    Way Forward

    Strengthening FPOs to enhance collective bargaining and direct market access for farmers. Eg- Sahyadri FPO in Maharashtra – increased incomes by 30%

    Cold-Chain-as-a-Service (CCaaS) – IoT-based cold storage + logistics integration reduces post-harvest losses

    MSP 2.0 based on 3 D’s – Decentralisation, Diversification and Digital Procurement. Eg- instant payments through e-RUPI.

    Rural Agri-Logistics Nodes under Gati Shakti Framework to develop cold chains, aggregation centers, and packhouses near farm gates.

    Strengthening supply chain management is key to ‘Doubling Farmers Income’.

  • What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India ?

    Agricultural marketing refers to the entire process involved in moving farm produce from the farmer to the final consumer. In India, this system faces bottlenecks at both upstream (farm-level) and downstream (market-to-consumer) stages.

    Fragmented Landholdings – 86% small and marginal farmers with low production volumes make aggregation difficult.

    Poor First-Mile Connectivity – About 25% rural habitations lack pucca road connectivity – increases spoilage of perishables.

    Lack of On-Farm Storage leads to distress sales. Eg- 166 MMT storage capacity gap (FAO)

    Inadequate Primary Processing – Minimal grading, sorting, cleaning, and drying at the farm level

    High Post-Harvest Losses – Losses of 6-18% in fruits & vegetables due to poor handling.

    Weak Farmer Institutions – FPO/cooperatives have limited capacity for aggregation and marketing

    Limited Access to Information – Farmers lack real-time data on prices, demand and arrivals.

    High Input & Transport Costs makes farm-to-mandi movement expensive. Eg- logistics cost is 14% of GDP

    Demand and supply gap due to Cobweb Phenomenon (Economic Survey) – Crop production depends on prices in previous periods rather than present demand

    63% of agricultural households sold their crops to local markets and only 7.2% sold to APMCs.

    APMC operating in monopolised silos limit free inter-state movement and competition. Eg- Licensing barriers and cartelisation

    Dominance of Intermediaries leads to low price realisation. Eg- Farmers get only 25-30% of final price in perishables.

    Inadequate Market Infrastructure – Mandis lack grading, sorting, storage, and drying yards. Only 10% of mandis meet required norms (Dalwai Committee).

    Low Digital Integration – Only about 1500 mandis integrated with e-NAM (2024).

    Quality & SPS Compliance Gaps – Inadequate testing infrastructure impacts domestic sales and exports. Eg- EU rejecting Mango consignment

    Organised retail remains concentrated in metro and Tier-1 cities, with limited rural coverage

    Low investment – Private investment <1% Agri-GDP.

    Way Forward

    Strengthening FPOs to enhance collective bargaining and direct market access for farmers. Eg- Sahyadri FPO in Maharashtra – increased incomes by 30%

    Cold-Chain-as-a-Service (CCaaS) – IoT-based cold storage + logistics integration to reduce post-harvest losses

    MSP 2.0 based on 3 D’s – Decentralisation, Diversification and Digital Procurement.

    Rural Agri-Logistics Nodes under Gati Shakti Framework to develop cold chains, aggregation centers near farm gates.

    Legal Reforms – Eg- adoption Model contract farming Act by states

    Strengthening supply chain management is key to ‘Doubling Farmers Income’.

    Agriculture Inputs