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  • Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?

    The NHM was a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2005-06 to promote the holistic development of the horticulture sector through area-based, regionally differentiated strategies.

    Key Pillars of NHM

    Cluster based approach

    Supply of quality planting material through nurseries and tissue culture units.

    Improving production and productivity through area expansion and rejuvenation.

    Promoting and spreading modern technologies.

    Focussing on training and skill development.

    Infrastructure for post-harvest management and marketing.

    Role of NHM in boosting

    Production

    Horticulture production increased from 280.70 MT (2013-14) to 367.72 MT (2024-25) (Fruits: 114.51 MT, Vegetables: 219.67 MT)

    Fruit production increased by ~30%, and vegetable production increased by ~22%.

    Establishment of nurseries and tissue culture units ensured healthy, disease-free plants.

    Area-focused interventions increased scale and concentration of production.

    Crop diversification – Promotion of high-value and short-duration crops.

    Boost in Productivity

    The productivity has risen from 12.10 MT per hectare in 2019 to 12.56 MT per hectare in 2024

    Distribution of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties increased output per unit area.

    Technology dissemination – Promotion of drip irrigation, mulching, protected cultivation (polyhouse, net house).

    Farmers trained in scientific cultivation, pest control and nutrient management – improved efficiency.

    Reduced crop loss through improved plant health and management practices.

    Boost in Farmer Income

    Horticulture now contributes about 33% to Agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA) in Agriculture.

    High-value crops – Fruits, spices and flowers generate more income per hectare than cereals.

    Multiple cropping cycles of Vegetables and floriculture ensure regular cash flow.

    Post-harvest infrastructure – Cold storage, pack houses, grading and processing units reduce wastage and increase price realisation.

    Export potential –

    Employment generation – Jobs in nurseries, processing, transport and storage supplement household income.

    Challenges

    Uneven regional performance – Benefits concentrated in better-developed states/regions

    Low Exports – India ranks 14th in vegetables and 23rd in fruits, and its share in the global horticultural market is a mere 1%.

    Input issues –

    less than 5% of Indian soils have sufficient nitrogen

    Only 55% area irrigated.

    Seed replacement rate is 35-45% (over 90% in USA)

    Inadequate cold-chain and logistics – Around 15-20% of the fruits and vegetables in India are wasted

    Climate vulnerability – Sensitive to droughts, floods, heat waves, pests. Eg- Locust Attack

    Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) barriers – Eg- rejection of consignments by EU due to pesticide residue detection.

    Way Forward

    Agro-ecological approach – District-Level Climate-Contingent Crop Planning Cells

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

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

    Raising R&D Investment to 1% of GDP

    Legal Reforms – Simplify land leasing laws, Adopt model contract farming Act

    Budget 2025-26 emphasised Agriculture as the ‘first engine’ for India’s development journey. Horticulture can be the key pillar of this journey.

    Farm Subsidy and Minimum Support Prices

  • 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.

  • How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.

    A cropping pattern is the distribution of various crops within a specific area at a given time. Though the rice-wheat system became the backbone of Indian agriculture after the Green Revolution, in recent years India’s cropping pattern has moved towards diversification and high-value crops.

    Emphasis on certain crops – changing cropping pattern

    Dominance of rice-wheat in Green Revolution regions – account for over 75% of GCA in Punjab & Haryana

    Shift from food crops to commercial crops- Area under commercial crops increased from 30.4 million ha (2000-01) to 41.2 million ha (2022-23)

    Expansion of sugarcane due to ethanol policy- increased from 285 MT (2010-11) to 405 MT (2022-23)

    Rise in horticulture crops – Eg- In 2022-23, fruits and vegetables accounted for 28.3% of the Gross Value Output, surpassing cereals

    Expansion of oilseeds under National Mission on Edible Oils- increased from 25 MT (2010-11) to 41 MT (2022-23)

    Growth of organic farming- 2.9 million hectares under organic farming, highest globally. Eg- Sikkim fully organic

    Climate change impact on crop choice- Eg- 14% decline in sugarcane area in Marathwada (2015-2023) due to water stress

    Commercialisation and mechanisation- BT cotton covers 95% of cotton area, promoting

    Emphasis on millet production

    Total millet production: 180.15 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 (Increase of 4.43 lakh tonnes)

    Millet exports (2024-25): 89,164.96 tonnes worth $37 million

    MSP for Ragi (2025-26): Second highest absolute MSP increase among crops

    Policy focus

    National Millet Mission

    NFSM – Nutri Cereals

    International Year of Millets 2023 (India-led)

    Branding as Shree Anna

    Increase in millet exports

    1.5 million tonnes exported in 2023

    50% increase over 2022

    Climate-resilient nature – Drought resistant, low water, heat tolerant

    Expansion in dryland states – Increased area in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, MP, Maharashtra

    Emphasis on millet consumption

    Rising health consciousness

    High in iron, calcium, fibre and protein

    Helpful against diabetes & malnutrition

    Improvement in nutrition security – Reduces hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiency

    Inclusion in government schemes – PDS, Mid-Day Meal, ICDS, Anganwadi

    Urban & processed food demand – Used in biscuits, noodles, bakery & breakfast foods

    MSME & startup growth – Eg- “Millet Challenge” for startups,, with a seed grant of Rs 1 crore each to three winners.

    Policy and market-driven emphasis on selected crops is transforming India’s cropping pattern, with millets emerging as a sustainable pillar of nutrition and livelihood security.

  • What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap?

    MSP is the government-declared assured floor price at which the government procures specific agricultural crops from farmers, through agencies like FCI, NAFED and state procurement bodies.

    Announced before the sowing season based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)

    Intended to cover the cost of production + reasonable margin (50% over A2+FL cost)

    Notified for 23 crops (22 mandated crops andFRP for sugarcane)

    Role of MSP in rescuing farmers from the Low-Income Trap

    Predictability – Assured pricing helps farmers plan crop investments, buy better inputs and adopt new technologies.

    Crop diversification through higher MSPs for nutri-cereals and oilseeds. Eg- higher MSP hikes for millets in recent years

    Improved creditworthiness of farmers due to MSP-backed income – Reduce dependence on moneylenders.

    Enhances Food Security through the Public Distribution System (PDS)

    Strengthens Rural Economy – higher rural demandmultiplier effect on rural economy

    Benchmark for private buyers: If traders offer prices below MSP, farmers can opt to sell to government agencies instead.

    Limitations of MSP

    Effective mainly for wheat and rice in states like Punjab, Haryana, MP, UP

    MSP growth has not kept pace with rising production costs. (CRISIL Report)

    Limited Reach – only 6% farmers benefitted (Shanta Kumar committee)

    94% of the total agri and allied sector output is outside MSP support.

    Limited storage capacity has resulted in huge piling of stocks in FCI warehouses.

    Way Forward

    Shift towards Regenerative Agriculture Incentives – Eg- DBT for farmers adopting soil-friendly inputs, micro-irrigation, and low-carbon practices

    Price Deficiency Payment (MP’s Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana)

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

    MSP can act as a meaningful income stabiliser only when it is complemented by efficient procurement, strong market linkages, and inclusive access

  • Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019.

  • How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

    The rising protectionism and currency manipulations have disrupted global trade flows and have direct implications for India’s growth, inflation, fiscal balance, and external vulnerability.

    Tools of Protectionism

    Tariffs

    Quotas

    Import Licensing

    Sanctions

    Exchange Controls

    Industrial Subsidies

    Impact of Protectionism on Macroeconomic Stability of India

    Export Slowdown due to high tariffs. Eg: US protectionism under Section 232 hurt India’s steel exports.

    Supply Chain Disruptions lead to higher Production Costs. Eg- higher oil prices after Israel-Palestine conflict

    Imported Inflation due to barriers on food, energy and intermediate goods. Eg: Indonesia palm oil ban.

    Weak Employment in Export-oriented Sectors – Eg: Fall in European demand hit India’s textile and leather clusters.

    Lower FDI Inflows – Uncertain trade regimes discourage long-term investments. Eg- Apple cancelling plant in India after Trump threat.

    Impact of Currency Manipulations on Macroeconomic Stability

    Widening Trade Deficit – Undervalued currencies make their exports cheaper. Eg- China’s managed yuan

    Rupee Volatility creates monetary Policy Challenges. Eg: Yen depreciation in 2023-24 triggered pressure on Asian currencies including INR.

    Higher Inflation and BoP Pressure – Eg: INR touching 83-84 per USD raised petroleum import bills.

    Capital Outflows due to dollar strengthening. Eg: 2022-24 saw FPI outflows during phases of aggressive US Fed tightening.

    Pressure on Forex Reserves – Eg: RBI sold USD in 2022-23 to stabilise INR, reducing reserves temporarily.

    Opportunities for India Amid Protectionism & Currency Politics

    China+1 Advantage in electronics, chemicals, renewables. Eg- Mobile exports crossed USD 11 bn in 2023-24.

    Boost Make in India to build self-reliant supply chains. Eg: PLI schemes in semiconductors, textiles, solar modules.

    Diversification of Trade Partners – Eg- Recent FTA with UK

    Strategic Attractiveness as a Stable Market – Amid volatile currencies and geo-economic blocs, India is seen as a stable investment destination.

    Promoting Rupee Trade Mechanisms – Eg- INR invoicing and Vostro accounts.

    Opportunity to Lead on Fair Trade Norms in WTO, G20 on currency transparency and non-tariff barriers.

    Way Forward

    Enhance R&D (2.5% of GDP), reduce logistics costs (PM Gati Shakti), and expand PLI schemes to boost manufacturing resilience.

    Accelerate FTAs with EU, GCC to reduce over-dependence on a few partners.

    Strengthen FOREX buffers and expand rupee trade settlement

    Encourage domestic production of critical inputs (electronics, APIs, green tech) to reduce vulnerability to global shocks.

    Scale IT, fintech, health tourism, education services to offset goods-trade shocks from rising protectionism.

    By strengthening domestic competitiveness, India can position itself as a reliable, rules-based and resilient player in the evolving global economic order.

  • “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.

    The SDGs recognise energy as a foundational driver of human development. SDG-7 emphasises ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

    Importance of Energy for SDGs

    SDG 1 & 2 – Affordable energy reduces poverty and improves food security through irrigation, cold chains. Eg- Solar pumps under PM-KUSUM

    SDG 3 – Clean cooking reduces indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases. Eg- 10 Cr LPG connections under PM Ujjwala

    SDG 4 – Electrification improves learning outcomes and digital access. Eg- Electrification of over 1 lakh schools under Saubhagya Scheme

    SDG 8 – Creates green jobs and boosts industrial productivity. Eg- India’s renewable industry employs over 3.7 lakh workers

    SDG 9 – Supports innovation and sustainable infrastructure. Eg- Green Hydrogen Mission

    SDG 10 – Reduces inequality through universal access. Eg- Rural electrification through DDU Gram Jyoti Yojana

    SDG 13 – Clean energy drives climate change mitigation.

    SDG 5 – Clean cooking reduces drudgery of women and improves participation in the workforce.

    Progress Made by India in Energy

    Clean Cooking Energy – PM-Ujjwala raised LPG coverage to 99% of households.

    Renewable Energy Expansion

    India ranks 4th globally in renewable capacity.

    244+ GW installed RE capacity (50% of total demand)

    Energy Efficiency Gains- PAT, BEE standards saved significant electricity and reduced CO₂ emissions.

    Global Leadership

    International Solar Alliance (ISA) promotes global solar cooperation.

    Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) integrates climate-resilient energy systems.

    New Technologies – National Green Hydrogen Mission to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen by 2030.

    Updated NDC Commitments

    45% reduction in emission intensity of GDP by 2030.

    50% electricity from non-fossil sources.

    Net Zero by 2070.

    Challenges

    Import Dependency: over 85% of its crude oil and 50% of its natural gas

    Financing Needs: $160 billion per year to meet 2070 goal ((IEA)).

    Rising Energy Demand: double by 2040

    High DISCOM losses affect reliable supply.

    Affordability concerns – rising LPG refill prices.

    Land acquisition issues for solar/wind parks.

    Going forward, technology integration, financial reforms, domestic manufacturing, and a just transition is needed for Energy Security.

  • In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?

    The US withdrawal from the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2018 and subsequent reimposition of sanctions, has heightened tensions in West Asia.

    Impact on India’s National Interests

    Energy Security

    Regional instability inflates global oil prices, aggravating India’s current account deficit and rupee depreciation.

    Connectivity Challenges

    US sanctions complicate financing and insurance for the Chabahar Port and INSTC– critical to India’s access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Europe.

    India’s exports to Iran (pharmaceuticals, rice, machinery) face banking restrictions.

    Strategic and Diplomatic Dilemmas

    Challenge of maintaining strategic partnerships with both Washington and Tehran, while avoiding diplomatic friction.

    Security Concerns- Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz threatens India’s sea-borne energy supplies and security of Indian diaspora in the Gulf. Eg- Red sea crisis in 2024

    How India Should Respond

    Short-term Measures

    Energy Diversification- Strengthen long-term import contracts with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia, and the US, and expand strategic oil reserves.

    Protect Maritime Routes- Enhance naval surveillance in the Arabian Sea under SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

    Use rupee-rial trade mechanisms and alternate payment channels.

    Medium to Long-term Strategy

    Secure waivers for Chabahar Port and accelerate linkage with INSTC to strengthen access to Eurasia.

    Energy Transition- Fast-track investments in renewables, LNG, and green hydrogen.

    Regional Multilateralism- Promote India-GCC-Iran dialogue for maritime security and conflict de-escalation.

    Supporting IAEA-based diplomacy for restoring JCPOA through peaceful dialogue and achieving Nuclear disarmament.

    A balanced, multi-vector foreign policy is essential to safeguard India’s economic and security interests while sustaining its role as a stabilizing power in West Asia.

  • What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?

    The WTO, established in 1995 under Uruguay Round of the GATT, was designed to promote rules-based multilateral trade and ensure that global trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely.

    Major Challenges Facing the WTO

    Since 2019, WTO’s dispute settlement system has been defunct due to US blocking judge appointments.

    Deadlock over Doha Development Agenda and Agreement on Agriculture

    Opposition of developing countries for ‘New Issues’

    WTO rules lag behind in Digital Trade & E-commerce

    Dispute over “Developing Country” Status – The US opposes self-declared developing status at WTO, arguing that countries like India and China should be treated as developed.

    Mega-regional trade pacts like the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership), bypassing WTO norms.

    Proposals by India in the High-Level Mini-Ministerial Meeting

    Revival of the WTO Dispute Settlement System to maintain WTO’s credibility and rule-based order.

    Institutional & Negotiation Reforms

    Move from consensus-only decision-making to hybrid or majority-based models for efficiency.

    Enhance voice of developing nations in agenda-setting and committee representation

    Reform of Special and Differential Treatment – Retain S&DT as a core principle ensuring policy space for developing countries.

    Agricultural Trade Reform

    Rationalize domestic support and export subsidies in developed nations (EU, US).

    Permanent solutions for public food grain stockholding programs

    Ensure food security exemptions are protected under Article 18.4 of AoA.

    Tackling Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) by ensuring transparency, science-based standards, and non-discriminatory application of NTBs.

    Addressing Distortions by Non-Market Economies – Eg- China’s export quotas on rare earths

    Develop balanced rules on data localization, digital taxation, and cross-border flows to prevent dominance of Big Tech

    Prevent misuse of green trade barriers as disguised protectionism. Eg- EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

    Permanent WTO Reform Council to propose systemic reforms every five years.

    India must lead the Global South coalition to ensure reforms are inclusive, equitable, and development-centric.

  • Citizens’ Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness or the Citizens Charter.

    The Citizen’s Charter, introduced in India in 1997 (DARPG) following the UK model, aims to make public services transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric by clearly defining service standards, timelines, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

    Role in Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

    Defines Service Standards – Eg- Passport Seva Kendra specifies delivery within 3 working days for Tatkal applications.

    Enhances Administrative Transparency – Makes procedures, responsibilities, and timelines public, reducing scope for arbitrariness and discretion.

    Promotes Accountability of Officials – Identifies responsible officers for each service and grievance redressal, ensuring answerability for delays or failures.

    Empowers Citizens to demand better service delivery, question inefficiencies, and seek grievance redressal through defined channels.

    Builds mutual expectations between government and citizens, enhancing trust in public institutions.

    Provides a benchmark for assessing departmental efficiency and monitoring service outcomes through periodic audits.

    Promotes feedback-based improvement by institutionalizing citizen input in service reforms.

    Limitations of Citizen’s Charter

    Charters are non-statutory and lack penal provisions for non-compliance, reducing accountability.

    Top Down Approach – Charters are formulated by bureaucrats without citizen consultation, making them non-representative and unrealistic.

    Low Public Awareness – Eg- only 36% of users knew of service standards (NITI Aayog, 2023).

    Weak Grievance Redressal – Absence of clear escalation mechanisms leads to ineffective resolution and loss of citizen confidence.

    Bureaucratic Resistance – Many departments treat the Charter as a procedural formality rather than a reform instrument.

    Poor Review and Monitoring – Charters are rarely updated or evaluated; lack of performance metrics weakens impact.

    Fragmented Implementation – No uniform structure or standards across ministries and states, causing inconsistency in service quality.

    Accessibility issues due to absence of regional language versions

    Measures for Greater Effectiveness

    Enact a Citizen’s Charter Act with penalties for non-compliance, similar to Right to Public Services Acts in MP and Bihar.

    Integration with Grievance Systems – Link Charters with CPGRAMS and State Service Guarantee Acts for real-time grievance tracking.

    Regular Review and Evaluation – Institutionalize annual audits and third-party evaluations to assess compliance and update service commitments.

    Conduct public awareness campaigns and train officials under the Sevottam Framework for citizen-oriented delivery.

    Technological Integration – Promote digital dashboards, online service tracking, and data-based performance monitoring.

    Performance Incentives and Accountability – Introduce reward mechanisms for compliant departments and penalties for persistent failures.

    By aligning it with the 2nd ARC recommendations, it can evolve from a symbolic commitment to a practical framework for responsive, transparent, and citizen-centric governance.

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