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Subject: Agriculture

  • Gujarat farmer distress: Where cotton clouds hang heavy

    Introduction

    Gujarat’s cotton farmers are facing acute agrarian distress due to unprecedented rainfall, a sudden collapse in cotton prices, stagnant government procurement mechanisms, and the Union government’s decision to allow duty-free cotton imports. The crisis highlights deep structural vulnerabilities in India’s cotton economy, dependency on global markets, weak domestic safety nets, and uncertain price stabilisation mechanisms.

    Why in the news

    Cotton-growing districts of Gujarat have reported six farmer suicides within one month after heavy October rainfall drastically damaged crops and market prices crashed. This collapse is occurring despite cotton prices having remained high for nearly a decade. This marked a sharp reversal from the earlier trend of price stability and strong export demand.

    Why are cotton farmers in Gujarat facing acute distress?

    1. Heavy rainfall damage: Destroyed standing crops, especially in Saurashtra, forcing farmers like Dhanabhai and Bharatbhai to re-borrow for harvesting, labour, and picking.
    2. Sudden price crash: Prices dropped to ₹7,200-₹8,200 per quintal, down from last season’s ₹10,000-₹11,000, while input costs (seeds, pesticides, diesel) remain high.
    3. High production cost burden: Farmers reported spending close to ₹60,000 per hectare, but market prices provide no recovery of investment.
    4. Delayed government compensation: Farmers received little to no compensation for rain-damaged cotton; most remain outside the formal support system.
    5. Psychological stress: Multiple farmer suicides recorded; families cite inability to repay loans and the shock of unexpected price fall.

    How have policy decisions worsened the crisis?

    1. Duty-free cotton imports: Farmers argue that allowing imports when domestic arrival begins pushes prices further down.
    2. Reduced import duty from 5% to zero: Facilitated cheaper imports from countries like US, Brazil, Egypt.
    3. Timing mismatch: Import duty removal announced just before domestic arrivals, undermining farm-gate prices.
    4. Procurement failure: The MSP of ₹7,750 remains non-functional because ginning mills and traders offer lower prices; many farmers cannot access MSP procurement centres.
    5. GST on ginning industry: Ginning mills flagged 5% GST on textile waste (cotton seed oil cake and kapasiya) as an additional economic burden.

    How are market dynamics affecting farmers?

    1. Export slowdown: India is no longer the world’s top cotton exporter; Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Indonesia have cheaper alternatives.
    2. High transportation costs: Freight charges and rising diesel prices raise processing and movement costs.
    3. Shift in domestic consumption patterns: Mills increasingly depend on cheaper imported cotton, weakening domestic procurement.
    4. Quality concerns: Heavy rain reduced cotton quality, lowering demand from ginning mills.
    5. Ginners’ risks: Ginners avoid MSP procurement because they must sell at a loss in the global market.

    What are farmers demanding from the government?

    1. Immediate ban on cotton imports to stabilise domestic prices.
    2. Higher MSP operations at the farm gate so farmers don’t bear transportation costs.
    3. Real-time procurement centres within villages.
    4. Compensation for rain-damaged crops through central or state intervention.
    5. Market intervention scheme similar to groundnut and mustard procurement to ensure price stabilisation.

    How are traders and mill owners responding to the crisis?

    1. Ginners demand revival packages: They seek reduced GST and logistics support.
    2. Push for long-term cotton policy: Industry requests structural support to modernise ginning infrastructure.
    3. Preference for imported cotton: Imported cotton considered more consistent in quality, impacting local demand.
    4. Call for farm-to-mill ecosystem: Mills argue for direct purchase systems that reduce intermediaries.

    Conclusion

    The cotton crisis in Gujarat reveals a deeper structural challenge in India’s agricultural economy, policy unpredictability, global price sensitivity, inadequate MSP operations, and climate-driven crop volatility. Without strong procurement support, import regulation, and farmer-centric institutional mechanisms, cotton farmers remain exposed to extreme price fluctuations and rising indebtedness. Sustainable stabilisation of the cotton economy requires coordinated action across trade, agriculture, and industry.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilise the yield of the crops in the system?

    Linkage: The question links to the article’s theme of monocropping-led vulnerability, as seen in cotton farmers’ distress. It reinforces how diversification stabilises yields and incomes when single-crop systems fail.

  • World Soil Day 2025 

    Why in the news?

    Observed on 5 December each year, World Soil Day 2025 highlights the need to protect soil health amid rapid urbanization. Theme: Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.

    Objective

    • Raise global awareness on soil degradation
     • Promote sustainable soil management
     • Highlight soil’s significance for food security, water regulation, biodiversity, and climate resilience

    History

    • Proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences in 2002
     • Supported by FAO and led by the Kingdom of Thailand
     • UN General Assembly declared December 5 as World Soil Day in 2013
     • First official observance: 2014

    Why Focus on Urban Soil

    • Important for stormwater absorption and flood control
     • Helps in temperature regulation in cities (reduces heat island effect)
     • Filters air and water pollutants
     • Supports urban biodiversity
     • Currently threatened by concretization, pollution, and shrinking green spaces

    Global Concerns

    • Takes up to 1,000 years to form a few centimeters of fertile soil

    The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of (2021)

    (a) brown forest soil 

    (b) fissure volcanic rock 

    (c) granite and schist 

    (d) shale and limestone

  • Ramban Sulai Honey Gets National Spotlight 

    Why in the News?

    In the 128th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister highlighted Ramban Sulai Honey from Jammu & Kashmir, noting that the product has gained national recognition after receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021.

    Origin

    • Produced in Ramban District, Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Derived from Sulai (wild basil) plants growing naturally in the Himalayan region.

    Distinct Features

    • Taste & Aroma: Naturally sweet with aromatic floral undertones.
    • Colour: Crystal-clear; ranges from white to amber.
    • Season of Production: Bees forage on snow-white Sulai blossoms from August to October.
    • Nutritional Profile: Rich in enzymes, vitamins, and essential minerals.
    • Medicinal Value: Known for high purity and therapeutic benefits.
    • Superior bee strains native to the region.
    • Ideal climatic conditions, giving higher yields than other honey-producing areas of India.
    • Recognised as the district’s One District, One Product (ODOP).

    What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

    A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that: Originate from a specific geographical region, and Possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics exclusive to that region.

    Key Points

    • GI is a type of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
    • Recognized under: Paris Convention and TRIPS Agreement (WTO)

    Indian Legal Framework

    • Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
    • Key provisions:
      • Prevents unauthorized use of GI-tagged names.
      • Valid for 10 years, but can be renewed indefinitely.
      • Provides legal protection and helps preserve traditional knowledge.
    India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to (2018)

    (a) ILO

    (b) IMF

    (c) UNCTAD

    (d) WTO

  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Rajasthan farmers’ protests on insurance claims

    Why In The News?

    Farmers in Rajasthan’s Churu district held a ‘Kisan Ekta Tractor March’ demanding pending crop insurance claims, fertiliser availability, transparency in the insurance portal, and inclusion of certain crops in PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana. The protest was postponed after government assurances during late-night negotiations.

    About Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

    • Launch & Purpose:
      • Launched on 18 February 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture to provide affordable crop insurance and financial protection against losses from natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
      • Implemented through insurance companies and banks.
    • Objectives:
      • Provide financial assistance for crop loss due to unforeseen events.
      • Stabilise farmer income and ensure continuity in farming.
      • Promote modern agricultural practices.
      • Encourage crop diversification, enhance creditworthiness, and improve agriculture sector competitiveness.
    • Eligibility:
      • All farmers including sharecroppers and tenant farmers growing notified crops in notified areas.
      • Compulsory: Loanee farmers with Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans.
      • Voluntary: Non-loanee farmers.
      • Must have insurable interest and valid land ownership/tenure documents.
      • Must not receive duplicate compensation from other sources.
      • Special focus on SC/ST/Women farmers with proportional budget allocation.
    • Benefits:
      • Affordable Premiums:
        • Farmers pay 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops.
        • Government provides premium subsidy; pays full premium in NE states, J&K, and Himachal Pradesh.
      • Comprehensive Coverage:
        • Covers natural disasters, pests, diseases, and post-harvest losses (hailstorm, landslide).
        • Excludes losses due to war, nuclear risks, malicious damage, or preventable risks.
      • Timely Compensation:
        • Claims processed within two months of harvest.
      • Technology-Driven Implementation:
        • Uses satellite imaging, drones, and mobile apps for precise loss estimation.
        • NCIP for digital processing; YES-TECH for remote-sensing yield estimation; CROPIC for geotagged crop verification.
    [UPSC 2020] In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?
    1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
    2. Computerization 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 governments
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: Options: (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

     

  • How India’s agri exports posted impressive growth

    Introduction

    Agriculture continues to be a critical pillar of India’s external trade. Despite restrictions on cereals in recent years, India is witnessing robust export performance driven by meat, rice, spices, fruits-vegetables, tobacco, and marine products. Import trends indicate rising edible oil dependence and inflation moderation.

    Why in the News?

    India’s agricultural exports have surged faster than overall merchandise exports, reaching $25.9 billion in April-September 2024, a 25.8% jump over the previous year, compared to a marginal 0.1% rise in total exports. This turnaround comes after a period of contraction due to export curbs (2022-23) on key items like wheat and non-basmati rice. The renewed momentum signals policy success, global demand recovery, and diversification beyond the US market.

    What is driving the recent surge in agri exports?

    1. Policy relaxation: Lifting of post-Ukraine export curbs on wheat, rice, sugar, etc., improved outbound shipments.
    2. Market diversification: Growth in demand from Latin America, Africa, Middle-East reduced dependency on the US.
    3. Production rebound: Normal monsoon boosted availability of sugar, spices, seafood, fruit-veg.
    4. High-value product focus: Marine goods ($4.8 bn), non-basmati rice ($2.85 bn), and cotton ($1.6 bn) led performance.

    Which products are leading the export spike?

    1. Marine products: Largest export category at $4.8 bn Apr-Sep 2024.
    2. Rice (Non-basmati): Strong recovery despite earlier restrictions ( $2.85 bn ).
    3. Buffalo meat & poultry: $2.25 bn & $0.414 bn exports supported by West Asia.
    4. Fresh fruits & vegetables: Jump to $1.49 bn due to tomato, onion shipments.
    5. Sugar & tobacco: Robust global prices drove exports above $0.9 bn and $0.82 bn respectively.

    How have imports behaved during the same period?

    1. Edible oils dominate: $7.3 bn, showing structural import dependence.
    2. Cashew, pulses, fresh fruits: Rising imports due to domestic shortfalls.
    3. Wheat trade flip: Exports rose post-2022 restrictions but imports revived due to domestic price pressures.
    4. India remains a net agri-exporter, but oil imports remain a vulnerability.

    What are the key factors shaping fluctuations in exports?

    1. Geopolitics & tariffs:
      1. US-China trade tensions: Opened new windows for India.
      2. Trump-era duties impacted Indian produce.
      3. Russia war disrupted sunflower oil & grain flows.
    2. Commodity price volatility: FAO Index declined and this led to lower export values for wheat, sugar.
    3. Logistics: Container shortages & high freight (2022-23) stabilised by 2024.

    What are the major challenges ahead?

    1. Export restrictions continue on items like wheat, some rice variants.
    2. Quality & traceability issues: Growing scrutiny by EU/Australia.
    3. Climate shocks impacting horticulture and cash crops.
    4. Overdependence on 2-3 markets for meat, marine products.

    Conclusion

    India’s recent agricultural export growth reflects policy easing, supply recovery, and expanding market access. However, sustaining competitiveness demands edible oil self-reliance, quality upgrades, logistics reforms, and stable export policies. Balanced agri-trade will support farmer income and strengthen India’s role in global food value chains.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2022] What are the main bottlenecks in the upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India?

  • [21st November 2025] The Hindu Op-ED: India’s fisheries and aquaculture, its promising course

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.

    Linkage: Same as livestock rearing, fisheries are a key allied sector driving rural non-farm jobs, and are in news due to FAO support and Blue Economy reforms. Hence the topic is highly important for both GS I and GS III. 

    Mentor’s Comment

    India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector is undergoing structural transformation under the Blue Revolution, backed by FAO support and national reforms. This article decodes the sector’s growth drivers, emerging challenges, policy transitions, and global relevance. It is formatted to suit UPSC Mains expectations with subheadings, value additions, PYQs, and micro-themes for GS papers.

    Introduction

    India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has become one of the fastest-growing food-producing systems, contributing significantly to livelihoods, nutrition, exports, and rural economic diversification. Despite record production levels, challenges such as resource overuse, environmental degradation, weak traceability, and constrained market access continue to limit its full potential. FAO’s renewed commitment during World Fisheries Day 2025 highlights the sector’s strategic importance in India’s transition toward sustainable and climate-resilient aquatic food systems.

    Why in the News?

    The FAO issued a renewed commitment to India’s Blue Revolution on World Fisheries Day (21 November 2025), highlighting India’s rapid rise as a global fisheries powerhouse. India recorded 93.2 million tonnes of capture fisheries and a historic 130.9 million tonnes in aquaculture output, making it the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer. This comes at a time when the sector faces overfishing, habitat degradation, climate stress, and traceability gaps, creating a striking contrast between high growth and mounting ecological pressures. New initiatives, Kisan Credit Card inclusion, Matsya Sampada, Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages, and private-sector-led compliance, mark a major shift toward science-based, sustainability-linked governance in fisheries.

    India’s Rapid Growth Trajectory

    1. Record production: India produced 93.2 million tonnes (capture) and 130.9 million tonnes (aquaculture), valued at $313 billion.
    2. Rising sectoral significance: Livestock and aquaculture contribute 23 million tonnes of aquatic animals, creating major employment.
    3. Expansion of inland aquaculture: Inland fish farming rose from 12.4 million tonnes (2008) to 17.54 million tonnes (2022).
    4. Private sector innovation: Investments in hatcheries, exports, feed, digital compliance, and environmental standards have strengthened value chains.

    What Drives Current Reforms?

    1. Blue Revolution initiatives: Schemes like PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) expand climate-resilient freshwater and brackish aquaculture.
    2. Governance improvements: New norms integrate digital licensing, KCC inclusion, and seafood traceability.
    3. Market efficiencies: The government introduced measures for safety, credit, and supply chain upgrades.
    4. Coastal resilience: Projects on Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages strengthen vulnerable fishing communities.

    How is FAO Supporting India’s Transition?

    1. Decades-long collaboration: FAO supports small-scale fisheries, sustainability frameworks, and policy strengthening.
    2. BOBP support: FAO’s Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP) supports governance in small-scale fisheries.
    3. BOBLME and ecosystem-based management: Helps India adopt science-backed conservation, monitoring, and climate adaptation.
    4. Harbour modernisation: Technical Cooperation Programme improves fishing harbours like Vanakbara and Nawabandar.

    What Are the Emerging Challenges?

    1. Overfishing and resource stress: Unsustainable catch levels strain marine ecosystems.
    2. Environmental degradation: Water pollution, habitat decline, and climate-induced variability weaken output.
    3. Traceability deficits: Weak monitoring affects export markets and compliance.
    4. Small-scale fishers’ constraints: Limited technologies, market reach, and safety nets restrict livelihoods.

    How Does Sustainability Shape India’s Future Path?

    1. Science-based stock assessment: Enables evidence-driven management.
    2. Co-managed monitoring: Joint monitoring through MCS tools improves compliance.
    3. Digital and climate-ready practices: Enhance safety, transparency, and resilience.
    4. Ecosystem-based aquaculture: Embedded in guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture.

    Conclusion

    India’s fisheries and aquaculture stand at a decisive inflexion point, high growth backed by technology and institutional reforms but constrained by ecological and market vulnerabilities. The combined push from FAO, national missions like PMMSY, climate-resilient strategies, and private-sector compliance systems can position India as a global leader in sustainable aquatic food systems.

  • Centre plans to amend Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&F) Act, 2001

    Why in the News?

    The Union Agriculture Minister has confirmed that the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 (PPV&FRA) will be amended, with the Centre incorporating inputs from farmers, scientists, civil society, and industry.

    About the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA), 2001:

    • Overview: India’s sui generis legislation protects the rights of plant breeders, farmers, and local communities while promoting innovation and conserving agrobiodiversity.
    • TRIPS Compliance: Designed as an alternative to restrictive Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) models, recognising farmers both as cultivators and as breeders with equal legal standing.
    • Key Features:
      • Institutional Framework: Established the PPV&FR Authority, National Register of Plant Varieties, and the National Gene Bank for long-term conservation.
      • Farmers’ Rights: Allows farmers to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share, and sell seeds of protected varieties (except branded seeds) and register their own varieties.
      • Breeders’ Rights: Grants exclusive commercialisation rights over registered varieties, subject to benefit-sharing and statutory limitations.
      • DUS Testing: Registration based on Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability, with protection of 15 years for annuals and 18 years for trees and vines.
      • Compulsory Licensing: Ensures public access where breeders fail to provide seeds at fair prices or adequate quantities.
      • Community Benefits: Provides for benefit-sharing, recognition of traditional varieties, and safeguards against unfair claims on farmer-developed seeds.
      • Scope of Varieties: Covers new, extant, farmers’, and essentially derived varieties.

    What are the Proposed Amendments?

    • Redefinition of ‘Variety’: Broadened to include combinations of genotypes and vegetative propagules such as tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, roots, synthetic seeds, and tissue-culture plants, aligning with the Seeds Bill 2019.
    • Expanded Definition of ‘Seed’: Includes all planting materials and vegetatively propagated parts to harmonise India’s seed laws.
    • Clarifying ‘Breeder’ and ‘Institution’: Updated to formally recognise both public and private bodies as legitimate breeders.
    • Strengthening DUS Testing: Adds trait-based descriptors, greater transparency, and safeguards against misuse seen in cases like njavara paddy.
    • Defining “Abusive Acts”: Introduces penalties for selling varieties with identical denominations or misusing breeder rights to gain monopolistic control.
    • Community Seed Rights: Ensures that community-developed and traditional varieties cannot be appropriated by private entities.
    • Protection Against Misappropriation: Prevents registration of varieties already tested or conserved by farmers without disclosure or consent.
    • Farmer Compensation: Strengthens mechanisms for compensating farmers when registered varieties underperform compared to breeder claims.
    • Global Alignment: Follows negotiations under the International Plant Treaty (MLS), especially on in situ conservation and equitable sharing of genetic resources.
    [UPSC 2014]  In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the ‘Seed Replacement Rates’ of various crops helps in achieving the food production targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/constraints in its wider/greater implementation?

    1. There is no National Seeds Policy in place.

    2. There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops.

    3. There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Options: (a)  1 and 2 only (b)  3 only* (c)  2 and 3 only (d)  None of the above

     

  • [19th November 2025] The Hindu Op-ED: Time to sort out India’s cereal mess

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss.

    Linkage: This PYQ is central to GS-III themes of food security, MSP, PDS and price stabilization. It links with the article’s focus on excess stocks and distorted procurement, showing why India’s buffer-stock management is becoming unsustainable.

    Mentor’s Comment

    India faces a cereal management crisis marked by procurement distortions, crop diversification failures, import dependence, and systemic leakages. This article unpacks the urgent concerns raised in “Time to sort out India’s cereal mess” and restructures them into an exam-oriented format that aligns with GS II and GS III themes such as food security, agriculture, subsidies, MSP, PDS, and federal coordination.

    Introduction

    India’s cereal ecosystem, procurement, storage, distribution, and diversification, stands at a difficult juncture. Excessive focus on paddy and rice under MSP, escalating procurement costs, growing import dependence in edible oils and pulses, and logistical inefficiencies have created structural vulnerabilities. The current controversy in Tamil Nadu’s paddy procurement highlights deeper national issues in cereal governance.

    Why in the News

    Tamil Nadu’s short-term kuruvai paddy procurement turned contentious due to time overruns and corruption charges, exposing systemic weaknesses in the procurement architecture. Despite years of surplus stock, India faces a paradox of simultaneous overproduction of rice and wheat and rising import dependence on pulses and edible oils, with 55% of edible oil demand met by imports. The scale of misalignment, such as rice stocks at 536.14 lakh tonnes in October, five times the requirement, reveals an unsustainable cereal management model requiring urgent correction.

    Understanding the Current Procurement Distortions

    1. Excessive Paddy Procurement: Tamil Nadu’s system led by TNCSC and FCI shows delays, over-coverage, and corruption, with farmers preferring paddy due to assured returns.
    2. High Central Pool Stocks: Rice stocks reached 536.14 lakh tonnes (Oct 2024) against norms of about 102.5 lakh tonnes, reflecting procurement far beyond requirement.
    3. Skewed Crop Incentives: Procurement levels for rice and wheat remain consistently higher than norms, reducing incentives for diversification.

    Why India’s Cereal Supply is Misaligned

    1. Surplus in Cereals: India maintains abundant stocks, e.g., rice procurement averaging 322 lakh tonnes over three years, indicating oversupply.
    2. Deficit in Pulses & Oilseeds: Despite large-scale cultivation, imports form a major share: India meets 55% of edible oil demand through imports.
    3. Stagnant Diversification: Farmers hesitate to shift due to uncertain support systems, weak price assurance, and inadequate crop guidance.

    Rising Import Dependence and Its Consequences

    1. High Import Bills: Edible oil imports breached 30,000 crore in 2023-24 despite domestic production dips from 157 lakh tonnes to 138 lakh tonnes over a decade.
    2. Geopolitical Risks: Events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict directly increased global edible oil prices, impacting domestic inflation.
    3. Oilseed Production Stagnation: Even after 2004 reforms, domestic acreage rose but yields and self-sufficiency remained stagnant.

    Structural Issues in India’s Crop Diversification Strategy

    1. Weak Extension Services: Farmers lack assured technical guidance and support for alternative crops.
    2. Higher Risk in Non-Paddy Crops: Limited MSP procurement outside cereals increases production risk.
    3. Fragmented Procurement Framework: Multiple agencies (FCI, State Corporations, NAFED) lead to inconsistent practices across states.

    Why Procurement Reforms are Urgent

    1. Inefficient FPO Integration: FPOs, though expanding, remain nascent and face poor access to credit, logistics, and markets.
    2. Leakages and Diversions: Instances of paddy moving outside the procurement chain due to better prices in open markets distort the system.
    3. Need for Commodity-Specific Strategy: Uniform procurement policies for cereals, pulses, and oilseeds fail to reflect regional agro-ecology and market diversity.

    Conclusion

    India’s cereal management crisis is not of shortage but of imbalance, overproduction of rice and wheat coexisting with deficits in pulses and edible oils. Procurement distortions, poor diversification incentives, and high import reliance underline the need for structural reforms. A shift towards agro-ecology-based diversification, procurement redesign, and FPO strengthening can realign India’s food security architecture.

  • Centre announces National Gopal Ratna Awards

    Why in the News?

    The National Gopal Ratna Awards for 2025 has been announced by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

    About the National Gopal Ratna Awards:

    • Overview: Established in 2021 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission to promote excellence in dairy management and indigenous breed conservation.
    • Target Groups: Recognises dairy farmers, Dairy Cooperatives, Milk Producer Companies (MPCs), Dairy FPOs, and Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians for outstanding performance.
    • Breed Focus: Encourages scientific rearing and genetic improvement of indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds with high productivity and economic value.
    • Regional Inclusion: Contains a special category for North Eastern and Himalayan States to strengthen dairy development and acknowledge regional innovation.
    • Institutional Responsibility: Conferred annually by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
    • Award Categories: Best Dairy Farmer (indigenous breeds), Best Dairy Cooperative Society or MPC or FPO, Best AI Technician, and special regional awards for NER/Himalayan States.
    • Selection Parameters: Based on breed improvement results, milk yield, adoption of scientific practices, cooperative performance, and quality of AI service delivery.
    • Participation Scale: Receives thousands of applications annually (e.g., 2081 entries in the current cycle), reflecting wide national engagement.
    • Commemoration: Awards are presented on National Milk Day (26 November), marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien.

    Award Components and Cash Prizes:

    • Cash Awards: Given only in the first two categories: Best Dairy Farmer and Best Dairy Cooperative/MPC/FPO.
    • Prize Amounts:
      1. First prize- ₹5,00,000
      2. Second prize- ₹3,00,000
      3. Third prize- ₹2,00,000
    • Regional Prizes: Special NER and Himalayan category winners receive ₹2,00,000.
    • Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians Category: No cash component; recognition only.
    [UPSC 2025] Regarding the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

    I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.

    II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options; (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II* (d) Neither I nor II

     

  • Centre releases draft Seeds Bill, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 for public consultation before its introduction in Parliament.

    Precursor to the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025:

    • Seeds Act, 1966: Regulated seed production, certification, sale, and import/export through central and state seed committees and certification agencies.
    • Seeds (Control) Order, 1983: Added licensing requirements for dealers and expanded oversight of notified seeds.
    • Why Reform? Old laws could not address modern hybrids, biotechnology, private R&D, global seed trade, or digital traceability – creating the need for an updated, technology-ready statute.

    About the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025:

    • Objective: Ensure farmers get affordable, high-quality seeds while improving transparency and ease of doing business in the seed value chain.
    • Purpose: Replaces the Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 to regulate seed quality, curb spurious seeds, strengthen traceability, and modernise India’s seed sector.
    • Scope: Covers seed production, registration, import, sale, quality control, penalties, farmer rights, and digital monitoring.

    Key Provisions of the Draft Bill:

    • Farmer Rights: Farmers may grow, sow, save, use, exchange, share, or sell seeds of any registered variety from their own holdings, except when sold under a brand name.
    • Mandatory Registration of Varieties: All seed varieties meant for commercial sale must be registered (export-only and farmers’ own-use varieties exempt).
    • Registration of Seed Businesses: Producers (non-farmers), processing units, dealers, distributors, and nurseries must register with the designated authority.
    • Digital Traceability: Introduces a Central Seed Traceability Portal; seed packets must carry QR codes to monitor provenance and quality.
    • Graded Penalties: Trivial-to-major offences defined. Minor offences may get warnings; moderate offences attract fines up to ₹2 lakh; major offences (spurious/unregistered seeds) attract fines up to ₹30 lakh and/or imprisonment up to 3 years.
    • Seed Testing & Enforcement: Central and state seed labs can be established/recognised. Inspectors may sample, seize, inspect premises, and verify records.
    • Import Regulation: Imported seeds must meet germination and purity standards; trial and research imports require permits.
    • Ease of Doing Business: Minor offences decriminalised; compliance simplified while retaining strict penalties for serious violations.

    Key Differences: Seeds Act 1966 vs Draft Seeds Bill 2025

    Seeds Act, 1966 / Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 Draft Seeds Bill, 2025
    Farmer Rights Implicit, not clearly articulated Explicit protection to save, use, exchange, share, sell non-branded seeds
    Variety Registration Only notified varieties regulated Mandatory registration for all commercial varieties
    Business Registration Focus on producers/dealers Mandatory for producers, processors, dealers, distributors, nurseries
    Traceability No digital tracking provisions QR-based seed traceability via Central Seed Portal
    Penalties Limited, less structured Graded penalties; major offences up to ₹30 lakh + imprisonment
    Imports Narrow regulation; limited trial mechanisms Structured system for import, research, and trial evaluations
    Ease of Doing Business More regulatory rigidity Decriminalisation of minor offences and reduced compliance burden
    Technological Fit Pre-hybrid, pre-biotech era framework Aligned with modern hybrids, biotech seeds, global seed trade