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Subject: Agriculture

  • All in one Agriculture needs more public spending, not just one umbrella scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) was recently approved by the Union Cabinet as a major reform initiative in the agriculture sector. It aims to converge 36 existing schemes across 11 departments to address regional disparities in agricultural productivity.

    What are the aims of PMDDKY (Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana)?

    • Address productivity disparities: The scheme aims to reduce inter-State and intra-State disparities in agricultural productivity.
    • Improve productivity & self-reliance: Focus on higher agricultural productivity, value addition, local livelihood creation, and increased domestic production to ensure self-sufficiency.
    • Holistic development: Enhance outcomes in agriculture and allied sectors through targeted intervention and convergence of schemes.
    • Private participation: Encourage local public-private partnerships for enhanced implementation and innovation.

    Why is scheme convergence under PMDDKY needed?

    • Eliminates Fragmentation of Efforts: Earlier, agricultural schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and Soil Health Card Scheme operated in silos. Eg: A farmer receiving income support under PM-KISAN might not be covered under insurance if PMFBY was poorly implemented in that region. Convergence ensures coordinated benefits.
    • Targets Low Productivity Districts: PMDDKY identifies 100 low-productivity districts using criteria like cropping intensity, credit flow, and yield gaps. Eg: A district with only 70% of national average yield can be provided tailored interventions by combining schemes like RKVY and Micro-Irrigation Fund.
    • Improves Resource Efficiency: Unified schemes allow for better fund utilisation, avoiding duplication of services or spending. Eg: Instead of running separate capacity-building programs under different departments, single training programs can be run using pooled funds from both Extension Services and Digital Agriculture Initiatives.
    • Ensures Uniform Implementation Standards: PMDDKY seeks national uniformity while allowing local customization. Eg: While standards for soil health management may be set centrally, implementation can be adapted to local conditions using district-specific plans.
    • Compensates for Declining Budget Share: Public investment in agriculture is falling (from 3.53% in 2021-22 to 2.51% in 2025-26 of the Central Plan outlay). Eg: Convergence helps make the most of limited resources by integrating multiple schemes under a single implementation umbrella.

    How do ‘District Plans’ aid agricultural reform?

    •  Localized Problem Solving: District Plans allow for the identification of region-specific challenges such as water scarcity, pest outbreaks, or poor seed quality. Eg: In Latur district (Maharashtra), which faces frequent droughts, the district plan prioritized micro-irrigation and watershed development, leading to improved water-use efficiency.
    • Customised Crop Diversification: District-level planning helps align cropping patterns with agro-climatic conditions and market demand, reducing monoculture dependency. Eg: In Koraput district (Odisha), known for tribal farming, the plan introduced millet promotion and value chain linkages, increasing income and nutritional security.
    • Efficient Use of Resources and Schemes: Integration of multiple schemes under district plans ensures better fund allocation, resource convergence, and monitoring. Eg: In Barabanki district (Uttar Pradesh), convergence of Soil Health Card, PM-KUSUM, and FPO promotion led to more sustainable and solar-powered farming practices.

    What challenges may hinder PMDDKY?

    • Administrative Coordination Across Departments: With 36 schemes under 11 departments converging, bureaucratic silos and lack of inter-departmental coordination can delay execution. Eg: In Jharkhand, similar convergence under NRLM and agriculture failed initially due to poor communication between the Rural Development and Agriculture departments.
    • Data Gaps and Poor Baseline Assessment: District-level planning requires granular, updated data on land use, cropping patterns, and farmer needs — often missing or outdated. Eg: In Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), poor digital records led to misallocation of subsidies under earlier agri-reform efforts.
    • Weak Local Institutions: PACS (Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies) and local self-governments may lack the capacity to implement and monitor complex plans. Eg: In Banda district (U.P.), PACS struggled to handle seed distribution due to lack of trained staff and digital infrastructure.
    • Limited Private Sector Engagement in Remote Areas: Private partners may hesitate to invest in low-productivity districts due to poor infrastructure or lack of assured returns. Eg: In Kiphire (Nagaland), agri-businesses withdrew from a millet-processing initiative due to transport and power issues.
    • Farmer Awareness and Participation: Without sustained IEC (Information, Education, Communication) campaigns, farmers may not understand how to benefit from the converged schemes. Eg: In Barmer (Rajasthan), uptake of soil health and credit-linked schemes remained low due to lack of farmer outreach in vernacular languages.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Adequate and Sustained Funding: Increase the budgetary allocation for agriculture to reverse the current decline (only 2.51% of Central Plan outlay in 2023-24). Sufficient and stable funding will support better implementation of integrated District Plans.
    • Leverage Technology and Real-Time Monitoring: Implement digital dashboards for tracking the 117 indicators under PMDDKY and promote data-driven decision-making. This will help improve accountability, efficiency, and timely course corrections.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2016] Considering the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

    Linkage: The article explicitly states that the PMDDKY will subsume existing Central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Therefore, a question about PMFBY is directly relevant to understanding a key component of this new “one umbrella scheme” approach.

  • Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and improving rural livelihoods.

    Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

    About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

    • Objective: Aims to transform agriculture in 100 low-performing districts by addressing productivity gaps.
    • Inspiration: Modelled on NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme; first scheme focused solely on agriculture and allied sectors.
    • Launch: Announced in Union Budget 2025–26 and approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
    • Approach: Driven by convergence of schemes, collaboration across stakeholders, and healthy competition among districts.

    Key Features:

    • Scheme Integration: Merges 36 schemes from 11 ministries into one unified framework.
    • Budget & Duration: ₹24,000 crore annual outlay for six years (starting 2025–26).
    • District Selection:
      • 100 districts with low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit access
      • At least one district from each state/UT
    • Focus Areas:
      • Boosting productivity
      • Promoting crop diversification and sustainability
      • Improving irrigation and water efficiency
      • Expanding post-harvest storage
      • Enhancing credit access
    • Performance Monitoring: Monthly ranking on 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) via centralized dashboard.
    • Support Mechanism: NITI Aayog to provide capacity-building and reviews.
    • Expert Note: Credit-based selection criteria may require refinement.

    Implementation:

    • District Planning: Each district to prepare an Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
    • Plan Approval: Handled by District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, chaired by the Collector and including progressive farmers.
    • National Alignment:
      • Agricultural self-sufficiency
      • Soil and water conservation
      • Promotion of organic/natural farming
    • Governance: Committees at district, state, and national levels to guide execution.
    • Monitoring: Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) to conduct field visits and track progress.
    • Technical Support: Agricultural universities to serve as knowledge partners.
    • Expected Outcomes: Boost farm income, create local livelihoods, and support Atmanirbhar Bharat through enhanced agri-productivity.
    [UPSC 2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

    1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets

    2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini truck

    3. Consumption requirements of farm households

    4. Post-harvest expenses

    5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only* (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

  • [pib] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at 97

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 97th Foundation Day, marking nearly a century of contributions to Indian agriculture.

    About ICAR:

    • Overview: ICAR is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
    • Establishment: It was established on 16 July 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, following the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.
    • Legal Framework: It functions as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
    • Headquarters: ICAR is headquartered in New Delhi and serves as the apex body for coordinating and managing agricultural research and education across the country.
    • Structure: ICAR oversees a vast network of 113 research institutes and 74 agricultural universities, making it one of the largest national agricultural systems globally.
    • Functions: It supports research in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal sciences, and natural resource management.

    Key Accomplishments of ICAR:

    • Record Agricultural Production: India achieved record foodgrain production of 353.95 million tonnes in 2024–25. It became the largest global producer and exporter of rice and the top producer of milk (239.3 million tonnes), while ranking second in wheat, horticultural output, and fish production (18.42 million tonnes).
    • Major Initiatives and Campaigns: It launched programmes such as One Scientist One Product, 100 Days 100 Varieties and Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (reaching 1.35 crore farmers).
    • Crop Science Research: Developed 679 field crop varieties, including 27 bio-fortified ones; introduced the world’s first genome-edited rice; improved varietal replacement in pulses and oilseeds; supported basmati rice exports worth ₹50,000 crore.
    • Horticultural Innovation: Released 83 new varieties across fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants; distributed over 22 lakh high-quality planting materials; set up 9 Clean Plant Centres for disease-free germplasm.
    • Fisheries Development: Implemented precision shrimp farming systems with high efficiency; developed low-carbon marine fish products and nutraceutical feeds; standardized breeding for 7 fish species.
    • Natural Resource Management: Created a National Soil Spectral Library with 40,000 samples; developed 35 Good Agricultural Practices; promoted climate-resilient villages and crop diversification; reduced methane emissions in rice by 18% using microbial consortia.
    • Livestock Sector Contributions: Registered 10 indigenous breeds; developed 5 vaccines and 7 diagnostic kits; distributed over 14.09 lakh poultry germplasm; introduced smart sensors for dairy quality monitoring.
    • Major National Programmes: Launched the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna), genome editing in 40 crops, the Second National Gene Bank, the MAHARISHI (Millets and Ancient Grains) Initiative, and national missions on edible oils, cotton, and emerging biotic threats.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • India to host Regional Wing of International Potato Center (CIP)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

    About the International Potato Centre (CIP):

    • Establishment: The CIP was founded in 1971 in Lima, Peru, to promote research on potato, sweet potato, and Andean root crops.
    • Global Reach: CIP operates in South America, Africa, and Asia, focusing on sustainable agriculture and nutritional security.
    • India Collaboration: CIP began its work in India in 1975 through an agreement with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
    • Germplasm Collection: It maintains the world’s largest germplasm bank for potato and sweet potato, making it central to crop breeding and biotech innovation.
    • Research Areas: CIP’s activities include crop improvement, pest and disease control, post-harvest technologies, and market linkages.
    • Partnership Model: The center works with local governments, agricultural institutions, and NGOs to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding varieties.

    Functions of the New Regional Center (CSARC) in India:

    • Location and Purpose: The new CIP-CSARC is being set up in Singna, Agra, to serve India and South Asia.
    • Core Focus: It will work on developing climate-resilient, disease-free, and processing-grade varieties of potato and sweet potato.
    • Food Security Goals: The center aims to enhance food and nutrition security, farmer income, and rural employment through improved productivity and value-added agri-products.
    • Global Linkages: It will provide Indian researchers access to CIP’s global network, innovations, and genetic resources.
    • Post-Harvest Development: It will strengthen seed quality, post-harvest systems, and improve India’s export potential in potato-based crops.
    • National Importance: This will be the second major international agri-research institute in India, after IRRI-SARC in Varanasi.

    Potato Cultivation in India:

    • About: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is known as the “King of Vegetables” and is India’s fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat, and maize.
    • Origin: Introduced to India by Portuguese traders in the 17th century; It is a native crop of the Peruvian-Bolivian Andes.
    • Geographic Spread: Grown in 23 states, but 85% of production comes from the Indo-Gangetic plains in North India.
    • Global comparison: India is the second-largest potato producer globally after China, producing 51.3 million tonnes in 2020.
    • Top Producing States:  India’s average potato yield is 25 tonnes/hectare, which is only half the estimated potential of 50+ tonnes/hectare due to poor seed quality.
      • Uttar Pradesh: ~30% of total output
      • West Bengal: ~23.5%
      • Bihar: ~17%
      • Other contributors: Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
    • Climate Needs: Potato is a cool-season crop.
      • Ideal growth temp: 24°C
      • Ideal tuber formation temp: 20°C
    • Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with moisture retention.
    • Planting Seasons:
      • Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand: Spring (Jan–Feb), Summer (May)
      • Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Bengal: Main crop in October
      • MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka: Both kharif and rabi seasons
    • Seed Management: Use disease-free, sprouted seeds (30–50g);
    • Popular varieties: Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj, and Kufri Chandramukhi.
    • Fertilization & Irrigation: Apply balanced nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium; drip irrigation is recommended.
    • Harvesting: Ready in 90–120 days, harvested manually or mechanically.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following plants:

    1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soybean

    How many of the above belong to the pea family?

    Options: (a) only one (b) only two (c) All three* (d) None

     

  • [pib] Price Support Scheme (PSS) for Moong and Urad

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Agriculture has approved the procurement of Moong and Urad in Madhya Pradesh and Urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).  

    Back2Basics:

    Moong (Green Gram):

    • Moong is a high-protein pulse grown mainly in the Kharif season (June–July) and also in summer (March–April) and limited Rabi areas.
    • It thrives in well-drained loamy to sandy-loam soils with a temperatures of 25–35°C.
    • Fits well into crop rotations like Moong–Wheat or Summer Moong–Kharif Moong–Raya due to its short duration (60–75 days).
    • Major producers are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, MP, Andhra Pradesh, and UP.

    Urad (Black Gram):

    • Urad is grown mainly in the Kharif season (June–July) and also as a Rabi crop in southern India, needing a warm, humid climate.
    • Prefers well-drained loamy soils, unsuitable for waterlogged or saline areas; ideal temperature is 25–35°C.
    • Often sown in rotations with cereals like rice or wheat and widely used in intercropping/mixed cropping systems.
    • Key producing states include UP, MP, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

    About Price Support Scheme (PSS):

    • Overview: PSS is a component of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), launched in 2018 to ensure remunerative prices for farmers.
    • Objective: It ensures procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for oilseeds, pulses, and cotton when market prices fall below MSP.
    • Nodal Agency:  It is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation through:
      • National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) (Central nodal agency)
      • Food Corporation of India (FCI) (in specific cases)
    • How PSS Works:
      • MSPs are announced before each cropping season based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
      • If the market price falls below MSP, central and state nodal agencies procure the produce directly from farmers.
      • Only crops meeting the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards are procured.
      • Procurement continues until market prices stabilise at or above MSP.
    • Eligibility and Access:
      • All farmers cultivating notified crops are eligible to benefit under PSS.
      • They must sell their produce at designated procurement centres, such as APMCs.
      • Government employees are typically excluded from the scheme’s benefits.

    What is the PM-AASHA Scheme?

    • Launch: PM-AASHA, launched in September 2018, is an umbrella scheme by the Government of India designed to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce, specifically for pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
    • Goal: It complements the government’s policy of setting MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production.
    • Components: The scheme aims to translate increased MSPs into actual income gains through three implementation pathways:
      1. Price Support Scheme (PSS): Physical procurement at MSP by central agencies like NAFED.
      2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Farmers receive the difference between MSP and actual selling price directly into their bank accounts; no physical procurement.
      3. Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS): Pilot scheme allowing private players to procure at MSP to supplement government efforts.
    • Nodal Agency: It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, with procurement agencies operating at both central and state levels.

     

    [UPSC 2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. 2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. 3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Brewing crisis: How climate change is unravelling India’s tea heartland

    Why in the News?

    North Bengal’s tea gardens are in crisis, especially for women workers, due to climate change, pests, low wages, and reduced production, causing economic struggles and increased gender-based hardships.

    What challenges do women tea workers face due to climate change and poor labour conditions?

    • Extreme Heat Exposure: Women work under open skies with no shade, facing soaring temperatures due to climate change. Eg: Workers suffer from headaches, vomiting, and exhaustion while plucking leaves during peak summer months like April and May.
    • Lack of Basic Facilities: Absence of crèches, sanitation, and rest shelters forces women to manage both labour and childcare in unsafe conditions. Eg: Children are hung in cloth cradles tied to trees as mothers continue work in the gardens.
    • Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment of wildlife into tea estates due to changing weather patterns increases risk of attacks. Eg: Leopard attacks have injured several women, despite efforts like using whistles to drive them away.

    Why is tea yield and quality declining in North Bengal?

    • Erratic Rainfall Patterns: The monsoon is no longer evenly spread, with rainfall occurring in short, intense bursts, affecting soil moisture and crop cycle. Eg: Dry spells during critical growth months like February and March reduce yields and degrade leaf quality.
    • Rising Temperatures: Increasing heat reduces the ideal climatic conditions necessary for tea cultivation, impacting both quantity and flavour. Eg: Temperatures crossing 30°C for extended periods lead to loss of the tea’s aroma and taste.
    • Increased Pest and Disease Attacks: Climate change weakens tea bushes, making them more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Eg: Frequent pest attacks force farmers to use chemical sprays, which also degrade leaf quality.

    How do low wages impact the lives of tea plantation workers?

    • Economic Hardship: Low daily earnings make it difficult for workers to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education. Eg: A worker earning only Rs 250 per day struggles to support their family after losing a spouse.
    • Lack of Childcare Support: Insufficient income prevents access to proper childcare facilities, forcing unsafe alternatives at the workplace. Eg: In some cases, children are kept in cloth cradles tied to trees due to the absence of crèche facilities.
    • No Scope for Upward Mobility: With stagnant wages and no savings, workers remain stuck in poverty with no chance to improve living standards. Eg: Despite long-standing demands to increase wages to Rs 600 per day, many still earn significantly less, affecting their long-term well-being.

    What climate-resilient practices are tea estates adopting?

    • Organic Farming: Switching to organic methods reduces chemical use and improves soil health for long-term sustainability. Eg: Some estates have gone fully organic, avoiding chemical fertilisers and promoting natural soil enrichment.
    • Soil Conservation Techniques: Practices like mulching and intercropping help retain moisture, reduce erosion, and maintain fertility during erratic rainfall. Eg: Estates use mulching and intercropping with legumes to prevent soil erosion and conserve moisture during dry spells.
    • Water Management Strategies: Creation of water bodies and rainwater harvesting enhances water availability during prolonged dry periods. Eg: Gardens are building water bodies to improve microclimates and ensure irrigation in the absence of seasonal showers.

    Why is the tea sector overlooked in policy and climate action?

    • Lack of Market Visibility: Despite being globally consumed, tea lacks strong marketing and policy attention compared to other cash crops. Eg: Unlike coffee, tea receives little brand promotion, limiting public and policymaker focus.
    • Neglect of Women Labour Force: Tea is the largest employer of women labourers, yet there is inadequate investment in their welfare or working conditions. Eg: No crèche facilities exist in many gardens, forcing women to hang children from trees during work.
    • Insufficient Climate Funding: Small growers lack access to funds and technical guidance to adopt climate-resilient practices. Eg: High cost of herbal pesticides prevents adoption, while most farmers rely on peer advice instead of expert support.

    Way forward: 

    • Improve Working Conditions and Wages: Ensure minimum wage revision, provide shade, drinking water, crèche facilities, and medical support for women tea workers to enhance their safety and well-being.
    • Promote Climate-Resilient Practices with Institutional Support: Encourage organic farming, soil conservation, and afforestation, backed by government funding and policies tailored to protect both workers and the environment.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.

    Linkage: The tea gardens are experiencing “prolonged dry spells” and a drop in the “groundwater table”, highlighting a critical challenge for irrigation and water management in the tea heartland.

  • Continuation of Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) 

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Interest Subvention (IS) component under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for the financial year 2025–26.

    About Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS):

    • Central Sector Scheme: It helps farmers get low-interest short-term loans through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
    • Nodal Agencies: The scheme is monitored by RBI and NABARD and implemented through Public Sector Banks, RRBs, Cooperative Banks, and Private Banks.
    • Loan Details:
      • Borrowing Limit: Farmers can borrow up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest.
      • Interest Support: Banks get 1.5% interest support from the government, helping them offer cheaper loans.
      • Extra Discount: Farmers who repay on time get a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive, reducing their effective interest rate to 4%.
      • For Livestock & Fisheries: Loans up to ₹2 lakh also qualify for this benefit.
    • Digital Support: The Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), launched in August 2023, improves transparency and tracking of loan disbursal.

    Back2Basics: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

    • Launch: Started in 1998 based on the R.V. Gupta Committee’s recommendation.
    • Who implements it: Managed by Commercial Banks, RRBs, Cooperative Banks, and Small Finance Banks.
    • Purpose and Uses:
      • Gives quick and easy loans for crop expenses, post-harvest needs, and household costs.
      • Supports dairy, poultry, fisheries, and other allied activities.
      • Offers credit for farming-related business investments.
    • Key Features:
      • Collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh.
      • Interest rates as low as 4% with timely repayment (under MISS).
      • Loan limit raised to ₹5 lakh in Budget 2025–26.
      • Uses a revolving credit system — farmers can borrow and repay as needed.
      • Flexible repayment is aligned with crop cycles to reduce stress.
    • Additional Benefits:
      • Includes crop insurance under PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
      • Since 2018–19, also covers farmers in animal husbandry and fisheries.
      • Helps farmers avoid moneylenders, promoting financial inclusion.

     

    [UPSC 2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

    1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets

    2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini truck

    3. Consumption requirements of farm households

    4. Post-harvest expenses

    5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only* (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

  • Cabinet approves hike in MSP for Kharif Crops

    Why in the News?

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for 2025-26.

    What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

    • MSP in India originated in response to food shortages in the 1960s, notably during the Bihar famine of 1966–1967.
    • Agricultural Price Commission (APC) was established in 1965 to implement price policies like procurement at pre-decided prices and MSP.
    • Over time, the APC evolved into the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) in 1985, with broader terms of reference.
    • Announcement: The government bases its announcement on the recommendations given by the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP).

    Steps involved in Fixing MSPs:

    • CACP sends its recommendations to the Government of India.
    • The reports are shared with state governments and concerned central ministries for comments.
    • After reviewing all inputs, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) takes the final decision on MSPs.
    • Once approved, CACP publishes all its reports online, ensuring transparency and explaining the rationale behind its recommendations.

    How is MSP fixed?

    • Formulae for Calculation:
      • A2: Costs incurred by the farmer in production of a particular crop. It includes several inputs such as expenditure on seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, leased-in land, hired labour, machinery and fuel
      • A2+FL: Costs incurred by the farmer and the value of family labour
      • C2: A comprehensive cost, which is A2+FL cost plus imputed rental value of owned land plus interest on fixed capital, rent paid for leased-in land
    • National Commission of Farmers also known as the Swaminathan Commission (2004) recommended that the MSP should at least be 50 per cent more than the weighted average Cost of Production (CoP), which it refers to as the C2 cost.
    • The government maintains that the MSP was fixed at a level of at least 1.5 times of the all-India weighted average CoP, but it calculates this cost as 1.5 times of A2+FL.
    • Crops covered are: CACP currently recommends MSPs for 23 key crops:
      • 7 Cereals: Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Barley, and Ragi
      • 5 Pulses: Gram (Chana), Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad, and Lentil (Masur)
      • 7 Oilseeds: Groundnut, Rapeseed-Mustard, Soybean, Sesame, Sunflower, Safflower, and Nigerseed
      • 4 Commercial Crops: Copra, Cotton, Raw Jute and Sugarcane (Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) is announced by CACP.)
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.

    2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

  • Kumbakonam Vetrilai Betel Leaf gets GI Tag

    Why in the News?

    The Kumbakonam Vetrilai (betel leaf or paan leaf) has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India.

    About Kumbakonam Vetrilai

    • Cultivation: It is grown in the Thanjavur region, especially in Kumbakonam, Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, Thiruvidaimarudur, and Rajagiri.
    • Characteristics: The leaf is heart-shaped, dark to light green, with a strong aroma and pungent taste, thanks to the fertile Cauvery basin soil.
    • Cultural Importance: It is a main ingredient in paan, a popular post-meal chew in South Asia.
    • Harvest: The first-year yield, called maaruvethalai, produces the largest and longest-lasting leaves (6–7 days shelf life); Farmers hand-pick leaves, working from early morning until late night due to the labour-heavy process.

    Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

    • A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
    • Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
    • GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
    • The tag stands valid for 10 years and can be renewed.

     

    [UPSC 2015] Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?

    (1) Banaras Brocades and Sarees (2) Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma (3) Tirupathi Laddu

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • State of the World’s Animal Health Report, 2025 by WOAH

    Why in the News?

    The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) released the first-ever State of the World’s Animal Health report.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • India faces high risk from transboundary animal diseases, with 47% of global outbreaks between 2005–2023 being zoonotic, affecting both animals and humans.
    • African Swine Fever (ASF), which jumped 1,800 km to Sri Lanka in 2024, threatens India’s northeast pig-rearing regions already impacted in past years.
    • Avian Influenza (HPAI) saw outbreaks in non-poultry species surpass poultry in 2024; India’s dense poultry population makes cross-species transmission a growing concern.
    • Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), endemic in India, showed new serotype SAT 3 and SAT 1 activity in other countries, posing vaccine adaptation challenges.
    • Diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease and PPR, both reported in India earlier, are now spreading to new global regions, highlighting potential for reintroduction.
    • WOAH urges global action on vaccine equity, surveillance, and biosecurity, which align with India’s need to safeguard livelihoods, trade, and food security.

    About the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH):

    • Establishment: WOAH, formerly known as OIE, was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
    • Membership: It has 183 member countries, including India, and operates independently from the United Nations.
    • Mandate: WOAH is the global authority on animal health, working to control animal epidemics (epizootics) and improve global animal welfare.
    • Key Functions:
      • Runs the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) to track disease outbreaks.
      • Sets international health standards for trade in animals and animal products.
      • Promotes science-based animal welfare policies and transparent disease reporting.
      • Offers technical support to countries, especially developing nations.
    • Global Cooperation: Works with over 70 global partners, including the FAO.
    • India’s Role: India is a member and an active participant through the World Assembly of Delegates.
    [UPSC 2005] Which one of the following diseases of milching animals are infectious?

    1. Foot and Mouth disease

    2. Anthrax

    3. Black Quarter

    4. Cowpox

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*