The Prayas ePathshala

Exams आसान है !

Q1. What is the importance of and challenges associated with Agri-Chemicals?

Paper & Topic: GS III Agriculture related issues

Model Answer:

What are they:

Chemicals used as agricultural inputs are known as agrichemicals. Among them are insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
These are inputs that are used on crops to fend against diseases and pests and increase yields.

Importance:

In India, pesticides make up the majority of the agrichemical industry.
One of the world’s top producers of agrichemicals is India. In 2021, the agrichemical market reached 7.2 billion USD.
India is one of the top 10 exporters of agricultural products since around half of the demand comes from outside the nation. Exports of agrichemicals totaled USD 3.8 billion in 2021. Brazil, the US, Japan, Vietnam, France, and China are a few of the main export destinations.
Of all the chemicals used, fungicides and insecticides make up 75% of the total.
The government’s encouragement of environmentally friendly farming methods has led to an increase in the use of biopesticides, which now make up 15% of the market.

Challenges associated:

Pesticides used on unapproved crops endanger the safety of agricultural products. Based on the authorised usage, the MRL, or maximum residue limit level, in agricultural items is monitored. Because it demonstrates that illegal use is still occurring undetected, this presents severe issues with food safety. Furthermore, this makes it challenging for India to export a sizable quantity of agricultural goods.
Their excessive use pollutes the environment.
Agrochemical misuse results in a decline in biodiversity. It is well known that profenofos and other organophosphate insecticides are harmful to honey bees.

Conclusion:

In India, agrichemicals are routinely used, especially those that are extremely hazardous. It is fair to use pesticides given the rising need for food and the rapidly expanding risks to crops; nonetheless, using too many chemicals has long-term negative effects on the land. It’s crucial to allow the land to recover.

Q2. What is One Water Approach and its importance.

Paper & Topic: GS III Environmental Conservation related issues

Model Answer:

What is the One Water Approach:

An integrated strategy for managing water sources that places a focus on sustainability and integration is known as the “One Water Approach.”
It acknowledges that the traditional distinctions between different sources in terms of reuse are no longer valid and that all water, regardless of where it comes from—waste water, storm water, ground water, etc.—has value.
To achieve economic and ecological benefits, this inclusive method requires engagement from the community, industries, business leaders, farmers, environmentalists, lawmakers, academics, etc.

How does it function?

The One Water Approach can be applied in a variety of ways. But these approaches have a few things in common:
acknowledging the importance of all water, including waste water, runoff, and freshwater supplies.
a multifaceted strategy intended to maximise the financial, social, and environmental advantages of spending money on water.
working at the watershed level and understanding the local ecology, geology, and hydrology
Partnerships and inclusiveness are essential because real growth and achievement necessitate the involvement of all stakeholders.

Importance:

The UN World Water Development Report 2021, which was issued by UNESCO, claims that one of the main causes of water mismanagement is the undervaluation of water in all of its forms (on behalf of UN Water).
A multi-dimension integrated management approach must take precedence over a linear water management method. This will make it possible for us to manage our limited water resources effectively and sustainably.

Conclusion:

Water is an essential component of all living forms, yet it is one of the least used and worst managed natural resources in the world. An all-encompassing, coordinated strategy is urgently required.