MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. India has changed from being the world’s net importer of food in the 1960s to a net exporter of food. Give Justifications.
GS III – Agriculture related issues
Introduction:
- India’s capacity to produce and export food has come a long way since the 1960s, when persistent food shortages compelled it to depend on imports and food help from other countries.
- India was among the top 10 worldwide agri exporters, according to the WTO’s Trade Statistical Review (2022).
The following list includes a few of the significant factors:
- Green Revolution: The green revolution, which was started in the middle of the 1960s, increased food grain production, agricultural productivity, and the quality of irrigation systems. Government Policies: Farmers were encouraged to expand food output by supportive government policies like the Minimum Support Price, e-NAM, subsidised inputs, and an improved procurement system. Research and Development: Investing in agricultural R&D aided in the adoption of more advanced techniques and technology. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, for instance. Private Sector Involvement: The private sector’s involvement in agriculture and related fields, such the food processing industry, etc., results in improved market access, infrastructure, and prices (see, for example, e-Choupal and Tata Kisan Kendras). Crop diversification: The government’s efforts to increase the variety of India’s food supply include the introduction of the Crop Diversification Programme (CDP) and the Technology Mission. Trade liberalisation: Improved exports were also a result of trade liberalisation during and after the 1990s. Increased worldwide demand in the world’s ever-expanding markets has also improved India’s agricultural prospects.
- Even though India has come a long way towards being a net exporter of food, there are still issues to be resolved with regard to water management, climate change, sustainable agriculture, and making sure that small and marginal farmers also profit from the exports.
- In addition to ensuring national food security, addressing these issues will strengthen and maintain India’s standing in the international food market.
Q2. Does the poor become more marginalised and/or segregated in Indian metropolises as a result of urbanisation?
GS I – Urbanization related issues
Introduction:
- In India, urbanisation has become an unavoidable experience. The concept of creating a developed metropolis includes uncontrolled development, which serves to reinforce the inequality that exists in urban areas between the rich and the poor. Nevertheless, marginalisation and segregation vary by location.
How poverty-based segregation is caused by urbanisation:
- Income Disparities: Urbanisation frequently causes income disparities because it gives the poor fewer options for inexpensive housing, which separates areas.
- Inadequate Housing Policies: The concentration of slums can be caused by poorly planned urbanisation and inadequate housing policies.
- Employment Opportunities: Because jobs are concentrated in certain urban locations, the impoverished may be forced to relocate to marginalised neighbourhoods because of their close proximity to these regions.
- Social Stigma: Because the poor are frequently forced to the outskirts of urban areas, social biases and stigma can contribute to the segregation of this population.
How marginalisation results from urbanisation:
- Absence of Social Services: The urban poor are further marginalised in slum areas due to inadequate access to basic services including healthcare, education, and sanitation.
- Land Displacement: Poor populations are frequently uprooted by urban development projects without receiving fair compensation or access to alternative dwellings.
- Health Disparities: Poor living conditions and overcrowding in slums lead to health problems, which are made worse by a lack of access to high-quality healthcare.
- Social Discrimination: Due to their upbringing and economic standing, the urban poor may experience social isolation and discrimination.
Governmental initiatives to address impoverished segregation and marginalisation:
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna
- Atal Mission for Urban Transformation and Rejuvenation
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
- While many levels of action are being taken, the success of these initiatives will depend on how well policies are implemented, how the community is involved, and how persistently the rights of the urban poor are advocated for.
