Table of contents
- GS 1 & 3 AGRICULTURE
- MAJOR CROPS - CROPPING PATTERNS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
- IRRIGATION: DIFFERENT TYPES OF IRRIGATION AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
- STORAGE, TRANSPORT AND MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE AND ISSUES AND RELATED CONSTRAINTS
- E-TECHNOLOGY IN THE AID OF FARMERS
- ISSUES RELATED TO DIRECT AND INDIRECT FARM SUBSIDIES AND MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES; PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - OBJECTIVES, FUNCTIONING, LIMITATIONS, REVAMPING
- ISSUES OF BUFFER STOCKS AND FOOD SECURITY
- TECHNOLOGY MISSIONS
- ECONOMICS OF ANIMAL REARING
- FOOD PROCESSING AND RELATED INDUSTRIES IN INDIA - SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE, LOCATION, UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM REQUIREMENTS, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
- LAND REFORMS IN INDIA
GS 1 & 3 AGRICULTURE
MAJOR CROPS - CROPPING PATTERNS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
Cash Crops
- Which are the States in India that produce (i) groundnut, (ii) tea, (iii) tobacco, and (iv) pepper? (80/3)
- Name the cotton growing areas of India. Describe the various factors which favour its cultivation in these areas. What part does cotton play in the present day economy of India? (83/15)
- Government of India has given high priority to Oilseeds Development Programme. What strategy has been adopted to accelerate the efforts for increasing their production? Name important oilseeds cultivated in India with their distribution. (84/15)
- Give an account of the tea plantations of Assam and West Bengal and state the economic significance of these plantations. (02/10)
- Write about Fruit Production in India. (09/3)
- Write brief note in about 30 words: ‘Vegetable Gold’. (09/3)
- Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. (14/10)
- What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. (16/12.5)
- Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (22/15)
- Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India. (2025/10)
Rice-wheat
- Discuss the geographical conditions favoring the cultivation of wheat or rice in India and describe the steps taken for improving its productivity. (82/30)
- What are the important wheat growing regions in India and why? Are we now growing enough wheat in India to meet our own demand for it? (85/20)
- Why was a variant of Basmati rice in news recently? (98/6)
- How has the dwindling of barbed variety of rice affected the Siliguri - Bagdogra belt with respect to man-animal conflict? (02/10)
- 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? (17/15)
- What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success, how has this system created ecological issues in India? (2020/15)
Cropping Pattern, Crop Productivity, Diversity and Yield
- Discuss the agricultural productivity trends in India. What are the constraints in raising productivity in different regions? (91/20)
- Bring out the changes in cropping patterns in India since the Green Revolution. (01/15)
- Explain the concept of crop rotation and its significance in sustainable agriculture. (05/15)
- Discuss the factors influencing the changes in cropping patterns in India. (12/15)
- How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (17/15)
- Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. (17/10)
- How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption. (18/15)
- What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (21/15)
- Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (250 words) (2023/15)
Dryland Farming
- Per hectare yields of dry land areas, which are substantial in our country, are generally low. Why is it so? Name the crops which are mostly grown on these areas. What are the steps taken to stabilise and elevate crop production in these areas? (83/20)
- What is dryland agriculture? Discuss its importance to India. (94/15)
- What is dry farming? Discuss its relevance in augmenting the food supply in India. (99/15)
Shifting Cultivation
- What is shifting cultivation? Where in India has this been resorted to? Consider its consequences and examine the steps taken by Government to prevent this practice. (81/20)
- What is shifting cultivation, and where is it carried? (88/3)
- Mention the states where shifting cultivation is still practiced in India. (90/3)
- What is shifting cultivation? Describe its salient characteristics with reference to India. (96/15)
- Write short notes on Jhum cultivation - process and consequences. (02/2)
- Write note on Negative impacts of shifting cultivation. (05/2)
Sustainable Agriculture
- “Some of the modern agricultural practices being used at present in India are leading to undesirable consequences.” Do you agree with this view? (87/15)
- Write about Organic Farming in 20 words. (08/2)
- What is Permaculture? Give at least three common examples where permaculture concepts are being put to use. (12/10)
- Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? (18/10)
- How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (19/10)
- What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (22/15)
Green Revolution
- Write about: Second Green Revolution. (05/2)
- Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? (14/10)
Agricultural Inputs
- What are the limitations of mechanized farming in the Indian context? (87/3)
- What is Integrated Pest Control Management? Comment on its current status in the Country. (88/40)
- Comment on the relationship between credit availability and agricultural growth in India. (07/30)
- Bring out the main objectives of Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana. The scheme is being implemented by which agency? (07/7.5)
- Given 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). (16/12.5)
- How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (250 words) (17/15)
- 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? (18/15)
Agricultural Inputs: Fertilizer
- Write short notes on the following: Thal-Vaishet Project. (81/5)
- What is meant by bio-fertiliser? (84/3)
- What are biofertilizers? What advantages do they have over chemical fertilizers? (92/20)
- Briefly explain the use of various chemical fertilizers in Indian agriculture. (92/15)
- What is vermicomposting? Discuss its importance in the Indian context. (01/15)
Agricultural Policies
- What are the basic objectives of agricultural price policy of the Government of India and how is it implemented? (250 words) (89/40)
- What do you mean by providing industry status to agriculture in India? (01/2)
- What has been the policy of agricultural development during last two decades in India? (04/2)
- Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for regionally differentiated approach to increase crop production and diversification in the country. (09/15)
- There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine. (14/12.5)
- How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regard? (15/12)
- What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation. (2024/10)
IRRIGATION: DIFFERENT TYPES OF IRRIGATION AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
(Questions are aligned with GS 1 Geography section)
STORAGE, TRANSPORT AND MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE AND ISSUES AND RELATED CONSTRAINTS
- Analyse the functioning of dual pricing of sugar in India. Offer your comments. (82/20)
- Discuss the desirability of removing all controls in India on the import and export of agricultural commodities. (94/20)
- What is Agri-Trade? (06/2)
- What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (2020/10)
- What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India? (22/15)
- From being net food importer in 1960s, India emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (2023/15)
E-TECHNOLOGY IN THE AID OF FARMERS
- How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (150 words) (2023/10)
ISSUES RELATED TO DIRECT AND INDIRECT FARM SUBSIDIES AND MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES; PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - OBJECTIVES, FUNCTIONING, LIMITATIONS, REVAMPING
Subsidies and MSP: Issues Related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices
- What are ‘Minimum Support Prices’ in agricultural products? What are their objectives? (02/15)
- What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels? Critically analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it. (200 words) (13/10)
- Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment. (GS 2) (13/10)
- In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. (15/12.5)
- How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (17/15)
- What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap? (18/10)
- Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (GS 2) (22/10)
- What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. (250 words) (2023/15)
Public Distribution System - Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping
- Examine the working of the Public Distribution System in India, with particular reference to its objectives and constraints. Suggest a set of measures towards an improvement in the present system. (250 words) (87/40)
- What are the factors that ensure the success of the Public Distribution System? (91/20)
- What is (Revised) Targeted Public Distribution System? What are its main features? (00/15)
- Comment on the recommendations of the Wadhwa Commission on the Public Distribution System. (10/5)
- What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective? (2019/15)
- What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent? (22/10)
ISSUES OF BUFFER STOCKS AND FOOD SECURITY
Issues of Buffer Stock
- What is “procurement price’ for food grains? What purpose does it serve? (81/3)
- What do you mean by Government Buffer Stock Operations? (93/3)
- Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss. (2024/15)
Food and Nutrition Security
- A large quantity of food grains and fruits is lost each year after harvesting and during marketing. Describe briefly the steps taken in recent years to prevent these losses. (82/20)
- Per Capita per day availability of cereals in India has during the last two decades (i) remained constant (ii) gone up (iii) gone down. Give two major factors responsible for the situation. (84/3)
- India requires 225 million tonnes of food grains by the end of the twentieth century. Briefly discuss the elements of the strategy of agricultural growth that can ensure an increase in food grains output to meet this projected demand. (84/20)
- What was the rationale for ‘Mid-day Meal’ Scheme? (97/3)
- Discuss the role of modern technological inputs on agricultural development in India. How would it be helpful for food security during 21st century? (250 words) (99/40)
- What is the rationale for ‘Mid-day Meal’ Scheme? (00/2)
- With what objectives was ‘Annapurna’ Scheme launched? (02/2)
- “Small-holder farms need to be strengthened to achieve national food security.” Do you agree with this assessment? (10/24)
- Explain various types of revolutions that took place in Agriculture after independence of India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (150 words) (17/10)
- What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (21/15)
- Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (2023/10)
- The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (2024/15)
- Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (2024/10)
TECHNOLOGY MISSIONS
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ECONOMICS OF ANIMAL REARING
Animal Husbandry
- Aquaculture (inland fish farming) is considered to have an important role in increasing the food supply and generate employment. What steps are being taken by the Government to encourage aquaculture? (90/20)
- 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. (15/12.5)
Agriculture Revolutions
- Write short notes on the following: Operation Flood. (81/5)
- What is ‘white revolution’? Discuss the different factors which have helped to bring about this revolution in India. (86/20)
- Blue Revolution has definite advantages in India, but it is not free from environmental impacts. Discuss. (06/10)
- Write brief but precise note on Golden Revolution. (10/5)
- ‘Designer’ poultry eggs. (11/5)
- India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement. (200 words) (13/10)
- Explain various types of revolutions that took place in Agriculture after independence of India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (150 words) (17/10)
- Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (18/15)
FOOD PROCESSING AND RELATED INDUSTRIES IN INDIA - SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE, LOCATION, UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM REQUIREMENTS, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Food Processing and Related Industries in India - Scope and Significance, Location
- The Government of India has recently set up a Department of Food Processing. What are its functions? (88/20)
- Explain Mega Food Park Scheme of Government of India. (07/7.5)
- What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks? (15/12.5)
- What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost-effective small processing units? How will the food processing unit be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers? (150 words) (17/10)
- How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (250 words) (17/15)
- Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. (GS 1) (19/10)
- Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (2019/15)
- What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (2020/10)
- Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. (22/10)
- Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities. (2025/15)
Supply Chain Management, Upstream and Downstream Requirements
- Discuss the impact of FDI entry into multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy. (13/5)
- What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks? (15/12.5)
- Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate the number of intermediaries? (18/10)
- What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India? (22/15)
- Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (2025/10)
LAND REFORMS IN INDIA
Land Reforms in India
- Immediately after Independence, Land reform measures were initiated to achieve the twin objectives of increasing agricultural production and attainment of social justice. What types of measures have been taken by the states to achieve these objectives and with what results? What is the role of the Union Government in these matters? (150 words) (83/35)
- In what ways do land reforms help agricultural growth? Briefly state the aim of land reforms as envisaged in the Eighth Five Year Plan. (250 words) (95/40)
- Give your assessment on land reforms in India. (97/20)
- Establish the relationship between land reforms, agricultural productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture-friendly land reforms in India. (200 words) (13/10)
- The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect from 1st January, 2014. What are the key issues which would get addressed with the Act in place? What implications would it have on industrialization and agriculture in India? (14/12.5)
- In view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non-viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. (15/12.5)
- Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. (16/12)
- How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? (21/10)
- State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria. (150 words) (2023/10)
- What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate. (2024/10)