Welcome to GKboard.in, your reliable platform for current affairs updates crafted for competitive exams. Today, we simplify India’s latest agricultural strategy, focusing on reducing paddy cultivation to promote pulses and oilseeds, alongside the introduction of genome-edited rice varieties. This topic is vital for aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government recruitment tests.
Overview of India’s Agricultural Strategy
Shifting Focus to Pulses and Oilseeds
The Government of India has launched a strategy to reduce paddy cultivation by 5 million hectares to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds. This move aims to achieve self-sufficiency in these critical crops, essential for food security. To offset the reduction in paddy area, the government is introducing genome-edited rice varieties to enhance yield and maintain agricultural productivity.
Current Agricultural Context
Balancing Crop Priorities
India’s agriculture faces the challenge of increasing pulses and oilseeds production while managing a planned reduction in paddy cultivation. For the 2024-25 crop year, the government aims to decrease paddy acreage from 47.83 million hectares to 47.73 million hectares. This shift is designed to strengthen food security by prioritizing crops where India relies heavily on imports.
Genome Editing Technology
New Paddy Varieties
The Union Agriculture Minister introduced two genome-edited paddy varieties: DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1. Developed using CRISPR-Cas technology, these varieties involve precise genetic modifications without introducing foreign genes, distinguishing them from traditional genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They are designed to increase yield and promote environmentally friendly farming practices.
The Minus 5 and Plus 10 Formula
Ambitious Production Goals
The government’s Minus 5 and Plus 10 formula targets a 5 million hectare reduction in paddy cultivation while aiming to boost rice production by 10 million tonnes. This strategy seeks to balance the reduction in paddy area with enhanced yield through advanced technologies, ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture.
Concerns and Criticism
Biosafety and Farmer Support
Critics have raised concerns about the biosafety of genome-edited crops and the need for adequate training and resources for farmers. Without proper support, the transition to pulses and oilseeds could disrupt rice production and affect agricultural stability. Experts emphasize the importance of preparing farmers to adopt new technologies effectively.
Future Directions in Agriculture
Demand-Driven Research
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is shifting towards demand-driven research, incorporating farmers’ feedback to develop crop varieties tailored to their needs. The focus is on engaging youth in agriculture to ensure a sustainable future for the sector, aligning with evolving market and climate demands.
Broader Agricultural Goals
Building Resilience
The government’s agricultural agenda includes reducing input costs, ensuring reasonable crop prices, and providing assistance for crop damage. These measures aim to create a resilient agricultural framework capable of adapting to climate change and supporting farmers in achieving sustainable livelihoods.
Why This Matters for Competitive Exams
Key Takeaways for Students
This agricultural strategy is a critical topic for competitive exam aspirants, as questions on agriculture, food security, and biotechnology frequently appear in exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking. Focus on the Minus 5 and Plus 10 formula, genome-edited rice varieties, and the push for pulses and oilseeds to strengthen your preparation.
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