CH 8 AGRICULTURE AND FOOD MANAGEMENT

A series of flashcards designed to help students review key concepts and facts related to agricultural economics in India.

What percentage of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture as of recent data?

Approximately 50-55% of India's workforce is engaged in agriculture.

How does the contribution of agriculture to India's GDP compare to its employment share?

Agriculture contributes around 17-18% to India’s GDP, while employing 50-55% of the workforce.

What historical event led to the establishment of the 'Green Revolution' in India?

The Green Revolution in India was initiated in the 1960s, driven by the need for increased food production due to food shortages.

Which two key crops were primarily affected by the Green Revolution in India?

Wheat and rice were the primary crops impacted by the Green Revolution.

What role does the government play in ensuring food security in India?

The government ensures food security through policies like the Public Distribution System (PDS), MSP (Minimum Support Price), and food subsidies.

What is the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 and its key provisions?

The NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations, ensuring food security.

How does the MSP (Minimum Support Price) scheme work in supporting farmers?

MSP guarantees farmers a minimum price for certain crops, ensuring they are protected against market fluctuations.

What is the main challenge in the Indian agricultural market system?

The key challenge is the fragmented market system, lack of infrastructure, and the dominance of middlemen.

What is the primary aim of the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act?

The APMC Act aims to regulate the sale of agricultural produce and protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen.

Which act was introduced to promote a single national market for agricultural commodities?

The Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLM) Act, introduced in 2017.

What is the Food Processing Sector's significance in India's agricultural economy?

The Food Processing Sector adds value to agricultural products, enhances shelf-life, reduces wastage, and generates employment.

What major reforms were introduced in the Indian agricultural sector post-Green Revolution?

Post-Green Revolution, reforms focused on irrigation, land reforms, agricultural credit, and input subsidies.

What is the role of the NABARD in the agriculture sector?

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) provides credit for rural development and agricultural projects.

What is the significance of the 'Swaminathan Commission' for agricultural reforms?

The Swaminathan Commission recommended comprehensive reforms to improve agricultural productivity, farmer welfare, and food security.

Which government scheme focuses on organic farming in India?

The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promotes organic farming practices.

What is the major challenge posed by climate change to Indian agriculture?

Climate change impacts crop yield, water availability, and exacerbates the frequency of extreme weather events like floods and droughts.

How does the government aim to address water scarcity in agriculture?

Through schemes like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and promoting efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation.

What is the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?

The PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme that provides financial support to farmers in case of crop failure due to natural disasters.

How has the expansion of digital technologies impacted Indian agriculture?

Digital technologies have enhanced farmers' access to information, credit, weather forecasting, and market linkages.

What is the impact of 'food wastage' on India's food security?

Food wastage significantly impacts food security by reducing available food resources and increasing pressure on food production systems.

How does the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) contribute to agricultural growth?

PMKSY focuses on increasing irrigation coverage, water-use efficiency, and promoting rainwater harvesting.

What is the 'Kisan Credit Card' (KCC) scheme and how does it support farmers?

The KCC scheme provides farmers with affordable credit for purchasing inputs, seeds, fertilizers, and for addressing working capital needs.

What is the role of agri-marketing reforms in India?

Agri-marketing reforms aim to provide better price discovery, reduce middlemen, and facilitate direct access to markets for farmers.

How does the National Agricultural Market (eNAM) platform work?

eNAM connects farmers with buyers across India, offering a digital platform for transparent price discovery and efficient agri-trade.

What role does the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) play in agricultural finance?

RBI regulates and provides credit to agriculture through various schemes, ensuring liquidity and financial inclusion for farmers.

What is the role of soil health management in sustainable agriculture?

Soil health management promotes soil fertility, reduces chemical dependency, and ensures long-term agricultural sustainability.

What challenges does the Indian food processing sector face?

Lack of cold storage facilities, inadequate infrastructure, and high wastage rates.

What measures have been taken to enhance the income of farmers under the 'Doubling Farmers' Income' initiative?

Policies focus on improving productivity, market access, income diversification, and better credit facilities for farmers.

Which crop has seen the highest increase in production due to the Green Revolution?

Wheat.

What are the key provisions of the National Policy for Farmers, 2007?

The policy focuses on enhancing income, improving market access, and reducing cost of cultivation through technological advancement.

How do subsidies impact Indian agriculture?

Subsidies reduce farmers' input costs, but over-reliance can lead to inefficiencies and unsustainable practices.

What is the role of agro-based industries in rural development?

Agro-based industries create employment, add value to agricultural products, and provide markets for farmers.

What is the significance of the 'Operation Flood' program in India?

It revolutionized the dairy sector, increasing milk production and ensuring a fair market for producers through cooperative structures.

What are the challenges of agricultural diversification in India?

Limited market access, traditional farming practices, and inadequate infrastructure.

What is the main goal of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sinchayee Yojana (PMGSY)?

To provide irrigation facilities to farmers and improve water efficiency in rural areas.

How do FDI inflows impact the agriculture and food management sector in India?

FDI brings in technology, capital, and expertise, fostering growth in agri-business and food processing sectors.

How does India ensure food security for its vast population?

Through a combination of government programs like the PDS, subsidies, MSP, and food reserves.

What is the role of NABARD in agricultural credit?

NABARD provides financial support and ensures the development of rural infrastructure, facilitating agricultural credit to farmers.

How does the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) help farmers?

It aims to improve marketing infrastructure and establish rural haats, mandis, and cold chains to reduce wastage and increase farm income.

What does 'Food Insecurity' mean in the context of Indian agriculture?

Food insecurity refers to a situation where people do not have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active life.

What are the main agricultural subsidies provided by the Indian government?

Fertilizer, irrigation, seeds, and power subsidies.

What is the role of the State Governments in agricultural reforms in India?

State Governments play a vital role in implementing agricultural policies, improving rural infrastructure, and managing agricultural marketing systems.

What is the role of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM)?

NFSM aims to increase the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals through technology, improved seeds, and better farming practices.

What was the major outcome of the Green Revolution on food security in India?

The Green Revolution led to increased production of wheat and rice, reducing food insecurity and making India self-sufficient in food grains.

What is the 'National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture' (NMSA) and its primary objectives?

NMSA aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve soil health, and encourage climate-resilient farming systems.

What was the impact of the abolition of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act in some states?

It aimed at promoting direct marketing and easing farmer access to larger markets, though implementation faced challenges.

What is the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in food security?

FCI procures, stores, and distributes food grains under various government schemes to ensure food availability at affordable prices.

What are the key objectives of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)?

To provide financial support for agriculture and ensure sustainable agricultural development in rural areas.

What is the significance of the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) platform for farmers?

eNAM provides a digital platform for transparent price discovery, reducing middlemen, and improving market access for farmers.

How does agricultural research impact the food management sector in India?

Research drives innovation in crop management, pest control, and resource-efficient farming, ensuring higher yields and sustainability in food production.