Context: India has seen significant success with the green revolution in maize production. This success has been primarily driven by the private sector. Over the past 20 years, maize production in India has more than tripled.
Historical context of Green Revolution
The Green Revolution in India began in the 1960s. To increase food production in the country.
Key method: Introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops, specifically: Rice and Wheat
This agricultural reform was indeed a significant event in India's history, aimed at addressing food security concerns.
Background:
India faced severe food shortages in the 1940s and 1950s. The country was heavily dependent on food imports and foreign aid.
Implementation:
Positive impacts:
Dramatic increase in crop yields, especially wheat and rice.
India achieved food self-sufficiency by the 1970s.
Reduced dependence on food imports.
Helped alleviate poverty and hunger.
Boosted rural incomes and stimulated the rural economy.
Challenges and negative impacts:
Environmental concerns due to increased use of chemicals and pesticides.
Depletion of groundwater resources from intensive irrigation.
Loss of biodiversity as farmers focused on a few high-yielding crop varieties.
Widening economic disparity between farmers who could afford new technologies and those who couldn't.
Soil degradation in some areas due to intensive farming practices.
Long-term effects:
Transformation of India from a food-deficient country to a major agricultural exporter.
Shift in dietary patterns with increased availability of cereals.
Changes in cropping patterns and agricultural practices across the country.
Ongoing debates about sustainable agriculture and the need for a "Second Green Revolution" focused on sustainability and equity.
Regional variations:
The Green Revolution was most successful in northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Its impact was less pronounced in eastern and southern India
Maize cultivation in India:
India's global standing in maize production:
Maize production growth in India:
Significant increase between 1999-2000 and 2023-24
Annual production has more than tripled during this period
Average yields have increased from 1.8 tonnes per hectare to 3.3 tonnes per hectare
Ranks 4th in area under maize cultivation
Ranks 7th in total maize production
Represents approximately 4% of global maize area and 2% of global production
Grown primarily in two seasons: rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi)
Kharif maize accounts for about 83% of the total maize area
Rabi maize makes up the remaining 17%
This substantial growth in maize production and yield is indeed remarkable. It demonstrates a significant improvement in agricultural practices, likely including better seed varieties, improved farming techniques, and possibly increased use of fertilizers and irrigation.
Maize as a fuel and feed crop:
Industrial applications of maize:
New maize varieties:
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed India's first "waxy" maize hybrid, which has high starch content and is better suited for ethanol production.
CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) has established a maize doubled haploid (DH) facility in Kunigal, Karnataka, which produces genetically pure maize for breeding purposes.
Maize grains contain 68-72% starch and 1-3% other simple carbohydrates.
Starch from maize is used in various industries, including textile, paper, pharmaceutical, food, and beverage.
There's a growing trend of using maize as feedstock for ethanol production, which is mixed with petrol.
Less than 25% of maize is consumed directly by humans.
About 60% is used as feed for poultry and livestock, indirectly contributing to human food consumption through animal products.
14-15% is used for industrial purposes.
The development of new varieties tailored for specific industrial uses, such as ethanol production, indicates a growing focus on maize's potential in various sectors.
Advantages of maize
Cross-pollination: Maize is naturally cross-pollinating, with separate male (tassel) and female (ear) flowers on the same plant.
Easy hybrid production: This structure makes it relatively easy and cost-effective to produce hybrid seeds on a large scale.
Heterosis (hybrid vigor): Maize exhibits strong hybrid vigor, where the first-generation (F1) hybrid often outperforms both parent lines significantly.
Profitable hybrid seed market: Due to the ease of production and strong hybrid vigor, there's a large and profitable market for hybrid maize seeds.
Advantage of Wheat and Rice:
Self-pollination: Both are primarily self-pollinating, with male and female parts in the same flower.
Can be hybridized: Despite being self-pollinating, both wheat and rice can be hybridized through various techniques.
More challenging hybrid production: Creating hybrids is more labor-intensive and expensive compared to maize.
Less pronounced hybrid vigor: While hybrid vigor exists, it's generally less dramatic than in maize.
Smaller hybrid seed market: Due to the challenges in production and less dramatic yield gains, the hybrid seed market is smaller for wheat and rice.
Why in the News?
The Karnataka government recently published the draft Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, which aims to address the welfare and rights of gig workers in the state. This bill is part of a broader trend to improve social security for gig economy workers.
About the Bill
Welfare Board:
Welfare Fund:
Rights-Based Provisions:
Additional Features:
Issues with the Bill
Disclosure of Algorithmic Monitoring:
Minimum Wages and Working Hours:
Welfare Board Model:
Scope of Regulation:
Comparative Context
Rajasthan’s Legislation:
Code on Social Security, 2020 (COSS):
Gig Workers and Policy Initiatives
Definition and Categories of Gig Workers
Definition:
Categories:
Drivers of Growth in the Gig Economy
Challenges for Gig Workers
Steps Taken for Gig Economy in India
Way Forward
India and Japan are set to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to establish a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under the framework of Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. This mechanism will facilitate the sharing of emission reduction credits between the two countries.
Key Features
Significance
Understanding Carbon Markets
Overview of Carbon Markets
Carbon markets are mechanisms designed to put a price on carbon emissions. They facilitate the buying and selling of carbon credits or allowances, providing a financial incentive for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Types of Carbon Markets
Carbon Market in India
Legislative Developments
Significance and Future Prospects
Challenges
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
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