Daily News Analysis

A plan for the Winter Crop

stylish_lining

A plan for the Winter Crop

 

 

Why in the News?

The Rabi conference was recently held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), to discuss about the problems and prospects of rabi crops in the upcoming winter season.

India’s food production:

  1. The Indian monsoon (June to September) recorded a 5.6% deficit rainfall compared to the long-period average (LPA).
  2. Despite wide deviation in its temporal spread (August- driest month since 1901) the area planted under paddy and sugarcane is higher by 1.9 per cent and 7.64 per cent respectively, compared to the preceding year.
  3. However, area under pulses decreased by 4.2%.
  4. The Mustard production jumped by 37% which helped to tackle the import crisis of palm and sunflower oil.

The Rabi Conference:

  1. Adequate fertiliser stocks to take care of the demand of the rabi season.
  2. Wheat, the main rabi crop which is susceptible to heat wave, can be tackled with the release of numerous heat-resistant wheat varieties.
  • This shall cover roughly 60% of the sown area, up from 45% last year.
  • Of the 2,200 varieties of different crops released by India’s agri-research system in the last 9 years, 1,800 are climate resilient.
  1. To prioritise agro-ecological based crop planning for diversion of land from excess commodities like rice and wheat to deficit commodities like oilseeds and pulses and high value export earning crops.
  2. Increase area of cropping through
  • Inter-cropping and crop diversification
  • Productivity enhancement through introduction of HYVs
  • Adoption of suitable agronomic practices in low yielding regions.

Shift from “production-centric” to a “food systems” approach:

  1. Need better and more accurate estimates of production
  2. Monitor the prices that farmers get
  3. Monitor the progress of crops every week
  4. Upgrade our patwari-based production estimate system to one that is based on high technology, which will help settle crop insurance claims.
  5. Better technology and better policies rather than abrupt export bans/stocking limits.

Indian Ports Act, 2025

Why is the Indian Ports Act, 2025 in the News? The President of India has granted assent to the Indian Ports Act, 2025, which replaces the previous Indian Ports Act of 1908. This new Act aims t
Share It

Private Sector in Defense Production

The growth in private sector participation in India's defense production marks a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy and industrial landscape. The private sector share in
Share It

India-Mauritius

The visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to Varanasi marked a significant milestone in strengthening the India-Mauritius bilateral ties. Describing India as a trusted partner in Mauritius'
Share It

solar manufacturing ecosystem

India's ambitious plan to develop a fully indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem by 2028 is an essential step towards achieving energy security, sustainability, and enhancing its position as
Share It

Political Unrest in Nepal

Nepal’s ongoing political unrest, exacerbated by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation and youth-led protests, has created a volatile environment that directly impacts India&rsqu
Share It

Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers

Karnataka has recently passed the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of gig workers. Key Provisions of t
Share It

Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has received Presidential assent and will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Act is designed to simplify tax laws, modernize existing provisions, and improve the ef
Share It

Cotton Sector

The Union Government has taken significant steps to support the cotton sector in India, addressing key challenges related to rising imports, farmer welfare, and low domestic production. These meas
Share It

Aircraft Leasing: Wet and Dry Lease

In light of the ongoing global aircraft shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, airlines have increasingly turned to wet and dry leases as solutions. These leas
Share It

India and Israel Sign New Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

India and Israel have recently signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), marking a significant development in their bilateral relationship. This agreement, which replaces the older BIT signed in
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS