General Studies Paper -3 Context The Union Cabinet approved the “Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana” for a period of six years. PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana It is the first dedicated scheme focused on agriculture and allied sectors. It is inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme of NITI Aayog. Total outlay: Rs 24,000 crore per annum Resource pool: Convergence of 36 existing schemes from 11 Central Ministries /Departments, along with state schemes and private sector participation. Coverage: 100 districts, with at least one from every state/UT. It will be identified on the basis of three key indicators- low productivity , low....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context India is facing both a responsibility and a historic opportunity — to repay the debt owed to regions that fueled India’s food security, and to reimagine agriculture for a sustainable future. About the Green Revolution The term ‘Green Revolution’ was coined by William S. Gaud, then Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in 1968. It turned a famine-prone nation into a food-secure one, ushering in self-sufficiency in grain production and empowering millions of farmers. In India, the Green Revolution benefited Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh with its focus on high-yielding rice....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context As the trade deadline approaches, the USA is ramping up pressure on India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops. However, India has drawn firm red lines, citing farmers’ livelihoods and food safety as non-negotiable. India’s Agriculture & Genetic Innovation Genetic innovation in agriculture refers to the use of tools like CRISPR gene editing, genomic selection, and transgenic technologies to improve crop traits. These include: Enhancing crop yields and nutritional content; Increasing resistance to pests, diseases, drought and heat; Reducing dependency on chemical pesticides and fertilizers; Shortening crop cycles and making agriculture more....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently examined community seed banks (CSBs) across India and raised concerns over declining intergenerational transfer of traditional seed conservation knowledge. Importance of Traditional Seed Conservation Genetic Diversity: These seeds have a broad genetic base, making crops naturally resilient to pests and diseases. Unlike monocultures that suffer rapid disease spread, traditional polycultures buffer such risks. Climate Resilience: With erratic weather becoming the norm—ranging from cloudbursts to droughts—traditional seeds provide insurance. In mixed cropping systems, even if some varieties fail, others survive and yield well. Sustainability: Open-pollinated and reusable, these seeds....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Amul, and Rich Plus have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote organic farming in India. More About the News Launch of Organic Farming Card: A co-branded Organic Farming Card has been introduced for account holders of IOB who are engaged in organic farming. This card will enable farmers to access discounted organic agricultural inputs through Amul’s certified retail outlets. IOB has announced a dedicated credit scheme named “Harit Kranti”, specifically designed to address the financial needs of organic farmers. Richplus will play a key role in offering technical expertise....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: According to an analysis by ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NIAP), India’s aggregate food demand is projected to exceed twice the current demand by 2047. Major Findings Increase in Population: By the 100th year of its independence in 2047, India aims to attain the status of a developed nation. By this time, of the projected 1.6 billion population, approximately half may reside in urban areas. Increase in Demand: By 2047, India’s demand for nutrient-rich foods, including horticultural and animal products, is expected to increase three to four times. Land Shrinking: Agricultural land needed....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers highlights several key issues and recommendations regarding India’s fertilizer sector. Key Recommendations of the Committee: Funding Concerns: The committee is concerned about the Ministry of Finance’s reduction in the Department of Fertilizers’ budget allocation for 2025-26, specifically impacting the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) and Urea Subsidy Schemes. It urges the Union Fertilizers Ministry to seek additional funds at the revised estimate stage to prevent negative effects on farmer subsidy schemes. Nano Fertilizer Promotion: Committee emphasizes the need to expand production capacity for nano urea and nano diammonium phosphate....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: The Union Agriculture Minister has announced plans to upgrade the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) to e-NAM 2.0 to resolve logistical hurdles in inter-state and inter-mandi trade. About e-NAM (2016) e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform that connects Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. Implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW). Provides digital services to traders, farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Mandis. As of December 31, 2024, 1.79 crore farmers and 2.63 lakh traders have....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, employing nearly 45% of the workforce and contributing about 16% to the nation’s GDP. Recognizing its pivotal role, India has implemented several initiatives to strengthen this sector. About the Agriculture Sector in India Agriculture serves as the backbone of India’s economy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, providing employment, and contributing to overall economic development. It is envisioned as one of the four engines of development (others are MSMEs, Investments, and Exports) in the recently announced Union Budget of 2025-26. These engines are aimed at driving....Read More

General Studies Paper - Context: Farmers protesting at the Punjab and Haryana borders have demanded India’s withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and suspension of all free trade agreements under the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), citing adverse impacts on Indian agriculture. About the World Trade Organization (WTO) What is WTO? WTO governs global trade rules and is the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) established after WWII. Established: 1994 through the Marrakesh Agreement, with 123 founding countries. India’s Membership: Since January 1, 1995. Current Membership: 164 members (including the EU) and 23 observer governments (e.g.,....Read More