Unit-4 : FARMERS & FOODGRAINS
Economic and Government Schemes in India
- Gross Value Added (GVA): Measures the value of goods and services produced by a sector of the economy.
- Millet: A group of small-seeded grains cultivated in dry areas.
- Central Sector Schemes: Implemented and funded entirely by the central government.
- Fair Price Shops (PDS): Sell subsidized food grains to low-income earners.
- Public Distribution System (PDS): A network of shops that distribute essential commodities at affordable prices.
Chapter-16 : Agriculture
Indian Agriculture Sector: An Overview
- Growth: Moderate growth (3% in 2021-22) compared to the historical average (4.6% in the last six years).
- Investment:
- Private investment increasing (9.3% in 2020-21).
- Public investment stagnant (4.3% in 2020-21).
- Exports: Reached an all-time high of US$50.2 billion in 2021-22.
- Employment: Provides livelihood to over 151 million people (around 60% of the population).
- Contribution to GDP:
- About 18% (gradually decreasing with economic diversification).
- Agriculture and allied sectors contribute over 24% to GVA.
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme (2015-present)
- Goal:Increase water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation (drip & sprinkler systems).
- Benefits:
- Water savings
- Reduced fertilizer usage
- Lower labor expenses
- Increased farmer income
- Financial Assistance:
- 55% for small & marginal farmers
- 45% for other farmers
- Coverage:47 lakh hectares covered by 2022-23 (81% increase since 2015-16).
International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023
- FAO declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
- Government of India actively promoted millet cultivation and consumption.
- Why Millets?
- Nutritional Benefits:Richer in minerals, vitamins, fiber, and certain amino acids compared to rice and wheat (e.g., Bajra for iron, zinc, and protein).
- Climate-Smart Crop:
- Drought-resistant
- Short growing season (70-100 days)
- Lower water requirement (350-500 mm)
- Thrives in poor soils and hilly areas
Additional Notes:
- Millets were among the first domesticated crops in India (evidence from Indus Valley civilization).
- Grown in over 130 countries, millets are a traditional food for more than half a billion people in Asia and Africa.
Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
- Launched: 2017-18 (revised to 2018-19)
- Target: State federations, district unions, milk producer companies, and NDDB subsidiaries (Eligible End Borrowers)
- Goal: Modernize milk processing plants and create infrastructure for increased milk processing
- Extension: Funding period extended to 2022-23, loan repayment until 2030-31
हिन्दी