Editorial 1 : Food for reform
GS-3 Mains
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Question ; Critically analyze the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in promoting inclusive growth in the agri-food sector of India
Context
Editorial suggests preparations for the first 100 days of the third term of the NDA government in 2024.
Facts and Figures:
- India’s projected population: 1.6 billion by 2047.
- Last year’s temperature rise: 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Current malnutrition rate: Stunting at 35%.
- Proposal to save 25-30% of Rs 4 trillion subsidy on food and fertilisers.
Suggestions for Agri-Food Space
- Raising Total Factor Productivity
- Need for food systems transformation.
- India’s population projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2047.
- Goal: Produce more with fewer resources.
- Emphasis on agri-R&D, innovation, and extension.
- Aim to raise total factor productivity.
- Investing in Climate-Resilient Agriculture
- Threat of extreme weather events due to global warming.
- Last year’s temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Climate events impacting agri-GDP growth.
- Solution: Invest in climate-resilient agriculture.
- Focus on heat and flood-resistant seeds, water management.
- Adoption of precision agriculture techniques.
- Logistic Support for Urban Food Transportation
- Urban population expected to rise to over two-thirds by 2047.
- Need for efficient food transportation to urban areas.
- Requires logistics revolution.
- Opportunities for private sector investments.
- Call for market-aligned laws to facilitate efficient value chains.
- Promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
- Fragmentation of farming despite scaling up in other sectors.
- Importance of FPOs or cooperatives for smallholders.
- Institutional innovation crucial for inclusive growth.
- Learnings from successful models like AMUL.
- Transition to Nutritional Security
- Move beyond food security to nutritional security.
- High rates of malnutrition, particularly among children.
- Importance of fortifying staples with micro-nutrients.
- Need for government support in adopting nutrient-rich crops.
- Enhanced Public-Private Partnership
- Acknowledgement of the role of public-private partnerships.
- Private sector’s capacity to build efficient value chains.
- Government’s role in providing conducive policy framework.
- Proposal for PLI-type scheme for the farm industry.
- Revamping Subsidy Regime
- Necessity to improve farmers’ incomes.
- Proposal to “re-purpose” subsidy regimes.
- Potential savings through direct income transfers.
- Reinvestment in food systems for resilience and nutrition.
Conclusion
- Focus areas for the next government:
- Increasing productivity in agriculture.
- Scaling up processing and retailing.
- Facilitating technology adoption.
Indian Express Editorial Summary : The Asian edge
GS-2 Mains
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Question : Critically evaluate China’s response to US containment policies in Asia
Context
The editorial discusses recent events involving US-Japan-Philippines summits and China’s responses.
Impact of US-China Standoff on India
- Global Significance: US-China confrontation in Asia could have profound global ramifications.
- India’s Involvement: India’s strategic partnership with the US and ongoing military standoff with China make it a significant player.
- Role Shaping: Delhi poised to shape the evolving Asian dynamic.
Transformation of Japan as Military Powerhouse
- Historical Context: Japan’s post-WWII pacifist stance.
- Recent Development: Transformation into a potential military powerhouse.
- Agreements with US: Integration of military command structures, increased defense budget, joint development of weapons.
- Regional Cooperation: Trilateral summit with US and Philippines for defending territorial sovereignty.
- Economic Cooperation: Infrastructure development with Philippines as an alternative to Chinese initiatives.
China’s Response to US Containment Policies
- Warning against Bloc Politics: China cautions US against creating a “mini NATO” in Asia.
- Countermeasures: Hosted Russian and Taiwanese officials, engaged with leaders of Vietnam and Indonesia.
- Resistance to Economic Decoupling: Determined to prevent regional economic decoupling from China.
Illusions in India Regarding Indo-China Relations
- Perceived Outreach: Some in Delhi believe China may be ready for a fresh outreach to prevent closer ties with the US.
- Historical Disappointment: Past illusions shattered by reality.
- Condition for Reset: Peace and tranquility on the border must be restored before any political reset with China.
Conclusion
- Political and Military Markers: US and China laying down new markers in Asia.
- Delhi’s Role: India must play an important role.
- Realistic Assessment: Delhi must assess China’s intentions realistically, without illusions.
Facts and Figures:
- Population Figures: Mention of India’s population size.
- Defense Budget: Reference to Japan’s growing defense budget.
- Territorial Sovereignty: Mention of Philippines’ territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea.