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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.