India's Agricultural Policy: Balancing Trade and Farmer Interests
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Economy (Agriculture, International Trade, FTAs), Current Events of National Importance.
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country; Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Food security; Economics of animal-rearing; Effects of liberalization on the economy.
Key Highlights from the News
Prime Minister's Statement: The Prime Minister emphasized that farmers' welfare is the government's top priority and that India will not compromise on their interests, especially those of dairy farmers and fishermen.
Background: This statement comes amidst farmers' concerns regarding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) currently under discussion with the United States.
US Demand: As part of this FTA, the US has expressed interest in gaining access to India's agricultural market, particularly the dairy sector, and exporting products like soybean, corn, almonds, and apples.
Farmers' Reaction: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmer organizations, demanded that the details of the agreement discussions be placed before Parliament and that the agreement not be signed without the approval of the House.
India's Agricultural Achievements: India ranks first in the world in the production of milk, pulses, and jute. It is second in the production of rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, vegetables, and fish.
M.S. Swaminathan Award: The first M.S. Swaminathan Annual Award for Food and Peace was awarded to Nigerian scientist Ademola A. Adenle.
Awardee's Contribution: He received the award for his contributions to evidence-based policymaking regarding Genetically Modified (GM) agricultural crops.
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