1. Over 70% Farmers Still Use Cash to Sell Their Produce – Economy
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey on agricultural transactions found that cash remains the dominant payment mode among Indian farmers, despite a gradual increase in digital transactions.
- 2019: 88% of farmers used cash.
- 2022: Dropped to 79%.
- 2024: Further reduced to 72%.
- Digital Payments: Increased from 8% (2019) to 18% (2024).
- Traders: Adoption of electronic payments rose from 8% (2019) to 31% (2024).
- Retailers: Increased from 3% (2019) to 22% (2024).
Reasons for Low Digital Adoption
- Market Price Discovery:
- 55% of farmers use cash to determine market prices (up from 47% in 2019).
- Less than 10% check rates via apps or websites; instead, they rely on fellow farmers.
- Dependence on Traditional Information Sources:
- Despite the rise of agri-tech platforms, word-of-mouth remains the primary source of price information.
- Role of Intermediaries:
- Multiple intermediaries reduce farmers’ profits, keeping them tied to cash transactions.
- Crop Damage and Uncertain Income:
- 64% of farmers reported crop damage in the 2023-24 rabi season.
- Causes:
- 37% due to unseasonal rainfall.
- 30% due to heatwaves.
- Limited income security makes them hesitant to adopt digital payments.
- Importance of Weather Forecasts:
- 90% of farmers prioritize weather forecasts for sowing and harvesting decisions.
Significance of the Survey Findings
- Slow Digital Transition: Despite the push for digital payments (UPI, mobile banking), cash reliance remains high.
- Need for Awareness & Infrastructure: Farmers require better access to digital tools, education, and reliable digital transaction infrastructure.
- Impact on Policy-Making: Highlights the necessity for financial literacy programs, improved rural banking services, and reduced dependency on intermediaries.
Relevance for Exam
- Economic & Agricultural Policies: Examines challenges in financial inclusion within India’s agricultural sector.
- Digital India & Rural Development: Understanding why digital penetration is slow in rural areas.
- Climate & Agriculture: Crop damage due to extreme weather patterns links to climate change and food security concerns.
- Policy Implications: Government measures like Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), eNAM (National Agriculture Market), and PM-KISAN must be improved to boost digital transactions.
2. Delimitation and the South – Polity
Why in News?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reassured that southern states will not lose parliamentary seats due to upcoming delimitation. This assurance comes amid concerns that states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala might see a decline in their representation due to slower population growth compared to northern states.
Delimitation, which involves redrawing constituency boundaries, is expected after the delayed Census (initially set for 2026). If implemented based on new population data, northern states could gain more seats, altering political balance.
What is Delimitation?
- Definition: The process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to reflect population changes.
- Objective: Ensures fair representation in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies by adjusting constituencies based on Census data.
- Legal Basis:
- Article 82 – Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census to reallocate Lok Sabha seats.
- Article 81 – Limits Lok Sabha seats to 550 (530 from states, 20 from UTs) and mandates equal representation based on population.
History of Delimitation in India
- 1952, 1963, 1973, 2002 → Delimitation exercises conducted.
- 42nd Amendment (1976):
- Frozen seat allocation until the 2001 Census to avoid penalizing states with lower population growth.
- Helped southern states, which had successfully controlled population growth, retain their representation.
- 2001 Delimitation:
- Constituency boundaries were redrawn, but seat numbers remained unchanged due to opposition from southern states.
Potential Impact of Delimitation on Lok Sabha Representation
- Current Scenario: Each MP represents about 10.11 lakh people on average.
- Projected Scenario (2025 Population Data):
- If the seat-to-population ratio remains the same, Lok Sabha strength could rise to nearly 1,400.
- Northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar could gain more seats due to higher population growth.
- Southern states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh) would see smaller increases or even stagnation in their representation.
Concerns of Southern States Over Delimitation
- Political Disadvantage:
- South has achieved better population control, yet they might lose influence in national politics as representation shifts to the North.
- Regional parties fear losing seats, benefiting parties dominant in the Hindi belt.
- Demographic Imbalance in Governance:
- Northern states might dictate national policies, disregarding the unique economic and social progress of the South.
- Call for Policy Reforms:
- Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin has demanded an all-party meeting to strategize against potential political disadvantages.
- Some experts argue for weightage based on economic contribution, not just population.
Significance for Exam
- Political Structure & Constitution: Delimitation is crucial in understanding India’s federal governance and representation system.
- Centre-State Relations: Highlights tensions between the North and South, which could impact future political and economic policies.
- Demographics & Electoral Reforms: Explores how population control and representation policies affect democratic governance.
- Future of Indian Democracy: Raises questions on whether seat allocation should be purely population-based or should factor in development indicators.
3. Coal Power is Costing India Up to 10% of Its Rice and Wheat Crops – Environment
Why in News?
A Stanford University study found that coal-fired power plants in India are causing up to 10% crop loss in rice and wheat production in several states. This is due to air pollution, particularly Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) emissions, which negatively impact plant health and productivity.
- Coal dependency in India:
- 65% of India’s electricity comes from coal due to low cost and abundant reserves.
- Scientific Findings:
- NO₂ emissions from coal plants reduce crop yields, with some states experiencing up to 10% losses.
- Ground-level ozone formation (due to NO₂) further damages crops.
How Coal Power Impacts Agriculture
1. Phytotoxic Effects of NO₂
- Harmful to plants:
- Disrupts cellular functions and reduces chlorophyll levels.
- Weakens plant vitality, leading to lower crop production.
- Example:
- Regions near coal plants show lower chlorophyll levels, resulting in reduced yields.
2. Ozone Formation & Crop Damage
- NO₂ contributes to ground-level ozone formation, which:
- Limits photosynthesis by damaging plant cells.
- Causes oxidative stress, making crops more vulnerable to diseases.
- Reduces productivity, especially in major agricultural states like Chhattisgarh during peak growing seasons.
3. Research Gaps & Advanced Data Collection
- Limited studies in India previously—most research was global.
- Satellite Data (TROPOMI):
- Tracks NO₂ emissions precisely.
- Helps understand the long-term effects on Indian agriculture.
Implications & Significance
1. Food Security Threat
- India is a leading producer of rice and wheat → Any decline in yield threatens national and global food supply.
- Farmers face economic losses due to lower productivity.
2. Environmental & Health Impact
- Air pollution regulations must be stricter to reduce damage to crops.
- Health risks from NO₂ pollution affect both humans and livestock.
3. Need for Sustainable Energy Solutions
- Alternative energy sources (solar, wind, hydropower) must be prioritized.
- Himachal Pradesh’s hydroelectric potential can play a major role in reducing coal dependence.
Relevance for Exam
- Environmental Issues: Impact of pollution on agriculture, food security, and climate change.
- Energy Policies: Need for transition from coal to renewable energy for sustainable development.
- Economic Impact: Losses in agriculture affect GDP, rural economy, and farmer incomes.
- Government Initiatives: Role of schemes like National Solar Mission, FASTER Adoption of Electric Vehicles (FAME), and Perform, Achieve & Trade (PAT) for industrial emission reductions.
Way Forward – Solutions & Policy Recommendations
- Stronger Environmental Regulations: Strict NO₂ emission limits for coal plants.
- Promotion of Renewable Energy: Expanding solar, wind, and hydro projects.
- Precision Agriculture: Using satellite data & AI to monitor and mitigate pollution impact.
- Better Farmer Support Policies: Financial aid for pollution-affected farmers.
4. Kundi Water Harvest System – Environment
Why in News?
The Kundi Water Harvest System is gaining attention as an effective traditional rainwater harvesting method, particularly in arid regions like Rajasthan, India. It represents a blend of local knowledge and sustainable water conservation, making it crucial for areas facing water scarcity and erratic rainfall patterns.
What is the Kundi Water Harvest System?
- Definition:
- A traditional water conservation technique used in desert regions to harvest and store rainwater.
- Helps communities cope with water shortages in regions with low and unpredictable rainfall.
- Structure:
- A deep, circular or rectangular pit, either dug into the ground or built above ground.
- Reinforced with stones or bricks to prevent water seepage.
- Functionality:
- Rainwater is collected from rooftops or nearby surfaces through small channels.
- Water is then funneled into the Kundi for storage.
- Often covered with a lid or stone slab to prevent contamination and evaporation.
Significance of the Kundi System
- Water Conservation & Storage:
- Provides safe drinking water in dry seasons.
- Helps in irrigation and domestic use when no other water sources are available.
- Sustainability & Climate Adaptation:
- An eco-friendly, cost-effective solution for communities in drought-prone regions.
- Reduces dependency on groundwater and prevents over-extraction.
- Cultural & Traditional Importance:
- Indigenous knowledge passed down through generations, showcasing local wisdom in solving environmental challenges.
Relevance for Exam
- Environment & Ecology: Understanding water conservation techniques is essential for sustainable development.
- Climate Change & Adaptation: Demonstrates local resilience in tackling water scarcity.
- Government Schemes & Policies: Relates to initiatives like:
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (Water conservation campaign).
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (Groundwater management).
- PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) (Efficient irrigation & water-saving techniques).
Way Forward – How Can It Be Replicated?
- Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Modern Techniques → Combining Kundis with solar-powered water pumps for better water management.
- Expanding Use in Other Water-Stressed Areas → Himachal Pradesh can adopt similar models in low-rainfall districts.
- Government & NGO Support → Funding for reviving and promoting traditional water harvesting methods.
5. Svalbard Global Seed Vault – Environment
Why in News?
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault recently received 14,000 new seed samples, reinforcing its status as the largest backup facility for crop diversity worldwide. This facility plays a crucial role in safeguarding unique crop genetic material, ensuring food security for future generations.
What is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault?
- Location: Situated in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, deep inside a mountain.
- Established: In 2008, as a global repository for duplicate seed samples from gene banks worldwide.
- Storage Capacity:
- Can store up to 4.5 million crop varieties.
- Ensures protection against natural and human-made disasters (e.g., climate change, wars, nuclear conflicts).
Key Features & Importance
- Purpose & Functionality:
- Acts as a global backup system to prevent the permanent loss of crop diversity.
- Protects the genetic material of food crops, helping in climate-resilient agriculture.
- Operates under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Storage Conditions:
- Seeds are stored under “black box” conditions → Only the depositing institution can access them.
- Temperature: -18°C to ensure long-term preservation.
- Deep underground location protects against disasters, including nuclear war, earthquakes, and floods.
- Role in Food Security & Agriculture:
- Helps scientists develop climate-resistant crops by preserving diverse genetic materials.
- Provides an insurance policy against biodiversity loss due to climate change, pests, and diseases.
- Supports countries facing conflicts or disasters, ensuring they can restore their agriculture (e.g., Syria withdrew seeds to rebuild its crop collections during the civil war).
Relevance for Exam
- Food Security & Agriculture: Helps in protecting India’s crop diversity, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Biodiversity & Environment: Essential for maintaining genetic diversity in plants, crucial for climate adaptation.
- Disaster Management & Climate Resilience: Provides a safeguard against agricultural disruptions caused by climate change and disasters.
- International Cooperation: India is among the countries contributing seeds to the vault, showcasing global collaboration in food security.
Way Forward – How Can India Benefit?
- India can expand its own seed banks like the National Gene Bank (New Delhi), inspired by Svalbard.
- More indigenous seed varieties should be preserved, especially those suited for Himalayan agriculture.
- Use of AI & Biotechnology to improve crop preservation methods.