Importance of March Edition – Profitable Farming

• The March 2024 edition of Kurukshetra magazine with the theme “Profitable Farming” is crucial for UPSC exam preparation as it provides in-depth insights into agricultural economics and policies.
• It covers topics related to enhancing farm profitability, such as apiculture, vertical farming, organic farming, mushroom farming – which are essential for understanding India’s agricultural sector’s dynamics.
• The magazine explores various aspects of profitable farming, including innovative farming practices, market trends, government schemes, and technological advancements.
• The magazine offers case studies and policy analysis, which are valuable resources for candidates preparing for the UPSC exam’s agriculture-related questions in mains and prelims.

1. Adoption of Digital and Innovative Farming Techniques

Introduction

• The current decade witnesses the emergence of a ‘digital agricultural revolution’ aimed at addressing the challenges facing agriculture and the food sector, particularly due to a burgeoning global population.
• This transformation is essential to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal of achieving ‘zero hunger’ by 2030, requiring a shift towards a more productive, sustainable, efficient, and resilient agrifood system.

Digital Agricultural Revolution

• Aims to address challenges in agriculture due to population growth and limited resources.
• Digital agriculture increases efficiency, productivity, profitability, and sustainability while promoting economic benefits and societal inclusion.

India’s Agricultural Landscape

• India ranks among top agricultural producers but faces challenges like small land holdings and low farmer revenue.
• Digital technology offers solutions to increase efficiency and revenue through innovative farming practices.

Innovative Farming Practices

• Precision Agriculture: Uses GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics to optimize resource utilization.
• Vertical Farming and Controlled-Environment Agriculture: Maximizes land use efficiency and minimizes environmental impact.
• Smart Farming: Combines IoT devices and connectivity for automated agricultural ecosystems.
• Blockchain Technology in Agriculture: Enhances transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain.

Digital Farming Techniques

• Precision Agriculture Technologies: Utilize GPS, sensors, and IoT devices for real-time monitoring.
• Smart Irrigation System: Utilizes soil moisture sensors for efficient water management.
• Drones: Provide high-resolution imagery for crop monitoring.
• Automated Technology: Enables precision operations such as planting and harvesting.
• Data-driven Farm Management: Employs software programs for informed decision-making.
• Blockchain: Ensures transparency and traceability in agricultural supply chains.
• Robots for Agricultural Operations: Automates tasks like harvesting and weed control.
• Machine Learning: Predicts crop yields, disease outbreaks, and market trends.
• Digital Twins: Create virtual replicas of farms for simulation and optimization.

Application and Adoption of Digital Agriculture Technologies

• Startups contribute to increased farm mechanization and digital extension services.
• Technologies like drones, IoT devices, and blockchain are used for crop monitoring and supply chain traceability.
• Initiatives like digital equipment rental platforms and mobile-based advisory services enhance productivity and market access.

Digital Divide

• Disparities in access, connectivity, and technological literacy hinder equitable adoption of digital agriculture.
• Bridging the digital divide requires efforts to enhance digital literacy and provide affordable access to technology.

Conditions for Digital Transformation

• Availability, connectivity, affordability, and ICT integration are fundamental for technology utilization.
• Enabling conditions such as widespread internet use and digital skills contribute to smoother technology adoption.

Way Forward

• India’s National AI Strategy and initiatives like Agriculture 4.0 aim to unlock the economic and societal advantages of digital technology.
• Establishment and promotion of FPOs accelerate the adoption of digital agriculture and address sector challenges.

Conclusion

• Digital farming practices offer solutions to increase productivity, sustainability, and efficiency.
• Through innovative techniques and technologies, farmers can meet growing population demands while minimizing environmental impact.
• Establishment of FPOs and adoption of digital agriculture present opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development in Indian agriculture

2. Bamboo Farming

Introduction to Bamboo Cultivation

• Bamboo can be grown both as a main crop and subsidiary crop, offering diverse uses and economic opportunities.
• It is an environment-friendly crop, requiring less maintenance and offering a variety of uses.

Climate Requirement for Bamboo Cultivation

• Bamboo thrives in a broad range of soil types and climates, including valleys, streamsides, and lower slopes of hills.
• It grows in temperatures between 7°C and 40°C and benefits from high temperatures combined with rainfall.
• Ideal annual rainfall ranges from 1200 mm to 4000 mm, and it can withstand temperatures from -5°C to 45°C.
• Bamboo prefers soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5 and thrives in nitrogen, P205, K20, CaO, and Si02-rich soil.

Manuring and Fertilization for Bamboo Growth

• Key ingredients for bamboo fertilizer include potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, with a recommended NPK composition of 4:1 or 5:2:1.
• Incorporating wood ash, organic compost, and green manures maximizes yield.

Uses of Bamboo

• Fabrication: Bamboo is ideal for textiles due to its lightness and delicacy, with bamboo fiber fabric being naturally glossy and antibacterial.
• Utensils: Bamboo cookware is traditional and eco-friendly, offering a sustainable alternative for cooking.
• Medicinal Uses: Bamboo has therapeutic properties and can treat colds, flu, nausea, and nasal congestion.
• Other Uses: Bamboo is used in manufacturing musical instruments, cutlery, knife holders, and more.

Economic Contribution of Bamboo to India

• Bamboo holds a significant market share in the industrial goods sector, contributing to a 5.7% annual growth rate.
• It is considered a fast-growing market, dominating industries such as flooring, pulp, paper, and plywood.
• The Asia-Pacific region, including India, China, Vietnam, and Myanmar, contributes 75% of the total revenue in the bamboo industry.

Key Takeaways

• Bamboo cultivation offers economic opportunities and environmental benefits due to its versatile uses and low maintenance requirements.
• Proper climate, soil conditions, and fertilization are essential for successful bamboo growth.
• Bamboo’s economic contribution to India is significant, with a growing market share in various industries.

3. Mushroom Cultivation

Introduction

• Mushroom cultivation offers a profitable venture within agriculture and promotes sustainable practices such as recycling agro-residues.
• Integrating mushroom cultivation into farming systems diversifies income sources and contributes to achieving nutritional and food security goals.

Current Mushroom Production Scenario

• Global Production: In 2021, global mushroom production reached 44.2 million tons, led by shiitake mushrooms at 26% and oyster mushrooms at 21%.
• Indian Production: India annually produces around 0.28 million tonnes of mushrooms, with a per capita consumption lower compared to the USA and China.
• History: Mushroom cultivation in India started in 1961 in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, leading to the establishment of the National Research Centre for Mushrooms (NRCM) in 1983 and the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) in 2008.
• Recognition: Solan was declared ‘The Mushroom City of India’ in 1997.
• Major Species: Button mushrooms dominate Indian cultivation (70%), followed by oyster mushrooms (17%) and paddy straw mushrooms (9%).
• Regional Distribution: Bihar leads production (11%), followed by Odisha, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
• Future Prospects: Improved strains like shiitake and Ganoderma offer promising alternatives for farmers.

Benefits of Mushroom Cultivation

Utilisation of Agricultural Waste:

• Mushroom cultivation efficiently converts agricultural waste into nutritious food, helping to reduce pollution and climate change.
  • Currently, only 0.03% of crop residues are used for mushroom production.
  • Mushrooms grow on various agricultural and forest waste, converting them into value-added products like food, medicine, and compost.

Profitability:

• Mushroom cultivation is profitable and can be conducted indoors without arable land.
  • Recommended species for cultivation in India include button, oyster, paddy straw, and milky mushrooms.
  • Farmers can start cultivation with simple technology and minimal infrastructure, yielding high profits in a short duration.
  • Supports the livelihood of small and marginal farmers with low operational costs.
• Government schemes like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) offer financial support and subsidies.

Medicinal and Nutritional Properties of Mushrooms

• Mushrooms are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, serving as a valuable superfood.
• They possess high medicinal and functional properties, with species like Ganoderma being particularly valuable.
• Mushrooms contain essential amino acids, vitamins D, B, and minerals like phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.
• Incorporating mushrooms into diets can reduce the risk of memory loss and provide various health benefits.
• India earned $8.65 million USD from mushroom exports in 2020.

Highly Priced Mushrooms

• Some mushrooms like Cordyceps militaris and Morchella esculenta are highly priced and have medicinal significance.
• India exports 50-60 tonnes of dry morels annually, with Shiitake mushrooms fetching high prices.
• Cultivation technology for prized mushrooms like Shiitake and Cordyceps militaris has been developed, reducing cultivation time and increasing profitability.

Conclusion

• Mushroom cultivation presents a profitable venture within agriculture while promoting sustainability through recycling agro-residues.
• India has significant potential in mushroom production, with opportunities for diversifying income sources and contributing to nutritional goals.
• Mushroom cultivation offers numerous benefits, including utilisation of agricultural waste, profitability, medicinal and nutritional properties, and cultivation of highly priced varieties.

4. Apiculture: Scope and Opportunities

Introduction to Apiculture

• Apiculture refers to the science and culture of honeybees and their management, commonly practiced by humans through beekeeping.
• Beekeeping involves the intentional maintenance of honey bee colonies, often in hives, for various purposes such as honey collection, pollination of crops, and bee production.

Overview of Beekeeping in India

• India’s beekeeping has historically been forest-based, with natural plant species providing nectar and pollen to honey bees.
• India hosts four major honey bee species, including two domesticated species (Apis cerana and A. mellifera) and two wild species (A. dorsata and A. florea).
• The government allocated Rs. 500 crore for the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) for three years, aiming to boost the beekeeping sector.
• India is a significant honey exporting country, exporting 79,929.17 MT of natural honey worth Rs. 1,622.77 crore in 2022-23.

Problems in Beekeeping

• Challenges faced by beekeepers include difficulties in obtaining honey boxes, lack of marketing facilities for honey, and insufficient instruction in apiary management.

Scope and Market Trends

• The apiculture market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during 2020-25, with the Asia-Pacific region dominating production.
• The Indian apiculture market is expected to reach Rs. 33,128 million by 2024, with a CAGR of nearly 12%.
• India ranks as the sixth largest natural honey exporting country, with major export destinations including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Qatar.
• Market trends indicate significant growth potential, with the Indian honey market expected to reach nearly INR 30.6 billion by 2026.

Possible Products from Beekeeping

• Honey: A viscous fluid produced from flower nectar by bees, rich in sugars, antibiotics, enzymes, acids, and minerals, serving as a high energy source.
• Royal Jelly: A secretion from bees containing proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals, used for various health benefits.
• Beeswax: A substance secreted by bees, chiefly used in the candle industry after solidifying when exposed to air.
• Propolis: A mixture of beeswax and plant resins collected by honeybees, used for its medicinal properties.
• Bee Venom: Injected into patients for rheumatism and various health issues.
• Pollen: A mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, wax, and bee secretions, loaded with nutrients and active substances.

Conclusion

• India is a major producer and consumer of honey, with an estimated annual production of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes.
• Beekeeping offers income and employment opportunities for rural households through honey and other bee product production.
• Embracing sustainable practices, innovation, and knowledge sharing platforms can pave the way for a thriving future for beekeeping entrepreneurs.

5. Floriculture and Commercial Potential of Orchids: A Blossoming Business Opportunity

Introduction to Orchid Floriculture in India

• Orchid floriculture has emerged as a thriving global industry, with orchids representing prized gems in both beauty and commercial value.
• In India, orchids offer a lucrative business opportunity due to the country’s rich floral diversity, boasting over 1,300 indigenous orchid species.
• India’s orchid diversity contributes significantly to the flourishing floriculture industry, evident in impressive export figures reaching USD 74.82 million in 2020-21.

Diversity of Orchids in India

• India’s diverse climatic zones harbor over 1,300 indigenous orchid species, thriving in various ecosystems from the Himalayan foothills to coastal regions.
• Notable orchid genera include Dendrobium, Vanda, and Arachnis, with Northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim serving as hotspots for orchid diversity.
• The Eastern Himalayas, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, host a diverse array of orchid species, contributing to India’s status as one of the world’s orchid-rich regions.
• India has successfully acclimated exotic orchid species to its climate and cultivated hybrid varieties through meticulous breeding efforts, enriching its orchid palette.
• Efforts in recording and conserving India’s orchid diversity align with the nation’s biodiversity goals, presenting opportunities for growth in the orchid floriculture industry.

Factors Contributing to Commercial Success

Local Adaptation and Cultivation Techniques:

• Orchid growers in India have tailored cultivation methods to suit local conditions, resulting in increased production and quality.
  • Research-driven practices mimic natural habitats, optimizing temperature, humidity, and light levels for orchid cultivation.

Cultural Significance and Traditional Use:

• Orchids hold cultural value in Indian traditions, featuring prominently in religious ceremonies, weddings, and decorative arrangements.
  • Cultural relevance sustains consistent demand, as reflected in the Orchid Society of India’s annual report.

Government Initiatives and Subsidies:

• Government support through financial assistance, training programs, and infrastructure development bolsters the floriculture sector, including orchid cultivation.
  • Initiatives outlined by the National Horticulture Board aim to strengthen the floriculture industry.

Export Opportunities:

• India meets international demand for orchids, emerging as a significant exporter with growing global recognition, as indicated by export figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Technology Adoption and Research Collaborations:

• Technological advancements like greenhouse cultivation and tissue culture techniques contribute to orchid cultivation’s commercial success.
  • Research collaborations drive innovation in enhancing varieties, disease resistance, and production efficiency.

Challenges in Orchid Floriculture

Infrastructure and Technology Gap:

• Limited access to modern greenhouse facilities and advanced cultivation technologies poses challenges, particularly in remote areas.
  • Bridging this gap through global collaboration and research partnerships is essential for sustainable growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Orchids are susceptible to various pests and diseases, impacting crop yield and quality.
  • Effective management strategies and ongoing research are crucial for sustaining commercial success.

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability:

• Intensive cultivation practices raise concerns about environmental sustainability, including water usage and chemical inputs.
  • Adoption of eco-friendly practices and promotion of organic alternatives are vital for addressing these concerns.

Promotion of Sustainable Practices:

• Proactive adoption and promotion of environmentally responsible cultivation methods are essential.
  • Certifications for sustainable practices can enhance the industry’s image and access to premium markets.

Skill Development and Training:

• Success in orchid cultivation requires skilled manpower proficient in advanced techniques.
  • Ongoing training programs and collaborations between industry stakeholders and educational institutions are crucial for addressing skill gaps.

Conclusion

• Despite challenges, the Indian orchid floriculture industry holds promising prospects with proactive measures and global collaboration.
• By promoting sustainable practices, addressing skill gaps, and diversifying product offerings, the industry can thrive, contributing to economic and environmental sustainability while meeting the growing demand for ornamental plants.

6. Organic Farming- Benefits, Present Status and Future Prospects

Introduction to Organic Farming

• Organic farming emphasises the creation of an agricultural ecosystem without harmful external inputs like chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms.
• India has witnessed significant growth in food grain production over the years, prompting the adoption of sustainable practices like organic farming to address concerns about adverse impacts on human health and the ecosystem.

Need and Benefits of Organic Farming

• Biodiversity and Soil Health: Organic farming promotes biodiversity, conserves soil health, and reduces water pollution, ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
• Economic Sustainability: It contributes to the resilience and prosperity of farmers by reducing input costs and creating better market access, providing economic sustainability.
• Consumer Benefits: Organic farming benefits consumers by offering healthier and safer food options with higher nutritional value, potentially opening up international markets for organic products.

Status of Organic Farming in India

• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): Launched in 2001, NPOP provides an institutional framework for accreditation and certification of various facets of organic agriculture.
• Area Under Organic Farming: India is the sixth-largest country in terms of total area under organic farming, with around 2.4% of the net cultivated area certified or in the conversion process.
• State Contributions: Chhattisgarh leads in organic farming area, while Sikkim became the first fully organic state in the world.
• Number of Organic Producers: India boasts the highest number of organic farmers globally, with 15.99 lakh organic producers.

Organic Production in India

• India produced 2,972.39 thousand metric tonnes of organic products in fiscal year 2022-23, including edible crops, fiber, medicinal, herbal, and aromatic plants.
• Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of organic products, mainly fiber crops, followed by oilseeds and sugar crops.

Export of Organic Products

• India’s organic farming sector is export-intensive, with exports reaching 312,800.51 metric tonnes in 2022-23, generating revenue of approximately Rs. 5,525.18 crore.
• Organic products are exported to various international markets, including the USA, European Union, Canada, Great Britain, and more.
• The organic export market of India is expected to reach about USD 2,601 million by 2026.

Initiatives Supporting Organic Farming

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Operational since 2014-15, NMSA focuses on increasing water-use efficiency, promoting organic nutrient management, and adopting climate-resilient sustainable agricultural practices.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Launched in April 2015, PKVY encourages the adoption of organic farming practices by providing financial assistance to farmers and promoting community participation.

Challenges in Organic Farming

• Limited awareness among farmers about organic farming practices and their benefits.
• High initial costs associated with obtaining organic certification deter many farmers from transitioning to organic methods.
• During the transition phase, farmers often experience decreased yields due to the shift away from synthetic inputs.
• Managing pests and diseases using natural methods can be challenging and requires specialised knowledge and skills.
• Quality control standards and certification processes can be complex and time-consuming, posing obstacles for farmers.
• Inadequate market infrastructure for organic products, including storage, transportation, and distribution facilities, limits market access and profitability.

Way Forward

• Addressing low productivity requires increased research and development on organic farming techniques, including developing resilient crop varieties and exploring new pest control methods.
• Continued policy support from the government is essential for the growth of organic farming, along with educating consumers about the benefits of organic produce.

Conclusion

• Educating consumers about the benefits of organic produce is crucial for sustaining the demand for organic products.
• India has the potential to emerge as a global frontrunner in organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices by effectively addressing challenges and seizing opportunities.

7. Opportunities in Dairy and Fisheries Sector

Introduction:

• Dairy and fisheries are vital sectors in India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and providing substantial employment opportunities.
• India ranks among the highest milk-producing countries globally, with a production of 126 million litres per day in 2021-22, constituting 24.64% of global milk production.
• The fisheries sector has been growing at an average annual rate of 7% since 2016-17, contributing 1.1% to India’s gross value added (GVA) and 6.72% to the total agriculture sector GVA.

Dairy Sector Overview:

• India has witnessed a 58% increase in milk production over the last decade.
• The dairy sector is crucial for employment, directly engaging over eight crore farmers.
• Cooperative models and technological advancements have fueled growth post-White Revolution, increasing per capita milk production from 40.6 kg/year in 1971-72 to 154.9 kg/year in 2021-22.

Fisheries Sector Overview:

• India ranks third globally in fish production and second in aquaculture production, contributing 8% to global fisheries production.
• The fisheries industry provides livelihoods to over 2.8 crore people, particularly in rural areas.
• The Blue Revolution scheme, launched in 2015, aims to enhance fish production through integrated development and management.

Policy Provisions:

• Several policy measures have been implemented to enhance infrastructure and livestock productivity, including schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Animal Disease Control Programme, and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
• The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY) address disease control and infrastructure development in dairy and fisheries, respectively.

Challenges:

• Challenges faced by both sectors include disruptions in transportation, insufficient cold storage facilities, distribution barriers, and the impact of climate change.
• Strengthening the supply chain, investing in infrastructure and technology, implementing climate-smart practices, and promoting innovation are essential to address these challenges.

Way Forward:

• Addressing inefficiencies in the supply chain and investing in infrastructure and technology are crucial for strengthening the dairy and fisheries sectors.
• Climate-smart practices and innovation will help mitigate the impact of climate change and enhance sustainability in both sectors.
• Collaborative efforts between government, industry, and other stakeholders are necessary to overcome challenges and ensure the continued growth and resilience of the dairy and fisheries industries.

8. Vertical Farming and Hydroponics: Future of Urban Agriculture

Introduction:

• Vertical farming (VF) and hydroponics revolutionise traditional agriculture by employing soilless cultivation in multi-level, protected indoor environments.
• They enhance food production, maintain quality, and contribute to sustainable urban farming.

Market Projection and Importance:

• The global population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, with 70% living in cities.
• The vertical farming market is projected to reach USD 33.02 billion by 2030.
• Hydroponics and vertical farming are crucial for future food security and nutrition, particularly in urban areas.

Understanding Vertical Farming and Hydroponics:

• Vertical farming revolutionises traditional agriculture by employing soilless cultivation in a multi-level, protected indoor environment.
• Hydroponics nurtures plants in nutrient-rich water solutions instead of soil, fostering quicker and more efficient growth.

Different Hydroponic Systems:

• Deep Water Culture (DWC): Involves plant submersion in nutrient-rich oxygenated water.
• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): Ensures a constant flow of nutrient solution over roots, providing steady nutrients and oxygen.
• Ebb and Flow System: Cyclic submersion of plants in nutrient solution, providing periodic drainage back into a reservoir.
• Drip System: Directly delivers nutrient solutions to plant roots using tubes and drippers.
• Aeroponics: Suspends plant roots in the air, misting them with a nutrient solution.
• Wicking System: Utilises cotton rope wick to draw nutrient solution to the root zone.
• Vertical Tower Systems: Enables vertical growth, optimising limited space.
• Kratky Method: A cost-effective system not requiring electronic devices or electric current.

Crop Management in Hydroponics:

• Plants thrive in slightly acidic conditions with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
• It’s essential to maintain optimal temperature, oxygen levels, and nutrient solution strength.
• Crop selection and management are crucial for maximising productivity.

Suitable Crops and Examples:

• Commercial crops grown under vertical farming and hydroponics include leafy greens, herbs, and strawberries.
• Institutions like ICAR-CISH, Lucknow, and ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, pioneer research and standardisation efforts.
• Hydroponic companies in India include Nutrifresh and Akarshak Hydroponics.

Advantages of Vertical Farming and Hydroponics:

• Utilise 99% less land compared to traditional farming.
• Require less water and protect crops from pests and adverse weather conditions.
• Enable year-round cultivation and access to fresh produce in urban areas.
• Enhance plant productivity per unit area and enable automation for optimal growth conditions.

Disadvantages and Challenges:

• High upfront infrastructure costs and energy-intensive operations.
• Require expertise and continuous maintenance.
• Limited crop variety and potential issues with pollination in controlled environments.

Way Forward:

• Utilise affordable infrastructure options like shipping containers and abandoned warehouses.
• Collaborative research and supportive policies can encourage investment and promote adoption.
• Hydroponics and vertical farming hold immense potential for sustainable urban agriculture with further acceptance and support.

Conclusion:

• Vertical farming and hydroponics offer promising solutions to urban agriculture challenges, maximizing resource efficiency and promoting sustainability.
• Despite challenges, ongoing research and policy support can facilitate widespread adoption, ensuring a resilient and food-secure future.

Mains Questions(PYQs):

1. Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018)
2. Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminisation of agriculture in India. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2014)
3. What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2016)
4. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2017)
5. How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies? (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2020)
6. What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2022)
7. How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2019)