9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – July 21st, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

India’s data protection law needs refinement

Source– The post is based on the article “India’s data protection law needs refinement” published in “The Hindu” on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- e-governance

Relevance: Issue related to data protection

News- The government will table the Draft Data Protection Bill in the current session of the Parliament.

What are issues related to the Draft Data Protection Bill?

Scope and definition– the Bill’s scope and effectiveness in protecting the privacy of Indian citizens remain limited. The DPDP Bill solely focuses on safeguarding personal data, which is data that can directly or indirectly identify an individual.

However, in the contemporary data economy, entities utilise various types of data, including both personal and non-personal data, to target, profile, predict, and monitor users.

Non-personal data typically refers to anonymous data that does not pertain to any specific individual. Example is aggregated data on products viewed by numerous users on Amazon between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

When combined with other datasets, this non-personal data can potentially identify individuals.

The re-identification of non-personal data poses significant privacy risks that are not addressed in the latest draft of the DPDP Bill.

The Bill could include a penal provision that imposes financial penalties on data-processing entities for re-identifying non-personal data as personal data.

Data protection board– The Proposed data protection board cannot initiate a proceeding of its own accord.

According to the Bill, the board is the designated authority responsible for enforcing the law. It can initiate a proceeding for adjudication only if a complaint is filed by an affected party or if directed to do so by the government or a court.

In the data economy, users have limited control and knowledge about data transfers and exchanges. The constantly evolving and complex nature of data processing puts users at a disadvantage compared to the entities utilizing their data.

For instance, a food delivery app could violate sell data to data brokers, and as an individual, user might lack the resources or motivation to approach the data protection board.

However, the board could be better positioned to take action against the food delivery app on behalf of all affected users. The DPDP Bill could have provisions allowing the data protection board to initiate complaints on its own.

Is the delimitation question settled?

Source– The post is based on the article “A job and career right the disabled cannot be denied” published in “The Hindu” on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus : GS2- Polity

Relevance: Issues related to electoral matters

News- The article explains the issue of delimitation.

What are some facts about delimitation?

Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies to ensure nearly equal representation of voters in each seat.

The most recent delimitation process took place in 1976, and the existing boundaries were determined based on the 2001 Census data. However, the number of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats remained fixed according to the 1971 Census figures.

In 2002, a constitutional amendment was introduced. It froze the delimitation exercise until the first Census conducted after the year 2026.

This implies that any revision to the constituency boundaries will not occur until the new Census data becomes available after 2026.

Why was it decided to freeze delimitation based on decennial population data, for 25 years after the 1976 delimitation?

The delimitation carried out in 1976 was based on the population data from 1971. Subsequently, in 2002, delimitation was conducted, but the issue of population imbalances persisted.

As a result, there was a decision to refrain from further delimitation until after the first Census conducted after 2026.

The reason for this decision was the significant disparity in population growth rates between the northern and southern states.

Northern states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar were experiencing decennial growth rates ranging from 12% to 15%, while the southern states had growth rates between 6% and 10%.

Despite the passage of time between 2011 and 2021, there was no balancing effect on the population growth rates. It is anticipated that this balancing process will take place after the Census conducted in 2026.

Why was there no redistribution of Lok Sabha seats across State boundaries in 2002?

The boundaries of Lok Sabha constituencies were redrawn in 2002. Bu, there was no change in the total number of seats in particular States.

The number of seats is determined by Parliament, and in cases of State reorganisation, it is specified in the States Reorganisation Act. For instance, when Uttarakhand was formed, its Assembly was allotted 70 seats.

Parliament has the flexibility to adjust this principle to ensure that, in certain cases, a relatively smaller population continues to elect a Member of Parliament. For example, in Tripura or Manipur, two seats were allocated.

What is the way forward for the next delimitation exercise to ensure the proper presentation of each region and community?

The regional differences in population are clearly indicating a demographic divergence. It may lead to violation of the principle of ‘one person, one vote, one value.’

Parliament has the flexibility to ensure that the number of seats does not decrease anywhere, and even if there is an overall increase in seats.

The ratio of parliamentary representation between northern and southern states may widen.

To address this issue, Parliament must establish a normative proportionality based on population, which allows for certain deviations.

There is a need to determine the appropriate level of proportionality. In terms of representation, the focus should not be solely on count but also on the characteristics of representation.

A standard proportionality norm should be negotiated to ensure that marginalised voices are not excluded when it comes to the allocation of seats.

Representation should involve a more comprehensive accommodation of diverse characteristics, considering India’s diversity and the concentration of certain groups in the population.

A race for the high seas dominion

Source: The post is based on the article “A race for the high seas dominion” published in “Business standard” on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 1- Distribution of key natural resources across the world & GS 2- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

News:  In this article the author discusses the economic, technological, and strategic significance of the high seas, emphasizing the immense potential of marine resources and deep-sea mining. Nations, including China, the US, and India, are racing to explore and control these areas due to their value in trade, research, and strategic dominance. The piece advocates for India to enhance its capabilities and approach in this realm for future benefits.

What is the high sea?

The high seas are parts of oceans beyond national jurisdictions. They represent the global commons, shared by all of humanity.

Covering an area 1.7 times larger than Earth’s inhabited land, they make up 95% of the sea’s volume.

The high seas hold immense marine resources, drive a $2.5 trillion trade, and are rich in minerals like polymetallic nodules.

New species for medicine and biotech research are also found here.

What is the risk to high seas?

Uncontrolled activities: Increased human activity can harm ocean ecology.

Mining: The potential extraction of minerals like polymetallic nodules can damage marine environments.

Overfishing: Dominant nations, like China with its 1,900 vessels, risk depleting fish stocks.

New species threat: Exploration can disturb undiscovered species, impacting potential medical and biotech research.

Environmental concerns: Deep-sea mining, especially without sustainable methods, can harm marine ecosystems.

What are the significances of high seas?

Economic Importance:

Drives a substantial trade: The high seas contribute to a global trade valued at $2.5 trillion, making up nearly 3% of the world’s GDP.

Fishing potential: Major nations like China (with its 1,900 vessels), Taiwan, Japan, and more have significant fishing operations. Valuable species like tuna and sharks are abundant.

Treasure of new species: Besides known marine life, the high seas may harbor undiscovered species that could be vital for medical and biotechnological advancements.

Mineral wealth: They contain vast amounts of essential minerals such as polymetallic nodules, rare earth metals, and others like copper and gold.

Technological Significance:

Deep-sea exploration: Achieving depths has become a technological race. The US reached 10,925 meters in 2012, while China hit just below 10,000 meters in 2020.

Advancements needed: Sustainable mining techniques are required to protect the environment, especially to minimize plumes from mineral dust.

India’s capabilities: Currently, India can only send unmanned submersibles but aims to develop technology for deeper manned missions.

Strategic Importance:

Symbol of global dominance: Controlling the high seas indicates international influence.

Security concerns: China’s positioning of ships in strategic oceanic locations impacts regional marine security.

Breaking dependencies: The US views deep-sea mining as a chance to reduce dependency on China for critical minerals, given China’s control over resources like gallium and germanium.

India’s stake: The Indian Ocean’s high seas are 19 times India’s landmass, making their control strategically vital for the nation.

What should India do?

Deep-sea Exploration: India aims to send manned submersibles to 6,000 meters but currently only has unmanned capability. This should be improved upon.

Mineral Mining: India’s allotted areas in the Indian Ocean, like the 75,000 square km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, have potential resources like nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese. India should develop the capability to mine them.

Collaborate: Consider partnering with like-minded nations, such as the QUAD, for shared benefits and knowledge exchange.

Promote Sustainability: Champion technologies that allow for sustainable exploitation of the high seas’ resources.

Strategic Presence: Ensure dominance in the Indian Ocean to counteract the influence of nations like China.

Express View on Ayushman Bharat: A health warning

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on Ayushman Bharat: A health warning” published in The Indian express on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.

News: The author discusses the achievements and shortcomings of India’s Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme. It highlights a fraud case at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where a doctor deceived critically-ill patients, suggesting the need for better patient awareness and a more compassionate approach.

What is Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme?

Read here: Ayushman Bharat programme

What are the achievements of India’s Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme?

Impact: Over 5 crore hospitalizations since its inception.

Financial Relief: Decreased out-of-pocket health expenses from 62% in 2015 to 47% in 2020.

Digital Tools: Health ministry employed AI to detect impersonation and false claims.

Benefit Outreach: Provides a solution for financially stressed families and medical migrants.

What are the shortcomings of India’s Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme?

Fraud Cases: A neurosurgeon at Safdarjung Hospital deceived critically-ill patients. Like, families of the ill are misled into choosing costlier treatments over scheme benefits.

Delayed Benefits: Some doctors mislead patients, saying scheme benefits take months.

Lack of Awareness: Patients need better understanding of scheme benefits.

Trust Issues: Some view hospitals as intimidating, especially during financial stress.

What should be done?

Strict Oversight: Address frauds, like the Safdarjung Hospital incident, through robust monitoring.

Transparent Communication: Ensure doctors provide clear information about ailments and treatments.

Digital Aids: Continue using AI and other tools to detect impersonation and false claims.

Patient-Centric Approach: Make the system more patient-friendly to counteract fear and distrust.

Mediate, Don’t Litigate-Mediation Bill is a way to reduce the judicial backlog. Governments shouldn’t be exempted from it

Source: The post is based on the article “Mediate, Don’t Litigate-Mediation Bill is a way to reduce the judicial backlog. Governments shouldn’t be exempted from it” published in “Times of India” on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions

News: The Mediation Bill was cleared by the Union cabinet this week for introduction in the just-started monsoon session of Parliament.

What is mediation Bill?

Mediation Bill was introduced to address the backlog of over 45 million cases in India’s judicial system, where 90% are in district and subordinate courts.

Features of Mediation Bill

Nature: Non-adversarial, consent-based.

Scope: Limited to civil and commercial disputes.

Procedure: Mandatory two-session pre-litigation mediation.If it’s unsatisfactory, a disputant can opt out and switch to litigation.

Duration: Maximum 180 days, extendable by another 180 days.

Outcome: Mediation agreement is binding on all involved parties.

What are the major concerns related to Mediation Bill?

Mandatory Mediation: The Mediation Bill requires mandatory mediation before litigation. There’s concern this can be misused to purposely delay cases. A suggested fix is to shorten the 180-day mediation deadline.

Government Exclusion: Bill doesn’t cover the government, a major litigant, from mandatory mediation.

Alignment Issues: The bill should better synchronize with the Singapore Convention for smoother cross-border dispute resolutions.

GS PAPER - 3

Man-made floods of the Yamuna call for ecosystem-led solutions

Source: The post is based on the article “Man-made floods of the Yamuna call for ecosystem-led solutions” published in Live Mint on 21^st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Disaster Management

Relevance: measures needed to control flash floods in Delhi.

News: The article explains the reasons behind the floods in Delhi and provides measures to prevent them.

How are manmade flash floods caused?

Man-made flash flooding is caused by dams holding massive volumes of water and then releasing it downstream. It has the potential to cause ecological changes and calamities in downstream locations.

The flash flood on the Yamuna River that caused havoc in Delhi was caused by the discharge of 350,000 cubic meters of water from the Hathnikund barrage.

This resulted in the river’s water level rising, the submergence of low-lying areas on both banks and significant back-flow in sewage-carrying storm drains, which worsened the situation.

Delhi also witnessed a flash flood in 1978. However, during that period, a larger volume of water was released from the dam compared to this year, but the water level of the Yamuna did not experience a significant rise.

What has caused a sharper rise in the water level of the Yamuna this year?

First, over time, the width of the Yamuna’s floodplains in certain areas has significantly decreased from the river channel, and in some sections, there are no floodplains left.

This has led to a decrease in the flood-carrying capacity of these floodplains that usually act as a flood-way for flood water. Bunds, guide bunds and other structures built along the flood plains have also reduced the area of flood plains.

Second, there has been a loss of floodplain catchment wetlands which are capable of absorbing large volumes of flood water. Their loss over the years also contributed to the enhanced level of flood water this year.

Third, there has also been an increase in the number of bridges (road, railway and metro) across the river between the Wazirabad and Okhla barrages. These pillars act as a water-resistance, thereby increasing the level of flood water.

Fourth, concretization of floodplains in the name of river ghats has reduced the flow of water. More dams/barrages on the river upstream of Palla also contributed to frequent floods downstream.

Must Read: Extreme rainfall events and urban floods: Explained

What steps can be taken to prevent Delhi from flooding in the future?

1. Building bridges over the river should be prohibited.
2. Avoiding dense plantations of trees and woody plants on floodplains, as trees provide resistance to flood water.
3. Delhi’s water supply can be improved by the restoration of catchment wetlands on floodplains that collect floodwaters. Off-river reservoirs can be built for this purpose.
4. The creation of a network of biodiversity parks throughout the floodplains, similar to the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, would not only help rejuvenate the river, but will also assist lower flow velocity and store floodwater.
5. All wetlands should be restored to retain surface run-off and should not be exploited for solid waste disposal.
6. To keep flows in check, open lands around main drains should be left free. Natural storm drains should not be used as sewers.
7. Establishing a single authority to oversee sustainability and protect the ecological integrity of the Yamuna’s Delhi stretch.

Seeing forests everywhere: A cure is finally within sight

Source: The post is based on the article “Seeing forests everywhere: A cure is finally within sight” published in Live Mint on 21^st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government policies and interventions aimed at development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Relevance: About Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023

News: The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 will be discussed in the monsoon session of the Parliament.

What are the key provisions of Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023?

Read Here: Objections overruled, Forest Bill goes to House unchanged

What was the need of Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023?

Delay in Approval Process: The existing Forest Conservation Act requires consent from numerous authorities at the state and national levels before engaging in any non-forest activity in an area designated as ‘forest.’

This approval process was very difficult and challenging. It took almost a year even for minor requests like building access paths on the designated forest land.

Judgment Errors:  The Union government, with the amendment, aims to rectify judicial errors made in the Godavarman case regarding the scope of forest laws in India.

The court in the case expanded the scope of the Forest Conservation Act to all land parcels recorded as forest in any government records. This led to debates and confusions about whether a piece of land was actually a forest or a fragile ecosystem.

The court decision also affected the landowners because land once classified as a forest can hardly be used for any other purpose. This created inconsistencies in land records, affecting various businesses.

For instance, approximately 30 resorts in Karnataka became a subject of dispute between the state’s revenue and forest authorities due to conflicting views on whether the land they were utilizing was classified as forest land or not.

The court judgement also discouraged state governments from reclassifying property that did not meet the criteria for forest status.

For instance, footpaths were classified as ‘strip forests,’ creating unnecessary hurdles for people who needed access roads to their properties.

The order further weakened property rights by extending the Forest Conservation Act to all land parcels that met the dictionary definition of ‘forest,‘ including privately owned land.

This had implication on constructing buildings even on the land owned by an individual.

Hence, it was essential for Parliament to rectify the situation and for this it has come with the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

What are the concerns with the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023?

Read Here: Green washing – Changes to conservation laws must be backed by scientific evidence and Trading forests for trees

What can be the way ahead?

The broad definition of forests serves as a cautionary regarding policymaking falling under the control of the judiciary.

Hence, it is now crucial to rectify this situation, prioritize the well-being of both forests and non-forest land, and restore the proper balance in policymaking.

No quick fix – on National Research Foundation (NRF)

Source– The post is based on the article “No quick fix” published in “The Hindu” on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Science and Technology

Relevance: Issues related to Research & Development

News- The government will table the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the current session of the Parliament.

What are some facts about NIRF?

The plan involves the establishment of a fresh, centralised organisation responsible for funding research. It will be allocated with a budget of ₹50,000 crore for the upcoming five years.

It takes inspiration from successful models like the United States’ National Science Foundation, which provides nearly $8 billion in funding for college and university research, and the European Research Council.

What is the logic behind establishment of NIRF?

India’s research expenditure has historically remained at a lower level. It ranges between 0.6% to 0.8% of the GDP, which is considerably below the 1% to 2% invested by countries heavily reliant on science and technology.

A comparison with nations like China, the U.S., and Israel reveals that these countries receive almost 70% of their research funding from the private sector. In contrast, in India, the private sector’s contribution accounted for only about 36% of the total research expenditure.

Therefore, the government believes that the most effective approach to encourage university research in India is to attract more private investment into the research sector.

What are obstacles in the success of NIRF?

The implementation of such a proposal is currently uncertain. One suggestion is to direct the funds allocated by private companies as part of their annual corporate CSR obligations to the National Research Foundation.

Data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs indicates that in the fiscal year 2022, companies spent ₹14,588 crore on their CSR obligations. Historically, around 70% of these funds were utilised for projects related to education, healthcare, and sanitation.

Additionally, many companies tend to invest these funds in initiatives within their own communities. The government does not have any control over how these funds are utilised. Whether the government can compel companies to channel some of these funds into the NRF, or provide tax benefits to encourage such contributions, remains to be seen

What is the way forward for the success of NIRF?

In numerous countries, the higher involvement of private sector research can be attributed to consistent government support provided to universities and research institutions.

This support has inspired individuals to establish companies and institutions that recognize the significance of investing in research and development.

The issue in India is not the lack of such companies but rather the scarcity of their presence. Entities like the NRF should focus on creating favourable conditions that motivate the growth of private sector organisations inclined towards innovation.

Who is accountable in Manipur? The answer can provide justice to mob assault survivors

Source– The post is based on the article “Who is accountable in Manipur? The answer can provide justice to mob assault survivors” published in “The Indian Express” on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Internal security

Relevance: Issues related to northeast

News- The article explains the current violence between Kuki and Meiteis undergoing in Manipur.

How is a system of violence operating in Manipur that is responsible for current unrest?

Since May, social divisions between the Meitei and Zo-Kuki communities have evolved into a de facto partition.

The violence has resulted in over a hundred deaths, thousands of people displaced, numerous churches destroyed, properties burned. A no-man’s land has established between the hills and the Valley, secured by the army.

The state administration has also been divided. Meitei police officers confined to the Valley, and Kuki-Zo officers restricted to the hills. Moreover, a significant number of bullets and arms, including machine-guns, have gone missing from various police training centres.

The conflict is further complicated by gender politics and the balance of power between different communities. The administration in southern Manipur is currently being governed from New Delhi. N Biren Singh government mandate is limited to the Imphal Valley.

Recent incidents, like the murder of a Naga woman in Imphal East, threaten to strain Naga-Meitei ties and potentially drag Nagaland into the conflict. The situation is like the Meitei-Kuki rift in the south that has already involved Mizoram.

Thousands of displaced Kuki-Zo families are being hosted by the Mizoram government. Mizos are openly supporting this community to protect their ethnic kin in Manipur from Meitei majoritarianism.

This has created political tensions among Mizoram, Assam, and Manipur, particularly concerning disputed boundaries.

The situation is further complicated by the influx of drug profits and products from Myanmar. All these factors have contributed to escalating tensions and armed ethnic mobilisation in Northeast India, with support from states within the Union.

What are the driving factors behind this system of violence?

Such systems of violence are a result of India’s majoritarian politics. The driving factor is competing desires for regional hegemony and demands for access to resources and power within the Union and not territorial separation.

Such ecosystems are benefitted by electoral politics. These communities become vote-banks for whoever advocates their cause. Illegitimate and unaccounted cash-flows further boost it, both of which are abundant in the Northeast.

The polarised politics in Manipur is sustained by mechanisms of silence surrounding it. Both the Prime Minister and Home Minister have maintained their silence.

On the other hand, another aspect of this silence is linked to the systemic violence against women in Manipur.

The alleged gang-rape of the two Kuki women was not unknown to the authorities. However, it was only after a leaked video and public outrage that the Manipur police finally ordered an investigation into the matter.

Textiles in a tangle

Source: The post is based on the article “Textiles in a tangle” published in Business standard on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3- Effects of liberalization on the economy & Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

News:  The article discusses the challenges faced by Tamil Nadu’s spinning mills due to a decline in demand from the US and EU, competition from other countries, high cotton import duties, and rising borrowing costs. It has resulted in many mills to seek financial relief and impacting India’s textile exports.

What are the challenges faced by Tamil Nadu spinning mills?

Demand Recession: There has been a noticeable decline in demand from US and EU markets. This is evident from the fact that textile and apparel exports from India fell by 11.3% over the previous year.

Financial Strains: Many mills in Tamil Nadu are under financial pressure. They have reached out to the Indian Banks’ Association seeking relief measures for their loans. It’s concerning that 15% of the 1,800 affected mills are now falling under the non-performing asset category, indicating serious financial health issues.

International Competition: Exporters, especially from Tiruppur, are grappling with stiff competition from countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The challenge is compounded by the fact that India’s textile exports face tariffs of 5.9% in the EU, while many competitors benefit from nil or significantly reduced duties.

High Import Duty on Cotton: One major issue has been the 11% import duty that India imposes on cotton. This policy has meant that for the past 15 months, Indian cotton prices have been consistently higher than those on the international market.

Domestic Market Decline: There’s been a downturn in the domestic market as well. Tiruppur’s domestic sales have seen a decrease by 20-25%. Large clients report having too much stock, which means they are placing fewer orders.

Cotton Procurement Issues: The spinning mills are also facing challenges in cotton procurement. There’s been a massive 55% drop in cotton procurement over the last year due to the decreased global demand.

Global Economic Concerns: Economic patterns in Europe and the US have affected demand. Europeans, facing inflation, are focusing their spending on essentials and cutting back on textile purchases. Additionally, retail giants like Walmart are closing several of their outlets in the US and EU.

Despite these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope as the industry anticipates a potential boost in demand during festivals like Diwali.

What are its implications?

Economic Impact: With textile exports dropping to $1,624 million in June from $1,736 million in 2022, India’s economy could face substantial revenue loss.

Job Losses: Mills shutting down means potential job losses for thousands in the industry.

Global Market Position: India risks losing its competitive edge to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which enjoy tariff advantages.

Domestic Market Saturation: With a 20-25% drop in domestic intake in Tiruppur, overstocking issues could arise for retailers.

Supply Chain Disruption: A 55% reduction in cotton procurement may affect the entire textile production chain.

What should be done?

Policy Revisions: Reduce the 11% import duty on cotton to make Indian textile competitive.

Financial Support: Provide mills with the requested loan relief, including extending moratoriums, to prevent more NPAs.

Trade Agreements: Pursue favorable trade agreements with the EU and US to reduce tariffs below the current 5.9% and 6.2% respectively.

Domestic Market Boost: Promote domestic consumption to clear overstocked inventory in major outlets.

Diversify Markets: Explore new international markets beyond the US and EU for export opportunities.

[Kurukshetra June 2023 Summary] Technologies for sustainable agriculture development- Explained, pointwise

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Introduction

Traditional agricultural practices in India are frequently unsustainable and car negatively affect the environment and human health. Sustainable agricultural practices are required to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in India. Farmers can develop sustainable farming systems by adopting advanced technologies.  

Trends in Indian Agriculture 

Agriculture accounts for 18.29 percent of Gross Value Added (16.5 percent at current prices according to Ministry of Agriculture) in 2019-20 but still employs 45.6 percent of the workforce. This indicates that a significant portion of the Indian population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods.  

But the percentage of the population employed in agriculture has gradually declined over the years as the country has diversified its economy and developed other sectors, such as services and manufacturing. 

According to the World Bank, as of 2020, 42.1 percent of the Indian population was employed in agriculture. In 2000, 60.5 percent of the population was employed in agriculture. This shows a significant shift away from agriculture in recent years. 

While the agriculture sector’s contribution to India’s per capita GDP has declined over time, it remains an essential sector of the economy, particularly regarding employment and livelihoods. 

What is sustainable agriculture? 

Sustainable agriculture is an approach to farming that considers the well-being of the soil, environment, and local communities in the long run.  

Its primary goal is to address the increasing food demand without compromising natural resources for future generations. 

Sustainable agriculture ensures the production of food, fiber, and other agricultural products while safeguarding the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare. 

It emphasizes the conservation and regeneration of essential natural resources like soil, water, and air to benefit future generations. 

Why is sustainable agriculture important for India? 

India has made significant progress in increasing agricultural output, but there is still considerable work ahead to fully adopt and implement sustainable agricultural practices. 

One of the most significant challenges confronting Indian farmers is declining soil fertility due to the excessive use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and intensive farming practices. 

Adopting sustainable agriculture practices in India is critical for the long-term sustainability of the agriculture sector.  

What are the government initiatives for the agriculture sector? 

The Government of India has introduced various initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, the Soil Health Card Scheme and the National Agriculture Market (e NAM) platform, for the development of the agriculture sector.  

These initiatives are aimed at enhancing farmer productivity, mitigating risks, improving agricultural practices and increasing income levels in the country.  

Among these initiatives, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is significant as It offers farmers a comprehensive risk management solution with a uniform and affordable premium rate nationwide. The scheme receives around 5.5 crore farmer applications every year. 

What are some technologies for sustainable farming? 

Precision Farming: It involves sensors, GPS mapping, and data analytics to monitor and optimise crop performance. By using precision farming techniques, farmers can reduce the use of fertilisers and pesticides, improve water management, and increase yields.  

Agroforestry: Agroforestry is a land-use integrated management system that combines trees and shrubs with crops and livestock to create a more sustainable and productive farming system. This approach can provide various benefits, including soil conservation, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. 

Vertical Farming: It cultivates crops in stacked layers, usually under controlled conditions. Vertical farming can potentially increase local food production while reducing water consumption and optimising resource utilization. This makes it an appealing option for Indian urban agriculture. This method can reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides while increasing crop yields and lowering transportation costs. 

Hydroponics: It involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil. Hydroponics allows for efficient water and nutrient use, year-round cultivation, and reduced dependence on traditional agricultural practices. This approach can increase yields and can potentially revolutionize food production, especially in urban areas with limited space and resources. 

Renewable Energy-based: Renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power, can be used to power farming operations. This approach can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. 

Robotics and Automation-based: Robotics and automation technologies can help reduce labour costs, improve crop yields, and reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides. 

What are the gaps in adopting sustainable agriculture? 

Lack of Awareness and knowledge: It is one of the main barriers to adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Many farmers must know the benefits of sustainable agriculture practices or how to implement them effectively for widespread use of these technologies. 

Limited Access to Finance: Sustainable agriculture practices often require significant infrastructure and technology investments. However, many small and marginal farmers need more access to finance to make these investments. 

Inadequate Policy and Regulatory Framework: Adopting sustainable agriculture practices is not always supported by India’s policy and the regulatory framework. For example, farmers may need more incentives to adopt sustainable practices, or regulations may prohibit certain sustainable practices. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture receives only 0.8 percent of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MOAFW) budget. 

Limited Research and Development: There is a need for more research and development in sustainable agriculture practices that are appropriate for the Indian context. There is also a need for more investment in disseminating research findings and developing extension services to help farmers adopt these practices. 

Lack of Infrastructure and Technical Support: Adopting sustainable agriculture practices often requires significant infrastructure and technical support, particularly in remote rural areas. 

Low Productivity: The yield per hectare for most of the crops in India is significantly lower than the global average. This is a significant impediment to agricultural growth and development. 

Fragmented Landholdings: The average landholding size in India is small, which makes it difficult for farmers to adopt modern farming techniques and technologies. Fragmented landholdings also make it difficult for farmers to access credit and other support services. 

Lack of Market Access: Many farmers are forced to sell their produce to intermediaries at low prices, as they cannot access direct markets. 

Inadequate Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, such as rural roads, storage facilities, and cold chains, is a significant challenge for the agriculture sector in India.  

Climate Change: Climate change poses significant challenges to the agriculture sector in India, particularly in terms of water availability, pest and disease management, and crop yields. The changing weather patterns, including erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, affect crop productivity and increase farmers’ vulnerability. Women are particularly susceptible. The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) score for sustainability and adaptation decreases as gender inequality increases. 

What has the government done to improve dissemination of technological information to farmers? 

According to a survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization, only 6% of farmers in India have access to information on modern agricultural practices.  

To address this issue, the government has launched several initiatives, such as the Kisan Call Centre and the mKisan portal. 

The Kisan Call Centre had received over 21 million calls from farmers across India, indicating the importance of such initiatives in improving the dissemination of technological information to farmers. 

Some agri tech startup case studies 

AgriApp Technologies Pvt. Ltd works on precision and predictive agriculture while building a strong Agri-Ecosystem to benefit farmers, the economy and ecology. AgriApp works to fill the gap between farmers and the right kind of strategic information, thus making the farmers ready for high-efficiency technology-enabled agriculture production and marketing. 

Khetee promotes agroecological farming through the agroforestry model. Khetee has created a unique fellowship programme for farmers and aspiring farmers to help them build agroecological model farms.  Khetee organises training programmes for farmers regularly to help them build their capacity in regenerative farming.  

Aumsat provides precision-driven, satellite-based, Al-enabled hydrological analysis for locating, predicting, and forecasting groundwater resources, saving cost economically and logistically by 75 percent. 

Pudhuvai Green Gas Chemicals Fertilisers Private Limited is an innovative Bioenergy startup that specializes in manufacturing organic waste agri-raw materials. Through their unique process, they produce methane and hydrogen as valuable by-products, which are utilized as environmentally friendly green fuels.  

Sense it Out is a deep-tech startup that focuses on providing technology-driven solutions to address targeted climate change challenges in the agriculture sector. Their product, SICCA (Sensor-based Intelligent Crop Centric Automation), leverages indigenously developed sensor technology to makes irrigation management more competent, reliable, and efficient. 

Conclusion 

A multifaceted approach will be necessary to close gaps in India’s agricultural sector, necessitating investments in R&D, regulatory and policy reforms, and creating infrastructure and extension services to encourage adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Technology must be implemented with other sustainable farming practices to achieve sustainable farming systems.  

Farmers in India have adopted various sustainable agricultural practices to ensure agriculture’s long-term sustainability like crop rotation and organic farming. Furthermore, improved crop varieties, rainwater harvesting, and drip irrigation systems are examples of sustainable agricultural practices in India.  

Despite adopting sustainable farming practices in India, the country faces numerous challenges in ensuring long-term sustainability. For example, indiscriminate pesticide and fertiliser use persists in many parts of the country, resulting in soil degradation and water pollution. Furthermore, climate change poses a significant threat to India’s agricultural sustainability.  

Sustainable agriculture practices have the potential to boost agricultural productivity, reduce production costs, and enhance the quality of crops. It may also promote the production of healthier and safer foods, which is beneficial to public health. 

 

 

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