| Paper | GS Paper 3 |
| Word Limit | 150 words |
| Syllabus Topic | Agriculture – Major crops and cropping patterns |
Model Answer
High-value crops give more income per hectare than cereals. They include fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices and plantation crops. A farmer chooses them only when returns are high and risks are manageable.
Four forces behind a farmer’s crop choice
Factors That Encourage
- Demand: Rising incomes and diet change raise demand for fruits and vegetables.
- Higher returns: Suits small farms with family labour.
- Irrigation: Drip and sprinkler support under PMKSY – Per Drop More Crop.
- Agro-climate: Apples in Himachal Pradesh, grapes in Nashik, cardamom in Kerala.
- Market access: e-NAM, FPOs and contract farming reduce selling risk.
- Support: MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) and Operation Greens.
Factors That Discourage
- MSP and procurement favour rice and wheat.
- Price swings and perishability with a weak cold chain.
- High input costs and limited credit and insurance.
- Small holdings and little technical know-how.
Conclusion
Farmers pick high-value crops when markets are assured. Cold chains, FPO-led marketing and crop-neutral incentives can speed up crop diversification.
Related PYQs
- Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (2024)
- Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (2023)
- What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (2021)
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