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India faces a significant fertilizer shortfall of 21 million tonnes for the upcoming Kharif season.
Current fertilizer stock stands at 18 million tonnes against a requirement of 39 million tonnes.
The government aims to bridge this deficit by May through proactive measures and diversified imports.
New import sources like Russia and Morocco are being tapped to ensure supply stability and reduce dependency.
Fertilizer availability directly influences crop yields, which is critical for ensuring food availability and affordability for the population.
The cost and accessibility of fertilizers significantly impact farmer profitability, agricultural output, and the overall health of the rural economy.
Diversifying import partners reflects India's strategic trade policies to secure essential resources and reduce vulnerability to global market fluctuations or political tensions.
Kharif crops are heavily dependent on monsoon rains, making the timely provision of fertilizers crucial before and during the planting season.
The Kharif season, also known as the monsoon crop season, is one of the three main cropping seasons in India. It typically spans from June to October. Crops are sown at the onset of the monsoon rains and harvested post-monsoon. Major Kharif crops include rice, maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, and groundnut. These crops require significant water and warmth for optimal growth.
Simple Analogy: Think of the Kharif season as India's 'summer planting' period, where crops that thrive in heavy rain are cultivated, much like how some plants need specific conditions to grow best.
GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
General Awareness: Indian Economy, Agriculture, Current Affairs.
Economic & Financial Awareness: Agricultural policies, supply chain, international trade, current economic events.
General Science (Agriculture basics), General Knowledge (Current Affairs).
Which of the following are associated with 'Planning' in India? 1. The Finance Commission 2. The National Development Council 3. The Union Ministry of Rural Development 4. The Union Ministry of Urban Development 5. The Parliament Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 2 and 5 only
With reference to 'Stand Up India Scheme', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. 2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: Both 1 and 2
The main objective of the 12th Five-Year Plan is
Answer: faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth
Medium (Fertilizer policy, agricultural inputs, and food security are recurring themes in competitive exams).
The monsoon crop season in India, typically from June to October, where crops are sown with the onset of rains.
Ensuring the consistent and adequate availability of fertilizers to meet agricultural demands.
The strategy of sourcing goods from multiple countries to reduce dependency on a single supplier and enhance supply stability.