Reading Time: 10 mins Water is the most valuable natural resource as it is essential for human survival and life on earth. However, the availability of fresh water for human consumption is highly under stress because of a variety of factors. This crisis of water scarcity is most visible in India as well as other developing countries.
Reading Time: 10 mins According to the World of Organic Agriculture 2018 report, India is the home to 30% of the total organic producers in the world. However, it accounts for just 2.59% of the total organic cultivation area. Also, at the same time, most of the organic farmers are suffering due to poor policies, rising input costs and limited market access. India’s large geographical area with a very large population holds huge potential in organic farming. Therefore, the government must take the necessary steps to promote it for a sustainable future.
Reading Time: 5 mins While addressing the United Nations conference on desertification (COP-14), Indian PM told the global community that India is focusing on Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF). ZBNF was also mentioned in budget 2019 for doubling farmer’s income by 2022.
But scientists from the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences argued that there is no need for the government to promote ZBNF unless there is proper scientific validation.
Reading Time: 5 mins
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had launched a massive solar-pump programme called PM-KUSUM in February this year. This scheme, though well-intended, has numerous drawbacks and is in need of reforms for it to be successful in the long run.
Reading Time: 6 mins
The Public Distribution System, India’s landmark food security system, was commenced in 1944 to address the poverty that was affecting the country during that time. It is a vital instrument that ensures the availability of certain essential commodities at an affordable price for the poor. Regardless, this system is often criticized for its inefficiency and corruption. The low-quality food grains from the ration shops are not enough to address the needs of the poor. India has the largest stock of grains in the world besides China. Yet, 21% of the Indian population remains undernourished. The government must address the corruption, inefficiency and low-quality food grains of the PDS for its success.
Reading Time: 6 mins
The Union Budget 2019-20 saw an increased focus on food fortification. India is currently suffering from nutrition insecurity despite the progress made in food production capacity and food security. Regardless of all the poverty alleviation and food security schemes, currently, 38% of children under 5 years are stunted, 36% are underweight and 21% are wasted (too thin for their height). This is a sign of acute under-nutrition. Furthermore, 59% of women and 53% of children are anaemic. The government’s intervention to address this issue is a need of the hour.
Reading Time: 10 mins
Food and Nutrition Security Analysis, 2019 – report that was recently published showed the bleak picture of the hunger and malnutrition amongst children in India. Regardless of all measures taken by the Indian government to ensure economic growth, implementation of numerous government schemes to eradicate poverty and malnutrition, undernourishment remains high among the poor in Indian society. If the situation is not addressed soon, the aspiration to achieve SDG-2 may become far more difficult.
Reading Time: 6 mins
This year, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu had inaugurated the fifth edition of the Aqua Aquaria India in Hyderabad. The theme for this year’s event is – ‘Taking Blue Revolution to India’s Hinterland’. Blue Revolution is one of the major schemes by the Indian government to promote fishing as an allied activity for the farmers. It is the term used to describe the fast-paced growth of the aquaculture industry in India. Fish is a major source of income for the marginalised section of society. However, its potential is not seen at the ground level. The government must undertake all possible measures to promote the fisheries and aquaculture sectors of the country as it can be an essential tool to help lift the marginalised societies from the shackles of social and economic constraints.
![[Updated] Zero Budget Natural Farming – The Key to Sustainable AgriculturePREMIUM](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ZBNF.jpg)
