When considering the array of 51 optional subjects for the UPSC Mains Examination, Sociology consistently stands out as a top choice. Its inherent appeal lies in its accessibility and intriguing exploration of humanity and society, catering even to students from Science and Commerce backgrounds. With a well-defined UPSC sociology syllabus comprising only 13 units, Sociology can be comprehensively covered within 5 to 6 Month Comprehensive “Foundation to Finale” Classroom Programme, Many of Our Sociology Foundation Course Students have Cleared CSE 2023- Kajal Singh, First Attempt (Age 22) Mahi Sharma, First Mains (Age 23), Anand Sharma First Mains and Many Others. Previously also Many students like IAS Pradeep Singh, IAS Ashish, IPS Bindu Madhav, IPS Aparna Gautam, IPS Shahnaz Illyas got Success in CSE in First Attempt with Sociology Optional.

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best sociology coaching in Delhi. If you are away from Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, you can still complete Journey of UPSC civil service preparation through online Sociology class The scientific nature of Sociology, coupled with its direct applicability to daily social interactions, renders it a subject that can be comprehended without extensive reference materials, distinguishing it from other optional subjects requiring extensive reading and research.

Growth potential of Indian agriculture sector

Agriculture

The Indian agricultural sector, traditionally viewed as low-tech and subsistence-driven, holds immense potential to become a key driver of economic growth and job creation. Currently employing 46% of the workforce and contributing 18% to the GDP, its growth, however, remains inconsistent and often comes at a high environmental cost. To transform agriculture into a primary engine for growth, it is crucial to address ecological, technological, and institutional challenges. This includes replenishing water resources, expanding irrigation systems, promoting crop diversity, and adopting advanced technologies such as micro-irrigation and climate – resilient farming practices.

The focus should also shift towards creating a synergy between agriculture and the rural non-farm sector, encouraging group farming models, and strengthening allied sectors like fisheries and livestock. Institutional innovations, such as promoting smallholder cooperation through group farming, have demonstrated promising results by increasing productivity and empowering farmers, especially women.

By embracing these advancements, Indian agriculture can evolve into a more technologically sophisticated, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable sector, capable of attracting educated youth and significantly contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Current Status of the Indian Agriculture Sector

• Economic Contribution: In 2021-22, agriculture and allied sectors contributed 18.8% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA). The sector demonstrated resilience during the pandemic, growing by 3.9% in 2021-22, up from 3.6% in 2020-21.
• Employment: Agriculture employs about 42% of India’s workforce, though its share has been steadily declining, down from 81% in 1983.
• Production: Despite the challenges posed by climate change, India’s foodgrains production reached a record 315.7 million tonnes in 2021-22, as noted in the Economic Survey 2022-23.
• Exports: Agricultural exports saw a significant growth of 19.92% in 2021-22, reaching USD 50.21 billion. Key export products include rice, wheat, cotton, and spices.
• Organic Farming: As of 2023-24, the total area under organic certification (registered under the National Programme for Organic Production) stands at 7.3 million hectares.

Technological Developments

• Drone Technology: In 2021, the government approved subsidies covering up to 100% of the cost for purchasing agricultural drones for farm machinery training institutes. The Namo Drone Didi scheme aims to equip 15,000 selected women’s self-help groups (SHGs) with drones between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
• Satellite Imaging and Remote Sensing: The RISAT-1A satellite, launched by ISRO in 2022, is being used to assess and improve agricultural practices through satellite imaging and remote sensing technology.
• Happy Seeder Technology: Designed to combat stubble burning in rice-wheat farming systems, this technology allows wheat to be sown without removing paddy straw, helping to reduce air pollution and improve soil health.
• PUSA Decomposer: Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), this microbial solution accelerates the decomposition of crop residues when sprayed on stubble, aiding in sustainable farming practices.
• Nano Urea: Introduced by IFFCO in 2021, this liquid fertilizer contains nanoscale nitrogen particles, enhancing nutrient use efficiency and reducing environmental pollution.

Problems despite potential

Fragmented Land Holdings: India’s agricultural land is highly fragmented, with the average farm size shrinking from 2.3 hectares in 1970-71 to 1.08 hectares by 2015-16.

Irrigation Challenges in a Changing Climate: Although India accounts for 18% of the world’s population, it possesses just 4% of global water resources. Heavy reliance on monsoon rains and inefficient irrigation practices significantly limit agricultural productivity.

Technological Lag and Innovation Gap: While the Green Revolution of the 1960s and 70s drastically increased productivity, Indian agriculture has since lagged behind in adopting newer technological innovations.

Market Inefficiencies: The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) system, designed to safeguard farmers, often results in their exploitation by intermediaries.

Credit Crunch and Debt Trap: Limited access to formal credit leads many farmers to depend on informal lenders who charge high-interest rates, trapping them in cycles of debt.

Policy Paralysis and the Subsidy Conundrum: India’s agricultural policies have long relied on subsidies, which frequently distort markets and resource allocation. The government recently projected that fertilizer subsidies could reach ₹2.25 lakh crore during FY24.

Post-Harvest Losses: A large portion of India’s agricultural produce is lost due to inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure.

Diversification Dilemma: Indian agriculture remains overly focused on staple crops like rice and wheat, which depletes soil health and limits income opportunities for farmers.

Gender Disparity and the Invisible Female Farmer: Women make up 42% of the agricultural workforce in India but own only 14% of agricultural land, highlighting gender inequality in the sector.

Measures  That  can be Adopted to Enhance the Productivity of the Agricultural Sector

• Precision Agriculture—Farming by the Numbers: Adopting precision agriculture techniques can greatly enhance productivity by optimizing resource use.
• Crop Diversification—Beyond Wheat and Rice: Encouraging farmers to diversify their crops can not only boost their incomes but also improve soil health.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Strengthening and promoting FPOs can enable small and marginal farmers to achieve economies of scale, improving their market access and profitability.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Implementing climate-smart farming practices is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability in agriculture.
• Minimizing Waste, Maximizing Value: Investing in post-harvest infrastructure, such as cold storage, food processing units, and efficient transport systems, can significantly reduce waste and increase farmer earnings.
• Agricultural Education and Extension: Enhancing agricultural education and extension services is critical for bridging knowledge gaps and empowering farming communities with modern techniques.

To make Indian agriculture a strong driver of economic growth, it is essential to tackle the sector’s diverse challenges. Key steps include adopting precision agriculture, promoting crop diversification, and improving post-harvest infrastructure. Strengthening farmer cooperatives and utilizing advancements in agri-tech will boost productivity, sustainability, and profitability, ensuring agriculture plays a more dynamic role in India’s economic progress.

The End of the Blog: Growth potential of Indian agriculture sector