Value addition Points I Agriculture Optional | Mains 2024
Syllabus 1.6 Climate change - International conventions and global initiatives.
Earth Day observed on April 22, highlighted concerns aboutenvironmental damage due to rapid development. ·
COP 28 held in Dubai, November-December 2023, involved discussions on agriculture for the first time, but India didn't sign due to concerns about agricultural policy changes. · Human population growth, demanding more food, has led to biodiversity loss and habitat destruction. ·
Norman Borlaug emphasized the role of science in averting mass starvation. · The Green Revolution increased food production but also had negative environmental impacts, such as soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. ·
FAO reports 30% of food produced is lost before reaching consumers due to inefficiencies. · Food security is an issue of access, with India implementing large-scale food subsidy programs. ·
Heavy subsidization of chemical fertilizers in India has damaged soils and skewed nutrient use. ·
Groundwater depletion is a serious issue, exacerbated by policies promoting rice cultivation in water-stressed regions. ·
Policies favouring certain crops, like rice, lead to loss of crop diversity. · India, with a small geographic area but large population, faces significant environmental challenges.
Urgent policy changes are needed to address soil health, water depletion, GHG emissions, and biodiversity loss. ·
Climate change and extreme weather events necessitate immediate action to ensure food systems are resilient and sustainable. #Krushna#Bhokare
