Source: BL
Context:
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare sets up Special Cell amid global supply disruption
- Trigger: Supply chain disruption due to geopolitical tensions
- Focus: Fertilizers, seeds, pesticides availability
- Weekly monitoring and reporting mechanism introduced
- Strict action against black marketing
What is the Special Monitoring Cell?
A dedicated mechanism to track availability of key agricultural inputs.
- Functions:
- 24×7 monitoring
- Weekly reporting to minister
- Coordination with states
- Objective:
- Ensure uninterrupted supply to farmers
What are Agricultural Inputs?
Inputs are essential resources used in farming.
- Includes:
- Fertilizers (urea, DAP, MOP)
- Seeds
- Pesticides
- Importance:
- Directly impacts crop productivity
What is Black Marketing?
Black marketing refers to illegal sale of goods at higher prices during shortages.
- Causes:
- Supply disruption
- Hoarding
- Impact:
- Higher costs for farmers
- Reduced accessibility
What is Farmer ID?
A digital identification system for farmers.
- Purpose:
- Ensure targeted delivery of subsidies
- Link input distribution to land records
- Importance:
- Transparency
- Efficient fertilizer distribution
What are Subsidised Fertilisers?
Government-supported fertilizers sold at lower prices.
- Major types:
- Urea
- DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate)
- MOP (Muriate of Potash)
- Objective:
- Reduce input cost for farmers
Important for Which Exam?
NABARD Grade A/B
- Phase 1:
- Agriculture awareness
- Phase 2:
- ESI:
- Rural economy
- ARD:
- Farm inputs
- Fertilizer policy
- ESI:
MCQs
Q.1) What is the purpose of the Special Cell?
[1] Increase production
[2] Monitor farm inputs
[3] Export crops
[4] Provide loans
Q.2) What are agricultural inputs?
[1] Machines
[2] Fertilizers, seeds, pesticides
[3] Roads
[4] Buildings
Q.3) What is Farmer ID?
[1] Bank account
[2] Digital identity for farmers
[3] Loan scheme
[4] Insurance
Q.4) What is DAP?
[1] Fuel
[2] Fertilizer
[3] Pesticide
[4] Seed
ANSWERS
1 → [2]
2 → [2]
3 → [2]
4 → [2]
