Agriculture Ministry Sets Up Special Cell to Monitor Farm Inputs

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

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]