Source: IE Context: India’s concessions on agriculture under the India–US interim trade framework are selective and calibrated, not a wholesale opening. The strategy reflects a balance between trade diplomacy and domestic political economy of farming. India has opened non-sensitive segments of agriculture while ring-fencing staple crops and livelihood-critical sectors. What India has agreed to open India has committed to reducing or removing tariffs on a limited basket of US agricultural and food products, including: Why these were chosen What India has protected India has explicitly kept out key sensitive agricultural sectors from tariff concessions: Who gains and who faces pressure Likely gainers Potentially affected What this tells us about India’s trade strategy

Context: The issue has resurfaced after the India–US interim trade framework released by the White House, where genetically modified (GM) crops are central to American agriculture. Rather than being a threat, the editorial argues this moment offers India a policy reset opportunity — to revisit long-standing biases against GM technology and reassess its role in food security, sustainability, and competitiveness. What are GM crops? Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose genetic material has been artificially altered using biotechnology to introduce desirable traits such as: This is done through recombinant DNA technology, unlike conventional breeding. Why does India need GM crop technology? 1. Food security pressures GM crops can: India’s refusal to even test many GM crops risks making agriculture uncompetitive and resource-intensive. 2. Global reality vs Indian hesitation The paradox: India needs the technology but refuses to scientifically evaluate it. What has caused the policy logjam? The editorial identifies three core reasons: 1. Wrong categorisation of GM crops GM crops have been politically framed as environmentally hazardous, rather than being evaluated case-by-case on scientific evidence. This blanket suspicion ignores: 2. Regulatory paralysis Environmental “protection” has been enforced via administrative orders, not legislation. This has: An indefinite moratorium on testing means policy decisions are being made without data. 3. Centre–State conflict The result is a system where no authority can decisively act, leading to policy drift. What does the editorial recommend? 1. Let scientists decide 2. Restore regulatory credibility 3. Build informed public choice 4. Use the US trade deal as a re-entry point

Source: PIB Context: The Government of India has completed the formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under this central sector scheme. Notably, 21.96 lakh women farmers are members, underlining the scheme’s strong gender inclusion focus (PIB). What is the Scheme? The Central Sector Scheme of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs aims to collectivise small and marginal farmers into formal producer organisations so they can: Launch Details Implementing Agencies (IAs) Aim of the Scheme To build a sustainable, income-oriented farming ecosystem by: Key Features of the Scheme 1. Cluster & Commodity-Based Approach 2. Financial Support a) Handholding Support b) Equity Grant c) Credit Guarantee 3. Market Linkages 4. Capacity Building 5. Inclusion Focus