UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 38)

QUESTION 2

Describe the blue economy and explain its significance. Does India have a blue economy policy?

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

QUESTION 1: What is nano di-ammonium phosphate (Nano DAP)? Why does the government want to expand its use?

Introduction:

— DAP, or di-ammonium phosphate, is the second most commonly used fertiliser in India after urea.

— It is high in phosphorus (P) that stimulates root establishment and development — without which plants cannot grow to their normal size, or will take too long to mature.

— Nano DAP contains 8% Nitrogen and 16% Phosphorus by volume. Unlike conventional DAP, which comes in granular form. The Nano DAP produced by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) is in liquid form.

Body:

Why does the government want to expand its use?

— This tiny particle size makes Nano DAP more efficient than its conventional counterpart, enabling the fertiliser “to enter easily inside the seed surface or through stomata and other plant openings”.

— Better assimilation of the fertiliser inside the plant system in turn leads to “higher seed vigour, more chlorophyll, photosynthetic efficiency, better quality and increase in crop yields.”

— Since the government provides significant subsidies on DAP, the adoption of a more inexpensive fertiliser will likely be a significant relief to the government’s subsidy burden.

Benefits

— It is more pocket-friendly.

— Nano DAP is significantly more convenient.

Conclusion:

— Most crucially, India now imports a large amount of fertiliser to meet domestic demand. The use of domestically made Nano DAP (produced in Kalol, Gujarat) is expected to greatly minimise this import load.

— This revolutionary step will not only take Indian agriculture forward in foodgrain production but it will also make India self-reliant in fertiliser production.

— The adoption of Nano DAP will help in achieving self-sufficiency in fertilisers and greatly benefit our farmers.

(Source: Amit Shah launches IFFCO’s nano DAP fertilizer, In Interim Budget 2024, Sitharaman says use of Nano DAP to be expanded: What is this made-in-India fertiliser?)

Points to Ponder

IFFCO

Nano DAP

Related Previous Year Question

How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (2017)

QUESTION 2: Describe the blue economy and explain its significance. Does India have a blue economy policy?

Introduction:

— The term “blue economy” can simply refer to economic activity associated to the sea and coasts, and it is widely assumed to include a sustainability component.

— The European Commission defines it as “all economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts. It covers a wide range of interlinked established and emerging sectors.”

— The World Bank says blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”

Body:

— The blue economy is very important for a country like India, which has a large coastline, a variety of fish and other ocean produce, and many tourism prospects.

— Sitharaman said, “a scheme for restoration and adaptation measures, and coastal aquaculture and mariculture with integrated and multi-sectoral approach will be launched.”

— Restoration and adaptation will ensure the health of the oceans is not harmed while carrying out economic activities.

Does India have a blue economy policy?

— A draft policy framework on India’s Blue Economy was first released in July 2022.

— According to the PIB, the policy document included “key recommendations on the National Accounting Framework for Blue Economy and Ocean Governance, Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism Priority, Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Fish Processing.” Manufacturing, emerging industries, trade, technology, services and skill development, logistics, infrastructure, and shipping, coastal and deep-sea mining, offshore energy and security, strategic dimensions, and international engagement.”

Conclusion:

— According to ANI, the Finance Minister also announced the establishment of five integrated aquaparks and stated that the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) would be expanded to “enhance aquaculture productivity from the existing three to five tonnes per hectare; double exports to Rs 1 lakh crore; and generate 55 lakh employment opportunities in the near future.”

(Source: Interim budget mentions blue economy 2.0: What this means)

Points to Ponder

Coastal aquaculture

Mariculture

Related Previous Year Questions

Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (2022)

Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 37)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 36)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 37)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 36)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 37)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 36)

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