Analyse how India’s ethanol blending programme is altering cropping patterns. Examine the consequences for small and marginal farmers.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Q5. Analyse how India’s ethanol blending programme is altering cropping patterns. Examine the consequences for small and marginal farmers. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question: India’s ethanol blending programme has rapidly expanded in recent years, triggering significant changes in cropping patterns and raising concerns for small and marginal farmers, as highlighted in recent reports. Key Demand of the question: The question demands an analysis of how ethanol blending is altering cropping patterns and an examination of its specific consequences for small and marginal farmers. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Mention the rapid expansion of ethanol blending targets and its direct influence on crop choices. Body: Alteration of cropping patterns: shift towards ethanol feedstock, monoculture trends, regional crop imbalances. Consequences for small and marginal farmers: income risks, cost burden, credit traps, food security issues, vulnerability to climate variability. Conclusion: Suggest the need for a balanced policy to harmonise energy, food security, and farmer welfare.
Why the question: India’s ethanol blending programme has rapidly expanded in recent years, triggering significant changes in cropping patterns and raising concerns for small and marginal farmers, as highlighted in recent reports.
Key Demand of the question: The question demands an analysis of how ethanol blending is altering cropping patterns and an examination of its specific consequences for small and marginal farmers.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Mention the rapid expansion of ethanol blending targets and its direct influence on crop choices.
• Alteration of cropping patterns: shift towards ethanol feedstock, monoculture trends, regional crop imbalances.
• Consequences for small and marginal farmers: income risks, cost burden, credit traps, food security issues, vulnerability to climate variability.
Conclusion: Suggest the need for a balanced policy to harmonise energy, food security, and farmer welfare.