Topics
- Curb on Rice exports and its effects
- Cauvery Water Directives compiled by Karnataka
- Chokuwa Saul – Magic Rice to get GI Tag
- Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Technique
- Red Sand Boa
- Pew survey proves India is managing its rise far better than China
- Boosting secondary agriculture
CURB ON RICE EXPORTS AND ITS EFFECTS
Context:
The Indian government has implemented strategies to stabilize internal rice prices and ensure food security. Recent actions include prohibiting white rice exports, imposing a 20% export duty on par-boiled rice, and permitting Basmati rice exports with specific conditions.
Rice Production Assessment:
- The latest Third Advanced Estimate reveals a 13.8% reduction in rice production for the Rabi season of 2022-2023.
- Although Kharif sowing data indicates increased rice cultivation, monsoon-related problems are anticipated to cause delayed sowing.
- The projection is for the new season crop to commence arriving after the first week of September.
Rice Export Scenario:
- India maintains a dominant 45% share in the global rice market and leads in exports.
- Rice exports in April-May 2023 have surged by 21.1% compared to the previous fiscal year.
- Particularly, Basmati rice exports have risen by 10.86% in May, alongside a 7.5% increase in non-Basmati rice exports.
- The export of non-Basmati rice has been on the rise for three consecutive years, while Basmati exports in 2022-2023 have surpassed the previous year.
Notably, total rice exports (excluding broken rice) up to August 17 show a 15% increase from the corresponding period the prior year.
Impact on Farmers:
- The augmented Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice contributes positively to the welfare of farmers.
- Presently, rice millers are procuring paddy at prices higher than the MSP, thereby ensuring improved returns for farmers.
- Export limitations also play a role in preventing drastic rice price escalation within the domestic market.
- The government’s strategy of setting a higher benchmark price proves advantageous to farmers, ensures supply, and averts sudden price spikes.
Exporters’ Viewpoint:
- Despite the 20% export duty, Indian par-boiled rice remains competitively priced on the global stage.
- Certain rice-exporting countries, such as Indonesia, are now seeking imports due to changing market dynamics.
- There is a suggestion to categorize rice based on type (common vs. specialty) rather than the traditional Basmati and non-Basmati classification.
- Additionally, it is proposed to shield Geographical Indication (GI) recognized rice from general market interventions.
- Concerns have been raised about the repercussions of export restrictions on farmers, leading to calls for adjustments in policies.
Conclusion:
India’s endeavors to maintain equilibrium between the national and international rice markets involve the imposition of export restrictions and the management of prices.
Notably, despite the presence of export duties, rice exports remain competitive due to sustained global demand. It is crucial for export policies and decisions to be in sync with evolving market dynamics to ensure the welfare of farmers and the overall economy.
CAUVERY WATER DIRECTIVES COMPILED BY KARNATAKA
Context
- Karnataka has taken the step of releasing water from its reservoirs to Tamil Nadu as per the instructions from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
- The outflow from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Reservoir on the Cauvery River in Mandya district has been increased.
Increased Water Outflow:
- The current rate of water outflow into the river is 4,398 cubic feet per second (cusecs), while the inflow stands at 2,300 cusecs as of Wednesday.
- The outflow was at 2,292 cusecs on Tuesday at 8 p.m. but was raised after 11 p.m.
- The Kabini Reservoir in Mysuru district also contributes to the outflow, currently at 2,000 cusecs.
- Together, both reservoirs will release approximately 6,398 cusecs of water.
Historical Context of Cauvery Water Dispute:
- The origins of the water dispute trace back to 1892 between the British-controlled Madras Presidency and the princely state of Mysore (now Karnataka).
- An agreement in 1924 mediated by the British aimed to reduce tensions but set the stage for future conflicts.
After India’s independence, the construction of dams by Karnataka in the 1960s-80s led to a Supreme Court appeal from Tamil Nadu, resulting in the formation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).
- Despite interim orders implemented by the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) in 1998, contentious issues persisted beyond CWDT’s 2013 award.
- The final award in 2013 allocated water quantities to Tamil Nadu (419 TMC), Karnataka (270 TMC), Kerala (30 TMC), and Puducherry (7 TMC).
Criteria for Water Sharing:
- Karnataka, being the upper riparian state, is required to provide a specific monthly water quantity to Tamil Nadu.
- In a typical year, Karnataka allocates 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu, with 123.14 TMC during the southwest monsoon.
- Challenges arise due to disagreements over monsoon rainfall discrepancies during this period.
Constitutional Framework for Water Sharing:
Article 262 empowers the Parliament to address inter-state river disputes, and the Interstate River Water Disputes Act of 1956 was enacted under this article. The Seventh Schedule defines legislative authority over water resources in Entry 17 (State List) and Entry 56 (Union List).
Efforts to Resolve Cauvery Water Dispute:
- The Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict declared Cauvery a “national asset,” ensuring equal inter-state river water distribution.
- Adjustments were made to allocation based on deficiencies in CWDT’s assessment.
- The establishment of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) was directed for effective implementation.
- The Cauvery Water Management Scheme established the CWMA to regulate water releases with the assistance of CWRC.
Current Status and Future Implications:
The Cauvery water dispute remains a historical and legal challenge. The CWMA and CWRC are working to address the dispute through efficient water management. The complexity of water sharing within a federal system highlights the need for equitable solutions.
Tamil Nadu’s Perspective:
Tamil Nadu expressed concern over Karnataka’s deviation from the agreed water release and proposed 10,000 cusecs for 15 days, while Karnataka suggested 8,000 cusecs up to August 22. The refusal to adhere to the previous agreement angered Tamil Nadu, which supports distress-sharing.
Karnataka’s Position:
Karnataka cited lower rainfall in Cauvery’s catchment areas, including Kerala, leading to reduced inflow. The state, facing reduced reservoir inflow, declined to release water this year despite endorsing distress-sharing.
Anticipated Future Scenario:
- Tamil Nadu is worried about the critically low storage in the Mettur reservoir, affecting farmers and the upcoming kuruvai crop.
- Current water availability may only last for 10 days, considering dead storage and drinking water requirements.
- The resolution of the case hinges on the Supreme Court’s interpretation and decision.
- The necessity for a mutually acceptable distress-sharing formula is evident.
Persistent Challenges and Contributing Factors to the Dispute:
- Fluctuating water levels due to flood-drought cycles, pollution, and groundwater depletion cause unpredictability.
- The Supreme Court’s calculations often rely on ideal conditions that don’t align with reality.
- The heavy dependence of both states on the river results in conflicting urban and agricultural water needs.
- Inefficient irrigation practices lead to low crop productivity per unit of water used.
Political mobilization based on water disputes and prolonged tribunal processes contribute to delays.
CHOKUWA SAUL – MAGIC RICE TO GET GI TAG
About Chokuwa Saul Rice:
- Chokuwa rice, a distinctive crop linked to the historical Ahom dynasty of Assam, has recently been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) certification.
- This variety of rice, known as Sali rice, holds cultural significance and a rich heritage.
- It is divided into two categories, Bora and Chokuwa, based on the level of amylose, a component affecting its stickiness.
- The Chokuwa type, characterized by its low amylose content, produces soft rice referred to as Komal Chaul.
- Before consumption, the whole grain requires an initial soaking process.
- The rice’s adaptability shines through its use in traditional Assamese dishes such as Pithe and local specialties.
- Its cultivation is concentrated in the Brahmaputra region and various areas of Assam, including Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon, and Morigaon.
Additional Information: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A Geographical Indication (GI) is a label applied to products that possess specific qualities or a reputation due to their origin in a particular geographical region.
- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, oversees GIs.
- In line with the World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines, India introduced the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999, effective from September 2003.
GIs are defined in Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and are valid for a period of 10 years.
LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY
Context
- In a recent and groundbreaking achievement, the Pragyan rover has successfully confirmed the presence of sulfur at the Moon’s South Pole.
- This achievement was made possible through the utilization of an advanced technique known as Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).
- LIBS is a cutting-edge method that involves inducing plasma on a sample’s surface using laser pulses and analyzing the emitted light to determine its elemental composition.
Chandrayaan-3’s Pioneering LIBS Instrument: A Milestone in Lunar Exploration
- Remarkably, the Chandrayaan-3 rover’s LIBS instrument marks a historic milestone as the very first instance of conducting on-site elemental composition measurements directly on the lunar surface near the South Pole.
- This achievement was made possible by the dedication and expertise of the Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS), an integral part of ISRO.
Unveiling the LIBS Technique: Generating Plasma for Elemental Analysis
- The LIBS instrument developed by LEOS operates by generating plasma from lunar rocks or soil.
- This is achieved through the precise application of powerful energy pulses.
- The resulting plasma emits distinct light signatures that provide valuable insights into the composition of the lunar surface.
- The rover also features an Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer, enhancing the analytical capabilities to examine the elemental composition further.
Deciphering the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Technique
- Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a scientific marvel that involves employing high-intensity laser pulses to analyze material composition.
- The process entails directing laser pulses onto a material’s surface, leading to the formation of localized plasma.
- This plasma’s emitted light is then split into distinct spectra and captured using charge coupled devices.
- By identifying the unique wavelengths emitted by different elements within the plasma, the LIBS technique enables the accurate determination of a material’s composition.
Unveiling Lunar Secrets: Elemental Composition Discoveries
- Initial assessments conducted on the lunar surface have unveiled a variety of elements, showcasing the Moon’s complex composition.
- Elements such as Aluminum (Al), Sulphur (S), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), and Titanium (Ti) have been identified.
- Furthermore, subsequent detailed measurements have uncovered the presence of additional elements, including manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O) on the Moon’s surface.
Sulfur’s Significance: Insights into Lunar History and Formation
- Of particular significance is the identification of Sulphur on the lunar terrain.
- This discovery holds the key to unraveling the Moon’s history, as it is closely linked to past volcanic activities.
- The presence of Sulphur provides invaluable insights into the Moon’s formation and evolution over time.
Ongoing research endeavors are focused on shedding light on the intricate dynamics of Hydrogen’s presence, thereby enriching our understanding of the Moon’s complex processes.
RED SAND BOA
Context
A recent report from WCS-India has brought to light 172 instances of red sand boa (Eryx johnii) seizures that occurred between 2016 and 2021.
These seizures are linked to the illicit trade of the snake, often associated with its perceived involvement in black magic practices.
Description of Red Sand Boa
- The red sand boa is a rare, non-venomous snake that holds significance in various fields such as medicine, cosmetics, and even black magic, causing it to be in high demand within the global market.
- Due to its unique appearance, the public often refers to it as the “Two-headed Snake,” owing to its thick tail that ends in a rounded tip, resembling two heads.
Conservation Status
- The trading and possession of the red sand boa are direct violations of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
- This species is classified under Schedule IV of the WPA and is also listed in Appendix II of CITES.
- Furthermore, the red sand boa has been given a ‘Near Threatened’ classification by the IUCN, primarily due to its declining population.
Primary Driver of Trade: Social Media
- The study emphasizes the significant role played by social media platforms, notably YouTube, in facilitating the illegal trade of red sand boas.
- These platforms serve as channels for both buyers and sellers, with YouTube videos often serving as initial points of contact and sometimes leading to transactions being conducted via WhatsApp.
Notably, around 200 videos promoting the sale of red sand boas on YouTube were identified in 2021.
PEW SURVEY PROVES INDIA IS MANAGING ITS RISE FAR BETTER THAN CHINA
Context:
According to recent research conducted by the Pew Research Center, the increasing geopolitical and geo-economic significance of India is evident in the data, which highlights both the strengths and advancements of India as a prominent global player.
Insights from the Pew Survey:
Background: The Pew Research Center is an impartial informational resource that educates the public on significant global trends, attitudes, and issues.
Methodology: The organization engages in activities such as conducting surveys to gauge public opinion, analyzing demographics, and performing data-driven social science research.
Objective: The primary goal is to establish a factual foundation that contributes to productive public discourse and facilitates well-informed decision-making.
Key Findings of the Study:
Survey Scope: The Pew survey, conducted between February and May 2023, encompassed a sample of 30,861 adults across 24 countries, including India. The outcomes indicate a generally favorable global perception of India.
Unveiled Data: The data reveals that 46% of respondents hold a positive view, while 34% hold an unfavorable view. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to enjoy substantial popularity, with an 80% approval rating among Indians and a 55% very favorable rating.
Political Landscape: The survey’s findings indicate that the Prime Minister’s robust favorability rating (79%) positions him as a leading contender for a third term in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Global Perspectives on India’s Emergence: Insights from the Pew Survey
- Varied Interpretations: The Pew survey demonstrates a diverse range of international opinions concerning India’s increasing influence.
- European Reservations: Europe’s favorability toward India experiences a decline, often associated with differences over the situation in Ukraine. India’s growing autonomy in its strategic decisions and its ascent on the global stage appear to trigger unease.
Successful Progress: India adeptly navigates its ambitions for greater power, fostering international partnerships, and even surpassing China in terms of eliciting positive global perceptions.
BOOSTING SECONDARY AGRICULTURE
Context:
- A recent survey carried out by the non-governmental organization (NGO) named ‘SRIJAN’ focused on rural development and employment.
- The survey findings highlight the crucial importance of promoting rural industrialization as a means to bridge agricultural and non-agricultural activities.
- This approach presents a plethora of opportunities for creating non-farm jobs.
Emphasis on Transformation
- The role of value addition: The process of enhancing agricultural products plays a significant role in elevating their desirability. This, in turn, leads to a cascading effect, contributing to poverty reduction by increasing wages.
- India’s latent potential: Despite its status as a major producer, India processes a mere fraction, less than 10%, of its agricultural produce. The prevailing high demand presents a favorable landscape for capitalizing on value addition prospects.
Strategy for Doubling Farmers’ Income: The concept of secondary agriculture seamlessly aligns with the objective of doubling farmers’ income. This strategy not only propels rural economic advancement but also harnesses local resources to augment value addition.
Key findings of the survey:
- Categories of Secondary Agriculture: The report introduces three distinctive categories, denoted as Type A, Type B, and Type C. These categories encompass aspects of value addition, alternate enterprises, and the utilization of crop residues.
- Government’s proactive measures: In a commendable move, the state of Karnataka has instituted a Directorate of Secondary Agriculture with the intention of bolstering income generation. This initiative harmonizes with the overarching goal of doubling farmers’ income.
- Empowering tribal communities: The NGO ‘SRIJAN’ has played a pivotal role in empowering the Sahariya tribes of Madhya Pradesh through the practice of secondary agriculture. This empowerment has resulted in the fortification of value chains and livelihoods within these tribal communities.
Future course of action:
- Triumph of ‘SRIJAN’: The comprehensive study conducted by ‘SRIJAN’ has had a transformative impact on the tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh. By establishing links to markets and introducing improved techniques, the study has effectively augmented income levels.
- Reinforcing secondary agriculture: It is imperative to prioritize endeavors such as research studies, credit facilitation, partnerships, rural industrialization, training programs, and centralized coordination. These measures collectively contribute to the robust growth of secondary agriculture.
Holistic approach: To ensure a proficient workforce capable of managing both primary and secondary sectors, it is recommended to integrate the principles of secondary agriculture into educational curricula. This approach guarantees the availability of skilled individuals who can contribute to the management of both sectors effectively.
