Agriculture 2022 Paper I 50 marks Describe

Q6

(a) What are the target groups in Agricultural Extension ? What role KVKs can play to reach such target groups ? (20 marks) (b) Narrate various components of contingent crop planning in dry land agriculture. (20 marks) (c) Enlist the problems of agricultural marketing in India and also describe the role of market intelligence in addressing these problems. (10 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) कृषि विस्तार में लक्ष्य समूह क्या होते हैं ? कृषि विज्ञान केंद्र ऐसे लक्ष्य समूहों तक पहुँचने के लिए क्या भूमिका निभा सकते हैं ? (20 अंक) (b) शुष्क भूमि कृषि में आकस्मिक फसल नियोजन के विभिन्न घटकों का वर्णन करें । (20 अंक) (c) भारत में कृषि विपणन की विभिन्न समस्याओं को सूचीबद्ध करें तथा इन समस्याओं के समाधान में बाजार आसूचना की भूमिका का भी वर्णन करें । (10 अंक)

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Directive word: Describe

This question asks you to describe. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'describe' demands factual elaboration with clarity. Allocate approximately 40% time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, covering target groups (farmers, farm women, rural youth, extension workers) and KVK functions comprehensively; 35% to part (b) on contingent crop planning components; and 25% to part (c) on marketing problems and market intelligence. Structure with brief introductions for each part, detailed body paragraphs, and a concluding synthesis on integrated extension-marketing linkages.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Identification of target groups in agricultural extension — marginal/small farmers, farm women, rural youth, extension personnel, and disadvantaged groups — with their specific needs and constraints
  • Part (a): KVK roles in reaching target groups — On-Farm Testing (OFT), Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs), training programmes, seed/technology production, and advisory services through mKisan, Kisan Call Centres
  • Part (b): Components of contingent crop planning — crop/variety selection, land configuration, moisture conservation practices, nutrient management, alternate land use systems, and integration with weather forecasts
  • Part (b): Specific contingent strategies — mid-season corrections, re-sowing protocols, intercropping adjustments, and contingent crop plans for different rainfall scenarios (early/late/normal onset)
  • Part (c): Problems of agricultural marketing — fragmented markets, lack of grading/standardization, inadequate storage, price fluctuations, middlemen exploitation, and poor rural connectivity
  • Part (c): Role of market intelligence — AGMARKNET, eNAM, price forecasting systems, market arrival information, and farmer producer organization (FPO) linkages for informed decision-making

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness22%11Precise definitions of extension target groups (for a), accurate delineation of all contingent planning components including mid-season corrections and rainfall-based protocols (for b), and correct identification of marketing inefficiencies with accurate description of market intelligence mechanisms like AGMARKNET and eNAM (for c)Broadly correct concepts but with some confusion between KVK and State Agricultural University functions, incomplete contingent components, or generic marketing problems without specific intelligence toolsFundamental errors such as conflating KVKs with ATMA, missing core contingent planning elements, or describing market intelligence as only 'government schemes' without naming specific platforms
Quantitative reasoning12%6Mention of quantitative benchmarks where relevant — e.g., KVK establishment target (one per district), rainfall probability thresholds for contingent decisions (for b), or price spread data and market arrival statistics from eNAM (for c)Vague references to 'improved yields' or 'better prices' without specific numbers, or missing quantitative dimensions entirely in some partsNo quantitative data anywhere; purely descriptive answer without any statistical backing for claims about extension reach or marketing efficiency
Indian context examples22%11Specific Indian examples: KVK success stories (e.g., Puducherry KVK for organic farming), state-specific contingent plans (Maharashtra/Andhra Pradesh drought manuals), and marketing case studies (eNAM in Maharashtra, Karnataka's unified market platform)Generic references to 'some states' or 'certain KVKs' without naming; or only one part has examples while others lack specificityNo Indian examples; uses hypothetical or developed country illustrations; fails to mention any specific KVK, state contingent plan, or Indian marketing initiative
Diagram / process18%9Clear diagram for contingent crop planning decision tree (for b) showing rainfall scenarios and corresponding crop adjustments; flowchart of KVK technology dissemination pathway (for a); or schematic of market intelligence information flow (for c)One relevant diagram present but poorly labeled, or attempt at tabular presentation without visual clarity; some parts completely lack visual representationNo diagrams, flowcharts, or tables; purely text-based answer missing opportunities to illustrate contingent planning cycles or extension delivery mechanisms
Policy / extension angle26%13Integration of policy frameworks: ATMA-KVK convergence under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE), National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) for contingent planning, and Model APMC Act reforms with recent eNAM integration; critical assessment of implementation gapsMention of policies without integration across parts; or lists schemes without analyzing their extension-marketing linkage; no critical perspective on implementationIsolated policy mentions or complete absence; fails to connect KVK extension work with broader agricultural marketing reforms; no awareness of recent policy shifts like Doubling Farmers' Income committee recommendations

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