Agriculture 2023 Paper I 50 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q5

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Discuss the ways and means of minimising erosion for conserving soil. (10 marks) (b) What are the major aims of irrigation? Discuss the different types of irrigation efficiencies which are used in adjudging the most efficient irrigation method. (10 marks) (c) Discuss on the various issues related to farm women empowerment. How do self-help groups play major role in empowering farm women? (10 marks) (d) Explain the important types of agricultural markets in India. (10 marks) (e) Discuss the efforts of the Government of India for extension, renovation and modernization of irrigation projects. (10 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : (a) मृदा संरक्षण के लिए भूक्षरण कम करने के तरीकों और साधनों का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक) (b) सिंचाई के प्रमुख उद्देश्य क्या हैं? सबसे कुशल सिंचाई विधि का निर्णय लेने के लिए प्रयोग में आने वाली विभिन्न प्रकार की सिंचाई क्षमताओं की व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक) (c) खेतीहर महिलाओं के सशक्तिकरण से सम्बन्धित विभिन्न मुद्दों का वर्णन कीजिए। खेतीहर महिलाओं के सशक्तिकरण में स्वयं-सहायता समूहों द्वारा किस प्रकार मुख्य भूमिका निभाई जाती है? (10 अंक) (d) भारत में महत्त्वपूर्ण प्रकार के कृषि बाजारों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक) (e) सिंचाई परियोजनाओं के विस्तार, जीर्णोद्धार और आधुनिकीकरण के लिए भारत सरकार के प्रयासों का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. 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 'discuss' requires critical examination with multiple perspectives for parts (a), (c), and (e), while 'explain' for (d) and the dual task in (b) demand clarity and precision. Allocate approximately 30 words per mark across five 10-mark sub-parts, giving roughly 30 words each to (a) soil erosion methods, (b) aims and efficiencies, (c) farm women issues and SHGs, (d) market types, and (e) irrigation modernization—ensuring each sub-part has a mini-introduction, structured body with 2-3 key points, and a concluding link to broader agricultural development.

Key points expected

  • (a) Soil erosion minimization: agronomic measures (contour farming, strip cropping), mechanical measures (terracing, bunding), vegetative measures (cover crops, agroforestry), and biological methods; mention of universal soil loss equation or C:N ratio concepts
  • (b) Irrigation aims: assured water supply, crop insurance against drought, multiple cropping enablement, and yield stabilization; irrigation efficiencies—conveyance, application, distribution, water-use/plant-use efficiency with formulas or percentages
  • (c) Farm women empowerment issues: land ownership barriers, wage disparity, drudgery, technology access, and patriarchal constraints; SHG role in credit access, skill training, collective bargaining, and examples like Kudumbashree or DWCRA
  • (d) Agricultural market types: primary/rural markets, secondary/wholesale markets (mandis), terminal/consumer markets; regulated markets, cooperative markets, and e-NAM as modern integration
  • (e) Irrigation modernization: PMKSY (Har Khet Ko Pani), AIBP, command area development, participatory irrigation management, drip/sprinkler promotion under Per Drop More Crop, and dam rehabilitation (DRIP)

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness25%12.5Accurately defines and applies technical concepts across all sub-parts: for (a) distinguishes between sheet, rill, and gully erosion with appropriate control measures; for (b) correctly identifies four irrigation efficiencies with their mathematical relationships; for (c) captures intersectionality of gender and agriculture; for (d) classifies markets by function and location; for (e) distinguishes between extension, renovation, and modernizationDefines most concepts correctly but conflates similar terms (e.g., mixing application efficiency with distribution efficiency) or provides generic descriptions without specificity for 2-3 sub-partsMajor conceptual errors such as confusing soil conservation with soil fertility, treating irrigation efficiency as singular, or describing markets without functional classification; significant factual inaccuracies in 3+ sub-parts
Quantitative reasoning15%7.5For (b), provides efficiency formulas (Ea = Water stored in root zone / Water delivered to field) with typical Indian values (conveyance efficiency 60-80%, application efficiency 50-70%); for (e), cites irrigation potential created vs utilized (approx. 140 million hectares created, 68% utilized) or PMKSY targets; for (a), mentions soil loss tolerance levels (T-values)Mentions that efficiencies exist without formulas, or gives rough percentage ranges without precision; provides one or two isolated statistics without integrating them into argumentNo quantitative content where clearly expected (especially part b); makes up implausible numbers or confuses hectares with acres, lakhs with crores
Indian context examples20%10Rich, specific Indian illustrations: for (a) mentions contour bunding in Deccan plateau or shelterbelts in Rajasthan; for (c) cites Kudumbashree (Kerala), SEWA (Gujarat), or DAY-NRLM; for (d) references APMC Act reforms, e-NAM, or Rythu Bazaars; for (e) names specific projects like Sardar Sarovar, Indira Gandhi Canal, or state-specific modernization (APFMIS in Andhra)Provides 2-3 generic Indian references without specificity (e.g., 'SHGs in India' or 'canals in Punjab') or concentrates examples in only 2-3 sub-parts leaving others bareExamples are either absent, inappropriate (using developed country cases), or factually wrong (misattributing schemes to wrong ministries or states); no demonstration of awareness of current Indian agricultural context
Diagram / process15%7.5Includes at least 2-3 well-labelled diagrams or flowcharts: for (a) cross-section of contour terracing or strip cropping layout; for (b) schematic of irrigation efficiency cascade or water balance diagram; for (c) SHG institutional structure pyramid; for (d) market channel flow; for (e) PMKSY interdepartmental convergence framework—diagrams enhance clarity and show spatial/process relationshipsOne relevant diagram present but poorly labelled, or describes diagrams in text without actually drawing them; alternatively, 2-3 sub-parts have implied process descriptions without visual representationNo diagrams where clearly applicable (especially a, b, d, e); or diagrams are decorative without labels, arrows, or explanatory value; complete absence of process description in method-oriented sub-parts
Policy / extension angle25%12.5Demonstrates sophisticated policy integration: for (a) links to National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and watershed development; for (c) connects to Gender Budgeting, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), and FAO's Decade of Family Farming; for (d) discusses Model APMC Act 2017 and farmer producer organizations; for (e) analyzes PMKSY's convergence approach, challenges in participatory irrigation management, and climate-resilient infrastructureMentions 2-3 schemes by name without analyzing their implementation challenges or outcomes; policy coverage is descriptive rather than evaluative, with gaps in 2-3 sub-partsNo policy or extension content where clearly expected (especially c, d, e); or lists outdated schemes (e.g., only mentioning IAAP without PMKSY); fails to distinguish between central and state responsibilities

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