General Studies 2021 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Explain

Q4

How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India's water crisis? (Answer in 150 words)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत के जल संकट के समाधान में, सूक्ष्म-सिंचाई कैसे और किस सीमा तक सहायक होगी ? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. 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 'How and to what extent' requires explaining the mechanism of micro-irrigation and assessing its potential impact on India's water crisis. Structure: Brief introduction defining micro-irrigation → Body explaining mechanisms (drip, sprinkler) with water savings data → Assessment of extent (limitations, complementarity with other measures) → Balanced conclusion on its role as part of a larger solution.

Key points expected

Definition and types: drip irrigation and sprinkler systems as precision water application methods
Water efficiency mechanism: 30-70% water savings compared to flood irrigation, reduced evaporation and deep percolation losses
Extent of impact: covers only ~10% of net irrigated area currently; potential to cover 50%+ area under horticulture and water-intensive crops
Limitations: high initial capital cost, small landholdings, electricity reliability, crop suitability constraints
Complementary measures needed: watershed management, crop diversification, pricing reforms, PMKSY and Per Drop More Crop scheme
Regional dimension: critical for water-stressed states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly addresses both 'how' (mechanism/technology) and 'to what extent' (assessment of limitations and scope) with explicit evaluative framing	Addresses either 'how' or 'extent' adequately but treats both superficially or conflates the two demands	Misinterprets directive as mere description of micro-irrigation types or ignores 'to what extent' entirely
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise technical understanding of water-use efficiency, coverage statistics, and nuanced recognition that micro-irrigation alone cannot solve crisis	General awareness of water savings but vague on percentages, coverage area, or overstates potential without caveats	Factually incorrect claims (e.g., unlimited potential, no cost barriers) or conflates micro-irrigation with all irrigation improvement
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression from mechanism → benefits → limitations → integrated assessment; tight 150-word discipline with seamless transitions	Coherent but either front-loaded with description or rushes through assessment; minor structural imbalance	Disjointed paragraphs, no clear separation between 'how' and 'extent', or abrupt ending without synthesis
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific data: India uses 2-3× water per unit crop vs. global average; 30-70% savings under PMKSY; Gujarat's Jyotigram scheme success; Israel comparison	Generic mention of 'water savings' or 'government schemes' without specific figures or state-level examples	No data or examples, or irrelevant examples (e.g., large dams, canal irrigation) that confuse the focus
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Balanced verdict: micro-irrigation is necessary but insufficient; must integrate with demand management, cropping pattern changes, and participatory governance	Safe summary restating benefits or tentative conclusion without clear stance on 'to what extent'	Extreme position (complete solution or useless) or no conclusion; mere repetition of points already made

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