Geography 2023 Paper II 50 marks Suggest

Q8

(a) Why India lags behind many other countries in agricultural productivity? Suggest suitable measures to raise productivity across the regions in a sustainable manner. 20 (b) Assess the ecotourism potential of Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep islands and highlight the challenges associated with the sustainable development of island territories. 15 (c) Describe the regional variations of health indicators among the Indian States. 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) भारत कृषि उत्पादकता में कई अन्य देशों से पीछे क्यों है? सभी क्षेत्रों में टिकाऊ तरीके से उत्पादकता बढ़ाने के लिए उपयुक्त उपाय सुझाइए। 20 (b) अण्डमान और निकोबार द्वीपसमूह एवं लक्षद्वीप की पारिस्थितिकी-पर्यटन क्षमता का आकलन कीजिए और द्वीप क्षेत्रों के सतत विकास से जुड़ी चुनौतियों पर प्रकाश डालिए। 15 (c) भारतीय राज्यों में स्वास्थ्य संकेतकों की क्षेत्रीय विविधताओं का वर्णन कीजिए। 15

Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2023 Geography questions

Directive word: Suggest

This question asks you to suggest. 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

This multi-part question demands a balanced treatment across three distinct themes. Spend approximately 40% of your effort on part (a) given its 20 marks, with 30% each on parts (b) and (c). Structure each sub-part with brief introduction, analytical body addressing the specific directive (why/assess/describe), and a forward-looking conclusion. For (a), prioritize sustainable productivity measures; for (b), integrate potential with challenges; for (c), employ comparative regional mapping.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Structural factors behind low productivity—fragmented landholdings, inadequate irrigation (only ~50% net sown area), low input-use efficiency, climate vulnerability, and market distortions; contrast with Green Revolution successes in Punjab-Haryana versus eastern stagnation
  • Part (a): Sustainable measures—precision agriculture, PM-KISAN convergence, organic farming clusters (NE India), water-use efficiency (drip/sprinkler expansion), crop diversification, and FPO strengthening for economies of scale
  • Part (b): Ecotourism potential—coral reef ecosystems (Lakshadweep: 36 islands, 12 atolls), mangrove forests (Andaman: 11,000 sq km forest cover), endemic biodiversity (Nicobar megapode, dugong habitats), adventure tourism (scuba, sea-walking), and tribal cultural heritage (Jarawa, Sentinelese exclusion zones)
  • Part (b): Island development challenges—ecological fragility (carrying capacity constraints), limited freshwater lenses, disaster vulnerability (2004 tsunami, cyclones), connectivity costs, Schedule V/VI governance complexities, and balancing security imperatives with tourism
  • Part (c): Health indicator variations—IMR divergence (Kerala 6 vs Assam 44), MMR contrasts (Kerala 30 vs Assam 215), life expectancy gaps (Kerala 75 vs MP 66), institutional factors (AIIMS density, ASHA worker coverage), and social determinants (female literacy, sanitation access)
  • Cross-cutting: Integration of SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), SDG-3 (Good Health), and SDG-14 (Life Below Water) frameworks with India-specific policy references (National Health Mission, Aspirational Districts Programme, Island Development Agency)

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness20%10Demonstrates precise understanding of Total Factor Productivity in agriculture, carrying capacity in island ecosystems, and composite health indices (IHDI, SDG index); correctly distinguishes between yield per hectare and overall productivity; accurately applies sustainable intensification concepts for part (a), ecotourism principles (carrying capacity, minimal impact) for part (b), and epidemiological transition theory for part (c)Shows basic familiarity with productivity factors and health indicators but conflates terms (e.g., confuses productivity with production); generic treatment of sustainability without specificity to island contexts; lists health data without analytical frameworkFundamental conceptual errors—treats productivity solely as yield, misunderstands ecotourism as mass tourism, or confuses health indicators with healthcare infrastructure; irrelevant theoretical references
Map / diagram15%7.5Includes at least two relevant visuals: for (a) a map showing regional agricultural productivity variation (Punjab-Green Belt vs eastern India) or input-use efficiency diagram; for (b) a location map of ANI and Lakshadweep with protected areas/zonation; for (c) a choropleth map of IMR/MMR or health infrastructure distribution; all properly labelled with scale and legendOne generic diagram (e.g., simple India outline) or poorly executed sketch without specific regional data; labels incomplete or missing directional indicatorsNo diagrams, or irrelevant/illegible sketches that do not advance the argument; failure to utilize cartographic tools for spatial questions
Indian regional examples25%12.5Rich regional specificity: for (a) contrasts Punjab's rice-wheat treadmill with Vidarbha's cotton distress and Kerala's homestead farming; for (b) names specific islands (Havelock, Neil, Bangaram, Kadmat) with their unique features; for (c) clusters states into health transition stages (Kerala-Tamil Nadu advanced, BIMAROU states lagging) with precise NFHS-5 dataSome regional references but limited to obvious examples (Punjab for agriculture, Kerala for health); misses eastern/northeastern specificity; vague on island namesEntirely generic treatment without state/region names; or factually incorrect regional associations (e.g., placing Lakshadweep in Bay of Bengal)
Spatial analysis20%10Demonstrates explicit spatial reasoning: for (a) analyzes agro-climatic zone-productivity mismatch and market access gradients; for (b) evaluates island isolation-connectivity paradox and marine-terrestrial interface pressures; for (c) interprets health gradients along axes of development (periphery-core, rural-urban, tribal-plains), linking topography and accessibility to health outcomesDescriptive regional listing without analytical spatial framework; mentions 'regional variation' without explaining underlying geographic processesAspatial treatment—treats India as homogeneous unit; no recognition of how location, distance, and physical geography shape the phenomena discussed
Application / policy20%10Actionable, context-specific recommendations: for (a) proposes climate-resilient agriculture through PMFBY reform, millets mission (Shree Anna), and state-specific crop planning; for (b) suggests carrying capacity-based tourism zoning, community-based reef management, and Island Coastal Regulation Zone adaptations; for (c) recommends health system strengthening through Ayushman Bharat AB-PMJAY targeting, health tourism in Kerala/Tamil Nadu models, and tribal health mission expansionGeneric policy mentions (PM-KISAN, NHM) without operational details or critical evaluation of implementation gaps; standard suggestions without island/region specificityNo policy content or irrelevant international comparisons without Indian adaptation; purely theoretical conclusions without practical application

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →

More from Geography 2023 Paper II