First malaria vaccine shows promise amid rising cases: report

•  The first blood-stage malaria vaccine, RH5.1/Matrix-M, has shown promise as a potential component in an evolving malaria vaccine strategy, according to a report released on Thursday.
• The report by GlobalData, a data and analytics company, revealed that 11 other malaria vaccines are currently in Phase II development.
• A recent study conducted by researchers in Burkina Faso and the UK found that RH5.1/Matrix-M is safe, effective, and highly immunogenic.
• The double-blind, randomized, controlled Phase 2b trial involved 361 children aged 5 to 17 months. The findings demonstrated that RH5.1/Matrix-M is 55% effective against clinical malaria when administered in a delayed third-dose regimen at 0, 1, and 5 months.
• Moreover, the vaccine exhibited over 80% efficacy against high levels of malaria parasites, suggesting its potential to prevent severe disease. The trial, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, also confirmed that RH5.1/Matrix-M was generally safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.
• “RH5.1/Matrix-M has the potential to be the first blood-stage malaria vaccine brought to market. This could serve as a vital addition to existing malaria vaccines and offer an important second line of defense for those most at risk.
• Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium protozoans, is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms can range from fever, chills, and headaches to severe manifestations such as confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
• Despite progress, including some nations being certified as malaria-free, the disease remains a significant burden, particularly in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) African Region.
• Currently, only two malaria vaccines are WHO-prequalified and recommended for use in children: GSK’s Mosquirix and Serum Institute of India’s R21/Matrix-M.
• These vaccines target the early sporozoite stage of the parasite to intercept infection. However, as immunity wanes over time, sporozoites can infect the liver and lead to blood-stage clinical malaria.
• The development of a blood-stage malaria vaccine like RH5.1/Matrix-M could provide a critical second line of defense and potentially replace existing vaccines.
• “There are 11 other malaria vaccines in Phase II development, including pre-erythrocytic and blood-stage vaccines from manufacturers such as BioNTech, GSK, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and Vac4All SAS.

Gujarat has emerged as the leading state in cotton production in India for the 2023-24 crop year

·         Gujarat is the largest producer of cotton in India with aprox 15 lakh hectares of land under cotton cultivation.

·         Currently, 2 varieties of G.Hirsutum, 3 varieties of G.Arboreum and 3 of G, Herbaceum are under cultivation. 

·         The state achieved a remarkable output of 90.57 lakh bales, solidifying its position as the top producer of cotton in the country.

·         This achievement highlights Gujarat’s significant role in India’s agricultural landscape, particularly in the cotton sector.

·         Cotton has been a preferred crop in Gujarat for many years over the La Nina period as well. The state keeps up with the position of the leading cotton producer in two consecutive years where production figures reveal a rising tendency.

·         A year back consumption of bales produced in Gujarat was 87 lakh bales and it has been a growth figure which explains the commitment of Gujarat for increment in agricultural produce.

Factors Contributing to Success

Several factors have contributed to Gujarat’s success in cotton production:

·         Climate and Soil Conditions: To the above factors, Guajarati climatic conditions are favorable for the production of cotton characterized by high temperatures and adequate rainfall. Black soil that is found in the state provides a good ground for the cultivation of cotton plants that prefer such a kind of soil.

·         Advanced Practices: It is surprising that through the application of modern agricultural practices the yields in cotton have been enhanced.

·         Farmers in Gujarat have adopted high yielding node association of seeds, adequate water supply and pest control techniques. These practices do improve efficiency but also guarantee sustainability.

·         Government Policies: In response to critical situations, the state government has put in place several policies that would seek to assist cotton farmers.

·         This has been done by offering subsidies on the purchase of fertilizers, provision of credit services and training services to farmers in the cotton growing areas which has seen an increase in the overall productivity of the cotton subsector.

·         Economic Impact

·         Cotton occupies a central place in the economic fabric of Gujarat through forming a big part of the rural income and the state’s Gross Domestic Product. The industry provides employment to millions of farmers and labourers from the cultivation of the raw material (cotton) to its processing. Also, the cotton produced in Gujarat is of good quality and it is used mostly by textile companies locally and abroad.

Challenges Faced:

Despite its success, Gujarat’s cotton sector faces several challenges:

·         Climate Change: Consequently, the effects of climate change are a potential problem for cotton production. Climate change that might include unseasonal rainfall or dry spells has a negative impact on crop production.

·         Pest Infestation: Many pests and diseases affect cotton crops and when not well controlled, they may cause huge losses. To avoid these risks farmers should continue using integrated pest management practices.

·         Market Fluctuations: Since the demand for cotton and the supply of cotton can be influenced by one another, the price of cotton itself can be unpredictable. The other factors of production are less problematic than land and labor since farmers are uncertain about the market prices that they will receive for their sold produce.

Way Ahead:

·         . The focus will be on developing climate-resilient cotton varieties and improving supply chain logistics to enhance farmer incomes.

 New Policy Initiatives to Enhance Agriculture, Empower Farmers :Approved By Cabinet

·         As part of a significant push towards modernizing the agriculture sector, government has launched several schemes aimed at boosting productivity, enhancing farmer incomes, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

·          These initiatives, approved recently by the Union Cabinet, highlight the government''s commitment to creating a robust and resilient agricultural ecosystem.

·         Government has launched various agricultural initiatives, including the Clean Plant Programme, Digital Agriculture Mission, and National Mission on Edible Oils, to enhance productivity, boost farmer incomes, and promote sustainability.

Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

·         The Clean Plant Programme, sanctioned on August 9, 2024, with a financial outlay of Rs 1,765.67 crore, aims to revolutionize horticulture. By providing disease-free planting materials and encouraging the adoption of climate-resilient varieties, the CPP is set to improve crop yields and ensure the sustainability of horticultural practices.

Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM)

·         On September 2, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the Digital Agriculture Mission, allocating Rs 2,817 crore, including ₹1,940 crore from the central government.

·         This ambitious umbrella scheme is designed to support digital agriculture initiatives such as the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) and the development of Digital Public Infrastructure, enabling technology-driven decision-making for farmers and stakeholders.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Expansion

·         The progressive expansion of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), approved on August 28, 2024, aims to strengthen agricultural infrastructure across the country.

·         With a broadened scope that includes individual beneficiaries and the integration of sustainable energy projects like PM-Kusum ‘A’, the initiative seeks to enhance community farming and processing capabilities, bolstering rural economies.

National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

·         Approved on October 3, 2024, with a seven-year implementation plan and a budget of Rs 10,103 crore, NMEO-Oilseeds aims to boost domestic oilseed production and reduce dependency on imports.

·         This mission is a step toward achieving self-reliance in edible oils, ensuring long-term food security.

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

·         The standalone NMNF scheme, approved on November 25, 2024, with a total outlay of Rs 2,481 crore, promotes natural farming practices.

·          It emphasizes reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, fostering eco-friendly agricultural techniques.

·         The government has also rolled out supplementary programs, including the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), AgriSURE Fund for Startups, and the Krishi Nivesh and Krishi-DSS Portals.

·         The introduction of a Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) further highlights India''s commitment to sustainable agriculture.

·         These initiatives collectively aim to position India as a leader in innovative, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural practices, empowering farmers while ensuring food security and economic growth.

Low Glycemic Index  Rice Can Curb Asia''s Diabetes Epidemic and Enhance Farmers Income.

·         The glycemic index (GI) tells us whether a food raises blood glucose levels quickly, moderately or slowly.

·         Different carbohydrates are digested and absorbed at different rates, and GI is a ranking of how quickly each carbohydrate-based food and drink makes blood glucose levels rise after eating them.

·         The GI index runs from 0 to 100 and usually uses pure glucose, which has a GI of around 100, as the reference. Slowly absorbed carbohydrates have a low GI rating (55 or below), and include most fruits and vegetables, unsweetened milk, nuts, pulses, some wholegrain cereals and bread 

·         Research has shown that choosing low-GI foods can particularly help manage long-term blood glucose (HbA1c) levels in people with type 2 diabetes

·         The global type 2 diabetes crisis is escalating rapidly, with over 537 million people affected in 2021; this figure is expected to exceed 780 million by 2045. Asia, home to the highest per capita rice consumption, is particularly vulnerable due to diets rich in refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods.

·         Traditional white rice, with its high glycemic index (GI), contributes significantly to the region''s growing diabetes burden.

·         Low GI rice offers a promising solution by providing a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream, thereby supporting better glycemic control and reducing blood sugar spikes.

·         Low GI rice is characterized by its ability to release glucose more gradually during digestion. It has a glycemic index (GI) below 55, compared to the 70–94 range of traditional white rice.

·         This slower digestion helps mitigate the risks associated with high blood sugar, making it a valuable dietary tool for preventing and managing diabetes.

·         However, creating rice that balances low GI properties with consumer-preferred traits such as taste, texture, and yield presents significant challenges.

·         Advances in marker-assisted breeding and genome editing have allowed researchers to enhance resistant starch and amylose content in rice, paving the way for more nutritionally beneficial varieties.

·         Countries like Bangladesh and the Philippines are already reaping the benefits of Low GI rice varieties, such as BR-16 and IRRI-147, initially bred for climate resilience. These varieties are being integrated into dietary practices to reduce diabetes risks.

·         Additionally, international initiatives like Seeds Without Borders aim to accelerate the distribution of Low GI rice across Asia and beyond.

·         Despite these advancements, hurdles remain, including firmer textures that hinder consumer acceptance and economic barriers for smallholder farmers to adopt these rice strains.

·         The potential impact of Low GI rice extends beyond health benefits. Projections suggest that even a 25% adoption rate could lead to significant reductions in diabetes prevalence in Asia. Moreover, as Africa increasingly relies on rice as a dietary staple, early adoption of Low GI varieties could help avert a similar diabetes crisis.

·         These innovations also open doors to economic opportunities for farmers, particularly in health-conscious premium markets.

·         The integration of Low GI rice into global food systems represents a transformative step toward addressing the twin challenges of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.

·         This innovation, coupled with collaborations among governments, research institutions, and private sectors, could foster a healthier, more sustainable future.

·         Expanding the Low GI concept to other staples, such as wheat and tubers, underscores its potential to revolutionize global nutrition and public health.

·         As diabetes continues to rise, dietary innovations like Low GI rice may be the key to turning the tide.

Moldova Becomes part of (ISA)

·          Moldova has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing the ISA Framework Agreement.The agreement was signed between Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi in New Delhi.

·         Last month Armenia became the 104th full member of the ISA.

International Solar Alliance

·         International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an inter-governmental treaty-based organisation with a global mandate to catalyse solar growth by helping to reduce the cost of financing and technology.

·         The ISA was jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande on November 30, 2015, in Paris on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the UNFCCC.The ISA Framework Agreement was opened for signature on November 15, 2016, in Marrakech, Morocco, on the sidelines of COP22.

·          With the signing and ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement by 15 countries on December 6, 2017, ISA became the first international inter-governmental organisation to be headquartered in India.  

·          On March 11, 2018, Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron co-hosted the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

·          Membership is open to those solar resource-rich states that lie fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, and are members of the UN.

·          ISA was conceived as a coalition of solar-resource-rich countries (which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn) to address their special energy needs. 

·          The vision and mission of the ISA is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar-resource-rich countries, through which the global community, including governments, bilateral and multilateral organisations, corporates, industry, and other stakeholders, can contribute to help achieve the common goal of increasing the use and quality of solar energy in meeting energy needs of prospective ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.

·         At present, 120 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement, of which 100 countries have submitted the necessary instruments of ratification to become full members of the ISA.

·          ISA has been positioned to help create the conditions that would make funding, developing and deploying solar applications on a large scale a reality. ISA is now perceived as key to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

·          ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Objectives of ISA:

·          To address obstacles that stand in the way of rapid and massive scale-up of solar energy,undertake innovative and concerted efforts for reducing the cost of finance and cost of technology for immediate deployment of competitive solar generation.

·         To mobilise more than $1,000 billion of investments by 2030,Reduce the cost of finance to increase investments in solar energy in member countries by promoting innovative financial mechanisms and mobilising finance from institutions.

·         Scale up applications of solar technologies in member countries.Facilitate collaborative research and development (R&D) activities in solar energy technologies among member countries,.Promote a common cyber platform for networking, cooperation and exchange of ideas among member countries.

Assembly of the ISA

·         The Assembly of the ISA is the apex decision-making body which deliberates on critical matters like ISA objectives, its functioning, approval of operating budget, assessment of the implementation of various initiatives, programmes and activities of ISA and others. 

·          The First Assembly of the ISA, held on October 3, 2018, adopted the amendment to the Framework Agreement to expand the scope of ISA membership to all member countries of the United Nations.The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat.

Advanced survey vessel INS Nirdeshak commissioned into Navy

• INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of the Survey Vessel project, was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• INS Nirdeshak, which was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, is one of four advanced survey vessels designed for hydrographic surveys, navigation assistance, and maritime operations.
• Apart from GRSE, the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and several Indian firms were also involved.
• The ship features systems like Multi Beam Echo Sounders, Side Scan Sonars, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), enhancing its ability to map oceans accurately, operate in hazardous areas, and perform environmental studies
• INS Nirdeshak, the second vessel under the Survey Vessel (Large) Project, marked a significant stride in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with over 80 per cent indigenous content.
•  INS Sandhayak, the first of four Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ships, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in February 2024.
•  The vessel’s primary mission includes conducting hydrographic surveys, assisting in navigation, and supporting critical maritime operations.
•  Its secondary roles involve functioning as a hospital ship and participating in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
•  INS Nirdeshak inherits its legacy from its predecessor of the same name, which served the Indian Navy with distinction for over three decades before being decommissioned on December 19, 2014.
•  INS Nirdeshak’s commissioning marks another milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in maritime technology while bolstering the Navy’s operational readiness and outreach.

INS Nirdeshak boasts state-of-the-art hydrographic systems, including:

•  Multi Beam Echo Sounders
•  Side Scan Sonars
•  Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV)
•  Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV).
• These systems enable precise mapping, safe navigation, and enhanced survey capabilities in challenging terrains. 
•  They also support environmental studies, marine resource exploitation, and wreck identification.
•  Additionally, the ship accommodates one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), broadening its operational scope.

INS Nirdeshak will contribute to:

• Resource exploitation, including fishing and mineral exploration.
• Environmental protection and coastal zone management.
• Maritime boundary delimitation and defence.
• Development of the National Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI).
• Coastal tourism promotion and marine research.
• Tsunami and flood modelling for disaster preparedness.

India’s strategic approach to Secure Critical Minerals

India is increasingly focusing on mineral diplomacy as a strategic approach to secure critical minerals essential for its economic growth and technological advancement.

This initiative is crucial for reducing dependency on imports and ensuring a stable supply chain for industries such as green energy, electronics, and battery manufacturing.

·         Mineral diplomacy can thus be defined as the political and diplomatic actions taken in order to ensure availability of key minerals through contractual relations.

·          This is even more relevant for India which aims to increase its domestic supply security of the relevant metals including lithium, cobalt, as well as rare earth elements which can be widely used in modern technologies and renewable power sources.

·         The need for critical minerals in the international market is today triggered by the shift towards green technologies and electric vehicles.

·         Currently China is the world largest producer of different types of equipment and other requirements needed for the supply chain, thus it has become very critical for India to create demand to guarantee its energy security.

India’s Strategic Initiatives

·         Critical Mineral Mission: In its current infancy, the Critical Mineral Mission in India is still keen on establishing capability and collaboration away from import dependency.

·         The mission is aimed to search and develop mineral deposits within the territory of India as well as to gain the rights for exploration of mineral rich territories in foreign countries, especially in Africa and Latin America.

·         International Partnerships: India is now vigorously importing naturals by entering into government to government contracts with countries endowed with minerals.

·          These partnership arrangements are aimed at achieving a manner through which mineral blocks can be acquired alongside a view to guaranteeing a reliable year round supply of valuable resources. More importantly the bilateral relations between India and the African nations are crucial because the latter is endowed with lots of mineral resources.

Challenges:

·         Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Even so, many obstacles remain that make it difficult for India to build a solid supply chain for the strategic metals.

·         It is geopolitically challenging because other nations provide similar service and are constant competitors. Moreover, challenges in carrying out logistics and inefficiencies especially in infrastructure in India can slow down efficient milling of minerals.

·         Environmental Concerns: Environmentally friendly procedures are important as the nation seeks to enhance its exploration and production of minerals.

·         This is an interesting issue because promoting economic growth while maintaining sustainable environmental and natural resource use is not a walk in the park.

·         There is a need for the government to check on the aspect of environmental laws in the conduct of mining to reduce the effects on the environment.

Way Ahead:

·         Technological Advancements: Investing in technology will be key for India’s mineral diplomacy. Innovations in mining technologies can improve efficiency and reduce environmental footprints. Furthermore, advancements in recycling technologies for critical minerals can supplement domestic supplies.

·         Strengthening Domestic Capabilities: India’s focus on enhancing its mining capabilities will not only secure critical minerals but also create jobs and stimulate local economies. By developing a skilled workforce and investing in infrastructure, India can position itself as a competitive player in the global mineral market.

Conclusion

·         India’s firmer attempts at mineral diplomacy represent a strategic move towards securing essential resources necessary for its economic aspirations.

·         By fostering international partnerships, enhancing domestic capabilities, and addressing environmental concerns, India aims to build a resilient supply chain that supports its growth trajectory while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

·          The success of this initiative will significantly impact India’s position in the global economy and its ability to navigate future challenges in the mineral sector.

UN urges parties to re-engage on Iran nuclear deal

·         The head of UN political affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on developments surrounding an international agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and implementation of Council resolution which endorsed it.

·         The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) set out rigorous mechanisms for monitoring restrictions placed on Iran’s nuclear programme, while paving the way for lifting sanctions against the country.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

·         On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union (EU), and Iran reached a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme will be peaceful. 

·         The United Nations Security Council endorsed the JCPOA signed in Vienna. 

·         The JCPOA came into effect on October 18, 2015 and participants began taking steps necessary to implement their JCPOA commitments.

·         The JCPOA ensures that Iran’s nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful in return for the comprehensive lifting of UN, multilateral and national sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear programme.

·          The JCPOA is a robust verifiable agreement that sets a series of strict limitations on Iran’s access to nuclear material and sensitive equipment. 

·          In addition, the agreement gives the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unprecedented access to monitor and verify Iran’s programme. 

·         The agreement cut off Iran’s pathways to fissile material for a nuclear weapon, while ensuring the vigorous inspections and transparency necessary for verification. 

·         The accord was aimed to reduce the number of Iran’s centrifuges by two-thirds and eliminate 98 per cent of its enriched uranium, going from a quantity enough to produce 10 nuclear weapons to a fraction of what was needed for a single nuclear weapon.

·         In May 2018, the then US President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the accord, opting for a maximum pressure campaign of stepped-up US sanctions and other tough actions. 

·         Iran responded by intensifying its enrichment of uranium and building of centrifuges, while maintaining its insistence that its nuclear development was for civilian and not military purposes. 

·         Iran’s moves increased pressure on major world powers and raised tensions among US allies and strategic partners in the Middle East.

Enriched uranium stockpile ‘concerning’

·          The IAEA noted that it has lost continuity of knowledge on many aspects of Iran''s nuclear programme.

·          Furthermore, the IAEA remains unable to verify the stockpile of enriched uranium in the country, a situation that has persisted since February 2021.

·          However, it estimated that Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile is approximately 32 times the amount allowable under the JCPOA.

·          This includes increased quantities of uranium enriched to 20 per cent and 60 per cent. Such a stockpile of enriched uranium and level of enrichment remain very concerning.

·          The IAEA has also issued two ad hoc reports that describe Iran’s intention to commence previously declared enrichment activities exceeding the JCPOA limits as well as information on activities to increase production of uranium enriched to 60 per cent.

·          Against this backdrop, the need for a comprehensive, long-term-solution that would restore the objectives of the Plan has never been greater.

·          The US has not returned to the JCPOA, nor has it lifted or waived unilateral sanctions re-imposed in the wake of its withdrawal, and waivers regarding the trade in oil with Iran have not been extended.

·          European and Iranian diplomats met late last month to discuss whether they can work to defuse regional tensions, including over Tehran’s nuclear program, before Trump’s return to the White House in January for a second four-year term.

·         Britain, France and Germany told the Security Council in a letter earlier this month that they are ready, if needed, to trigger a so-called “snap back” of all international sanctions on Iran to prevent the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

·          They will lose the ability to take such action on October 18, 2025 when the 2015 UN resolution on the deal expires.

Transforming Indian Agriculture

·         India, home to over 150 million farmers and a thriving agricultural ecosystem, is at the cusp of a technological revolution.

·         While agriculture contributes ~20% to India’s GDP but it supports >58% of the population’s livelihood. We have seen a surge in agritech innovations in recent years.

·         With a market size of over $400+ billion as of 20221, the sector is ripe for disruption, particularly as it grapples with challenges like inefficiencies in supply chains, wastage, and lack of market connectivity.

·         India is one of the top 15 exporters of agricultural products globally, with over $48B value of farm exports in 2023-243. However, despite its scale, the agriculture sector has been plagued by systemic inefficiencies that limit income generation for farmers.

·         India’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employing a vast majority of the rural population.

·         However, the existing agri-marketing system faces numerous challenges that hinder its efficiency and effectiveness.

·          Recent discussions have highlighted the urgent need for marketing reforms to modernize this system, ensuring better income for farmers and improved food security for the nation.

Key Growth Drivers for Agritech Innovation

·         Several factors are driving innovation in Agritech, paving the way for transformation in agriculture:

·         Urbanization and Evolving Consumer Preferences 
Increased urbanization and a shift towards health-conscious eating habits have created demand for fresh, traceable, and sustainably produced food. This has encouraged Agritech startups to focus on farm to fork solutions that enhance supply chain transparency. 

·         Government Support 
Policy measures and regulatory support from the government have created a conducive environment for Agritech innovation. Initiatives like digital land records, eNAM (National Agriculture Market), and subsidies for technology adoption have been instrumental. 

·         Digital Infrastructure and Adoption 
The proliferation of smartphones and affordable internet in rural areas has enabled farmers to adopt digital tools for market access, weather forecasting, and farm management. This evolving digital ecosystem underpins the success of Agritech platforms. 

·         Supply Chain Connectivity and Traceability 
Improved traceability and better supply chain connectivity are critical for reducing wastage and ensuring fair prices for farmers. Agritech solutions leveraging IoT, blockchain, and AI are addressing these needs effectively. 

·         Physical Infrastructure Development 
Investments in warehousing, cold storage, and transportation have improved the post-harvest ecosystem. Companies like Ergos, which provide farm-gate warehousing, are empowering farmers by enabling them to store produce and sell at the right time for better prices.

·         Wastage Reduction 
India loses a significant portion of its produce due to inefficient logistics and lack of storage facilities. Agritech startups are addressing this issue by offering precision farming, better storage, and optimized supply chain solution

Overview of the Agri-Marketing System

·         This agri-marketing involves the various chain of marketing activities that take place in the distribution of agricultural output in India. This presents different people in the chain including farmers, traders, wholesalers and retailers. Despite its importance, the system is often characterized by inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and inadequate infrastructure.

Key Challenges

·         Fragmented Market Structure: The agri-marketing structure in India can be described as complex and non-integrated that comprises many layers of intermediaries. This results in additional expenses that lower the production profits outturn for the farmers.

·         Price Fluctuations: Originally, there tends to be instabilities whereby farmers receive fluctuating prices from the market and variations in the prices because of the seasonal changes. This unpredictability makes it hard for them to set production and financial forecasts in order.

·         Inadequate Infrastructure: Some of the challenges that lead to high post harvest losses include poor storage facilities, and weak transport networks. Preliminary studies have shown that approximately 29% of perishable products are lost as a result of these structural shortcomings.

·         Limited Access to Markets: Smallholder farmers are mostly indirect marketers of their produce, and are often exploited by middlemen who purchase the produce from them. This situation downsizes farmers bargaining power and subsequently decreases their income.

Importance of Marketing Reforms

·         Marketing Reforms: Transforming Agricultural Economies

·         Enhanced Farmer Income: By eliminating middlemen, farmers gain direct market access, enabling better price negotiations and increased earnings.

·         Food Security Improvement: Structured agricultural marketing ensures more efficient food distribution at stable prices, crucial for supporting growing populations.

·         Sustainable Agriculture Incentives: Market reforms can encourage farmers to adopt environmentally responsible production methods by linking sustainability with market opportunities.

Proposed Reforms:

·         Create online marketplaces connecting farmers directly with consumers and retailers

·         Support Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to collectively strengthen farmers’ market bargaining power

Strengthening Infrastructure

·         The efficiency of agri-marketing systems requires investment in infrastructure. Key areas include:

·         Cold Storage Facilities: Capacity enhancement of cold storage to contain post harvest losses and to ensure quality products.

·         Transportation Networks: Creating improved transportation systems in an effort to ensure that farming produces gets to market on time.

·         Implementing Price Stabilization Mechanisms: As for the presence of unfavorable price fluctuations, the government should take an interest in the following options for the stabilization of prices:

·         Minimum Support Prices (MSP): Confirming that MSPs are right in that they should reach reasonable farmer returns and additionally signals market conditions.

·         Price Forecasting Models: The information makes use of data analytics with the view of predicting the price change while feeding farmers with information on market conditions.

·         Enhancing Transparency and Information Access: From the above key findings, farmers need to be empowered through pricing and market conditions transparency. This can be achieved through:

·         Digital Platforms: Developing Internet-based applications that can display the actual price and demand data and such strategies as works in progress.

·         Awareness Campaigns: Hosting awareness creation for farmer’s campaigns as a way of making them aware of the resources they can access, or the different marketing strategies utilized in the market.

Role of Technology in Agri-Marketing Reforms

·         Technology in agri-marketing can drive transformation through:

·         Data Analytics: Using machine intelligence to analyze consumer demand trends, aiding production planning.

·         Blockchain Technology: Ensuring transparency and traceability from farm to fork.

·         Mobile Applications: Providing real-time market rates, demand updates, and direct communication channels to reduce intermediaries.

Government Initiatives Supporting Reforms:

·         PM-KISAN: Provides direct funds to farmers for improved marketing.

·         Digital India: Promotes ICT adoption and digital literacy in agriculture.

·         Agri-Market Reforms Bill: Aims to create a unified national market for agricultural produce.

Way Ahead

·         The need for comprehensive marketing reforms in India’s agri-marketing system cannot be overstated. By addressing key challenges such as fragmentation, price volatility, inadequate infrastructure, and limited market access, these reforms have the potential to transform the agricultural landscape.

·          Embracing technology and enhancing transparency will empower farmers, improve food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

·         The collective efforts of the government, private sector, and civil society are essential for realizing these reforms effectively.

The challenge of public debt and deficit

·         General government debt is the consolidated debt of the central government, state governments and Union Territories (UT) with legislature.

What makes governments borrow ?

·         Governments have large financial needs as they seek to expand their economies. These financial needs can be met either by imposing high/additional taxes or by borrowing or a combination of the two.

·         In theory, government/public borrowing is an effective tool for generating economic growth by expanding the production and consumption choices of current and future generations and fairly distributing the debt burden between current and future generations of taxpayers.

·         Thus when government’s expenditure exceeds its receipts, it borrows to finance this gap. This gap between expenditure and receipts called the fiscal deficit is financed through borrowing, which adds to the country’s outstanding debt-stock.

Components of the Centre’s outstanding debt

The central government’s debt comprises:

(i) Total outstanding liabilities on the security of the Consolidated Fund of India. This is called public debt and comprises internal and external debt;

(ii) Total outstanding liabilities in the Public Account of India, (i.e, Other Liabilities), including liabilities on account of State Provident Funds, Reserve Funds and Deposits, etc.

(iii) Liabilities on account of extra budgetary resources raised by issuing Government of India fully serviced bonds.

Internal debt vs external debt

·         Internal debt consists of (a) marketable debt comprising government dated securities and Treasury Bills, issued through auctions, and (b) non-marketable debt – consisting of Intermediate Treasury Bills (14 days ITBs) issued to state governments as well as the central bank, special securities issued against small savings, special securities issued to public sector banks/EXIM Bank, securities issued to international financial institutions, and compensation and other bonds.

·         External debt refers to debt raised by the central government from non-domestic sources, namely, multilateral institutions like International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Asian Development Bank, etc. External debt is also contracted from bilateral sources, i.e., directly from the foreign countries.

What is state government debt?

·         State governments can borrow only from internal sources. Further, states have to take consent of the Centre to raise any loan, if there is still outstanding any part of a loan which has been made to the state by the government of India.

·         Similar to the central government, states also incur liabilities in the public account through accumulations of provident fund, reserve funds, deposits, etc.

Total debt of the government sector

·         General government debt is the consolidated debt of the central government, state governments and Union Territories (UT) with legislature. It basically represents the indebtedness of the government sector and is arrived at by aggregating the liabilities of the central and state governments and UTs with legislature and netting out inter-governmental liabilities; namely, (i) Centre’s loans to states and UTs; (ii) securities issued by states/UTs to National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) and (iii) investment in treasury bills by states/UTs which represents lending by states/UTs to the Centre.

·         This consolidated debt position is important from the point of view of analysing sustainability of debt of the government sector as a whole.

Current status of government debt

·         The outstanding liabilities of the Centre and the states which increased during the pandemic year 2020-21 have substantially declined and are budgeted to be around 55.7% and 27.4% respectively in 2024-25, well within the limit prescribed by the 15th Finance Commission.

·          The general government debt also spiked to 89% in 2020-21. It has gradually come down since then, but still remains elevated at over 80% as budgeted for 2024-25 (See table).

·         The 15th Finance Commission recommended an indicative debt path for the central, state and general government for its award period 2021-26. For 2024-25, it prescribed the debt-GDP ratio for the central, state and general government to be 58.6%, 30.9% and 87.8% respectively.