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Today in History ( January 22nd,1947)
Yes, the Constituent Assembly of India unanimously adopted the Objectives Resolution on January 22, 1947. The resolution was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946.
Let’s Revise
Q.1) Recently seen in news “planet parade” is associated with ___
a) All the known planets can be seen at the same time
b) When none of the planet can be seen
c) When Earth is nearest to sun
d) When some planets seem to be in a formation
Answer: (d)
Rationale: Recently, four planets in our solar system namely Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars have formed a breathtaking arc across the night sky and created a rare phenomenon known as ‘planet parade’.
Q.2) Recently the USA has elected its President Donald Trump, who has taken oath as the Vice President of USA?
a) JD Vance
b) Kamla Haris
c) Tony Stark
d) Mark Zukerberg
Answer: (a)
Rationale: On 20th January, 2025 at the Capitol, Vice President J.D. Vance was sworn in first, followed by Trump.
Q.3) Which latitude passes through Gulf of Mexico?
a) Tropic of Cancer
b) Tropic of Capricorn
c) Equator
d) Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: (a)
Rationale: The Tropic of Cancer passes through the Gulf of Mexico. The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line that runs around the Earth at a latitude of 23.5° north of the equator. Please see the map:
Q.4) Which country is known as “Global Police Man”?
a) China
b) Russia
c) Britain
d) USA
Answer: (d)
Rationale: In geopolitics USA is sometimes referred to global police man.
Q.5) Find the incorrect statement about USA
a) The USA is the world’s third largest country by size.
b) The USA is nearly the world’s third largest country by population.
c) The capital of the USA is Washington, D.C.
d) The USA is a Union republic with a constitution.
Answer: (d)
Rationale: The USA is a North American country bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Canada to the north, and Mexico to the south.
• Size: The USA is the world’s third largest country by size.
• Population: The USA is nearly the world’s third largest country by population.
• Capital: The capital of the USA is Washington, D.C.
• Government: The USA is a federal republic with a constitution.
Summary of Today’s News
India Became the 7th Largest Producer of Coffee
Context
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India has now become the seventh-largest coffee producer in the world, with coffee exports totaling 1.29 billion dollars in the last fiscal year.
This marks a significant increase from the 719 million dollars in exports during 2020-21.
About
• Major export destinations for Indian coffee include Italy, Belgium, and Russia.
• India primarily exports unroasted coffee beans, but there is an emerging demand for value-added products such as roasted and instant coffee.
• Domestic consumption is rising due to the growing café culture, higher disposable incomes, and a shift in preference from tea to coffee in India.
Coffee Production
• Brazil remains the world’s leading coffee producer, contributing approximately 40% of global output, followed by Vietnam.
• India produces two main types of coffee:
• Arabica and
• Robusta.
Coffee in India is mainly produced for export, with around 65% to 70% of the country’s coffee being shipped abroad.
Areas
• Traditionally, coffee is cultivated in the Western Ghats, across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• In addition, non-traditional coffee-growing regions like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the North Eastern states are seeing growth in production.
Leading States
Karnataka is the largest producer of coffee in India, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Climatic Conditions
• Coffee plants thrive in temperatures between 15°C and 24°C.
• Temperatures outside this range can negatively affect the growth and yield of the coffee plant.
• India grows its coffee under a structured two-tier mixed shade canopy, which consists of evergreen leguminous trees.
• These shade trees help prevent soil erosion on sloped terrains, enrich the soil by recycling nutrients from deeper layers, and shield the coffee plants from temperature fluctuations.
• Coffee Board of India
• The Indian government created the Coffee Board under the Coffee Act VII of 1942, which is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The Board is made up of 33 members, including the Chairman and the Secretary & Chief Executive Officer.
• Its role is to promote coffee production in India.
• The headquarters of the Coffee Board of India is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka
Contract Farming
India’s transition from being an importer to an exporter of frozen French fries underscores the significant role contract farming plays in supporting both the agricultural industry and farmers.
What is Contract Farming?
Contract farming refers to agricultural production conducted based on an agreement between farmers and buyers, which outlines conditions for the production and marketing of the crops.
• Farmers: They commit to producing specific agricultural products according to the buyer’s requirements, meeting standards related to quality, quantity, and timing.
• Buyers: These are typically agribusiness firms, processors, exporters, or retailers who offer essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and technical assistance, along with a guaranteed price for the produce.
Types of Contract Farming Arrangements
• Direct Input Provision by the Company: In this arrangement, the company provides all the necessary inputs to farmers, and the costs for these inputs and services are deducted from the payment the farmer receives after harvesting and delivering the produce.
• Partnership with Local Input Dealers: This model reflects a range of involvement by the company, balancing between direct control and reliance on local third-party service providers. The choice of this arrangement depends on:
• Availability of local service providers.
• The company’s resources and capabilities.
• The complexity involved in the crop production process.
Advantages of Contract Farming
• Assured Income: Farmers benefit from a guaranteed market and fixed prices for their produce, minimizing income instability.
• Access to Quality Inputs: Buyers provide high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and advanced technology, which enhances both the productivity and quality of the crops.
• Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses: Proper guidance and market access help reduce post-harvest losses.
• Facilitates Credit Access: The guaranteed income from contracts helps farmers secure loans from financial institutions.
Concerns Associated with Contract Farming
• Power Imbalance: Farmers, especially smallholders, may lack bargaining power, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by buyers.
• Side-Selling: Farmers may sell the contracted produce to other buyers if offered better prices, breaching the agreement.
• Quality Disputes: Conflicts may arise over disagreements regarding quality standards, leading to delayed payments.
• Exclusion of Marginal Farmers: Buyers tend to favor larger farmers for economies of scale, often excluding small and marginal farmers from participation.
• Environmental Concerns: The focus on specific crops can lead to monocropping, soil depletion, and excessive use of agricultural inputs.
Government Initiatives and Legal Framework
• The Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services Act, 2018 offers a legal structure for fair contracts, dispute resolution, and protection of farmers’ interests.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) promote collective bargaining power for farmers involved in contract farming.
• e-NAM Integration: This platform enhances transparency in contract enforcement and pricing.
• National Policy on Agriculture: This policy advocates for contract farming as a means to boost productivity and rural income.
Way Ahead
For the continued sustainable growth of contract farming, it is crucial to focus on inclusive practices, technological progress, and effective evaluation systems.
Contracts should be designed to support small and marginal farmers by simplifying terms and providing affordable input support.
Such inclusivity will empower underrepresented farming communities and promote equitable growth throughout the agricultural sector.
