GS3 · Topic
Subsidies and MSP
Direct and indirect farm subsidies, fertiliser and power subsidy, minimum support prices and procurement.
92 UPSC Mains GS3 questions on Subsidies and MSP that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Do you agree that granting a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) may create a fiscally unsustainable and economically inefficient agricultural system? Suggest viable alternatives to ensure fair farmer remuneration without distorting the market.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Subsidies and MSPAgricultural Marketing
Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Subsidies and MSP
Highlighting the issues related to the current fertilizer subsidy regime in India, discuss the need for reforms in this context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Subsidies and MSPFiscal Policy and Budgeting
The skewed emphasis on certain crops has distorted the cropping pattern in India, which has led to grave socio-economic and environmental consequences. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Crops and Cropping PatternsSubsidies and MSP
"Legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would create more challenges than it resolves." Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Subsidies and MSPAgricultural Marketing
India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsSubsidies and MSP
Indian agriculture suffers from 2 V's, vulnerability of monsoon and volatility of market, that makes MSP as preferred way to safeguard farmer interest
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Subsidies and MSPAgricultural Marketing
The imperative to increase farmer's income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Subsidies and MSPAgricultural Marketing
"There is a serious mismatch between the cropping pattern of certain crops and availability of water resources in certain states." In this light, discuss the impact of government incentives in creating this mismatch and suggest some innovative measures to address the same.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and Water
Critically analyse the suitability of direct benefits transfer as an alternative to the existing Public Distribution System.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Food Security and PDSSubsidies and MSP
Agriculture is the most important economic activity for India - 49% population depends on it and contributes to 17% GDP. [Diagram: Multi pronged challenges in agriculture, with branches for: Investment - both public and private lacking; Unremunerative - Avg income per farmer household just 6000/month; Deleterious effects on environment - Eg: largest withdraw of groundwater; Rising challenge of climate change - Agriculture most affected (IPCC report); Rising subsidy bill - Eg: Fertiliser subsidy 2.5 lakh crore (2023)]. Precision farming is the farming which uses exact amount of water, nutrients etc required for agriculture.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Agri-technologyCrops and Cropping Patterns
The government, nevertheless of declining share of agriculture in GDP is seen to be bearing the double fiscal burden of farm sector subsidies and loan waiver. Discuss. Is there a need for rationalization of farm-sector subsidies? Justify.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Subsidies and MSPFarm Credit and Insurance
How do reforms in the Food Corporation of India strengthen Public Distribution System (PDS) efficiency and improve food security for vulnerable populations in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Food Security and PDSSubsidies and MSP
World Trade Organisation (WTO) was formed with the objective of imparting a long term and equitable solution to the dichotomy between free trade and food security; however, the objective has been marred by several factors. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Food Security and PDSTrade and Foreign Investment
Examine the potential of peri-urban agriculture in India. Also, suggest measures to address the challenges in pulse and vegetable oil sufficiency.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsAgricultural Marketing
Despite a robust Public Distribution System (PDS), food security remains a challenge to the Indian population. What are deficiencies in the current PDS system? Suggest reforms to improve the system.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Food Security and PDSSubsidies and MSP
How do subsidies impact the choices farmers make regarding their cropping patterns and crop diversity? Illustrate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Subsidies and MSPCrops and Cropping Patterns
Discuss the role of nanotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. Highlight recent developments and potential benefits and risks of the use of nanofertilizers and nano-pesticides.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Agri-technologyEmerging Technologies
Despite challenges, PM KISAN has played a significant role in addressing agrarian concerns and fostering rural growth. Critically examine the statement.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Subsidies and MSPInclusive Growth
Food subsidy bill is becoming an "unmanageably large" expenditure for the government. In this context, analyse the need for revisiting the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Food Security and PDSSubsidies and MSP
What is peri-urban agriculture? Discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with it. 4. Despite being one of the largest agricultural producers, India faces challenges in achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds. Analyze the reasons and suggest measures to address these challenges.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crops and Cropping PatternsAgricultural Marketing
Cropping pattern in the country does not concur with the agro-climatic reality, leading to unintended and undesirable consequences. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and Water
Distorted cropping pattern leads to economic and environmental consequences. Explain. Also mention the need for the hour to ensure sustainable agriculture. Q.11) Discuss the role of the textile sector in curbing jobless growth in India. Also highlight the challenges faced by the sector. Q.12) LPG reforms gave mixed results for the Indian economy. Critically examine. Q.13) Discuss the factors responsible for India's recent export performance and mention the reforms needed to boost exports further.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crops and Cropping PatternsSubsidies and MSP
To achieve sustainable agriculture growth the focus must be on enhancing the income of small and marginal farmers. Discuss the extent to which government policies have succeeded in this objective.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Inclusive GrowthSubsidies and MSP
The recent rise in MSP of Kharif crops has brought back to discussion the efficacy and repercussions of agricultural price policies.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Subsidies and MSPFood Security and PDS
Highlighting the rationale behind declaring MSP, discuss various issues related to the MSP regime in the country. Also, critically analyse the efficacy of legalizing MSP towards ensuring financial sustainability in farming.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Subsidies and MSPInclusive Growth
The transition from the green revolution to an ‘evergreen revolution’ is essential for sustainable agricultural growth. In this context, examine the impact of green revolution on Indian agriculture. What measures can be taken to usher in evergreen revolution?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and Water
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in addressing food security in India. What reforms are necessary to improve its efficiency and reach?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Food Security and PDSSubsidies and MSP
Examine the influence of socio-economic factors on cropping patterns across different regions. Discuss the potential trade off between economic viability and ecological sustainability in crop selection.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsSubsidies and MSP
Discuss the role of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in ensuring food security. What are the major issues and reforms needed in its operation?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Food Security and PDSSubsidies and MSP