UPSC Mains 2019 GS1 Q7 — Economic Geography
Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- factors for localisationagro-based food processing industriesNorth-West India
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identification of specific states comprising North-West India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Western UP).
- The role of the Green Revolution legacy in providing raw material surplus.
- Infrastructure and logistical advantages specific to the region (Cold chains, Western Dedicated Freight Corridor).
- Policy-driven factors including APMC reforms and state-specific food processing policies.
- Common pitfalls
- Listing general factors for food processing without linking them specifically to the geography of North-West India.
- Ignoring the shift from cereal-based processing to horticultural and dairy-based processing in this region.
- Failing to mention the proximity to the National Capital Region (NCR) as a major consumption hub.
- Omitting the role of cooperatives and the private sector in establishing 'Farm-to-Fork' models in this specific belt.
- Dimensions required
- Geographical/ClimaticHistorical (Green Revolution)Economic (Market proximity)InfrastructuralPolicy/Administrative
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 20 words for a brief intro defining the region and its agro-economic significance. Use 100 words to detail 5-6 localized factors (Raw materials, Infrastructure, Market, Policy). Devote the final 30 words to a forward-looking conclusion mentioning challenges like groundwater depletion or the need for value addition beyond wheat/rice.
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