UPSC Mains 2019 GS3 Q14 — Food Processing
Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Elaborate
- Scope keywords
- policy taken by the Government of Indiachallengesfood processing sector
- Implicit sub-parts
- What are the specific, categorized challenges (bottlenecks) facing the sector currently?
- How do the various government schemes (PMKSY, SAMPADA, PLI) map directly to these specific challenges?
- What is the shift in policy focus (from food security to nutritional security and value addition)?
- What are the gaps or areas for improvement in the current policy framework?
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on PMKSY without mentioning the newer PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI).
- Listing schemes without linking them to the 'challenges' mentioned in the question prompt.
- Neglecting the infrastructure-logistics nexus, such as cold chains and mega food parks.
- Failing to mention the role of FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) in the value chain policy.
- Dimensions required
- Economic (Investment and FDI)Infrastructure (Supply chain and Logistics)Regulatory (FSSAI standards and Ease of Doing Business)Social (Employment generation and Rural income)Technological (R&D and Quality control)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 50 words to identifying core challenges (supply chain, wastage, credit). Devote 150 words to the policy response, categorizing them into infrastructure (SAMPADA), financial incentives (PLI), and institutional support. Reserve the final 50 words for the impact of these policies and a forward-looking conclusion on doubling farmers' income.
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