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 At the beginning of every sowing season, the Government of India declares Minimum Support Price for 22 crops at which the government purchases from farmers/producers. It gives a guaranteed price and assured market to the farmers by protecting them from Market fluctuations and imperfections. Minimum Support Price :    During the mid-1960 when the Green revolution was helping the government was fighting against the food deficit that India faced, the government realised that unless the crops were guaranteed a minimum support price the farmers won't be motivated to plant high-yielding varieties of Paddy and Wheat crops. MSP was fixed beginning with Wheat.       The government of India sets MSP twice a year. It is recommended by the Commission of Agricultural Costs & Prices which is under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The recommendations are of advisory nature and it is not binding on the government.  Calculation of MSP:   ...

UPSC Conducts the Civil Services exam in three stages. While selecting the Optional Subjects which form a part of the Mains Exam (Second stage) many aspirants get confused about choosing the right one. Still, it is pretty natural to get confused given the nature of the UPSC Exam. This article may act as a helping hand in the process of Choosing the one Optional which is going to play a crucial role in clearing the Examination. 1. Agriculture    Agriculture is one of the preferred optional subjects in the UPSC Civil services Mains Exam. Candidates from Agriculture, Botany, and Zoology backgrounds prefer to select it due to its Scoring Nature. Paper 1 covers Ecology, Agronomy, Weed Science, Forestry, Soil Science and nutrient management, soil and water conservation, Agriculture economics and Agricultural Extension.  While paper 2 covers cell Biology, Plant Breeding, Seed production and technology, Plant Physiology, Horticulture and landscape gardening, food production and n...

   Considering the Importance of Agricultural sector in the economy The Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare conducts Agriculture Census since 1970-71 (Base year). Periodic Agriculture Censuses are Important as these are the main source of Information on basic  characteristics of operational holdings such as land-use, cropping pattern, irrigation status, tenancy and dispersal of holdings etc.  An agricultural operational holding is the ultimate unit for taking decision for development of Agriculture at micro level.  Agriculture Census is carried out in three phases as a Central sector Scheme under which 100% financial assistance is provided to states/Union territories. Agricultural Census - Phases :      Phase-I :  a list of holdings with their area and social characteristics and gender of the holders is prepared.   Phase-II : Detailed data on tendency, Land use, Irrigation status, area under different ...