QUESTION 13
GS3
15 marks
Explain the changes in cropping patterns in India in the context of changes in consumption patterns and marketing conditions.
WRITE IN
11 min
250 words
What the examiner wants
Explain how changes in what people eat and how produce is marketed have changed India's cropping patterns.
ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.
Demand-wise check
- 1Consumption shift: from cereals to fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, processed food; millet decline then revival≈65 words
- 2Marketing conditions: MSP and procurement bias toward rice and wheat, export demand, contract farming, cold chains≈65 words
- 3Result: high-value horticulture, maize for feed and ethanol, pulses and oilseeds lag≈65 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Consumption changesMarketing changesResulting cropping shifts with examplesConclusion
Where marks usually go
- No consumption data
- Ignoring MSP's role
Draw this
- Bar chart: area under cereals vs horticulture over time
Value addition
- DataHousehold Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022–23 shows cereals' share of food spending falling sharply.MoSPI HCES 2022–23
- DataHorticulture output has exceeded foodgrain output since 2012–13.Ministry of Agriculture
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Aniket Ranjan · AIR 48 · Page 29 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 7 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 9 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 11 minutes, then get it checked.