What is the news? 

• • The intensifying use of pesticides and plastics in agriculture has emerged as a major global concern. These elements contribute significantly to environmental pollution, harming ecosystems and threatening public health.

• • In a noteworthy initiative, seven countries – Ecuador, India, Kenya, Laos, Philippines, Uruguay, and Vietnam – have joined forces to address this challenge through the Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Programme (FARM Programme).
• • Highly hazardous pesticides and plastic waste from agriculture release toxic persistent organic pollutants into the environment, also harming human health.
• • Chemicals play a crucial role in farming, with nearly 4 billion tons of pesticides and 12 billion kg of agricultural plastics used every year.
• • FARM, led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), intends to shift financial incentives towards farmers to adopt low- and non-chemical alternatives, promoting sustainable practices.
• • $379 million initiative will realign financial incentives to prevent the use of harmful inputs in food production.

Understanding the Problem

• • Pesticide Pollution: Excessive use of pesticides contaminates soil and water, posing risks to human health through food chain contamination. It also disrupts ecological balance by harming beneficial insects and pollinators.
• • Plastic Pollution: Agricultural practices generate a significant amount of plastic waste, from pesticide containers to mulching films. This plastic pollutes land and water bodies, impacting biodiversity and posing threats to marine life.
    The FARM Programme: A Collaborative Approach

The FARM Programme represents a collaborative effort by the aforementioned countries to:

• • Reduce Agrochemical Reliance: The programme aims to support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize dependence on harmful pesticides. This could involve promoting integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and biopesticides.
• • Promote Plastic Waste Management: The FARM Programme seeks to encourage responsible plastic use in agriculture and develop efficient collection and recycling systems for plastic waste generated from agricultural activities.
• • Capacity Building: The programme emphasizes capacity building for farmers, agricultural extension workers, and policymakers by providing training and knowledge sharing opportunities on sustainable agricultural practices and waste management techniques.

Target by FARM Programme:

• • The five-year programme is projected to prevent over 51,000 tons of hazardous pesticides and over 20,000 tons of plastic waste from being released, while avoiding 35,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and protecting over 3 million hectares of land from degradation as farms and farmers convert to low-chemical and non-chemical alternatives.

While the FARM Programme holds promise, some challenges need to be considered:

• • Effective Implementation: Successful implementation on the ground level across diverse countries with varying agricultural practices will be crucial.

• • Farmer Adoption: Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable practices and overcome initial apprehension may require targeted incentives and awareness campaigns.

• • Financial Sustainability: Securing long-term funding for the programme’s activities will be essential for its sustained impact.

Conclusion:

• • The FARM Programme signifies a positive step towards tackling a global challenge. By fostering international cooperation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and encouraging responsible plastic use, the programme holds the potential to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for agriculture. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the FARM Programme’s objectives, challenges, and its relevance to various aspects of the syllabus will be beneficial in crafting well-informed and comprehensive answers.

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General Studies

Current Affairs Quiz

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1 / 5

Category: General Studies

The effectiveness of the FARM program relies heavily on:

Increased government regulation of agricultural practices.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing between participating countries.

Development of genetically modified crops resistant to pests.

Large-scale subsidies for chemical companies.

Answer: (b) Collaboration and knowledge sharing between participating countries.

• • Explanation: FARM encourages international cooperation to tackle shared environmental challenges and share best practices for sustainable agriculture.

2 / 5

Category: General Studies

Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of the FARM program?

Promote the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.

Encourage research and development of biodegradable alternatives to plastic mulching films.

Provide financial incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable practices.

Increase production of chemical pesticides in participating countries.

Answer: (d) Increase production of chemical pesticides in participating countries.

• • Explanation: FARM aims to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, not increase production.

3 / 5

Category: General Studies

The FARM program can be considered a model for addressing other environmental issues because it emphasizes:

Increased use of technology to replace traditional agricultural practices.

A focus on capacity building and empowering local communities.

Reliance on top-down regulations and strict enforcement mechanisms.

Prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability.

Answer: (b) A focus on capacity building and empowering local communities.

• • Explanation: FARM empowers farmers through education and incentives, a model applicable to address other environmental issues with community involvement.

4 / 5

Category: General Studies

Consider the following statements regarding the challenges associated with excessive use of chemical pesticides in agriculture:

I. It disrupts ecosystems and harms beneficial organisms.
II. It leads to increased soil fertility.
III. It can cause health risks for consumers.

Select the correct code:

I and II only

II and III only

I and III only

I, II and III

Answer: (c) I and III only

• • Explanation: Excessive pesticide use harms beneficial insects and pollinators, impacting the ecosystem. It leaves residues on crops that can be harmful to consumers. However, it does not directly increase soil fertility.

5 / 5

Category: General Studies

Which of the following statements best reflects the significance of the FARM program?

It provides a quick fix to the problem of pesticide pollution in agriculture.

It promotes a paradigm shift towards sustainable agricultural practices.

It solely focuses on economic benefits for farmers in developing countries.

Its impact is limited to the seven countries directly involved in the program.

Answer: (b) It promotes a paradigm shift towards sustainable agricultural practices.

• • Explanation: FARM aims to create a long-term shift towards sustainable agriculture, not a quick fix. It focuses on environmental and health benefits, not just economic gains, and its impact on sustainable practices can extend beyond the initial participating countries.

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Mains Questions:

Model Answer:

Challenges of excessive pesticide and plastic use in agriculture:

• • Environmental degradation: Chemical pesticides contaminate soil and water bodies, disrupting ecosystems and harming beneficial organisms. Plastic mulching film, if not disposed of properly, ends up in landfills or waterways, causing pollution and harming wildlife.
  • Human health risks: Pesticide residues on crops can enter the food chain, posing health risks for consumers.
  • Reduced biodiversity: Excessive pesticide use can kill beneficial insects and pollinators, leading to reduced biodiversity and potential pest resurgence.
  • Soil health decline: Overreliance on chemical pesticides can harm soil microbes and fertility, leading to long-term productivity decline.

FARM program and sustainable agriculture:

• • Promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM emphasizes preventive measures, biological controls, and judicious use of pesticides, reducing reliance on chemical solutions.
  • Research and development of alternatives: The program supports research into alternative pest management techniques and biodegradable mulching films.
  • Farmer education and capacity building: Training programs equip farmers with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable practices.
  • Financial incentives: Shifting financial incentives towards low- and non-chemical alternatives encourages farmers to adopt sustainable practices.

By promoting these strategies, FARM helps farmers transition towards sustainable agriculture, which protects the environment, safeguards human health, and ensures long-term agricultural productivity.

Model Answer:

Importance of international cooperation in agricultural environmental challenges:

• • Shared challenges: Environmental issues in agriculture like pesticide pollution and plastic waste transcend national boundaries. International cooperation is crucial for developing and implementing effective solutions.
  • Sharing knowledge and expertise: Collaboration allows countries to share best practices, research findings, and technological advancements for sustainable agriculture.
  • Financial and technical assistance: Developed nations can provide resources and expertise to support developing countries in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

FARM program as a model for addressing other environmental challenges:

• • Collaborative approach: FARM brings together multiple countries to address a shared challenge. This model can be replicated for other environmental issues like water management, deforestation, and climate change.
  • Focus on capacity building and technology transfer: The program emphasizes farmer education and research & development. This approach can be applied to other issues to empower local communities and promote sustainable solutions.
  • Financial incentives for behavior change: FARM utilizes financial incentives to encourage sustainable practices. This approach can be adapted to other environmental issues to motivate positive action.

By demonstrating the effectiveness of international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and financial incentives, FARM serves as a valuable model for tackling other environmental challenges on a global scale.

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective.

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