Topic 1: Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; Federalism; Special provisions (Article 371A).
- GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in border areas; North-East insurgency.
Context
The Centre, the Nagaland State Government, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) signed a historic tripartite agreement to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). This resolves the decade-long demand for a separate state by the seven tribes of eastern Nagaland.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Political Autonomy: The FNTA acts as a “state within a state,” granting legislative and executive powers over 46 state subjects to the six eastern districts (Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, Shamator). It will have a mini-secretariat but will operate under the Governor of Nagaland.
- Constitutional Sanctity: The agreement respects Article 371A, ensuring that the special protections for Naga religious and social practices remain untouched while creating a unique administrative structure.
- Financial Devolution: A key grievance was the “development deficit.” The agreement ensures direct financial allocation from the Centre and the State to the FNTA, proportional to the population and area, bypassing the bureaucratic delays of Kohima.
- Internal Security: This is a major victory for the peace process. By addressing the grievances of the ENPO (which represents tribes like Konyaks and Changs), the Centre effectively neutralizes potential insurgent recruitment grounds in the Myanmar-bordering districts.
- Administrative Innovation: It creates a precedent for “Territorial Councils” with enhanced powers, potentially serving as a model for other sub-national demands (e.g., in Manipur or Ladakh) without resorting to full statehood.
Positives, Negatives & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Decentralization: Bringing governance to the doorstep of the remotest tribes. | Fragmentation Risks: May trigger domino demands from other tribes/regions for similar autonomy. | PM-DevINE: (PM’s Development Initiative for North East Region) – crucial for funding FNTA infrastructure. |
| Strategic Stability: Stabilizes the volatile Indo-Myanmar border region. | Operational Friction: Potential conflict between the FNTA mini-secretariat and the main State Assembly. | Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Will see better implementation in these 6 districts. |
| Cultural Preservation: Protects the distinct identity of the 7 backward tribes. | Fiscal Burden: High administrative costs of running a parallel mini-secretariat. | Vibrant Villages Programme: Applicable to border villages in Mon/Tuensang. |
Examples
- The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in Assam is a successful precedent where autonomy quelled violence; FNTA is modeled with even stronger financial teeth.
Way Forward
- Cadre Management: dedicated civil service cadre for FNTA to ensure administrative efficiency.
- Audit Mechanisms: Strict CAG auditing of the direct funds to prevent the corruption often seen in autonomous councils.
- Border Fencing: Accelerate the smart fencing of the Myanmar border in these districts to prevent cross-border insurgency.
- Skill Integration: Link FNTA’s education policy with national skill missions to reduce youth unemployment.
Conclusion
The FNTA agreement is a masterstroke of “asymmetric federalism,” balancing national integrity with sub-regional aspirations. It proves that the Constitution is flexible enough to accommodate distinct identities without redrawing the map of India.
Mains Practice Question
“The creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) represents a new paradigm in conflict resolution in the North East.” Analyze this statement in the context of Article 371A and the demand for sub-regional autonomy.
Topic 2: RBI Monetary Policy (February 2026)
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; Monetary Policy.
Context
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep the Repo Rate unchanged at 5.25%. The central bank maintained a “neutral” stance while raising the GDP growth forecast for FY27.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Monetary Stance (Status Quo): By holding rates at 5.25%, the RBI is prioritizing stability over stimulus. The pause allows previous rate adjustments to fully transmit through the banking system before making new moves.
- Inflation Targeting: With CPI projected at 2.1% for FY26, inflation is well below the 4% target. However, the RBI remains cautious of “food shock” volatility and imported inflation from global geopolitical tensions.
- Growth Trajectory: The GDP forecast upgrade to 7.4% indicates confidence in domestic consumption and the manufacturing revival (PLI schemes). The economy is shifting from “recovery” to “expansion.”
- Global Headwinds: The decision reflects caution against external risks—specifically the “higher-for-longer” interest rate regime in the US and the disruption of Red Sea trade routes affecting supply chains.
- Liquidity Management: The RBI is moving away from “withdrawal of accommodation” to fine-tuning liquidity, ensuring banks have enough cash to lend to the productive sectors (credit growth is currently outpacing deposit growth).
Positives, Negatives & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| EMI Stability: Home and auto loan borrowers get relief from rising EMIs. | Real Interest Rates: High real positive interest rates might dampen private capex slightly. | Urjit Patel Committee: Established the framework for inflation targeting (CPI) used here. |
| Currency Protection: Helps maintain the interest rate differential with the US Fed, protecting the Rupee. | Deposit Lag: Banks may struggle to raise deposit rates, leading to a liability mismatch. | Priority Sector Lending (PSL): Continues to support MSMEs despite tight liquidity. |
| Investor Confidence: Predictability in policy encourages Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI). | Export Drag: A strong Rupee (due to high rates) could hurt export competitiveness. | Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): Vital as rates stay elevated. |
Examples
- Housing Sector: The pause is critical for the affordable housing sector, where demand is highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations.
Way Forward
- Deposit Mobilization: Banks must innovate to attract deposits to match the surging credit demand.
- Food Supply Chain: The government must use fiscal measures (buffer stocks) to manage food inflation, allowing the RBI to focus on core inflation.
- Digital Lending Checks: RBI must tighten norms on algorithmic lending to prevent systemic risks during high-growth phases.
- Green Financing: The MPC should consider lower capital requirements for loans directed at green energy projects.
Conclusion
The RBI’s policy reflects a “Goldilocks scenario”—high growth and low inflation. However, the “neutral” stance serves as a watchdog, ready to bite if geopolitical shocks threaten India’s macroeconomic stability.
Mains Practice Question
“Monetary policy alone cannot ensure economic stability; it requires fiscal concurrence.” Discuss this in light of the RBI’s recent decision to maintain the status quo despite falling inflation.
Topic 3: India-Malaysia Relations (PM Visit & IMPACT Vision)
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuala Lumpur marked the elevation of ties with the launch of the “IMPACT” (India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation) vision and the announcement of Thiruvalluvar Scholarships.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Strategic (Act East Policy): Malaysia is a core pivot in India’s Act East Policy and a gateway to ASEAN. This visit revitalizes ties that had cooled under previous regimes, bringing Malaysia closer to India’s Indo-Pacific security architecture.
- Economic Synergy: The focus on Semiconductors and Fintech is crucial. Malaysia is a global chip packaging hub; collaboration here aids India’s own semiconductor mission. The linkage of UPI with Malaysia’s PayNet will revolutionize remittances and tourism.
- Cultural Soft Power: The announcement of the Thiruvalluvar Scholarship and the “India-Malaysia distinct civilizational link” effectively utilizes the 2.7 million-strong Indian diaspora (largely Tamil) as a diplomatic bridge.
- Defense & Security: Discussions on the South China Sea and freedom of navigation signal a subtle alignment against Chinese hegemony, moving beyond just trade to hard security cooperation (fighter jet maintenance, joint exercises).
- Labor Mobility: The agreement helps regulate migration, protecting the rights of Indian blue-collar workers while opening doors for white-collar professionals in IT and Malaysia’s digital economy.
Positives, Negatives & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Supply Chain Diversification: Reduces dependence on China for electronics components. | China Factor: Malaysia remains economically dependent on China, limiting how far it can align with India strategically. | Act East Policy: The overarching framework driving this engagement. |
| Digital Diplomacy: UPI expansion strengthens the Rupee’s international acceptance. | Palm Oil Volatility: Past trade disputes (2019) over palm oil show the relationship’s fragility. | Semiconductor Mission: Direct beneficiary of the tech partnership signed. |
| Diaspora Connect: Strengthens emotional and economic bonds with the PIO community. | Religious Sensitivities: Occasional comments on internal matters can strain diplomatic ties. | Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC): Complements the new Thiruvalluvar scheme. |
Examples
- UPI-PayNet Linkage: Similar to the Singapore PayNow-UPI link, this allows an Indian tourist in Kuala Lumpur to pay for Nasi Lemak using their phone, bypassing forex counters.
Way Forward
- Defense Exports: Push for the sale of Tejas LCA and BrahMos missiles to Malaysia to cement the security partnership.
- Trade Balance: Review the India-ASEAN FTA to address the trade deficit which currently skews heavily in Malaysia’s favor (Palm Oil/Oil).
- Educational Corridor: Establish IIT campuses or satellite centers in Malaysia to train their workforce, leveraging India’s knowledge economy.
- Blue Economy: Joint exploration of marine resources in the Andaman Sea.
Conclusion
The “IMPACT” vision shifts the India-Malaysia relationship from “transactional” (buying oil/selling labor) to “transformational” (tech, defense, and strategy). It is a crucial rectification of India’s ASEAN diplomacy, ensuring no vacuum is left for other powers to fill.
Mains Practice Question
“The ‘IMPACT’ vision with Malaysia signifies a shift from trade-based relations to strategic convergence.” Examine how this partnership strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region.
Topic 4: India-US Interim Trade Agreement (Framework Agreement)
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- GS Paper III: Effects of liberalization on the economy; Changes in industrial policy.
Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump welcomed the signing of a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement. This pact aims to resolve long-standing trade irritants while bypassing the complexities of a Full Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for now.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Strategic Rationale: As global supply chains “friend-shore” away from China, this agreement cements the India-US economic corridor. It provides a structured roadmap for trade before the US “Trade Promotion Authority” or sanctions waivers (like those for Chabahar) undergo renewal.
- Market Access & MSMEs: The deal reportedly provides duty-free entry for several Indian MSME products and textiles into the US market. In return, India may lower tariffs on specific high-tech American imports and agricultural goods like pecans or berries, which do not directly compete with Indian staples.
- The “Surrender” Debate: The opposition (Congress) has labeled it a “surrender,” fearing that India might become a dumping ground for US dairy or poultry. However, the government maintains that “sensitive items” like dairy and domestic oilseeds remain protected under “negative lists.”
- Resilient Supply Chains: A significant portion of the framework focuses on critical minerals and semiconductors. By aligning trade norms, India seeks to integrate into the US-led Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), crucial for its Electric Vehicle (EV) ambitions.
- Digital Trade & Services: With the US being India’s largest services export destination, the framework addresses “Totalization” issues (social security taxes for H1-B holders) and data localization norms, balancing India’s “Data Sovereignty” with “Ease of Doing Business.”
Positives, Negatives & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Export Boost: Duty-free access for Indian leather, textiles, and gems. | Agricultural Vulnerability: Risk of cheap US agri-imports depressing local prices. | Make in India: Complements the vision of making India a global manufacturing hub. |
| Geopolitical Alignment: Counters Chinese economic dominance in the Indo-Pacific. | Policy Space: Binding trade rules might limit India’s ability to raise tariffs later. | PLI Schemes: Integration with US supply chains boosts PLI effectiveness in electronics. |
| Investment Inflow: Greater certainty for US tech giants (Apple, Google) to invest. | Data Privacy: US pressure on “free flow of data” may clash with Indian DPDP Act. | Districts as Export Hubs: Aims to link local MSMEs directly to the US market. |
Examples
- The “Pecan Nut” precedent: India previously reduced tariffs on US pecans to gain concessions for Indian mangoes; this interim deal expands such “surgical” trade swaps.
Way Forward
- Strict Rules of Origin: Ensure that Chinese goods are not “routed” through the US to claim duty benefits in India.
- SPS Standardization: Indian farmers must be trained to meet US Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards to actually utilize the market access.
- Intellectual Property (IPR): Balance US demands for stronger patent protection with India’s need for affordable generic medicines.
- Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT): Parallelly fast-track the BIT to protect Indian investors in the US from arbitrary policy shifts.
Conclusion
The Interim Trade Agreement is a “building block” approach to diplomacy. By securing early wins in MSMEs and tech, India avoids the “all-or-nothing” trap of FTAs, ensuring economic growth while maintaining strategic autonomy over its sensitive agricultural sector.
Mains Practice Question
“Interim Trade Agreements often serve as pragmatic precursors to Comprehensive Economic Partnerships.” Evaluate the India-US trade framework in the context of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission and the challenges of agricultural protectionism.
Topic 5: Revised DPIIT Startup Framework & ‘Deep Tech’ Category
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications; Indian Economy (Employment, Growth).
Context
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified a significant overhaul of startup norms, increasing the turnover threshold to ₹200 crore (₹300 crore for Deep Tech) and extending the “startup age” to 20 years for Deep Tech entities.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Recognizing Gestation Periods: Unlike e-commerce apps, “Deep Tech” (AI, Space-tech, Biotech) requires years of R&D before commercialization. By extending the eligibility to 20 years, the government acknowledges that “Deep Tech” needs a longer runway of tax benefits and regulatory support.
- Democratization via Cooperatives: For the first time, Cooperative Societies are eligible for startup recognition. This bridges the gap between traditional rural structures and modern “Agri-tech” innovation, potentially revolutionizing the dairy and sugar sectors.
- Fiscal Guardrails: While easing limits, the DPIIT has banned startups from using “incentivized funds” for real estate or non-core investments. This prevents the “diversion of capital” and ensures that tax breaks are used strictly for innovation and job creation.
- Tier-II/III Expansion: With 50% of startups now coming from non-metro cities, the new framework provides specific incentives for regional incubators, aiming to reverse “brain drain” from rural India to Silicon Valley.
- Deep Tech Sovereignty: By creating a dedicated category, the government is signaling its intent to support “sovereign tech”—technologies critical for national security (Quantum, Defense-tech) where India cannot afford to rely on foreign IP.
Positives, Negatives & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| R&D Focus: Long-term support for high-risk, high-reward innovations. | Implementation Lag: Banks often hesitate to fund Deep Tech due to lack of tangible assets. | Startup India Hub: The primary platform for registration and mentorship. |
| Inclusivity: Cooperative integration empowers the “Sahkar se Samriddhi” vision. | Complexity: Multiple categories (Regular vs. Deep Tech) might lead to bureaucratic confusion. | Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS): Provides much-needed equity capital. |
| Tax Clarity: Clearer Section 80-IAC exemptions reduce “Angel Tax” type disputes. | Exit Barriers: Lack of a robust domestic IPO market for tech-heavy firms. | MAARG Portal: Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth. |
Examples
- Space-tech Startups (e.g., Skyroot): These firms often take 7–10 years just for the first launch; the “20-year” rule ensures they remain “startups” throughout their development phase.
Way Forward
- Public Procurement: The government should mandate that at least 10% of departmental tech needs be met by recognized “Deep Tech” startups.
- Intellectual Property Support: Subsidize international patent filing costs for Deep Tech startups to protect Indian “IP wealth.”
- Venture Debt: Encourage “Venture Debt” (loans instead of equity) for cooperatives entering the startup space.
- Sandbox Expansion: Create more sectoral “Regulatory Sandboxes” where Deep Tech can be tested without the fear of immediate compliance violations.
Conclusion
The revised framework moves India from “Startup Quantity” (2 lakh+ firms) to “Startup Quality.” By backing Deep Tech and Cooperatives, India is positioning its startup ecosystem to solve “hard problems” in climate, health, and agriculture, rather than just delivering groceries faster.
Mains Practice Question
“The extension of the startup age and turnover limits for Deep Tech entities reflects a shift from consumer-tech to innovation-led growth.” Discuss the significance of this move for India’s technological sovereignty.
Topic 6: Bastar Pandum 2026 & ‘Niyad Nellanar’ Yojana
Syllabus
- GS Paper I: Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture.
- GS Paper III: Internal Security – Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security (Maoism).
Context
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated ‘Bastar Pandum 2026’ in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The festival, alongside the success of the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village) Yojana, marks a turning point in reclaiming Maoist-hit areas through cultural integration and development.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Cultural Restoration: ‘Pandum’ refers to the tribal celebration of life and harvests. By elevating a local tribal festival to a national stage, the state is countering the “ideological vacuum” once filled by Maoists. It validates tribal identity within the Indian constitutional framework.
- The ‘Niyad Nellanar’ Model: This scheme focuses on villages within a 5km radius of security camps. Security forces act as “enablers” while the civil administration provides 25 basic services (Aadhaar, electricity, schools). It effectively breaks the “distrust” between the State and the Tribals.
- Counter-Insurgency through Development: The President noted that “education is the cornerstone.” Reopening schools (closed for decades due to Maoist threats) is the strongest blow to the insurgency, as it prevents the recruitment of “child soldiers” and “informers.”
- Mainstreaming Surrender: The focus has shifted from “neutralizing” to “mainstreaming.” Welfare schemes for surrendered cadres ensure that returning to society is economically viable, preventing them from returning to the forest.
- Tribal Brotherhood: The ‘Bastar Dussehra’ and ‘Pandum’ emphasize community participation. This “Social Capital” is being leveraged to form village-level committees that resist Maoist entry, shifting the security burden from the police to the community (Community Policing).
Positives, Negatives & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Trust Building: Reduces the “alienation” that fuels left-wing extremism (LWE). | Soft Targets: Reopened schools and clinics remain vulnerable to Maoist “revenge” attacks. | Niyad Nellanar Yojana: Chhattisgarh’s flagship “saturation” development scheme. |
| Identity Pride: Tribal festivals get global visibility, boosting eco-tourism. | Last Mile Connectivity: Building roads in hilly, mined terrain remains a lethal challenge. | Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Providing quality education in LWE areas. |
| Institutional Presence: Replaces the “parallel government” of Maoists with the Indian State. | Information War: Maoists often use propaganda to label development as “corporate loot.” | Aspirational Districts Programme: Many LWE districts (like Sukma) are part of this. |
Examples
- Operation Kachaak: A local initiative where security forces helped tribals harvest crops, mimicking the ‘Pandum’ spirit, which led to a record number of surrenders in 2025.
Way Forward
- Language as a Bridge: Recruit more ‘Gondi’ and ‘Halbi’ speaking teachers and health workers to eliminate the language barrier.
- Forest Rights: Ensure 100% implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) to remove the grievance of “land alienation.”
- Eco-Tourism: Develop Bastar as a world-class eco-tourism hub, giving tribals a stake in the “peace dividend.”
- Technology: Use drones for “last-mile delivery” of medicines to bypass IED-laden roads.
Conclusion
The transition of Bastar from a “Red Zone” to a “Cultural Zone” proves that the “Bullet for Bullet” policy must be supplemented by “Culture for Culture.” ‘Bastar Pandum’ is not just a festival; it is a declaration of the State’s return and the Maoists’ irrelevance.
Mains Practice Question
“Developmental interventions in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas must be sensitive to tribal culture to be sustainable.” Comment in the light of the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ Yojana and the promotion of tribal festivals.
Topic 7: Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phases 3 & 4 Expansion
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.
Context
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced the framework for Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phases 3 and 4. This next-generation grid backbone aims to evacuate an unprecedented 150 GW of renewable energy, scaling up the infrastructure needed to meet India’s 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Scale and Scope: Phases 3 and 4 represent a quantum leap in India’s power transmission. While Phases 1 and 2 focused on 8 and 7 renewable-rich states respectively, the new phases are pan-India. They are designed to be 8-10 times larger than the previous corridors combined, moving from regional evacuation to a truly National Grid for Green Energy.
- Technical Sophistication: To minimize transmission losses over long distances (e.g., from solar hubs in Rajasthan to industrial centers in Tamil Nadu), the project will utilize 765 kV High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines. This is critical for grid stability, as renewable energy is inherently intermittent.
- Addressing Connectivity Bottlenecks: Currently, transmission capacity is the primary “brake” on renewable deployment. Many solar projects are ready but cannot “plug in.” GEC-III/IV aims to resolve this “last-mile” connectivity by creating a proactive “transmission-first” approach, where the grid is built before the solar/wind plants are commissioned.
- Inter-State Power Balancing: The corridors will facilitate the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), allowing surplus solar power from Western India during the day to be used in the North, and wind power from the South to support the East. This reduces the need for expensive coal-based “peaking” power plants.
- Fiscal Commitment: With an estimated outlay exceeding ₹56,000 crore, the project follows a cost-sharing model (approx. 40% Central Grant). This public investment is expected to “crowd-in” private investment in renewable generation by providing guaranteed evacuation.
Positives, Negatives & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Emissions Reduction: Facilitates a massive shift away from coal-based thermal power. | High Upfront Cost: Requires massive capital expenditure with long gestation periods. | Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) Charges Waiver: Encourages RE trade across state borders. |
| Grid Stability: Advanced HVDC technology reduces the risk of regional blackouts. | Right of Way (RoW): Acquiring land for high-tension lines across multiple states is a legal hurdle. | National Smart Grid Mission: Complements GEC by managing demand-side responses. |
| Energy Security: Reduces reliance on imported natural gas and coal for peak demand. | Technical Losses: Even with HVDC, long-distance transmission involves 3-5% energy loss. | PM-KUSUM: Feeds decentralized solar power into the GEC at the local level. |
Examples
- Khavda Renewable Energy Park: The GEC-III is vital for the world’s largest renewable park in Gujarat, which alone requires massive 765 kV lines to transport power to the rest of India.
Way Forward
- Uniform Regulatory Framework: States must align their Open Access charges to ensure that green power moves seamlessly across the new corridors without “hidden” taxes.
- Energy Storage Integration: Pair the corridors with Large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at the substation level to “smooth” the power flow.
- Underground Cabling in Eco-sensitive Zones: In areas like the Great Indian Bustard habitats, utilize underground high-tension cables to prevent environmental litigation.
- Smart Grid Monitoring: Deploy AI-based load forecasting to prevent grid congestion during peak wind/solar generation hours.
Conclusion
Green Energy Corridor Phases 3 & 4 are the “arteries” of India’s future economy. Without this massive expansion, the “Green Revolution 2.0” will remain localized. This project ensures that “One Sun, One World, One Grid” begins with a robust “One India, One Green Grid.”
Mains Practice Question
“The success of India’s renewable energy targets depends less on generation capacity and more on transmission efficiency.” Discuss in the light of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) expansion.
Topic 8: National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) & ‘Krishi Sakhi’ Integration
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country; different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce; Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies.
Context
The Union Cabinet recently reviewed the progress of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), highlighting the deployment of 70,000 trained Krishi Sakhis (community paralegals/extension workers) to promote chemical-free agriculture across 15,000 clusters.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Paradigm Shift (Chemical to Biological): NMNF marks a shift away from the “Green Revolution” model of high-input (fertilizer/pesticide) farming to Agro-ecology. It focuses on “Jeevamrut” and “Beejamrut” (microbial formulations) to restore soil health, which has been severely degraded by decades of urea overuse.
- Economic Viability: By eliminating the cost of expensive synthetic fertilizers and seeds, the mission aims to reduce the “Input Debt” of small and marginal farmers. The government provides an incentive of ₹4,000 per acre to help farmers transition during the initial 2-3 years of lower yields.
- The ‘Krishi Sakhi’ Edge: The mission’s success relies on the “human touch.” 70,000 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been trained as ‘Krishi Sakhis’ to provide on-field handholding. This feminization of agricultural extension services ensures better penetration and community trust.
- Climate Resilience: Natural farming practices—such as mulching and multi-cropping—improve the soil’s water-holding capacity. This makes crops more resilient to the “heatwaves” and “erratic rainfall” patterns increasingly seen in 2025 and 2026.
- Certification and Branding: A major hurdle in the past was the lack of premium prices for natural produce. The NMNF introduces a “Grown Naturally” national brand and a simplified Peer-to-Peer (PGS-India) certification to ensure farmers can access urban “health-conscious” markets.
Positives, Negatives & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Soil Health: Increases microbial activity and carbon sequestration in the soil. | Yield Lag: There is often a 15-20% drop in yield during the first 3 years of transition. | Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): The sub-scheme that funds the NMNF clusters. |
| Subsidies Savings: Reduced chemical fertilizer use lowers the government’s massive subsidy bill. | Labor Intensive: Preparing natural inputs (Jeevamrut) requires more manual labor than spraying chemicals. | Lakhpati Didi Initiative: Training Krishi Sakhis helps them earn over ₹1 lakh/year. |
| Human Health: Produces chemical-free food, reducing the incidence of pesticide-linked diseases. | Livestock Dependency: Success depends on having indigenous cattle (desi cows) for dung/urine. | Mission Shakti: Provides the SHG framework for the Krishi Sakhi deployment. |
Examples
- Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF): The state has already moved over 8 lakh farmers to natural farming, serving as the blueprint for the National Mission.
Way Forward
- Value Chain Development: The government must set up dedicated “Natural Farming Mandis” to prevent natural produce from being mixed with chemical produce in traditional markets.
- Research Backing: ICAR must conduct long-term studies to prove yield parity to convince skeptical farmers in “wheat-rice” belt states like Punjab.
- Livestock Integration: Link the mission with the Rashtriya Gokul Mission to ensure every natural farming cluster has access to indigenous cattle.
- Carbon Credits: Develop a framework to allow natural farmers to sell “Carbon Credits” for the CO2 they sequester in the soil, providing a secondary income stream.
Conclusion
Natural farming is not “going back to the past” but “moving toward a sustainable future.” By leveraging the social capital of Krishi Sakhis, the NMNF is transforming agriculture from a source of debt and pollution into a tool for environmental restoration and farmer prosperity.
Mains Practice Question
“Natural farming offers a solution to the ‘twin crisis’ of farmer debt and soil degradation, but its scalability remains a concern.” Critically analyze the role of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) in addressing these challenges.
