Agriculture Ministry Special Cell for Farm Inputs
Why in the news
Geopolitical tensions disrupted supply chains, so the Agriculture Ministry created a Special Monitoring Cell to keep fertilisers, seeds and pesticides flowing to farmers.
Key facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Set up by | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Tracks | Fertilisers, seeds, pesticides |
| Mode | 24×7 monitoring, weekly reports to the minister |
| Coordination | With states |
| Enforcement | Strict action against black marketing |
Related concepts
- Inputs: urea, DAP, MOP, seeds, pesticides; they drive productivity.
- Black marketing: illegal sale at inflated prices during shortages, caused by disruption and hoarding.
- Farmer ID: digital identity that targets subsidies and ties input distribution to land records.
- Subsidised fertilisers: urea, DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) and MOP (Muriate of Potash) at lower prices.
Exam angle
- For NABARD Grade A/B: Phase 1 awareness; Phase 2 ESI and ARD topics (farm inputs, fertiliser policy).
- Aim: uninterrupted supply.