While agricultural subsidies have supported farmers' income, they have also contributed to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Discuss in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words)

Agricultural subsidies are govt incentives to farmers at various stages of production (sowing, cropping, harvesting) boost: i Agricultural Yield ii Farmers Income iii Promote general welfare of people Benefits of Agri-subsidies to farmers: i Reduced input cost → Easy, timely and cheaper availability of seeds, fertilisers, machinery etc. (HYV seeds, UREA subsidy) ii Higher productivity → Precision agriculture, smart agriculture, higher growth iii Mitigation against calamities → PM Fasal Beema Yojana and other crop insurance schemes iv Reduced post harvest losses → Subsidised storage facilities eg Granin Chandaram Yojana v Diversification of high income potential sectors eg PM Matsya Sampada Yojana - adoption of fisheries sector Subsidies having deteriorating impact: i Monocropping → Adoption of HYV seeds & MSP - hasled to growth of wheat & rice at cost of other cereals ii Soil degradation → Indiscriminate use of npce has led to soil salinity iii Groundwater issues → Power irrigation ensures have

led to decrease in groundwater level & fertility iv Threat to pollinators - like honeybees, butterflies due to use of toxic chemicals v Decreased yield → Excessive use of fertilisers has now started to degrade overall production vi Land degradation, salinity and rising infertility in around Punjab, Haryana vii Eutrophication → Chemical discharge ends up reaching ponds, lakes, rivers causing damage. Agricultural subsidies need to strike a balance between increasing farmers' income & food security on the other hand on environmental conservation. Conclusion: Agricultural subsidies were created to increase farmers' income and food production, but their sustained use has led to serious environmental problems. The balance needs to be achieved between supporting farmers' income and environmental conservation.

— Nikita Verma · AIR 30