Article 48 directs the State to endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. Which of the following policy approaches BEST reflects this directive?
- Complete ban on cattle slaughter in all States
- Promotion of organic farming, sustainable livestock management, agricultural research
- Mandatory collectivization of all agricultural land
- Import of all food grains to ensure self-sufficiency
Answer: Promotion of organic farming, sustainable livestock management, agricultural research
Article 48 agriculture and animal husbandry directive: (a) Text: State shall endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, (b) Modern and scientific agriculture operationalization: (i) Agricultural research: ICAR, agricultural universities develop high-yield varieties, climate-resilient crops, sustainable practices, (ii) Technology adoption: Precision farming, drip irrigation, digital advisory services enhance productivity, resource efficiency, (iii) Sustainable practices: Organic farming, agroecology, soil health management align with environmental sustainability, long-term productivity, (c) Animal husbandry operationalization: (i) Veterinary services: Disease control, breeding programs improve livestock health, productivity, (ii) Sustainable livestock management: Balanced approach to cattle protection, dairy development, meat production respects Article 48 while addressing economic, cultural considerations, (iii) Value addition: Processing, marketing support enhances farmer incomes, reduces post-harvest losses, (d) Contrast with other options: (i) Complete cattle slaughter ban: Reflects Article 48's cow protection aspect but not comprehensive modern, scientific approach; varies by State law, (ii) Mandatory collectivization: Not aligned with Indian constitutional framework; land reforms focus on redistribution, not collectivization, (iii) Import dependence: Contradicts self-sufficiency goals; Article 48 emphasizes domestic organization, productivity enhancement, (e) Applications: (i) PM-KISAN: Income support for farmers enables investment in modern inputs, practices, (ii) e-NAM: Electronic National Agricultural Market enhances price discovery, reduces intermediation, (iii) Climate-smart agriculture: Research, extension on drought-resistant crops, water management address climate challenges, (f) Illustrates balanced agricultural policy: Article 48 operationalized through research, technology, sustainability; balance between productivity, environmental care, cultural sensitivities essential for realizing constitutional vision of modern, scientific agriculture.