2026 · GS Paper 3 · Q3 · 10 marks
Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security. (Answer in 150 words)
In short
Technology Missions, from the 1986 Oilseeds Mission to NFSM and NMEO-Oilseeds, use a mission mode that bundles seed, technology and markets for specific crops, raising food availability. Oilseed output more than doubled within a decade of 1986, the Yellow Revolution.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 182 words
Technology Missions are time-bound, mission-mode programmes that bundle seed, technology, extension, processing and price support for one crop group, a model pioneered by the Technology Mission on Oilseeds in 1986.
Major Technology Missions in Agriculture
Agricultural Technology Missions → 1986 :: Oilseeds Mission → 2000 :: Cotton Mission → 2001 :: NE Horticulture Mission → 2007 :: NFSM → 2024 :: NMEO-Oilseeds
1. Crop-specific design: The Oilseeds Mission later added pulses and maize, while the Cotton Mission ran four Mini Missions from research to ginning. 2. Current missions: NFSM, renamed the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission in 2024-25, covers cereals, pulses and coarse grains, while NMEO targets edible-oil self-reliance.
Availability
Oilseed output more than doubled within a decade of 1986, the Yellow Revolution, and NFSM helped foodgrain output reach 357.73 million tonnes in 2024-25.
Nutrition and import gaps
Pulses, horticulture and millets diversified diets, though edible-oil imports surged again after 1990s tariff cuts.
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Technology Missions3 questions
Asked in 3 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2018Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?
- 2017Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India ?
Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.