Question 54 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Current Affairs (Environm ent)

Question

Which one of the following is the correct description of '100 Million Farmers'?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. It is a platform for accelerating the transition towards food and water systems that are net-zero (carbon), nature-positive and that aims to increase farmer resilience.

Strategy: - Identify options reflecting broad, systemic goals for sustainable agriculture.
- Prioritize those supporting transitions to net-zero, nature-positive systems, and building farmer resilience.
- Ensure alignment with global climate and sustainability initiatives.
- Exclude overly specific or limited options (e.g., market access only, specific farming methods) that do not cover a wider climate- and nature-centric agenda.

Key Info: The '100 Million Farmers' platform is a multi-stakeholder initiative by the World Economic Forum. Its mission is to drive the transformation of food and agricultural systems by supporting at least 100 million farmers in adopting net-zero (carbon-neutral), nature-positive practices that build their resilience to environmental, social, and market disruptions. The initiative brings together private and public sector leaders to accelerate investments and policies that enable system-wide shifts towards climate and nature goals while ensuring food security and farmer livelihoods.

## Key Features
- **Net-zero carbon** -- Promotes agriculture systems that reduce or neutralize carbon emissions, aligning with global climate targets like those outlined in the Paris Agreement.
- **Nature-positive** -- Encourages farming practices that regenerate soil health, enhance biodiversity, and restore ecosystem services.
- **Farmer resilience** -- Aims to strengthen the capacity of farmers to manage risks from climate change, market shocks, and resource scarcity.
- **Stakeholder engagement** -- Involves governments, private sector entities, NGOs, and farmer groups to ensure coordinated action.

## Context
- The platform is part of the World Economic Forum's efforts in shaping the sustainability agenda in agriculture, launched in response to the urgent need for scalable solutions for food systems transformation.
- Unlike typical agri-market platforms or consortia, its focus is holistic, merging ecological, climatic, and economic goals rather than just market access or sectoral interests (e.g., organic livestock or supply chain digitization).
- Complementary initiatives address issues like regenerative agriculture, digital financial inclusion, and farmer capacity-building, but the '100 Million Farmers' effort is unique for its systemic, climate-centric mission.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: It is an international alliance and a network of individuals and farming organisations interested in supporting and strengthening the development of organic animal husbandry.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: It is a digital platform fully integrated with service providers and built on blockchain that lets buyers, sellers, and third parties trade fertilizers quickly and securely.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: It is a platform with the mission of encouraging farmers to form Farmer Product Organisations or Agribusiness Consortiums, thus facilitating access to global open markets to sell their products.