2. Food grain constitutes 64 percent of the gross cropped area (GCA), although it accounts for less than 25 percent of the total value of output of agriculture and allied activities. Give reasons for this existing imbalance in the current cropping pattern of food grains in India and steps needed to correct such an imbalance.

Approach:

♤ Highlight factors incentivising food grain production

♤ Also focus on factors creating disincentive for non-food grain products like horticultural products etc.

♤ Mention some steps taken by government to correct such imbalance

♤ Suggest some more steps required