AI is Revolutionising Sustainable Tech-driven Farming
Context: Despite the planet producing enough food to feed everyone, approximately one billion people remain hungry and malnourished due to various factors. With the world’s population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the agriculture sector faces mounting pressure to produce food more efficiently while minimizing resource use and environmental impact. Fortunately, AI holds significant promise for revolutionizing […]
H5N1 Outbreak Highlights Animal Welfare Concerns in India
Context: The recent H5N1 outbreak has shed light on significant vulnerabilities in India’s industrial livestock sector, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of animal welfare within the country’s environmental and legal frameworks. This outbreak underscores the importance of the One Health principle, which integrates public health, ecosystem health, and biodiversity conservation. Relevance: GS […]
Balanced Fertilisation Policy
Context: In a significant development, urea consumption reached a historic high of 35.8 million tonnes (mt) by the conclusion of the fiscal year ending in March 2024. This figure represents a notable 16.9% increase compared to the 30.6 mt recorded in 2013-14. Consequently, it is anticipated that achieving balanced fertilization will emerge as a pivotal […]
Controversy Surrounds FSSAI’s Decision to Increase Pesticide Limits
Context: The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently drew criticism from activists and scientists following its decision to raise the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides. The FSSAI order increased the MRL of pesticides allowed in herbs and spices by tenfold, from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, sparking concerns over potential health risks […]
Paira Cropping System
Context: A unique conservation agricultural practice, Paira cropping system has dwindled in recent years due to climate change. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Paira Cropping System: An Overview Geographical Distribution and Practice: Regions: Cropping Technique: Agronomic Features: Advantages of Paira Cropping System: Optimal Resource Utilization: Enhanced Yield: Sustainable Crop Intensification: Relay Cropping Method: A General Overview […]
Agricultural Transformation in West Bengal
Context: West Bengal has been undergoing a notable transformation in its agricultural sector, especially in districts bordering Bangladesh. Farmers in these regions are increasingly diversifying away from traditional wheat cultivation. Instead, they are embracing alternative crops such as bananas, lentils, maize, and other varieties. This shift towards crop diversification not only reflects changing agricultural practices […]
Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre
Context: Recently, the union Agriculture Minister inaugurated a Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) set up at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture About Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre Overview: Objectives: Technological Framework: Features of the Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre Data Presentation: Analytical Tools: Krishi Decision Support System […]
Indian Basmati Rice Varieties in Pakistan
Context: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) scientists have raised concerns over the recent discovery of India’s prized basmati rice varieties, such as Pusa-1121 and 1509 Basmati, being found in Pakistan under different names. This mislabeling has sparked alarm among Indian experts, who are urging legal action to protect Indian farmers and exporters. The situation highlights […]
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute
Context: The Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare recently inaugurated the Krishi Sammelan (Farmer’s Meet), organised by the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture About Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI): Mandate:
Gujarat Dairy Union Converts Dung to BioCNG
Context: The Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union in Gujarat has embarked on a transformative initiative to convert dung into BioCNG (compressed natural gas) and fertilizer, thereby supplementing farmers’ income. This innovative project not only addresses waste management challenges but also creates new revenue streams for dairy farmers. The BioCNG outlet, situated on the Deesa-Tharad […]