Genetic Factors in Silk Production
Context: Researchers have unveiled the genetic factors influencing cocoon colors and adaptations in silk-producing insects, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms that have revolutionized the silk industry. Renowned as the “queen of fibers,” silk’s beauty and luxury have been cherished for centuries, and understanding the underlying genetics offers insights into the remarkable diversity and characteristics […]
Agricultural Trade Trends April-September 2023
Context: Recent data from the Department of Commerce reveals a decline in India’s agricultural exports, registering USD 23.6 billion in April-September 2023, down from USD 26.7 billion in the same period in 2022. Concurrently, agricultural imports also decreased from USD 19.3 billion to USD 16.2 billion, leading to a slight reduction in the agricultural trade […]
Krishi 24/7 – The AI-Powered Agricultural News Monitoring Solution
Context: Recently, the Union Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Wadhwani AI), developed Krishi 24/7. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Krishi 24/7 – The AI-Powered Agricultural News Monitoring Solution:
OECD Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation 2023
Context: The latest report titled Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation 2023 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has shed light on the implicit taxation of Indian farmers in 2022. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Report: Market Price Support (MPS): Negative MPS in India: Impact of Export Policies in India: […]
About Nutrient-Based Subsidy Regime
Context: Recently, the union cabinet has approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the various nutrients of Rabi and Kharif Season for 2022-23. Relevance: GS-III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: About Nutrient-Based Subsidy Regime Issues Related to NBS
Pulses to Buck Rise in Kharif Output
Context: Initial independent crop estimates suggest that the production of pulses, certain coarse cereals, and groundnuts is likely to reach a three-year low. However, there is optimism for the overall output to increase by 1.5% to 4% in this season, primarily driven by higher yields of rice and cereals. Despite this, retail inflation in pulses […]
Centre Approves Subsidy on Key Fertilizers
Context: On Wednesday, the government unveiled a subsidy of ₹22,303 crore for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers during the current rabi season. It was announced that farmers would continue to have access to the crucial soil nutrient DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) at the existing price of ₹1,350 per 50 kg bag. Relevance: GS3- Issues related to […]
Digital Crop Survey System
Context: Highlighting that the present system of estimation of crop area and production is completely manual, the Centre has asked states and Union Territories (UTs) to digitise the process by adopting the Digital Crop Survey System from July next year. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Need for the Digital Crop Survey: Guidelines […]
India’s Farm Machinery has Global Market
Context: The global agricultural sector is grappling with a labor shortage due to urban migration, with India witnessing a decline in farm workers. To address this, there has been a worldwide increase in the use of farming machinery for precise and timely field activities. Relevance: GS3-Agriculture, E-technology in the aid of farmers. Mains Question: Analyse […]
PUSA-44: A Paddy Variety with Implications
Context: Recently, Punjab Chief Minister announced that the state will ban the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety from next year onwards. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: PUSA-44: A Paddy Variety with Implications Development: PUSA-44 is a paddy variety that was developed in 1993 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Widespread […]