Agriculture Quiz

Notes:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the Digital Agriculture Mission with a budget of Rs. 2817 Crore. The central share for this mission is Rs. 1940 Crore. The mission supports digital agriculture initiatives through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and other IT projects. Three main components under DPI are AgriStack, Krishi Decision Support System (DSS), and Soil Profile Maps. These components aim to provide solutions for farmers to access various services. AgriStack will include a Farmers’ Registry, Geo-referenced Village Maps, and a Crop Sown Registry managed by state governments

Notes:
India remained the eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products in 2023, despite exports dropping from $55 billion in 2022 to $51 billion. This occurred amid a general decline in agricultural exports among most top ten exporting nations. The WTO Trade Statistics 2023 report shows that only Brazil, the European Union (EU), and Thailand saw growth. Brazil’s exports increased by 6% to $157 billion, the EU’s rose by 5% to $836 billion, and Thailand’s grew by 0.2%.

Notes:
NABARD recently announced the Agri-SURE fund to support start-ups and rural enterprises in agriculture. The ₹750 crore fund, with contributions from NABARD, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other institutions, will back 85 agri start-ups with investments up to ₹25 crore each. Agri-SURE focuses on innovation, technology, enhancing the value chain, creating rural linkages, generating employment, and supporting Farmers Producer Organisations. NABVENTURES will manage the fund.

Notes:
Nagaland won the ‘Best State in Horticulture Award 2024’ for innovative horticulture programs benefiting many farmers and rural people. Women Resource Development and Horticulture Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse received the award in New Delhi. The state’s horticulture sector enhanced livelihoods, created jobs, ensured nutritional security, and achieved GI registration for three crops. Nagaland formed 13 farmers’ producer companies and certified 6,800 hectares organically, earning national recognition.

Notes:
The 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee, chaired by Justice P Sathasivam, has named Maharashtra the Best Agriculture State for 2024. Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde will receive the award in New Delhi on July 10. Recognized for its innovative agricultural policies and programs, Maharashtra’s initiatives include the largest bamboo mission, extensive irrigation projects, and nano-technology fertilizer distribution. The award highlights significant contributions to agricultural advancement and rural prosperity.

Notes:
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Australian Government held a roundtable to review the Australia-India Critical Agriculture Skills Pilot Project. Led by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari and Mr. Mathew Johnston, the discussion focused on scaling and replicating the initiative. Representatives from NCVET, NSDC, ICAR, MoE, and ASCI attended. The project, initiated last March, identified five critical agriculture job roles through extensive consultations with 89 experts from 64 organizations.

Notes:
The NSO released the “Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011-12 to 2022-23).” Key highlights include agriculture’s 18.2% share of GVA in 2022-23. Sub-sector contributions are Crop (54.3%), Livestock (30.9%), Forestry (7.9%), and Fishing (6.9%). From 2011-12 to 2022-23, Crop’s share declined from 62.4% to 54.3%, while Livestock, Forestry, and Fishing output increased significantly.

Notes:
The Karnataka government plans to implement a high-tech hub scheme for the welfare of farmers with an estimated budget of Rs 100 crore. This initiative, part of the Krishi Bhagya programme, aims to provide farm equipment directly to farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity and support. The scheme also includes a significant subsidy, with the government covering 70% of the costs.

Notes:
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare launched a Krishi ICCC at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi. The initiative utilizes tech like AI, remote sensing, and GIS for informed agricultural decision-making. It consolidates geospatial data from sources such as Digital Crop Survey and Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics. The Krishi ICCC aims to monitor the farm sector effectively, enhancing productivity and market intelligence.

Notes:
In March 2024, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has urged legal action against Pakistan for cultivating its improved basmati rice varieties without authorization. The IARI has raised concerns that Pakistan is “illegally” growing the varieties, which could endanger India’s $5.5 billion export market. The IARI has found that varieties like Pusa-1121 and 1509 Basmati are grown in Pakistan under new names.