AGRICULTURE

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: Despite sustained efforts by the Punjab government to shift away from paddy, the state continues to witness high acreage under paddy cultivation during the kharif season. Current Scenario: Dominance of Paddy in Punjab In the ongoing kharif season, around 35–36 lakh hectares have been allocated …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: World Solar Day on 3rd May highlighted India’s efforts to promote agrivoltaics, aiming to harness solar energy while boosting agricultural productivity. Agrivoltaics (APV) Agrivoltaics refers to the co-location of solar photovoltaic panels and crops on the same land, enabling dual land use for both clean …

GS 3 The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) recently announced that the turnover of Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) exceeded Rs 1.7 lakh crore in the financial year 2025 (FY24-25). About the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Agriculture – Indigenous Knowledge, Seed Diversity, MSP Frameworks GS-3: Food Security – Crop Diversification, Sustainable Practices GS-3: Environment – Climate Adaptation, Soil Conservation Key Highlights Decline of Traditional Seeds India’s traditional seed varieties, once vital for food security and biodiversity, are disappearing. Causes include: Market preference for …

GS III-Agriculture Makhana, also known as Foxnut, is a significant aquatic crop cultivated primarily in stagnant perennial water bodies such as ponds, ditches, swamps, oxbow lakes, and land depressions. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and holds substantial cultural, economic, and nutritional importance. Origin and Distribution: Though native to …

GS III-Agriculture Optimal Climate for Coffee Cultivation Coffee thrives in a temperature range of 15°C to 28°C. The ideal annual rainfall requirement is between 150 cm and 250 cm. Given recent climatic irregularities, the Coffee Board has urged coffee-growing regions to establish interdisciplinary teams to assess plantation losses comprehensively. Coffee …

GS III-Agriculture About Araku Valley Coffee Cultivated in the hilly regions of Visakhapatnam district (Andhra Pradesh) and parts of Odisha. Grown at an altitude of 900m–1100m above mean sea level. Produced by tribal farmers practicing organic farming, which includes the use of organic manure, green manuring, and eco-friendly pest management …

GS III-Agriculture On its 43rd foundation day, NABARD introduced the AgriSURE fund (Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises), aimed at fostering innovation in agriculture and rural enterprises. Key Features of AgriSURE Aims to establish a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with a total corpus of ₹750 crore. Funding Sources: …

GS III-AGRICULTURE Background & Context The PM-KISAN scheme, operational since December 1, 2018, is aimed at providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers. Recently, concerns over alleged corruption in its implementation have been raised, particularly by the Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers’ Protection Association. The Government of India (GOI) reinstated …

GS Paper 3-Agriculture   Context: The term ‘Green Revolution’, introduced 57 years ago, marked a transformative phase in global agriculture, leading to India’s self-sufficiency in food production. Understanding the Green Revolution: The Green Revolution refers to a scientific and policy-driven initiative launched in the 1960s to enhance agricultural productivity using …

GS III-Agriculture Context: A novel electrochemical method has been developed to extract urea from urine, facilitating wastewater treatment while converting it into a sustainable resource, as reported by The Hindu (TH). Urine as a Valuable Resource “Liquid Gold” Concept: Urine is rich in essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, …

GS III – Agriculture Characteristics: A traditional rice variety of Kerala, known for its high salt tolerance in waterlogged coastal regions. Recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for its distinct farming method and heritage. Cultivation Cycle: June to November: Rice is cultivated during low salinity periods. November to April: …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella showcased Project Farm Vibes in Baramati, highlighting its success in improving crop yield by 40% and reducing fertilizer use by 25%. The initiative, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, is now expanding from 1,000 to 50,000 farmers. What is …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Launched: February 24, 2019 Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Objective: To provide direct income support to all landholding farmers to help them meet agricultural and allied needs. Key Features: Financial Assistance: Income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families. Paid in three …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: The Government of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme until 2025-26, aligning with the 15th Finance Commission period. About PM-AASHA Scheme: Objective: PM-AASHA is a comprehensive initiative designed to guarantee fair prices for farmers by strengthening procurement operations and …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN FOR NATIONAL FISHERIES DIGITAL PLATFORM REGISTRATION The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has launched a nationwide campaign from February 14–22, 2025, to boost registrations on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP). This initiative, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), …

GS III: Agriculture What is Feminisation of Agriculture? The feminisation of agriculture refers to the increasing role of women in farming due to male migration for better job opportunities. While this trend expands women’s participation, it also raises concerns about gender inequality in agriculture. Women’s Role in Agriculture 63% of …

GS Paper 3 Agriculture Context – The Union Budget of 2025 introduced the Pulse Mission, allocating ₹1,000 crore to enhance pulse production and address Punjab’s agricultural concerns. Decline in Pulse Cultivation in Punjab Punjab has witnessed a sharp decline in pulse cultivation, shrinking from 9.17 lakh hectares in the 1960s …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Background: The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing cotton productivity and promoting the cultivation of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton in India. Understanding ELS Cotton Origin: Derived from Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton, ELS is a high-quality cotton variety …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE   Context: India envisions a modernized and self-sufficient agricultural sector by 2047, positioning itself as a global leader in agribusiness. Present Scenario of Indian Agriculture Workforce Engagement: Agriculture remains a primary livelihood source, employing nearly 45% of the nation’s workforce. Economic Share: Contributing approximately 15% to …