Alfalfa Seed: The government is preparing to restrict the entry of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa (lucerne) fodder seed into the country, as the US urges India to lower import duties on the crop. The Indian government is empowered to regulate the entry of genetically modified (GM) organisms under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Alfalfa(Medicago sativa) […]
Category: Agriculture Current Affairs
Global Call to Ban Chlorpyrifos
Global Call to Ban Chlorpyrifos: The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva proposed the banning of toxic pesticide Chlorpyrifos by listing it under Annex A of Stockholm Convention (complete global ban without exemptions). However, India opposed the move, citing the absence of viable alternatives and the […]
IT adoption in Aquaculture
IT adoption in Aquaculture: India’s aquaculture sector is witnessing a transformation through digital and IT-driven innovations, as highlighted by investments like the $4.5 million infusion into aquaculture tech platforms.Aquaculture refers to the controlled farming of aquatic organisms like fish, shrimp, and mollusks in freshwater or marine environments, aimed at boosting food production and exports.
What are Traditional Seeds?
What are Traditional Seeds? Traditional seed varieties are declining due to market preferences for hybrid crops, threatening biodiversity and climate resilience.Traditional seeds, also called indigenous, heirloom, or desi seeds, are native crop varieties that have been naturally cultivated, saved, and exchanged by farmers over generations. Unlike hybrid or genetically modified (GM) seeds, they are open-pollinated, […]
Hybrid Paddy Seeds : Banned
Hybrid Paddy Seeds : Banned Punjab government has banned the sale of hybrid paddy seeds ahead of the 2025 Kharif season.The decision follows rice millers’ refusal to accept hybrid rice due to low milling efficiency and broken grain output.Hybrid paddy is a crossbred rice variety developed from two different parent lines to increase yield, water […]
Farm Mechanization
Farm Mechanization: India’s farm mechanisation journey, once dominated by tractors, is now witnessing a transformative shift. The focus is moving toward smart machinery, automation, and precision tools to meet modern agricultural demands. Farm Mechanization involves using machines like harvesters and modern implements to improve productivity, enhance efficiency, and reduce dependence on manual labour in farming […]
Nano Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP
Nano Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP): Parliamentary Committee Warns Against Underfunding of Fertilizer Subsidy Schemes. Nano DAP is a liquid nano-fertilizer developed to improve nutrient absorption and enhance plant growth. It was launched by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in 2023. It contains 8% Nitrogen and 16% Phosphorus by volume. Unlike conventional DAP, which is granular, […]
Cassava
Cassava: Indigenous farming has preserved cassava’s genetic diversity and earned the title of the ‘bread of the tropics’ for feeding nearly a billion people. Cassava (Yuca or Manioc) is a starchy root vegetable and the source of tapioca (a starch used in bakery products, paper, and adhesive industries). It is native to South America and […]
Soil Fertility Mapping
Soil Fertility Mapping: The Soil & Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) has generated digital soil fertility maps for 351 villages across 34 districts in Maharashtra using geospatial techniques.This initiative, under the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme, aims to enhance soil productivity and optimize fertilizer use.Soil Fertility Mapping is a scientific method of assessing and […]
Advancing Small-Scale Fisheries
Advancing Small-Scale Fisheries: India has taken over the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh reinforcing its commitment to the blue economy. India aims to improve livelihoods, sustainability, and economic development of the Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF). It is a regional fisheries body supporting SSF in the Bay of Bengal. Members include […]
