Tag: Sustainable Farming

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What is biochar? Explain its significance for improving soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Q5.  What is biochar? Explain its significance for improving soil health and agricultural sustainability. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question Crop residue burning, declining soil health and the need for climate-resilient agriculture have renewed attention on biochar as a sustainable solution for …

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Analyse the structural causes behind continuing farm suicides in India. Examine the changing nature of rural distress in the context of declining farm viability and labour insecurity. Suggest a robust framework for sustainable agrarian transformation.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage Q5. Analyse the structural causes behind continuing farm suicides in India. Examine the changing nature of rural distress in the context of declining farm viability and labour insecurity. Suggest a robust framework for sustainable agrarian transformation. …

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Animal husbandry and fisheries have emerged as key drivers of rural transformation in India. Discuss their contribution to the rural economy. Explain their role in promoting sustainable farming systems. Suggest policy measures for their effective integration.

Topic: Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Aquaculture Q2. Animal husbandry and fisheries have emerged as key drivers of rural transformation in India. Discuss their contribution to the rural economy. Explain their role in promoting sustainable farming systems. Suggest policy measures for their effective integration. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Relevant as …

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“The rise of herbicides in India’s pesticide market is as much an economic response as a technological one”. Analyse this transformation and its impact on smallholder farming. Also suggest measures to ensure ecologically safe usage.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. “The rise of herbicides in India’s pesticide market is as much an economic response as a technological one”. Analyse this transformation and its impact on smallholder farming. Also suggest measures to ensure ecologically safe usage. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why …

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Biostimulants

Source:  IE Context: Union Agriculture Minister has directed states to halt forced sales of biostimulants, amid rising complaints over efficacy and regulatory violations. The Centre is tightening oversight on biostimulants through revised specifications and regulatory checks under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985. About Biostimulants: Definition: Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that, when applied to …

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Why was there a need for a dedicated agriculture-focused scheme like the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)? How does it differ structurally from previous centrally sponsored agriculture schemes? Assess the potential of such district-targeted schemes in achieving Atmanirbharta in agriculture.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. Why was there a need for a dedicated agriculture-focused scheme like the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)? How does it differ structurally from previous centrally sponsored agriculture schemes? Assess the potential of such district-targeted schemes in achieving Atmanirbharta in agriculture. (15 M) …

Continue reading “Why was there a need for a dedicated agriculture-focused scheme like the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)? How does it differ structurally from previous centrally sponsored agriculture schemes? Assess the potential of such district-targeted schemes in achieving Atmanirbharta in agriculture.”

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“Yield gains, rather than land expansion, will drive future agricultural growth”. Examine the significance of this trend for sustainable agriculture. Suggest ways in which India can improve farm productivity without ecological harm.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. “Yield gains, rather than land expansion, will drive future agricultural growth”. Examine the significance of this trend for sustainable agriculture. Suggest ways in which India can improve farm productivity without ecological harm. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: In …

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Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands

Syllabus: Agriculture Source:  PIB  Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands (2025) to simplify regulations and boost agroforestry, encouraging farmers to grow trees without legal hurdles. About Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands: What are the Model Rules for Felling Trees in …

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Green Revolution

Syllabus: Agriculture Source:  DTE  Context: The term ‘Green Revolution’, coined 57 years ago, transformed global agriculture and secured India’s food self-sufficiency. What is the Green Revolution? A scientific and policy-driven agricultural movement launched in the 1960s to increase food production through High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, mechanization, and chemical inputs. Coined by: William S. Gaud in …

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Gene-edited bananas

Source:  IE  Context: A UK-based biotech company, Tropic, has developed a gene-edited banana that remains fresh and yellow for 12 hours after peeling, reducing food waste. This breakthrough in genetic modification could help curb post-harvest losses and carbon emissions, contributing to sustainability. Recent Advancements in Gene-Editing Technology CRISPR-Cas9 Breakthroughs: CRISPR-Cas9 remains the most widely used …

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Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Source:  IE  Context: The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY) was announced in the Union Budget 2025 by Finance Minister to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability. About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY): What is PMDKY? A comprehensive agricultural development scheme designed to enhance farm productivity, crop diversification, irrigation, and storage infrastructure. Ministry & Implementing …

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Apple Man of India

Context: Shri Hariman Sharma, fondly known as the “Apple Man of India,” has been honored with the Padma Shri for his groundbreaking innovation in agriculture. His development of the HRMN-99 apple variety has redefined apple farming in India, enabling cultivation in non-traditional regions and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. About The Apple Man of India: …

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Apiculture

Source:  TH Context: In Assam, migratory beekeeping is thriving as beekeepers from states like West Bengal and Bihar bring their bee boxes to pollinate mustard fields and produce honey. What is Apiculture? Definition: Apiculture, or beekeeping, involves the maintenance of bee colonies in artificial hives for honey, beeswax, and pollination services. Purpose: It supports sustainable …

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

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National Mission on Natural Farming

Source:  PIB  Context: The Union Cabinet, approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), promoting sustainable, chemical-free farming to improve soil health, cut input costs, and ensure nutritious food. About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Central Sponsored Scheme: Total outlay of ₹2481 crore (GoI share ₹1584 crore; …

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Technologies to Resolve Stubble Burning

Syllabus: Science and Technology, Air Pollution Source:  DTE  Context: Stubble burning, especially in northern India, contributes significantly to air pollution and haze during October and November. Despite government measures, the practice persists due to economic and operational challenges faced by farmers. Stubble Burning Stubble burning is the deliberate setting of fire to crop residue after …

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Solar Fence Project

Context: In Odisha, frequent crop losses from elephants intruding into paddy fields prompted the Forest Department to launch the Solar Fence Project—a sustainable, humane solution aimed at protecting crops and fostering peaceful coexistence with wildlife. About Solar Fence Project: Objective: To resolve human-elephant conflicts and safeguard crops through sustainable and humane methods. Technology: Solar-powered fence …

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