Daily Current Affairs – Agriculture

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SOURCE : THE HINDU  India is losing its traditional seed varieties — a crucial part of its food heritage and climate-resilient agriculture — due to modern agricultural systems focused on high-yield crops. Though hybrid seeds provide more output, they bring challenges like chemical dependency, poor climate adaptability, and biodiversity loss. This issue is deeply linked to how our food system is structured: lack of market demand, weak conservation infrastructure, and government policies that prioritize yield over sustainability. The path forward...

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A 2025 study by IIM Amritsar researchers Jagadale and Shaikh explores how governmentality—a concept by Foucault—combined with market failures worsens stubble burning. Rather than individual negligence, the issue stems from systemic policy flaws like the MSP regime, mono-cropping incentives, and dependence on middlemen. Farmers face contradictory state actions: punished for burning stubble but offered no viable alternatives. The solution lies in creating a market for stubble-based products and reforming agricultural marketing systems. Key Points: Stubble burning adds 20-40% to Delhi’s...

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Description A critical analysis of India's approach towards ensuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) expansion aligns with sustainable energy practices, in light of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) report on AI’s economic-environmental balance. Summary: IMF report says AI’s economic gains are expected to outweigh the environmental costs. Countries with strong renewable energy infrastructures will benefit more. India’s AI infrastructure is still small but must prioritize renewable sources. Data centres present opportunities for using renewable energy like solar and nuclear. Apart from electricity,...

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  The Government of India has approved a hike in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the 2025-26 season to ₹355 per quintal, ensuring better returns for farmers. Special provisions have also been made to safeguard the interests of those with lower sugar recovery rates. Summary in Short Points: FRP Increased: ₹355 per quintal for 2025-26 (up from ₹340 in 2024-25). Applicable Recovery Rate: Based on 10.25% sugar recovery. Incentive Mechanism: ₹3.46 premium/penalty per 0.1% change in...

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Category: Agriculture and Youth Empowerment Summary Points: “Yuva Krishak Samvad” programme was organized in Jaipur under the chairmanship of Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena. Objective: To promote youth interest in agriculture, provide awareness about schemes and address agricultural challenges. Farmers were informed about organic farming, drones, smart agriculture, crop insurance schemes, etc. Emphasis on connecting rural youth with agriculture and ensuring benefits of schemes reach grassroots. The event aims to create employment opportunities and encourage innovation in...

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  Category: Agriculture / Government Scheme / Rural Development Summary Points: Central Government to launch a 15-day "Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan" from May 29 to June 12, 2025. Campaign aims to increase Kharif crop productivity through direct interaction between farmers and scientists. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan promotes "One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team" approach. Rajasthan minister suggests inclusion of horticulture for diversified income. Campaign to include awareness on modern farming, livestock, fishery, and natural farming. Detailed Explanation (RAS...

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Category: Agriculture and Health (RAS Mains Relevant) Summary Points: Shivprasad Tiwari from Alwar grows black wheat to support his diabetic wife. Black wheat, rich in anthocyanin, offers health benefits, especially for diabetes. His success inspired other farmers in the region to switch to black wheat. Regionally new crop proves profitable, even in tough soil conditions.   Detailed Explanation (RAS Mains Focused): Innovative Agriculture in Rajasthan: Shivprasad Tiwari, a farmer from Khudkib area in Alwar, turned adversity into opportunity by cultivating...

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  Category: Agriculture & Governance Shortest Summary Points: The campaign will run from May 29 to June 12. Scientists and officers will reach villages to disseminate modern agricultural technologies. Aims to realize the ‘Lab to Land’ vision of PM Modi. Focus on soil health cards, natural farming, and government schemes. Control rooms set up at both district and state levels for monitoring.   Detailed Explanation (For RAS Mains): Duration of Campaign: From May 29 to June 12, 2025. Main Objective:...