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GS Paper: GS3-07.E-Technology in the aid of farmers

  • NIPGR’s gene-edited Japonica Rice shows increased Phosphate uptake

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi, have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to enhance phosphate uptake and utilization in japonica rice.

    Back2Basics: CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

    • What It Is: A powerful gene-editing tool that allows targeted changes to DNA sequences.
    • Full Form: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9.
    • Nobel Prize: Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this discovery.
    • Key Components:
      • Cas9 Enzyme: Acts as molecular scissors to cut DNA at a specific location.
      • Guide RNA (gRNA): Directs Cas9 to the exact DNA sequence to be edited.
    • How It Works?
      • A gRNA is designed to match the target DNA.
      • Cas9 and gRNA form a complex inside the cell.
      • The complex binds to the target and cuts the DNA.
      • The cell’s repair system modifies the DNA—adding, deleting, or changing genetic material.

    About Japonica Rice:

    • Overview: Japonica is one of the two major cultivated rice subspecies, the other being Indica.
    • Research Use: The Nipponbare variety of Japonica was used in recent gene-editing experiments.
    • Why Japonica is Preferred in Studies:
      • High regeneration potential in tissue culture
      • Easier genetic transformation and faster growth in lab conditions
    • Relevance to India: While not widely cultivated in India, Japonica acts as a model variety for testing before applying results to Indian Indica varieties.

    Key Features of the Japonica Rice Study:

    • Gene Editing Technique: Used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit a 30 base-pair repressor binding site on the promoter of the OsPHO1;2 gene.
    • Outcomes of the Edit:
      • Enhanced phosphate uptake from the soil
      • Improved phosphate transport from root to shoot
      • Yield increased by up to 40% using only 10% of the usual phosphate fertilizer
      • Normal seed traits retained: size, shape, starch, and phosphate levels
    • Significance: Demonstrated precise, minimal gene editing as a proof-of-concept that can be adapted to Indian rice varieties.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only * (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • [pib] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at 97

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 97th Foundation Day, marking nearly a century of contributions to Indian agriculture.

    About ICAR:

    • Overview: ICAR is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
    • Establishment: It was established on 16 July 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, following the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.
    • Legal Framework: It functions as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
    • Headquarters: ICAR is headquartered in New Delhi and serves as the apex body for coordinating and managing agricultural research and education across the country.
    • Structure: ICAR oversees a vast network of 113 research institutes and 74 agricultural universities, making it one of the largest national agricultural systems globally.
    • Functions: It supports research in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal sciences, and natural resource management.

    Key Accomplishments of ICAR:

    • Record Agricultural Production: India achieved record foodgrain production of 353.95 million tonnes in 2024–25. It became the largest global producer and exporter of rice and the top producer of milk (239.3 million tonnes), while ranking second in wheat, horticultural output, and fish production (18.42 million tonnes).
    • Major Initiatives and Campaigns: It launched programmes such as One Scientist One Product, 100 Days 100 Varieties and Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (reaching 1.35 crore farmers).
    • Crop Science Research: Developed 679 field crop varieties, including 27 bio-fortified ones; introduced the world’s first genome-edited rice; improved varietal replacement in pulses and oilseeds; supported basmati rice exports worth ₹50,000 crore.
    • Horticultural Innovation: Released 83 new varieties across fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants; distributed over 22 lakh high-quality planting materials; set up 9 Clean Plant Centres for disease-free germplasm.
    • Fisheries Development: Implemented precision shrimp farming systems with high efficiency; developed low-carbon marine fish products and nutraceutical feeds; standardized breeding for 7 fish species.
    • Natural Resource Management: Created a National Soil Spectral Library with 40,000 samples; developed 35 Good Agricultural Practices; promoted climate-resilient villages and crop diversification; reduced methane emissions in rice by 18% using microbial consortia.
    • Livestock Sector Contributions: Registered 10 indigenous breeds; developed 5 vaccines and 7 diagnostic kits; distributed over 14.09 lakh poultry germplasm; introduced smart sensors for dairy quality monitoring.
    • Major National Programmes: Launched the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna), genome editing in 40 crops, the Second National Gene Bank, the MAHARISHI (Millets and Ancient Grains) Initiative, and national missions on edible oils, cotton, and emerging biotic threats.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • CROPIC Initiative

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is set to launch CROPIC (Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops)- a digital initiative that uses field photography and AI-based models to monitor crop health and automate loss assessment.

    What is CROPIC?

    • Overview: CROPIC is a digital initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    • Objective: The aim of CROPIC is to monitor crop health, assess crop losses, and assist with insurance payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
    • Technology Integration: It leverages field photography, artificial intelligence, and a cloud-based analysis system to streamline crop monitoring.
    • Process: CROPIC is designed to automate the crop loss assessment process and improve the transparency and speed of compensation to farmers.
    • Pilot Timeline: The initiative will be piloted during Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025–26, and expanded nationwide in 2026.
    • Implementation: The project is funded through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) under PMFBY, which has an allocation of ₹825 crore.

    Key Features of CROPIC:

    • Mobile App-Based Data Collection: Crops are photographed 4–5 times per season using the CROPIC mobile app, with images collected by farmers and field officials.
    • Crowdsourced Inputs: Real-time photographs are crowdsourced directly from the field, ensuring up-to-date and location-specific crop data.
    • AI-Based Photo Analysis: Images are uploaded to a cloud platform, where AI algorithms analyze them to detect:
      • Crop type and stage
      • Health status
      • Visible damage or stress
    • Web-Based Dashboard: Processed data is presented on a visual dashboard for use by government officials and policymakers.
    • Insurance Integration: During claim processing under PMFBY, officials use the app to gather photographic evidence, automating crop loss verification.
    • Crop Signature Database: CROPIC will help build a digital image library of crop types, aiding future research and development in agricultural analytics.
    [UPSC 2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?

    1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location

    2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location

    3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

     

  • New Fishing Grounds discovered in Arabian Sea 

    Why in the News?

    A deep-sea fishing expedition conducted by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) has uncovered several highly productive and previously unexplored fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea.

    Key Findings of the Deep-Sea Survey:

    • Fishing was conducted at depths between 300-540 meters using deep-sea trawlers.
    • The survey was funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
    • It mapped potential deep-sea fishing zones 100-120 nautical miles off India’s western coast, stretching from Kollam in Kerala to Goa.

    About Fishery Survey of India (FSI)

    • FSI was established in 1983, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
    • It conducts fisheries research, resource surveys, and sustainable fishing assessments.
    • It operates annual Fishery Resource Surveys to guide:
      • Traditional fishermen
      • Small and medium boat operators
      • Deep-sea longlining tuna fleet
    • History of FSI:
      • Originated from the “Deep Sea Fishing Station” project (1946).
      • Renamed “Exploratory Fisheries Project” (1974) and later “Fishery Survey of India” (1983).
      • In 2005, Marine Engineering Division was integrated into FSI.
      • In 2017, PM Narendra Modi launched the Deep-Sea Fishing Project to promote sustainable fishing practices.
    • Capabilities of FSI:
      • Operates 11 ocean survey vessels across six major Indian ports.
      • Employs 752 personnel, conducting deep-sea research and data collection.

    India’s Marine Fishing Industry

    • India ranks second in global fish production after China.
    • Contributes 9.58 million tonnes of total fish production, with:
      • 70% from the west coast
      • 30% from the east coast
    • Major fish-producing states: Andhra Pradesh (20%), West Bengal (15%), Gujarat (8%), Kerala (7%), Maharashtra (6%), Tamil Nadu (6%).
    • Exports and Global Trade:
      • India exports 1.05 million tonnes of marine fish, generating ₹334.4 billion ($5.57 billion) in revenue.
      • Major export markets: USA (26%), ASEAN nations (26%), EU (20%), Japan (9%), Middle East (6%), China (4%).

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.

    [2022] What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India?

     

  • [pib] Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM)

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has provided details of the progress and implementation of Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM).

    Progress as of December 2024:

    • As of 5th December 2024, the following progress has been reported:
      • 29,99,306 Farmer IDs have been created.
      • Digital Crop Survey (DCS) has been conducted in 436 districts during the Kharif 2024 season.

     

    About the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM):

    Details
    Overview and Launch
    • Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) was approved on 2nd September 2024 with an outlay of ₹2817 Crore.
      • Initially planned for the financial year 2021-22, but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Aligned with the Union Budget 2024-25 and 2023-24 announcements for implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Digital Identities for 11 crore farmers are targeted over the next 3 years: 6 crore in FY 2024-25, 3 crore in FY 2025-26, and 2 crore in FY 2026-27.
    • Digital Crop Survey to be launched nationwide: 400 districts in FY 2024-25 and all districts in FY 2025-26.
    Provisions and Features AgriStack: Includes 3 foundational registries:
    1. Farmers’ Registry: A database recording information about farmers.
    2. Geo-referenced Village Maps: Digital maps providing geographical data related to agricultural areas.
    3. Crop Sown Registry: A digital registry tracking crops sown by farmers.

    • Krishi Decision Support System (DSS): Designed to assist farmers in making data-driven decisions related to farming practices. It integrates remote sensing data on crops, soil, weather, and water resources into a comprehensive geospatial system.
    • Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map: A map designed to help farmers understand soil health, enabling informed decisions about fertilizer usage and crop selection.
    • Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): Provides yield estimates based on scientifically designed crop-cutting experiments.
    • Soil Profile Mapping: Detailed soil profile maps on a 1:10,000 scale for approximately 142 million hectares of agricultural land.
    Structural Mandate
    • Supported by the Central Government, State Governments, and Academic & Research Institutions for successful implementation.
    • AgriStack is designed as a federated structure, where State Governments retain ownership of the data.
    • The system follows privacy standards set by the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, ensuring data security and privacy.

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ scheme?

    1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
    2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • The role of district agro-met offces in supporting farmers 

    Why in the News?

    Last week, PTI reported that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) plans to reintroduce District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) as part of the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.

    Background: In 2018, the IMD set up 199 District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to provide sub-district level agricultural advisories based on weather data. However, these DAMUs were shut down in March following an order from the IMD.

    What are Agro-Meteorological Advisories?

    • Agro-meteorological advisories provide farmers with critical information about weather conditions that affect agricultural practices. This includes forecasts related to rainfall, temperature, and wind speeds, which are crucial for planning sowing, harvesting, irrigation, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
    • These advisories are particularly important for small and marginal farmers, who make up about 80% of India’s farming community and primarily rely on rain-fed agriculture.
    • The advisories are disseminated in local languages, ensuring accessibility. They are shared through various channels, including text messages, WhatsApp groups, newspapers, and direct communication from DAMU staff.
    • By providing timely weather information, these advisories help farmers plan their agricultural activities effectively and ultimately contribute to enhancing crop yields and farmers’ incomes.

    Why Did the Government shut down the District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs)?

    • Agro-meteorological data was automated: The closure of DAMUs was influenced by claims from the NITI Aayog that agro-meteorological data was automated, which undermined the role of DAMU staff in preparing and disseminating agricultural advisories. This misrepresentation led to recommendations for privatization and monetization of the services previously offered for free.
    • Financial and Administrative Issues: The decision to shut down DAMUs was attributed to ongoing financial challenges, including delayed salary disbursements for DAMU staff, and administrative issues that hampered the program’s effectiveness.
    • Shift Towards Centralization: The government suggested transitioning to a centralized model for weather data collection and advisory services, which could potentially reduce the localized support that DAMUs provided to farmers.

    Way forward: 

    • Re-establish Local Support: Reinstate District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) to provide localized, targeted weather advisories and support, ensuring that small and marginal farmers receive timely, relevant information.
    • Improve Data Integration and Communication: Enhance the integration of automated weather data with localized advisory services, and streamline communication channels to reach farmers through various platforms effectively.

  • What is Digital Agriculture Mission?

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the “Digital Agriculture Mission” with a budget of ₹2,817 Crore, including ₹1,940 Crore as the central share.

    About Digital Agriculture Mission

    Category Details
    Historical Context Originally planned for the financial year 2021-22 but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Announced in the Union Budgets of 2023-24 and 2024-25.
    Funding Breakdown Total outlay: Rs 2,817 crore

    • Rs 1,940 crore from the Centre
    • Remaining amount from states and Union Territories (UTs)
    Objective To create Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the agriculture sector, similar to other e-governance initiatives like Aadhaar, DigiLocker, eSign, UPI, and electronic health records.
    Major Components of DPI 1. AgriStack:
    – A comprehensive digital platform integrating various agricultural services.
    – Facilitates access to information, services, and benefits related to farming and agricultural practices.
    – Centralizes agricultural data to improve accessibility and efficiency.
    2. Krishi Decision Support System (DSS):
    – Provides data-driven insights and recommendations for farmers.
    – Assists in decision-making related to crop management, pest control, and resource optimization based on real-time data.
    – Utilizes advanced analytics to enhance productivity and mitigate risks.
    3. Soil Profile Maps:
    – Detailed digital maps on a 1:10,000 scale covering approximately 142 million hectares.
    – Provides comprehensive information about soil characteristics and health.
    – Supports precision agriculture by offering targeted soil data for optimal crop planning.
    Additional Component Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES):
    – A tech-based system to provide accurate estimates of agricultural production.
    – Aims to offer reliable data for policy decisions, agricultural planning, and resource allocation.
    Impact on Farmers The mission will enable farmers to access a range of digital services, improve decision-making through data analysis, enhance productivity with detailed soil information, and provide accurate crop estimations to better manage agricultural practices.
    Timeline Rolled out across the country over the next two years (until 2025-26).

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:

    (a) Digital security infrastructure

    (b) Food security infrastructure

    (c) Health care and education infrastructure

    (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

  • National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to help farmers connect with agriculture scientists and experts for pests’ control.

    What is the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)?

    • The NPSS is an AI-based platform launched by the government on August 15, 2024.
    • It is designed to help farmers connect with agricultural scientists and experts for effective pest control using their phones.
    • It aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers.
    • It provides data for selected crops i.e. Rice, Cotton, Maize, Mango and Chilies.

    How will farmers use it?

    • Farmers can take photos of infested crops or pests using the NPSS platform, which are then analyzed by scientists and experts.
    • Then they will suggest the correct quantity of the pesticide at the right time, reducing excessive pesticide use.
    • Target Groups: Approximately 14 crore farmers across India.

    Significance

    • It will reduce crop damage, improve pest management practices, and reduce the risk of soil damage by minimizing excessive pesticide use.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:

    1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.

    2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.

    3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Economics Nobel to study Women in Workforce

    economics nobel

    Central Idea

    • In 2023, Claudia Goldin, a distinguished economist and Professor at Harvard University, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for her pioneering work on women’s labor market outcomes.

    Claudia Goldin: A Trailblazer in Economics

    • Harvard Tenure: In 1990, Claudia Goldin made history by becoming the first woman to achieve tenure in Harvard University’s economics department, securing a permanent position as a professor.
    • In-Depth Research: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences acknowledged Goldin’s important contributions, citing her work as advancing our knowledge of women’s job market outcomes.
    • Historical Perspective: Goldin’s research provides a comprehensive historical account of women’s earnings and job market participation over centuries, uncovering the reasons behind changes and the ongoing gender gap.

    Key Questions Addressed by Claudia Goldin’s Research

    • Gender Inequality at Work: Goldin’s research explores why fewer women seek jobs and earn less than men, shedding light on this inequality.
    • Impact of Economic Growth: She challenges the idea that economic growth always leads to more women working, showing that historical trends follow a U-shaped curve due to changes in society and evolving norms.
    • Role of Education, Marriage, and Childbirth: Goldin investigates how education, marriage, and having children affect women’s work, providing insights into the complex relationship between these factors.
    • Gender Pay Gap: Her research shows that despite modernization and economic growth in the 20th century, the gender pay gap persisted, with a significant part emerging after the birth of the first child.

    Transformational Insights

    • Contraceptive Pill’s Impact: Goldin highlights how the contraceptive pill empowered women to plan their careers, creating new opportunities for career development.
    • Shift in Earnings Gap: She reveals that the main source of the earnings difference between men and women shifted from career choices to disparities within the same job, mainly arising after the birth of the first child.
    • Influence on Young Women: Goldin emphasizes that young women’s educational and career decisions are often influenced by previous generations, leading to slow progress in closing the earnings gap.

    Significance for Society

    • Policy Implications: Claudia Goldin’s research has important implications for addressing barriers to women’s progress in the job market. Her work provides insights into the factors that need attention to promote gender equality.
    • Enhancing Understanding: Through her groundbreaking research, Goldin has significantly improved our understanding of women’s roles in the job market, offering the knowledge needed to build a more inclusive and fair society.

    Conclusion

    • Claudia Goldin’s Nobel Prize in Economics recognizes her pioneering research in unraveling the complexities of women’s job market outcomes.
    • Her comprehensive historical analysis has reshaped our understanding of the ongoing gender gap, offering policymakers and society valuable insights for working towards a more equitable future.

  • [pib] Kisan Sarathi Platform

    In order to facilitate farmers to get ‘right information at right time’ in their desired language, a digital platform namely ‘Kisan Sarathi’ was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

    Kisan Sarathi

    • This digital platform empowers farmers with the technological interventions to reach farmers in remote areas.
    • Through this platform, the farmers can interact and avail personalized advisories on agriculture and allied areas directly from the respective scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs).
    • Using this platform, farmers can get information about crop and crop production, among other things that will help them in improving the quantity of their produce.
    • Farmers will be able to get information about good crop practices, the right amount of products and many other basic things.