Subject: Agriculture

Union Cabinet approved the continuation of PMFBY and RWBCIS until 2025-26

Why in the News?

The government extended two crop insurance schemes, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), for another year until 2025-26. It also set aside ₹824.77 crore to improve these schemes using advanced technology.

What are the provisions and key features of PMFBY?

Comprehensive Risk Coverage: PMFBY provides coverage against all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages, including droughts, floods, and pests.
Subsidised Premium Rates: Farmers pay a fixed premium of 1.5% for rabi crops, 2% for kharif crops, and 5% for cash crops. The remaining premium is shared between the central and state governments.
Financial Support: It offers financial assistance to farmers suffering from crop loss due to unforeseen events, aiming to stabilise their income and encourage modern agricultural practices.
Technology Integration: The scheme incorporates technological initiatives like YES-TECH for yield estimation and WINDS for weather data collection, enhancing efficiency in claim settlement.

Why was RWBCIS introduced?

Financial Protection Against Weather Risks: RWBCIS was introduced to safeguard farmers from financial losses caused by adverse weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature fluctuations, wind, and humidity, which can severely impact crop yields and farmer income.
Comprehensive Coverage for Various Crops: The scheme aims to provide insurance protection for a wide range of crops, including food crops, oilseeds, and commercial or horticultural crops, thereby mitigating the impact of natural calamities like droughts and floods on farmers’ livelihoods.

What is the difference between PMFBY and RWBCIS?

	PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana)	RWBCIS (Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme)
Launch	Launched in 2016 (replacing NAIS and MNAIS).	Introduced in 2016 to safeguard farmers against adverse weather conditions.
Primary Focus	Protects against crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, diseases.	Provides insurance based on weather parameters (e.g., rainfall, temperature, wind) to mitigate financial losses from weather extremes.
Risk Assessment Method	– Area-based approach with crop-cutting experiments, remote sensing, etc. – Yield vs. threshold yield determines compensation.	– Weather-based triggers using data from weather stations. – Predefined thresholds (e.g., rainfall levels) activate payouts automatically.
Premium Structure	– Uniform, capped rates for farmers: 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for horticulture/commercial crops. – No upper limit on government subsidy.	– Varies based on weather risks and policy design. – Similar subsidy approach, but rates are dependent on specific weather-based insurance products.
Coverage	– All notified crops in a defined area. – Includes food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops.	– Covers food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops for weather-induced losses (e.g., drought, flood, cyclone, hailstorm).
Enrollment	– Initially compulsory for farmers with crop loans (KCC). – Made voluntary for all farmers from Kharif 2020.	– All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, are eligible if they grow notified crops in notified areas.
Key Objectives	– Provide financial support and stabilize income in the event of crop failure. – Encourage innovative and modern farming practices.	– Protect farmers from weather aberrations, ensuring swift compensation when weather thresholds are met or breached.
Unique Features	– “One Nation, One Scheme” concept. – Loss-based compensation linked to actual yield shortfall.	– Trigger-based system; payouts depend on deviation from normal weather parameters (no extensive damage assessment).

What is the role of FIAT in crop insurance schemes?

The Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) has been established with a corpus of ₹824.77 crore to enhance the implementation of PMFBY and RWBCIS. There are various key roles:

Technological Advancement: Funding technological initiatives aimed at improving the assessment of crop damage and expediting claim settlements.
Research Support: Facilitating research and development studies that enhance the effectiveness of crop insurance schemes through innovative practices.
Improving Accessibility: Aiding in the use of digital technologies for easier enrollment processes and expanding coverage among farmers.

Way forward:

Strengthening Awareness and Accessibility: Increase farmer outreach through targeted awareness campaigns and simplify enrollment processes using digital platforms to ensure maximum participation in crop insurance schemes.
Enhanced Technology Integration: Expand the deployment of advanced tools like remote sensing and automated weather monitoring to improve accuracy in loss assessment, and claim settlements, and minimize disputes.

Mains PYQ:

Q How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (UPSC IAS/2017)

January 3, 2025

[pib] What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) ?

[pib] What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate?

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme.

What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)?

DAP is a two-nutrient fertilizer that contains 18% nitrogen (N) and 46% phosphorus (P) as P2O5.
DAP is highly soluble in water and soil, releasing phosphate and ammonium that plants can use.
DAP is a popular choice for farming and other industries because of its high nutrient content and physical properties. It’s particularly effective in the early stages of plant development.

What is Fertilizer Subsidy in India?

Details

Ensures affordable fertilizers for farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
Applies to both Urea and Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, each with distinct pricing/subsidy mechanisms.

Types of Subsidies:

1. Urea Subsidy

Fixed MRP: Urea is sold at a statutorily notified MRP (₹5,360/ton in 2023), irrespective of production costs.
Government Compensation: Bridges the cost gap, making urea highly affordable but often leading to overuse.

2. Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) for P&K (2010)

Nutrient-Based Approach: Subsidies depend on Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content, promoting balanced fertilization.
Pricing Revision: Subsidy rates are reviewed annually or bi-annually based on global market prices.
Objectives: Improve soil health, nutrient efficiency, and ensure affordability of P&K fertilizers.

3. Subsidies as per New Investment Policy (NIP) for Urea (2012)

Self-Sufficiency Focus: Encourages new urea plants and revival of old ones to reduce imports.
Investment Incentives: Aim to increase domestic production through favourable policies and pricing.

Concerns Related to Subsidy

Overuse of Urea: Low urea prices lead to excessive application, causing soil nutrient imbalance and environmental harm.
Fiscal Burden: Total subsidy expenditures reached ₹2.25 lakh crore (2023–24), placing a heavy load on public finances.
Imbalanced Nutrient Use: Heavy reliance on urea discourages the use of P&K fertilizers, degrading soil quality over time.
Import Dependency: India relies significantly on P&K imports, exposing farmers to global price volatility.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:

1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.

2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.

3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

January 3, 2025

[pib] Tobacco Board of India

Why in the News?

The Tobacco Board of India, established on January 1, 1976, under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the growth and sustainability of the tobacco industry.

About Tobacco Board of India

It is established under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, operational from January 1, 1976.
It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
It is headquartered in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Objective: To promote the orderly development of India’s tobacco industry, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Functions:
- Regulates the production, curing, grading, and marketing of Virginia tobacco (Flue-Cured Virginia and Burley).
- Issues licenses and registrations for growers, manufacturers, exporters, and dealers.
- Collaborates with research institutes to develop new crop varieties and improve farming practices.
- Engages in market promotion, price stabilization, and quality control to protect farmers and maintain fair trade.

About the Tobacco Production and Trade

India

Tobacco is drought-tolerant, hardy, and short-duration, cultivable on soils where other crops are less profitable.
It is grown on 0.45 million hectares, accounting for 0.27% of India’s net cultivated area.
- India produces around 750 million kilograms of tobacco leaf annually.
India is the second-largest producer globally (after China) and second-largest exporter (after Brazil).
About 300 million kg of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is produced on 0.20 million ha, while 450 million kg of non-FCV varieties come from 0.25 million ha.
India contributes 10% of global tobacco acreage and 9% of world tobacco production

PYQ:

[2008] Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List-I(Board)	List-II (Headquarters)
A. Coffee Board	1. Bengaluru
B Rubber Board	2. Guntur
C Tea Board	3. Kottayam
D Tobacco Board	4. Kolkata

Code: A B C D

(a) 2 4 3 1

(b) 1 3 4 2

(d) 1 4 3 2

January 3, 2025

Matsya Seva Kendras

Why in the News?

India’s fisheries sector, contributing to the livelihoods of over 3 crore fishers and producing a record 175 lakh tons of fish in 2022-23, is being strengthened through initiatives like Matsya Seva Kendras.

About Matsya Seva Kendra (MSK)

MSKs are one-stop centers established under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to support fishers and fish farmers.
They provide a wide range of technical, advisory, and capacity-building services aimed at modernizing the fisheries sector and ensuring sustainable practices.
Role of MSKs:
- Offer water, soil, and microbial analysis to address disease management and improve aquaculture productivity.
- Conduct capacity-building programs for fishers, focusing on sustainable practices and advanced aquaculture techniques.
- Empower women and weaker sections with 60% financial assistance for setting up MSKs.
- Mobilize start-ups, cooperatives, and fish farmer producer organizations to share best practices.
- Promote regenerative and conservation practices to tackle challenges posed by climate change.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samapada Yojana (PMMSY):

The scheme aims to bring about a Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of India’s fisheries sector.
It was launched as part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ package with an investment of ₹20,050 crore, the highest-ever allocation for the fisheries sector.
It is implemented across all States and Union Territories from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
It provides insurance coverage, financial assistance, and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to fishers.
It is implemented as an umbrella scheme with two components:
- Central Sector Scheme: Entirely funded by the Central Government.
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Cost shared between the Centre and States/UTs.

How Do Sagar Mitras Support Fishers?

Sagar Mitras act as a vital link between the government and sea-borne fishers, facilitating access to information and resources in coastal regions.

Role of Sagar Mitras:

- Collect data on marine catch, price trends, and market requirements.
- Provide updates on local regulations, weather conditions, and potential fishing zones.
- Educate fishers on hygienic fish handling, sustainable fishing techniques, and compliance with regulatory measures.
- Act as a key contact during emergencies, offering information on natural calamities and safety protocols.

PYQ:

[2018] Defining the Blue Revolution, explain the problems and strategies of fisheries in India.

December 27, 2024

On Kisan Diwas: Why terms of trade have improved more for farm workers than farmers

Why in the News?

Crop prices have lagged behind the rising production costs, while agricultural wages have grown faster than inflation over the past two decades.

What is ‘Terms of Trade’?

Terms of Trade (ToT) refers to the relative prices of goods and services that a country exports compared to the prices of goods and services it imports. In the context of agriculture, it specifically relates to the prices received by farmers for their produce versus the prices they pay for inputs (like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment).
A favourable ToT means that farmers are receiving higher prices for their products relative to their costs, which enhances their profitability.

What factors have contributed to the improved terms of trade for farm workers compared to farmers?

Wage Growth: Agricultural labourers have experienced significant increases in wages, with their Index of Prices Received (IPR) rising more than threefold from 49.1 to 151.4 between 2004-05 and 2013-14, while their Index of Prices Paid (IPP) increased only modestly from 76.4 to 129.3 during the same period. This resulted in a substantial improvement in their ToT from 64.2% to 117.1%.
Stagnation of Farmer Incomes: In contrast, farmers’ IPR rose by only 56.3% from 2013-14 to 2022-23, while their IPP increased by 58.4%. This led to a decline in their ToT from 98.6% to 97.2%, indicating that farmers are facing a cost squeeze as input prices rise faster than the prices they receive for their produce.
Economic Diversification: The expansion of employment opportunities outside agriculture has allowed agricultural labourers to seek better-paying jobs in sectors like construction and services, increasing their bargaining power and wage rates.

How do government policies impact the economic conditions (of farmers versus farm workers)?

Employment Schemes: Government initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have provided rural labourers with guaranteed employment, improving their income stability and negotiating power against employers.
Income Support Programs: Various states have implemented income support schemes targeting women, which have further tightened the labour market and increased wage demands among agricultural workers. For example, Mukhya Mantri Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Yojana (MMKSY).
Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices: While subsidies on inputs like fertilizers and electricity have provided some relief to farmers, they have not sufficiently offset the rising costs or improved farmers’ ToT significantly, leading to ongoing economic distress among this group.

What are the broader implications of these changes for the agricultural sector and rural economy?

Shift in Economic Power: The improved ToT for agricultural labourers relative to farmers reflects a shift in economic power dynamics within rural areas, potentially leading to greater social mobility for labourers but also highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by farmers.
Increased Demand for Labor: As agricultural labourers gain better wages and conditions, there may be a reduction in available labour for farming activities, leading to challenges for farmers who may struggle to find enough workers willing to accept lower wages or demand better working conditions.
Social Tensions: The disparities between the economic conditions of farmers and agricultural labourers can lead to social tensions, especially as farmers express dissatisfaction over stagnant incomes while labourers experience wage growth. This situation may exacerbate calls for policy reforms aimed at addressing these inequities.

Way forward:

Enhance Farmer Profitability: Introduce policies to ensure fair pricing for crops, reduce input costs through targeted subsidies, and promote crop diversification and value addition to improve farmers’ income and Terms of Trade (ToT).
Strengthen Rural Employment: Expand employment opportunities in rural non-farm sectors and align government schemes like MGNREGA with skill development programs to sustain wage growth for agricultural labourers while addressing labour shortages in farming.

Mains PYQ:

Q What are the main constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (UPSC IAS/2020)

December 23, 2024

[pib] New Policy Initiatives in Agriculture Sector

Why in the News?

The Government of India, recognizing agriculture as a State subject, actively supports State governments through various policy measures and budgetary allocations aimed at improving the welfare of farmers.
- Below are some key initiatives approved by the Union Cabinet:

Clean Plant Programme (CPP)	Approval Date: 09.08.2024 ; Outlay: ₹1,765.67 crore Objective: Enhance quality and productivity of horticulture crops. Key Features: Focus on providing disease-free planting material, promoting climate-resilient varieties, reducing crop losses, and improving horticultural produce quality. Financial Support: 50% from Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) budget and 50% as a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Implementation: Establishment of 9 Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) for disease diagnostics, treatments, and quarantine; development of large-scale nurseries for clean planting material propagation; creation of a regulatory and certification framework to ensure traceability in planting material production.
Digital Agriculture Mission	Objective: Create a robust digital ecosystem for farmers by providing timely and reliable crop-related information. Key Features: Establish Agristack, Krishi Decision Support System (DSS), Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map, Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and expansion of IT platforms like Krishi Nivesh Portal and Krishi-DSS Portal. Digital Infrastructure: Promotes farmer-centric solutions, digitization, and technology-enabled agricultural services. (Discussed in detail in one of the today’s articles.)
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme	Approval Date: 28.08.2024 Objective: Enhance agricultural infrastructure across India. Key Features: Loans up to ₹2 crores with 3% interest subvention for 7 years. Covers a wide range of entities like PACS, FPOs, self-help groups, agri-entrepreneurs. 24% reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs. Credit Guarantee: Available under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) for loans up to ₹2 crores. Integration: Linked with PM Kusum ‘A’ and other community farming assets projects to enhance agricultural production.
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)	Approval Date: 03.10.2024; Outlay: ₹10,103 crore Objective: Boost domestic oilseed production and achieve self-reliance in edible oils. Implementation Period: 2024-25 to 2030-31 Key Features: Target to increase oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. Focus on key oilseeds like rapeseed, mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, and Sesamum. Expansion: Oilseed cultivation in rice fallow areas, and intercropping. Setting up 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units. Development of over 600 Value Chain Clusters in 347 districts.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)	Approval Date: 25.11.2024; Outlay: ₹2,481 crore (GOI Share: ₹1,584 crore; State Share: ₹897 crore) Objective: Promote natural farming practices across India. Key Features: Focus on Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), scaling up natural farming across 7.5 lakh hectares through 15,000 clusters. Financial Assistance: ₹15,000 per hectare for 3 years to farmers for infrastructure creation. Infrastructure: Establishment of 15,000 BRCs to facilitate access to bio-inputs like cow dung, neem, and bioculture. Master Trainer Program for large-scale training on natural farming techniques.
Additional Key Programmes Initiated in 2024-25	National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS): To monitor and control pest infestations. AgriSURE: A fund for start-ups and rural enterprises in agriculture. Krishi Nivesh Portal (Phase-I): A platform for facilitating investments in the agriculture sector. Krishi-DSS Portal: A geospatial platform to provide decision support for Indian agriculture. Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM): Promoting sustainable agricultural practices through carbon credit initiatives.

PYQ:

[2020] In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?

Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
Social Capital development
Free electricity supply to farmers
Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

December 11, 2024

[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? It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities. 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

December 11, 2024

[pib] Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY)

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has provided state-wise details of farmers registered under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY).
- Top Three States: Haryana (5,74,467), Bihar (3,45,038), Chhattisgarh (2,02,734).
- Bottom Three States/UT: Lakshadweep (72), Ladakh (114), Goa (150).
Recently, the PMKMY (launched on 12th September 2019) has completed 5 successful years.

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY)

Details	Type: Central Sector Scheme Objective: To provide a voluntary, contributory pension scheme for farmers aged 18–40 years, ensuring ₹3,000/month pension after they turn 60 years of age.
Implementation & Structural Mandate	Implemented by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Pension Fund Manager: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India State-wise Registration: Registered farmers are managed by the respective state governments in collaboration with LIC. The scheme encourages a structured approach involving the collection of contributions and government matching funds. Contribution: Farmers contribute between ₹55 and ₹200 per month, depending on their entry age.
Beneficiaries & Benefits	Beneficiaries: Farmers aged 18–40 years. Benefits: Assured pension of ₹3,000 per month post-60 years, matching contribution by the Government of India, administered by LIC. Exclusions: Income taxpayers, members of government pension schemes, and those already enrolled in other pension schemes.

PYQ:

[2020] In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020)

Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
Social Capital development
Free electricity supply to farmers
Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

December 7, 2024

Prospects and Concerns for the Rabi Crop

Why in the News?

Due to high October temperatures and shortages of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, the planting of key Rabi (winter-spring) crops such as wheat, mustard, and chana (chickpea) has been slower than usual.

Low Rabi Sowing this Year

The Rabi (winter-spring) season is key for crops like wheat, mustard, and chana.
Sowing began in October and continues through November-December.
As of November 8, 2024, sowing progress includes:
- Wheat: 41.30 lakh hectares (down from 48.87 lakh hectares last year)
- Mustard: 49.90 lakh hectares (down from 50.73 lakh hectares last year)
- Chana: 24.57 lakh hectares (down from 27.42 lakh hectares last year)
Reasons Behind:

- High October Temperatures: 0.68°C above normal temperatures delayed sowing and caused poor germination, especially in jeera and other spices.
- Fertiliser Shortage: A shortage of DAP fertiliser hindered the timely planting of crops.
- Delayed Start of Sowing: Farmers, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, began sowing later than usual (from October 20-22 instead of mid-October).

About Rabi Cropping Season in India:

Rabi crops are generally sown in mid-November, once the monsoon rains have receded.
These crops grow using the rainwater that has percolated into the soil or with the help of irrigation systems.
The harvesting of Rabi crops generally occurs from April to May.
Major Rabi Crops:
- Wheat: The largest and most important Rabi crop in India.
- Barley: Grown mainly in North and Central India.
- Mustard: An essential oilseed crop grown across various regions.
- Sesame: Grown in many states but harvested early.
- Peas: Harvested early, with a market peak from January to March (especially in February).
Agronomic Features:
- Rabi crops rely heavily on irrigation and residual moisture from the previous monsoon season.
- Excessive winter rainfall can harm Rabi crops but benefits the kharif crops grown later.

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following crops:

Cotton
Groundnut
Rice
Wheat

Which of these are Kharif crops?

(a) 1 and 4

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4

December 2, 2024

North Eastern Tea Association (NETA)

Why in the News?

The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) has appealed to Ministry of Commerce and Industry seeking permission for tea producers to sell their products through both private sales and public auction systems.
- A gazette notification issued on February 26, 2024 has mandated that 100% of dust teas must be sold through public auctions.

About North Eastern Tea Association (NETA)

Details	• NETA is an association of tea producers headquartered in Golaghat, Upper Assam. • Established in 1981. • A key constituent of the Joint Forum and the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA), Assam Valley branch. • Focuses on promoting the interests of its members and enhancing the tea industry in Assam.
Structural Mandate	• Presence: Strong presence in Golaghat, Assam. • Role: Represents tea producers and plays a pivotal role in the development of Assam’s tea industry. • Mandate: Advocates for improvements in the tea industry, assists with policy suggestions, and provides guidance on the development of the tea sector.
Powers and Functions	• Advisory Role: Provides expert opinions and advice to the government of Assam and its members on issues related to the tea industry. • Policy Advocacy: Urges for changes in government policies to improve the tea industry, e.g., suggesting the relocation of the Tea Board of India’s headquarters to Guwahati. • Industry Growth: Encourages high-quality tea production and advises growers to enhance the quality of tea to attract international buyers. • Small Tea Grower Representation: Advocates for amendments to the definition of Small Tea Growers, proposing that those holding up to 50.6 hectares of land be recognized as small growers. • Government Relations: Provides suggestions to the government for improving and scaling up the tea industry in Assam.

PYQ:

[2022] Consider the following States:

Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Himachal Pradesh
Tripura

How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?

(a) Only one State

(b) Only two States

(d) All four States

December 2, 2024