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  • AYUSH – Indian Medicine System

    Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH 

    Schemes | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Ayush is implementing the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH to enhance global recognition and development of AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

    About the Scheme

    • The scheme focuses on promoting AYUSH systems internationally, contributing to their global growth.
    • The scheme is announced on the AYUSH website, and applications are invited through open advertisements.
    • Proposals are screened by a committee and approved for financial assistance based on needs and activity limits.
    • Key Components of the Scheme:
      1. International Exchange of Experts & Officers: Facilitates deputation of AYUSH experts for international conferences and training.
      2. Incentives for Drug Manufacturers: Provides financial support for international propagation and product registration.
      3. Market Development Support: Supports exhibitions, conferences, and market surveys for international market development.
      4. Promotion through Young Postgraduates: Deploys young postgraduates to promote AYUSH abroad through NGOs.
      5. Translation and Publication: Funds the translation and publication of AYUSH literature in foreign languages.
      6. AYUSH Information Cells/Health Centres: Establishes AYUSH cells and health centers in foreign countries through Indian missions.
      7. International Fellowship Programme: Offers fellowships to foreign nationals to study AYUSH courses in India.

    Significance of Yoga and AYUSH in India’s International Outreach

    • The International Day of Yoga (IDY) was declared by the United Nations in 2014, with ₹161 crore spent on its promotion. IDY celebrations spread Yoga’s global message.
    • Yoga is now part of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), making it compulsory for students from Class I to Class X.
    • The Yoga Certification Board (YCB) under the Ministry of Ayush certifies yoga professionals and accredits institutions, ensuring quality and standards in Yoga practice.
    • The Ministry of Ayush has signed 24 Country-to-Country MoUs and 51 Institute-to-Institute MoUs to promote Indian traditional medicine systems globally.

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  • MGNREGA Scheme

    Centre hikes MGNREGS wages by 2-7% for FY26

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: MGNREGS

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has announced a hike in the wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the financial year 2025-26, with an increase ranging from 2-7%.

    Wage Revision Under MGNREGS:

    • 2025-26 Wage Hike:
      • Wage increase: 2.33%-7.48%, with ₹7 to ₹26 rise.
      • Haryana records the largest hike of ₹26, bringing the wage to ₹400 per day (highest in India).
    • Wage Calculation:
      • Wages are linked to the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL).
    • Previous Hikes:
      • Goa had the largest hike of 10.56% in 2024-25.
      • Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand had the smallest at 3.04%.

    About MGNREGS

    • The MGNREGS, launched in 2005, guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually for rural households.
    • It provides a legal right to work, focusing on unskilled manual labour.
    • Unique Features:
      • 100 days of employment for rural households, with adult members volunteering for unskilled work.
      • If employment isn’t provided within 15 days, an unemployment allowance is paid.
      • Work must be offered within 5 km of the applicant’s residence.
      • The Centre funds 100% of unskilled labour costs, 75% of skilled labour and materials, and 6% of administrative costs.
    • Key Provisions under MGNREGS
      • Rural households are entitled to 100 days of employment. Additional days are allowed during natural calamities or for Scheduled Tribe households.
      • Citizens can conduct social audits to ensure transparency, with all records open to public scrutiny.
      • Worksites must provide crèches, drinking water, and first aid.
      • Workers more than 5 km from the worksite receive a travel allowance of 10% of the wage rate.

    Recent Challenges surrounding MGNREGS:

    • Delayed Payments: ₹11,423 crore owed for wages and administrative costs as of January 2025, with workers facing delays of weeks or months.
    • Inadequate Wage Rates: Wage rates are not linked to inflation, with the highest wage for 2024-25 at ₹374 in Haryana, below the national minimum wage.
    • Technological Challenges: Issues with Aadhaar-based payments and mobile monitoring systems have led to non-payment or misdirected funds.
    • Budget Constraints: Budget allocations have decreased from 0.4% of GDP in FY22 to 0.2% in FY25, impacting workdays and payments.
    • Social Audit Irregularities: Irregular audits by Gram Sabhas raise concerns about accountability and transparency.

     

    [UPSC 2011] Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”?

    (a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households

    (b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households

    (c) Adult members of households of all backward communities

    (d) Adult members of any household

     

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  • Gold Monetisation Scheme

    Govt discontinues Gold Monetization Scheme

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Investment Models

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has decided to discontinue the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) starting from March 26, 2025, considering evolving market conditions.

    The short-term deposits (1-3 years) will continue at the discretion of individual banks based on commercial viability, highlighting a shift towards flexible, shorter-term options.

    About Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) and its Features

    • The GMS was launched in November 2015 as an enhanced version of the Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) and Gold Metal Loan (GML) Scheme.
    • The main goal was to mobilize idle gold from households and institutions into the formal economy, thereby reducing the country’s reliance on gold imports and improving the current account deficit (CAD).
    • Objectives: Aimed at mobilizing gold, reducing gold imports, and utilizing gold to generate interest as a financial asset, thereby strengthening the economy.
    • The GMS included three deposit options:
      • Short-Term Gold Deposit (STGD): 1-3 years
      • Medium-Term Gold Deposit (MTGD): 5-7 years
      • Long-Term Gold Deposit (LTGD): 12-15 years
    • Interest and Redemption:
      • Short-Term Deposits: Interest rates determined by individual banks; redemption could be in cash or gold.
      • Medium- and Long-Term Deposits: Fixed interest rates at 2.25% (medium-term) and 2.5% (long-term), with cash redemption only.
    • Eligibility Criteria:
      • Open to individuals, institutions, and government entities.
      • Gold tendering accepted only at designated Collection and Purity Testing Centres (CPTC) or through GMS Mobilisation Agents.
      • Deposits were accepted only if the value exceeded ₹1 lakh.

    Reasons for Discontinuation  

    • The Finance Ministry discontinued the Medium-Term and Long-Term Deposits due to changes in the gold market.
    • Gold prices surged by 41.5% from ₹63,920 per 10 grams in January 2024 to ₹90,450 per 10 grams by March 2025.
    • This rise in gold value reduced the attractiveness of schemes like GMS for both depositors and the government.
    • With the closure of the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, the government aims to shift towards more market-oriented solutions for gold-related financial products.
    [UPSC 2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of the Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?

    1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.

    2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector

    3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    [pib] Revised National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD)

    PIBSchemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the Revised National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), enhancing its scope and funding to modernize and expand the dairy sector across India.

    About the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)

    • It is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD).
    • The scheme has been operational since February 2014, initially targeting the development of dairy cooperatives and expanding infrastructure to support dairy activities.
      • In July 2021, the scheme was restructured to align with the goals of the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-2026), to run from 2021 to 2026 with an enhanced budget.
    • It focuses on providing technical and financial assistance to improve the dairy infrastructure in India, including enhancing milk procurement, processing, and marketing capabilities.
    • It also aims to provide training facilities for dairy farmers, improving their skills and fostering rural development.

    Revised Components of NPDD Scheme:

    The Revised NPDD, a Central Sector Scheme, is designed with two primary components that focus on dairy infrastructure development and cooperative strengthening:

    Component A: Dairy Infrastructure Improvement

    • This component focuses on improving essential dairy infrastructure, such as the installation of milk chilling plants, advanced milk testing laboratories, and certification systems for quality assurance.
    • Special attention is given to the North Eastern Region (NER), hilly areas, and Union Territories (UTs), where support is provided for the formation of new dairy cooperative societies and the strengthening of milk procurement and processing systems.
    • Grant support will be provided for the formation of 2 Milk Producer Companies, ensuring a more efficient procurement system.

    Component B: Dairying through Cooperatives (DTC)

    • This component focuses on fostering dairy development through cooperative models in partnership with the Government of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
    • It aims to sustainably develop dairy cooperatives, improve production, processing, and marketing infrastructure in 9 key states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
    • This component seeks to introduce international best practices in cooperative management and dairy technologies.

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2013] Which of the following grants direct credit assistance to the households?

    1. Regional Rural Banks

    2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

    3. Land Development Banks

    Select the correct answer using codes given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    [pib] PM’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0)

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-YUVA Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, launched the PM-YUVA 3.0 (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors) on 11th March 2025.

    About the PM-YUVA Scheme

    • PM-YUVA 3.0 was launched on 11th March 2025, building upon the success of the first two editions, which focused on themes like national movement and democracy.
    • It is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, aimed at mentoring young authors below the age of 30.
    • The scheme’s objectives include fostering a new generation of writers who can explore topics such as:
      • Contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Nation Building
      • Indian Knowledge System
      • Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)
    • Background:
      • PM-YUVA 1.0 (2021): Focused on India’s National Movement & unsung heroes.
      • PM-YUVA 2.0 (2022): Focused on Democracy and Constitutional Values.
    • The scheme was designed to promote reading, writing, and book culture in India while showcasing Indian literature and heritage globally.
    • The National Book Trust (NBT), India, is the implementing agency responsible for executing the scheme.
    • The scheme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to empower youth, develop creative leaders, and encourage capacity building in India’s younger generation.

    Important Features of PM-YUVA 3.0

    • An All-India Contest will be held through MyGov from 11 March 2025 to 10 April 2025.
    • 50 authors will be selected across three themes.
    • Evaluation of proposals will be completed by April 2025, and the final list of selected authors will be announced between May-June 2025.
    • Each selected author will receive a ₹50,000 monthly scholarship for six months, totaling ₹3 lakh per author.
    • Authors will also receive a 10% royalty on successful publications of their books.
    • Books created under the scheme will be published by the National Book Trust and translated into other Indian languages, promoting literary exchange and supporting the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
    • Applicants who have qualified for PM-YUVA 1.0 and PM-YUVA 2.0 are not eligible for this edition.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements :
    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 and 3 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

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  • Microfinance Story of India

    Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

    Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    According to the RBI, bad loans in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme segment increased by 42% over the last four years, reaching ₹97,543 crore by December 2024, up from ₹68,547 crore in March 2021.

    About the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

    • The KCC Scheme is a government-backed credit initiative designed to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers for agricultural and allied activities.
    • Launched in 1998 on the recommendation of NABARD (R.V. Gupta Committee), the scheme aims to ensure easy access to institutional credit, reducing farmers’ dependency on moneylenders and informal credit sources.
    • Purpose of KCC:
      • Provides short-term credit for crop cultivation and post-harvest needs.
      • Supports working capital requirements for farm mechanization, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and other allied agricultural activities.
      • Helps meet household consumption needs of farmers.
      • Allows credit access for investment in agriculture-related businesses.
    • Credit and Repayment System:
      • Farmers can avail collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh.
      • Interest rates start as low as 4% per annum (with government interest subvention for timely repayment).
      • The loan limit was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh in Budget 2025-26.
      • Revolving credit system allows farmers to withdraw and repay as needed within the sanctioned limit.
      • Repayment schedules are linked to the crop harvesting cycle, ensuring no undue financial burden.
    • Implementation: Commercial Banks; Regional Rural Banks (RRBs); Small Finance Banks; Cooperative Banks.
    • Additional Benefits:
      • Comes with insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to protect against crop loss.
      • Covers fisheries and animal husbandry farmers (since 2018-19).

    Successes and Limitations of the KCC Scheme:

    Successes Failures
    • Increased Financial Inclusion: 7.3 crore active accounts, reducing reliance on moneylenders.
    • Higher Agricultural Productivity:  Easy access to inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery.
    • Increased Support: Interest subvention makes loans affordable; loan limit raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh (Budget 2025-26).
    • Promoted Rural Development: Covers women farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and non-farm activities.
    • Rising NPAs:  Discussed above.
    • Loan Misuse: Funds diverted for non-agricultural expenses, increasing defaults.
    • Low Financial Literacy: Many farmers unaware of repayment terms, leading to debt traps.
    • High Credit Dependency: Continuous borrowing without income growth raises financial risks.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

    1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
    2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
    3. Consumption requirements of farm households
    4. Post-harvest expenses
    5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

    Select the correct answer:

    (a) 1, 2 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5

     

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

    Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Punjab has fully utilized ₹4,713 crore allocated under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), making it the top-ranked state in India for implementing this scheme.

    As a result, Punjab has been granted an additional ₹2,337 crore to further expand its agricultural infrastructure projects.

    What is the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme?

    • The AIF is a ₹1 lakh crore financing facility launched by the Government of India in July 2020 to support post-harvest agricultural infrastructure and community farming assets.
    • AIF provides medium- to long-term debt financing at subsidized interest rates, along with credit guarantee support, to eligible beneficiaries.

    Key Features of the AIF Scheme:

    • Total Corpus & Disbursement: ₹1 lakh crore, disbursed over 10 years (2020-21 to 2029-30).
    • Interest Subvention & Loan Benefits:
      • 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹2 crore.
      • Credit guarantee support through CGTMSE and NABSanrakshan.
      • Maximum interest rate capped at 9% for a 7-year tenure.
    • Eligible Projects:
      • Post-harvest infrastructure: Warehouses, cold storage, silos, drying yards, sorting, and packaging units.
      • Processing & Value Addition: Food processing plants, oil mills, flour mills, kinnow and cashew processing.
      • Technology-driven solutions: Drone projects, hi-tech farm equipment rental centers.
      • Renewable energy: Solar-powered irrigation and cold storage units.
    • Integration with Other Government Schemes: Can be combined with State & Central subsidies for maximum benefit.
    • Implementation & Monitoring:
      • Managed via online MIS platform for real-time tracking.
      • National, State & District-level monitoring committees ensure effective execution.

    Eligible Beneficiaries Under AIF:

    • Individual Farmers:  Seeking on-farm storage or processing units.
    • Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):  For community-based infrastructure.
    • Self-Help Groups (SHGs) & Joint Liability Groups (JLGs): Engaged in agricultural activities.
    • Cooperative Societies & Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS): For collective farming and value addition.
    • Startups & Agri-Tech Companies: Developing post-harvest management solutions.
    • State Agencies & PPP Projects: Government-backed rural infrastructure projects.
    • Entrepreneurs & Agripreneurs: Working in food processing and value addition.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Which of the following 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 codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    [pib] Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme (LHDCS)

    Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Economics Of Animal-Rearing

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme (LHDCS)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the revision of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).

    The revised scheme, with a total outlay of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26, includes a new component called “Pashu Aushadhi” to improve the availability of generic veterinary medicines.

    What is LHDC Scheme?

    About
    • Government of India initiative launched in 2022.
    • Aims to improve animal health, control livestock diseases, and enhance veterinary services.
    • Revised with ₹3,880 crore outlay for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
    • Includes “Pashu Aushadhi” for affordable veterinary medicines.
    Features of LHDC
    • Disease Control & Vaccination: Targets FMD, Brucellosis, PPR, CSF, Lumpy Skin Disease. Mass vaccination and eradication.
    • Veterinary Healthcare: Expansion of veterinary hospitals and Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs).
    • Disease Surveillance: Strengthened disease reporting and monitoring systems.
    • “Pashu Aushadhi”: Affordable, high-quality veterinary medicines with ₹75 crore allocation.

    Sub-Components:

    1. Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP): Focuses on eradicating high-risk livestock diseases.
    2. Establishment & Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD-MVU): Expands mobile veterinary units (MVUs) for better access to veterinary care.
    3. Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD): Provides financial support to states for disease prevention and control.
    • Economic Benefits: Prevents livestock mortality and improves milk, meat, and wool production.
    Implementation & Funding Strategy: Coordinated efforts by Central and State Governments; monitoring and assessment mechanisms.

    Funding: ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26:

    • 100% central funding for CADCP and non-recurring ESVHD components.
    • 60:40 share for other components and ASCAD.
    • 90:10 funding for North Eastern and Himalayan States.
    • 100% Central funding for Union Territories.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.

    [2012] Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?
    (a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
    (b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
    (c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
    (d) None of the above

     

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    [pib] Phase-III of Suposhit Maa Abhiyan

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Suposhit Maa Abhiyan

    Why in the News?

    Lok Sabha Speaker launched the third phase of the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at empowering mothers and improving the health of pregnant women and newborns.

    What is Suposhit Maa Abhiyan?

    • The Suposhit Maa Abhiyan is a maternal and child health initiative launched by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in March 2020 in Kota, Rajasthan.
    • It aims to eliminate malnutrition among pregnant women and newborns by providing nutritional support, medical care, and health awareness.
    • Social workers and volunteers identify underprivileged pregnant women. Registration through community outreach programs and online platforms.
    • Key Features:
      • Nutritional Support: Monthly 17 kg nutrition kits for pregnant women.
      • Medical Assistance: Regular health check-ups, blood tests, and medication support.
      • Health Cards: Track maternal health, nutrition levels, and medical history.
      • Adoption Model: One pregnant woman per family can be adopted for support.
      • Awareness Drives: Sessions on maternal care, infant nutrition, and postpartum health.
      • Mortality Rate Reduction: Increased normal deliveries, healthier newborns, and improved maternal health.

    Phases of the Campaign:

    • Phase 1 (March 2020):
      • 1,000 pregnant women received balanced nutrition kits.
      • Medical check-ups, medicines, and delivery support provided.
    • Phase 2 (May 2022):
      • 3,000 women received nutrition kits for 9 months.
      • Expanded health monitoring and medical consultation services.
    • Phase 3 (February 2025):
      • 1,800+ pregnant women identified for continuous health monitoring.
      • Monthly nutrition kits and health card tracking introduced.

    PYQ:

    [2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

    [2017] Which of the following are the objectives of the ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

    1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
    2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
    3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
    4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
    (d) 3 and 4 only

     

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  • Soil Health Management – NMSA, Soil Health Card, etc.

    [pib] 10 Years of Soil Health Cards Scheme

    Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Soil Health Cards Scheme

    Why in the News?

    It has been 10 years since the Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan.

    What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

    • The SHC Scheme was launched to analyze soil quality and provide personalized recommendations to farmers for nutrient management and soil fertility improvement.
    • The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
    • It has been integrated into Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since 2022-23 under the Soil Health & Fertility component.

    Key Features of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

    • SHC evaluates 12 parameters, including:
      • Macronutrients: N, P, K, S.
      • Micronutrients: Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B.
      • Physical & Chemical Properties: pH, EC, OC.
    • Samples collected twice a year (post-Rabi and Kharif).
    • Grid-based sampling: 2.5 ha in irrigated areas, 10 ha in rain-fed areas.
    • SHC Portal & Mobile App enable online tracking, GPS-tagged samples, and QR-coded test results.
    • Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs): 665 VLSTLs established across 17 states for local soil testing.
    • School Soil Health Programme: Implemented in 1020 schools, with 1000 soil testing labs and 125,972 students enrolled.

    Successes and Limitations of SHC:

    Success:

    • Crop Yields & Productivity Increased (8-10%) through optimized fertilizer application.
    • Farmers saved up to ₹5,000 per hectare by using balanced fertilizers.
    • 665 Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) established, improving soil testing accessibility.
    • Technological integration (SHC Portal & Mobile App) ensures real-time monitoring.
    • Encouraged sustainable farming practices, reducing soil degradation and nutrient depletion.

    Limitations and Challenges:

    • Many farmers are unaware of SHC benefits and continue traditional farming methods.
    • Reports often reach farmers too late for implementation.
    • Limited soil testing labs and trained staff in remote areas.
    • Farmers need training to interpret SHC reports and apply recommendations.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following statements:

    The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at-

    1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.

    2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.

    3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 arid 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

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