Current Affairs - Agriculture

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season. This policy decision aims to ensure fair and remunerative prices for farmers and is part of the broader strategy to double farmers’ income. The MSP revision includes significant increases for crops like nigerseed, ragi, cotton, and sesamum. This comprehensive coverage of 14 crops reflects the government’s continued commitment to agricultural sustainability, profitability, and nutrition security, particularly through support for climate-resilient and nutri-cereal varieties.

Dhanuka Agritech Limited has launched a specialized herbicide named DINKAR, designed specifically for use in transplanted paddy cultivation. This product aims to enhance weed management and overall productivity in paddy fields. The launch event was notable for the presence of Japanese dignitaries from Hokko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., highlighting international collaboration in agricultural technology. By targeting paddy, one of India’s most widely cultivated and water-intensive crops, DINKAR is expected to significantly aid farmers in improving yield and reducing labor-intensive manual weeding. This innovation reflects ongoing advancements in agri-tech tailored to the specific needs of Indian agriculture.

The Digital Crop Survey System (DCSS) is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at accurate data collection for crop production using digital technology. It leverages geotagged photographs, mobile apps, and satellite data to record what crops are being grown on which plot of land. This helps ensure transparency and accuracy in agricultural data. A key feature of DCSS is its emphasis on data protection and privacy of farmers' information, aligning with India’s data protection norms and guidelines, particularly under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) principles. It ensures that data collected is consensual, secure, and used responsibly.

The SARTHI system (Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence) was introduced by NIFTEM-K to address the challenge of post-harvest losses in transporting perishable foods. By integrating IoT and real-time monitoring, SARTHI ensures optimal storage conditions for fruits and vegetables using sensors for temperature, humidity, and gas levels. Its solar-powered air-handling unit regulates temperatures when stationary, reducing spoilage and energy use. The system allows transporters to track and adjust conditions through a mobile app, improving shelf life and reducing both wastage and carbon footprints.

The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (WBR) in Karnal has begun distributing seeds of 13 new wheat varieties, which have been approved by the Central Government. This initiative aims to improve wheat production in the country. Along with the wheat varieties, a special barley variety (DWRV137), which is peel-free and suitable for animal feed, is also included. The institute's goal is to produce 115 million metric tonnes of wheat this year, exceeding the previous record of 113.29 million metric tonnes.