Current Affairs - 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.

Pusa-2090 is a new rice variety identified as a suitable replacement for Pusa-44 due to its similar yield potential and earlier harvest timing. This variety can be harvested in early to mid-October, eliminating the need for stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution. By promoting Pusa-2090, the government aims to reduce environmental degradation and conserve groundwater, addressing concerns associated with Pusa-44, which has been linked to increased stubble burning and groundwater depletion in Punjab.

The Krishi Nivesh Portal, along with the AgriSURE Fund, is part of a new initiative aimed at improving agricultural infrastructure and supporting farmers. While the AgriSURE Fund focuses on strengthening infrastructure and promoting investment in agriculture, the Krishi Nivesh Portal is designed to streamline these investments and provide direct support to farmers. Together, they contribute to the overall goal of enhancing agricultural efficiency and ensuring that farmers have better access to necessary resources.