Current Affairs - Agriculture

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released IS 20201:2026 to establish a structured framework for the management of Community Seed Banks (CSBs) and the conservation of indigenous crop varieties. The standard provides guidelines for seed collection, viability testing, storage, and documentation. It particularly focuses on preserving traditional seeds that possess valuable characteristics such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and enhanced nutritional value. Developed with contributions from key agricultural and biodiversity institutions, the standard supports national efforts to safeguard plant genetic resources, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices while aligning with existing biodiversity and farmers’ rights legislation.

Joha Rice is a traditional aromatic rice variety from Assam that received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017. Known for its distinctive fragrance, fine-grain texture, and rich taste, it is highly valued in regional cuisine. Recently, 25 metric tonnes of Joha Rice were exported for the first time to the United Kingdom and Italy, marking an important milestone for Assam’s agricultural exports. The shipment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam. This development helps promote Joha Rice as a premium product in international markets, particularly in Europe.

Rajasthan recorded the highest wool production in India during FY24, contributing 16,013.50 thousand kg, which accounted for approximately 47.53% of the total national output of 33.69 million kg. The state’s arid climate and vast grazing lands create favourable conditions for sheep rearing. Indigenous breeds such as Marwari and Chokla produce mainly coarse wool, widely used in carpet and blanket manufacturing. With India ranking ninth globally in wool production and second in sheep population, Rajasthan’s dominant contribution significantly strengthens rural livelihoods, textile industries, and the broader wool economy.

Madhya Pradesh has selected the Balaghat district selected as the pilot district for implementing the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the cooperative sector. A 500 MT godown was inaugurated in February 2024 under this initiative. The plan is implemented through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and cooperative societies by converging schemes such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI), Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), and PMFME. Reforms include reducing the beneficiary margin from 20% to 10%, revising construction costs, and enhancing scientific storage capacity to reduce post-harvest losses and support farmers.

Madhya Pradesh has announced 2026 as the ‘Year of Agriculture’ as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen its agricultural sector and improve farmer livelihoods. The state has increased its agriculture budget to ₹27,000 crore, marking a substantial rise compared to allocations made two decades earlier. The initiative focuses on technology transfer, income enhancement, promotion of natural farming practices, innovation, and wider access to e-Mandi platforms for nearly 40 lakh farmers. Guided by the theme ‘prosperous farmers–prosperous state’, the policy also aims to boost agricultural productivity and exports, reinforcing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.