Agriculture — Allied Sectors
1. State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) 2024
Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) released the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) 2024. The 2024 edition spotlights the concrete advances of Blue Transformation in action.
Crucial Insights — Production Statistics
- Global Fisheries and Aquaculture (2022): 223.2 million tonnes
- Global Aquaculture (2022): 130.9 million tonnes
- Aquatic Animals (2022): 185.4 million tonnes
Consumption
- Global apparent consumption of aquatic animal foods (2021): 162.5 million tonnes
- Global apparent consumption per capita (2021): 20.6 kg
Employment
- People employed in primary production: 61.8 million
- Workers by Sector: Fisheries (54%), Aquaculture (36%), Sector not specified (10%)
- Percentage of jobs by region: Asia (85%), Africa (10%), Latin America and the Caribbean (4%), Europe, Oceania and Northern America combined (1%)
Trade
- Top exporters of Aquatic animal products: China, Norway, Vietnam, Ecuador, Chile
- Top importers: United States of America, China, Japan, Spain, France
- Value of international trade: US $195 billion
Key Highlights
- World fisheries and aquaculture production hit a new high in 2022 — 223.2 million tonnes, a 4.4% increase from 2020.
- India ranked first in inland fisheries production with 1.9 million tonnes.
Key Points:
- Global production (2022): 223.2 million tonnes (4.4% increase)
- India — 1st in inland fisheries production (1.9 million tonnes)
- 61.8 million employed; Asia accounts for 85% of jobs
- Top exporters: China, Norway, Vietnam, Ecuador, Chile
2. Makhana
Context: Bihar Deputy CM Launches Makhana Festival to Boost Market Reach in Karnataka.
About Makhana
- Derived from the Euryale ferox plant, a nutrient-dense seed that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
- Native to Southeast Asia and China; India dominates the global market, fulfilling 80% of the world's demand.
- Bihar alone accounts for 90% of India's production.
- Other contributing states: West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha.
- Nicknamed the "Black Diamond".
- Recognized under the Union government's One District One Product scheme.
Growth Conditions
- Temperature: 20°C to 35°C
- Relative Humidity: 50–90%
- Annual Rainfall: 100–250 cm
- Soil: Smooth loamy soils; cultivation in stagnant perennial water bodies like ponds, oxbow lakes, swamps, and ditches.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in protein and dietary fiber; low glycemic index (good for diabetics)
- Cardiovascular Health: High potassium, low sodium
- Bone and Muscle Strength: High calcium content
- Anti-Ageing Properties: Delays wrinkles and greying hair
- Weight Management: Low-fat content, aids metabolism
3. Soybean
Context: The inclusion of soybeans in athlete diets for the Paris Olympics highlights their growing recognition as a nutritional powerhouse.
- Also known as "The Golden Bean"; native to East Asia.
- Predominantly grown as a Kharif crop; requires fertile, well-drained loamy soil.
- Temperature: 26°C-30°C
- Global Production: Brazil leads the world, with India ranking fifth.
- In India: Madhya Pradesh leads production — called the "Soybean Bowl of India".
- Other major states: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh.
- MACS 1407: A soybean variety known for pest resistance, suitable for rainfed regions in Northeast India.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich Source of Protein: Essential for vegetarians and athletes
- Heart Health: Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; lowers LDL cholesterol
- Bone Strength: Calcium and magnesium enhance bone density
- Weight Management: High fiber content aids digestion and satiety
- Low Glycemic Index: Suitable for diabetics
- Antioxidant Properties: Reduces risk of chronic diseases
Key Points:
- Soybean — "The Golden Bean"; Kharif crop; 26-30°C
- Brazil — largest producer; India — 5th
- Madhya Pradesh — "Soybean Bowl of India"
- MACS 1407 — pest-resistant variety for rainfed NE India
4. National Gopal Ratna Award 2024
Context: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying invited nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for 2024, under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
- Instituted: 2021 — among the highest national honors in the livestock and dairy sector.
- Recognizes individuals and organizations contributing to indigenous livestock rearing, dairy production, and artificial insemination.
Award Categories
- Best Dairy Farmer: Recognizing individuals rearing indigenous cattle or buffalo breeds — 1st rank: Smt. Renu from Jhajjar, Haryana
- Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/FPO: — 1st rank: The Gabat Milk Producers Cooperative Society Limited, Aravali, Gujarat
- Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT): — 1st rank: Shri Bhaskar Pradhan from Subarnapur, Odisha
- Special Award for North-Eastern Region (NER) States: Introduced in 2024 — 1st rank: Ms. Juna Tamuli Barman from Bajali, Assam
Award Prize Money
- 1st Rank: ₹5,00,000
- 2nd Rank: ₹3,00,000
- 3rd Rank: ₹2,00,000
- Special Award for NER: ₹2,00,000
About Rashtriya Gokul Mission
- Initiated: December 2014 — aims to develop and conserve indigenous bovine breeds.
- Nodal Department: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
- Focuses on setting up Gokul Grams, integrated centers for indigenous cattle rearing.
- Funding: Under Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna (2021-2026) — budget allocation of ₹2,400 crore.
- Women make up over 70% of the livestock workforce.
5. Araku Coffee
Context: The Prime Minister highlighted the distinctive flavor and significance of Araku Coffee from Andhra Pradesh during 'Mann Ki Baat'.
- Cultivated in the Araku Valley within the Alluri SitaRam Raju district of Andhra Pradesh, nestled in the Eastern Ghats.
- Recognitions: Won "Best Robusta" at the Café de Colombia Competition; awarded GI Tag in 2019.
Other Indian Coffees with GI Tags
- Coorg Arabica (Karnataka)
- Wayanad Robusta (Kerala)
- Chikmagalur Arabica (Karnataka)
- Bababudangiri Arabica (Karnataka)
- Monsooned Malabar Robusta (Kerala)
6. Oeko-Tex Certification for Eri Silk
Context: The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk from Germany.
About Oeko-Tex Certification
- A label for textiles tested for harmful substances; sets the benchmark for textile safety.
- Marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to the global export market.
About Eri Silk
- Protein fiber derived from cocoons made by the Samia Cynthia Ricini moth or Philosamia Ricini moth.
- All Weather Fiber: Isothermal properties make it cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Vegan Silk: World's only vegan silk — the moth inside the cocoon is not killed.
- Hydrophilic: Loves water and can absorb it well.
- The humid climate of Northeast India is ideal for Eri culture.
- Product of Assam; has received GI tag.
Silk Production in India
- India is the world's second-largest producer of silk, following China.
- Produces all five major commercial varieties of silk: Mulberry, Tropical Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri, and Muga.
Types of Silk and Regional Specialties
- Mulberry Silk: Smooth texture; Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, J&K
- Tropical Tasar Silk: Coarser texture, golden hue; central and eastern India
- Oak Tasar Silk: Reared on oak trees; eastern India
- Muga Silk: Exclusive to Assam; golden-yellow color; highly prized
Production Statistics
- FY24: India produced 38,913 metric tons of silk.
- Karnataka accounted for approximately 32.3% of India's total silk production.
Geographical Indications of Indian Silk:
| S.No | Variety of Silk | State |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Baluchari Saree | West Bengal |
| 02 | Salem Silk | Tamil Nadu |
| 03 | Arani Silk | Tamil Nadu |
| 04 | Molkalmuru Sarees | Karnataka |
| 05 | Ilkal Sarees | Karnataka |
| 06 | Muga Silk | Assam |
| 07 | Orissa Ikat | Odisha |
| 08 | Kancheepuram Silk | Tamil Nadu |
| 09 | Mysore Silk | Karnataka |
| 10 | Chanderi Fabric | Madhya Pradesh |
Government Initiatives and Policies
- Silk Samagra Scheme: Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry (ISDSI) implemented through Central Silk Board
- Central Silk Board Act: Ensures quality standards in silkworm seed production
- Forest Conservation Amendment Act: Recognizes non-mulberry sericulture as a forest-based activity
- Anti-Dumping Duty: Imposed on Chinese raw silk to protect domestic industry
- CDP-MGNREGA Convergence Guidelines: Facilitate access to MGNREGA benefits for sericulture farmers
About Central Silk Board
- Statutory body established under the Central Silk Board Act, 1948.
- Operates under the Ministry of Textiles.
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Consists of 33 members, including a Chairperson.
- Supports approximately 7.85 million individuals engaged in the silk sector.
7. Summary: Agriculture Allied Sectors at a Glance
| Sector/Topic | Key Feature | India's Position |
|---|---|---|
| SOFIA 2024 | Global production: 223.2 million tonnes | 1st in inland fisheries (1.9 million tonnes) |
| Makhana | "Black Diamond"; 20-35°C; 100-250 cm rainfall | India: 80% global demand; Bihar: 90% |
| Soybean | "The Golden Bean"; Kharif; 26-30°C | 5th globally; MP — "Soybean Bowl" |
| National Gopal Ratna Award | Instituted 2021; ₹5L (1st), ₹3L (2nd), ₹2L (3rd) | Rashtriya Gokul Mission (2014) |
| Araku Coffee | GI Tag (2019); Best Robusta at Café de Colombia | Andhra Pradesh (Eastern Ghats) |
| Eri Silk | World's only vegan silk; GI tag; Oeko-Tex certified | Assam; Northeast India |
| Silk Production | 5 varieties: Mulberry, Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri, Muga | 2nd globally; 38,913 MT (FY24) |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- SOFIA 2024: Global fisheries production hit 223.2 million tonnes; India 1st in inland fisheries
- Makhana: "Black Diamond"; India fulfills 80% global demand; Bihar 90% of India's production
- Soybean: "The Golden Bean"; India 5th globally; Madhya Pradesh — "Soybean Bowl"
- National Gopal Ratna Award: Instituted 2021; Rashtriya Gokul Mission (2014); ₹2,400 crore budget
- Araku Coffee: GI Tag 2019; Eastern Ghats (Andhra Pradesh)
- Eri Silk: World's only vegan silk; Oeko-Tex certified; GI tag from Assam
- Silk Production: India 2nd globally; 5 varieties; Karnataka leads (32.3%)
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Agriculture Allied Sectors)
Q1. India ranked first in which category in the SOFIA 2024 report?
Correct Answer: B. India ranked first in inland fisheries production with 1.9 million tonnes in the SOFIA 2024 report.
Q2. Makhana is derived from which plant?
Correct Answer: B. Makhana is derived from the Euryale ferox plant. It is a nutrient-dense seed that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
Q3. Which state is known as the "Soybean Bowl of India"?
Correct Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh is called the "Soybean Bowl of India" as it leads soybean production in the country.
Q4. The National Gopal Ratna Award was instituted in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The National Gopal Ratna Award was instituted in 2021 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
Q5. Araku Coffee received GI Tag in which year?
Correct Answer: C. Araku Coffee was awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2019, recognizing its distinctive qualities from the Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh.
Q6. Which type of silk is known as the world's only vegan silk?
Correct Answer: C. Eri Silk is renowned as the world's only vegan silk, where unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed.
Q7. Which state accounts for approximately 32.3% of India's total silk production?
Correct Answer: C. Karnataka remained the leading contributor, accounting for approximately 32.3% of India's total silk production in 2023-24.
Q8. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission was initiated in:
Correct Answer: C. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission was initiated in December 2014 to develop and conserve indigenous bovine breeds.
Q9. The Central Silk Board is headquartered in:
Correct Answer: C. The Central Silk Board is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is a statutory body established under the Central Silk Board Act, 1948.
Q10. Which of the following is NOT a type of silk produced in India?
Correct Answer: D. Tussar Silk is not a separate type — it is another name for Tasar Silk. India produces all five major commercial varieties: Mulberry, Tropical Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri, and Muga.