Agriculture — Related New Developments
1. Nano Urea
Context: Nano Urea is made available at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras.
About Nano Urea
- Nano Urea is a type of nitrogenous fertilizer presented in nanoparticle form, with a particle size of approximately 20-50 nanometers.
- This small size increases its surface area, enhancing efficiency.
- Produced by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), liquid nano urea is positioned as an alternative to traditional nitrogen fertilizers.
- Traditional urea has an efficiency of just 25%, meaning most of the applied nitrogen is lost to the environment.
Advantages of Nano Urea
- Energy-Efficient Production: Manufactured through a process that consumes less energy and is environmentally friendly.
- Higher Nutrient Use Efficiency: Over 80% of the applied nano urea is absorbed by crops.
- Reduced Subsidy Burden: By improving efficiency, nano urea can help lower the government's expenditure on fertilizer subsidies.
- Minimized Environmental Impact: Decreases the excessive use of conventional urea, mitigating soil, water, and air pollution.
- Targeted Nutrient Delivery: As a liquid, nano urea is applied directly to leaves (foliar fertilization) for precise nutrient absorption.
Challenges in Nano Urea Usage
- Nano urea application resulted in lower yields for rice and wheat compared to conventional nitrogen fertilizers.
- A decline in grain nitrogen content, which is critical for protein synthesis, was also observed.
About IFFCO
- IFFCO is one of the world's largest cooperative societies.
- Established: 1967 with the mission of empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity.
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Focuses on producing and marketing fertilizers, improving soil health, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
- Introduction of Nano Urea, Nano DAP, and other innovative solutions.
Key Points:
- Nano Urea — 20-50 nm particle size; 80%+ nutrient use efficiency
- Traditional urea efficiency — only 25%
- IFFCO — established 1967; headquarters New Delhi
- Challenges: Lower yields in rice/wheat; reduced grain nitrogen content
2. Demand for Legal Guarantee on MSP
Context: More than 250 farmers' unions under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have resumed their protest after a two-year hiatus. The issue: MSP assurance — demanding a statutory guarantee of minimum support prices.
About Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- MSP is the price at which the government is supposed to procure/buy that crop from farmers if the market price falls below it.
- Ensures farmers receive a certain minimum remuneration for cultivation.
- Incentivises the production of certain crops for food security.
- MSP is recommended by Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
Factors Considered by CACP
- The demand and supply of a commodity
- Its cost of production
- The market price trends (both domestic and international)
- Inter-crop price parity
- Terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture
- A minimum of 50% as the margin over the cost of production
- The likely implications of an MSP on consumers
Coverage of Crops under MSP
- The Government announces MSP for 22 crops.
- However, it is not legally bound to pay MSP.
- 14 Kharif, 6 Rabi and 2 cash crops covered under MSP.
- For sugarcane, Fair Remunerative Price (FRP) is fixed.
Status of MSP
- It does not have any statutory/legal backing.
- Unlike subsidized grains through PDS, MSP does not grant farmers the right to demand it as an entitlement.
MSP for Sugarcane
- The only crop where MSP payment has some statutory element is Sugarcane.
- Pricing governed by the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
- Sugar mills must legally pay this price to the sugarcane farmers.
- Responsibility to make FRP payment to farmers within 14 days of cane purchase lies solely with the sugar mills.
About CACP
- Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) is an attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Considers the following costs for MSP calculation:
- A2: All paid-out costs directly incurred by the farmer in cash and kind (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, hired labor, leased-in land, fuel, irrigation, etc.).
- A2+FL: A2 plus an imputed value of unpaid Family Labour.
- C2: Comprehensive cost factoring in rentals and interest for owned land and fixed capital assets, on top of A2+FL.
- CACP considers both A2+FL and C2 costs while recommending MSP. CACP reckons only A2+FL cost for return.
Key Points:
- MSP — recommended by CACP, approved by CCEA
- No statutory/legal backing for MSP (except sugarcane)
- CACP considers A2, A2+FL, C2 costs; uses A2+FL for return
- Minimum 50% margin over cost of production
3. Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme
Context: The Union Cabinet approved Nutrient-Based Subsidy rates for P&K fertilizers for Kharif 2024 and added three new fertilizer grades.
About NBS Scheme
- Introduced in April 2010 to promote the balanced use of fertilizers and enhance agricultural productivity.
- The government fixes a subsidy rate for nutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S) per kilogram.
- Excludes Urea from NBS as its price remains regulated by the government.
- Implemented by the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Basis of Calculation
- Calculated on a kilogramme basis.
- Accounts for factors such as the country's inventory level, exchange rate, and P&K fertiliser prices domestically and internationally.
- Manufacturers sell fertilizers at maximum retail prices (MRP), factoring in the NBS subsidy.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Subsidies are released to manufacturers based on actual sales.
- Verified through the Point of Sale (PoS) machines at retailer outlets.
Fertilizer Subsidy
- Farmers buy fertilizers (urea-based) at MRPs fixed by the government, which is below market rates.
- The difference between MRP and market price is provided by the Centre as a subsidy to fertilizer companies.
- Companies are paid subsidies through DBT after actual sales to farmers.
- Facilitated by PoS machines with retailers linked to the e-Urvarak Portal.
- MRPs of non-urea fertilizers are decontrolled (fixed by companies).
Evolution of Fertiliser Subsidy in India
- 1976 → Fixed Subsidy
- 1977 → Retention Price Scheme (for urea)
- 1991 → Decontrol of Prices (N, P & K based fertilisers)
- 2003 → New Pricing Scheme
- 2010 → Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme (NBS)
Key Points:
- NBS — introduced April 2010; excludes Urea
- Subsidy on N, P, K, S per kilogram
- DBT through PoS machines and e-Urvarak Portal
- Non-urea MRPs — decontrolled
4. Kasturi Cotton Bharat Program
Context: The Ministry of Textiles launched the Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme to enhance the traceability, certification, and branding of Indian cotton.
About Kasturi Cotton Bharat Programme
- Initiative of the Government of India, Textile Trade Bodies and Industry.
- Objective: Creating premium value for cotton grown in India as per benchmarked specifications.
- Implementing agency: The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)
- QR-based certification: To provide complete traceability of Kasturi Cotton Bharat tagged bales across the supply chain.
About TEXPROCIL
- The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) is the first council established by the Government of India in 1954.
- Autonomous, nonprofit body dedicated to the promotion of exports.
- Membership of around 2,000 companies spread across major textile clusters in India.
- Connects international buyers with appropriate suppliers.
- Assists the Government in bilateral negotiations.
TEXPROCIL Promotes Exports of
- Raw Cotton
- Cotton Yarns and Blended Yarns (Grey and Processed)
- Cotton and Blended (50% plus cotton) Woven and Knitted fabrics
- Home Textiles
Key Points:
- Kasturi Cotton Bharat — QR-based traceability
- Implementing agency — TEXPROCIL (established 1954)
- 2,000+ member companies
5. Illegal Cultivation of Pusa Basmati Rice in Pakistan
Context: According to IARI, the illicit seed sales and cultivation of IARI varieties in Pakistan started with Pusa Basmati-1121 (PB-1121).
About Pusa Basmati Rice Cultivation in Pakistan
- Pusa Basmati 1121 is officially registered as PK 1121 Aromatic in Pakistan and sold as 1121 Kainat Basmati.
- Pakistan is also cultivating IARI-bred varieties like Pusa Basmati-6 (PB-6) and PB-1509, registered as Kissan Basmati.
About Pusa Basmati 1121
- Independently derived Basmati rice variety, evolved through hybridization.
- Developed by Padma Shri awardee Dr Vijaipal Singh at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
- Released for commercial cultivation in Kharif 2003 as Pusa 1121 (Pusa Sugandh 4).
- By 2007, widely popular; renamed as Pusa Basmati 1121 in 2008.
- Holds the world record for highest kernel elongation on cooking.
Registration of Pusa Basmati Rice in India
- Notified under Seeds Act 1966: Approved for cultivation in the designated Geographical Indication (GI) area for basmati rice in India, covering seven northern states.
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001: Allows Indian farmers to sow, save, resow, exchange, or transfer seeds from protected/registered varieties.
Key Points:
- PB-1121 — developed by IARI; released 2003
- World record for highest kernel elongation
- Protected under Seeds Act 1966 and PPVFR Act 2001
6. Mushk Budji Rice
Context: Researchers used Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and an 'electronic nose' to study the flavor profile of Mushk Budji rice.
About Mushk Budji Rice
- Distinctive short-grain aromatic rice indigenous to the higher elevations of the Kashmir Valley, particularly in Anantnag and Budgam districts.
- Celebrated for its unique flavor and rich aroma; a culinary staple in Kashmiri households.
- In August 2023, Mushk Budji rice was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Research Findings
- Researchers identified 35 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in samples from various altitudes.
- The aromatic compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), which imparts the distinctive fragrance, was detected in rice grown at higher altitudes, especially in Budgam and Kupwara districts.
Initiatives
- Developing disease-resistant strains.
- Promoting cultivation in traditional areas like Sagam, Panzgam, Soaf Shali (Anantnag), and Beerwah belt (Budgam).
About Electronic Nose
- An electronic nose (e-nose) is a sophisticated device designed to mimic the human olfactory system.
- Widely used in industries and scientific research for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Working Principle: VOCs interact with sensors, causing measurable changes in electrical properties; data is analyzed to identify specific odors or profiles.
- Applications: Food and Beverage Industry, Healthcare, Environmental Monitoring, Agriculture, Forensic Science.
Key Points:
- Mushk Budji — GI tag (August 2023); Kashmir Valley
- 2-AP compound responsible for aroma at higher altitudes
- Electronic nose — mimics human olfactory system
7. Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)
Context: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare inaugurated the Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi.
About the Krishi ICCC
- Technology-driven solution incorporating various IT applications and platforms for data-driven decision-making in agriculture.
- Location: Housed in the MoA&FW, which oversees agricultural policies and implementation.
- Technologies Used: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing.
Krishi Decision Support System (DSS)
- Platform collects granular micro-level data and presents it as macro-level analysis for policymakers and stakeholders.
Functioning of ICCC
- Uses AI and ML to identify farmers through mobile numbers or Aadhaar details.
- Integrates with land records, historical crop data, and weather information from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
- Customised advisories generated in the local language using the Bhashini platform (translates into various Indian languages).
Significance of the ICCC
- Remote Sensing Data: For monitoring land use and crop conditions.
- Soil Surveys: Plot-level data for soil health and fertility analysis.
- Weather Information: Provided by the IMD.
- Digital Crop Survey: Offers sowing data.
- Krishi MApper App: Ensures accurate geo-fencing and geo-tagging of agricultural land.
- Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg): Supplies market intelligence and statistical insights.
- General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES): Provides yield estimation data.
Key Points:
- ICCC — AI, ML, GIS, remote sensing for data-driven agriculture
- Bhashini platform for local language advisories
- UPAg — Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics
- Krishi MApper App — geo-fencing and geo-tagging
8. Summary: Agriculture New Developments at a Glance
| Development | Key Feature | Organization/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Urea | 20-50 nm; 80%+ nutrient use efficiency; foliar fertilization | IFFCO (established 1967) |
| MSP | No statutory/legal backing; 22 crops; A2+FL cost | CACP (1965) + CCEA |
| NBS Scheme | Subsidy on N, P, K, S; excludes Urea; DBT via PoS | April 2010; Dept of Fertilizers |
| Kasturi Cotton Bharat | QR-based traceability; premium branding | TEXPROCIL (established 1954) |
| Pusa Basmati 1121 | Highest kernel elongation; released 2003 | IARI; Dr Vijaipal Singh |
| Mushk Budji Rice | Short-grain aromatic; GI tag (Aug 2023); Kashmir | GI tag 2023 |
| Krishi ICCC | AI, ML, GIS, remote sensing; Bhashini platform | MoA&FW |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Nano Urea: IFFCO; 20-50 nm; 80%+ efficiency; challenges: lower yields in rice/wheat
- MSP: No legal backing except sugarcane; CACP considers A2+FL and C2; 50% margin over cost
- NBS Scheme (2010): Subsidy on N, P, K, S; excludes Urea; DBT via PoS and e-Urvarak Portal
- Kasturi Cotton Bharat: TEXPROCIL; QR-based traceability; premium branding
- Pusa Basmati 1121: IARI; world record for kernel elongation; protected under Seeds Act and PPVFR Act
- Mushk Budji Rice: GI tag (Aug 2023); Kashmir Valley; 2-AP compound for aroma
- Krishi ICCC: AI/ML/GIS/remote sensing; Bhashini platform; UPAg portal
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Agriculture New Developments)
Q1. Nano Urea is produced by which organization?
Correct Answer: C. Nano Urea is produced by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), which was established in 1967.
Q2. What is the particle size of Nano Urea?
Correct Answer: C. Nano Urea has a particle size of approximately 20-50 nanometers, which increases its surface area and enhances efficiency.
Q3. Traditional urea has an efficiency of:
Correct Answer: C. Traditional urea has an efficiency of just 25%, meaning most of the applied nitrogen is lost to the environment.
Q4. MSP is recommended by which body?
Correct Answer: C. MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
Q5. The Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme was introduced in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme was introduced in April 2010 to promote the balanced use of fertilizers.
Q6. Which fertilizer is excluded from the NBS Scheme?
Correct Answer: C. The NBS Scheme excludes Urea as its price remains regulated by the government.
Q7. The Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme is implemented by:
Correct Answer: C. The Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme is implemented by the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), established in 1954.
Q8. Mushk Budji rice received GI tag in:
Correct Answer: C. In August 2023, Mushk Budji rice was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, underscoring its unique qualities and regional significance.
Q9. The Krishi ICCC uses which technologies for data-driven decision-making?
Correct Answer: C. The Krishi ICCC employs cutting-edge tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing.
Q10. The Pusa Basmati 1121 variety holds the world record for:
Correct Answer: B. Pusa Basmati 1121 holds the world record for highest kernel elongation on cooking. It was developed by Dr Vijaipal Singh at IARI and released in 2003.