PRELIMS DATA & FACTS

Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) funding to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the cotton season 2023–24. This decision is aimed at ensuring that cotton farmers receive remunerative prices when market prices fall below the government-declared MSP, thereby protecting their income and stabilizing the cotton market. About Co

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, supported by the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), is designed to provide timely, affordable, and collateral-free institutional credit to farmers and allied sectors. The main aim is to improve agricultural productivity and ensure financial security for farmers by reducing dependence on informal and high-interest sources of credit. Evolution of t

Grain ATM

The government of Bihar has recently approved the installation of three Grain ATM machines in Patna as part of a pilot project. The initiative is aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of food grain distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS). If successful, the model may be expanded to other regions. What is a Grain ATM? A Grain ATM, also known as

Central Silk Board (CSB)

Recently, the Government of India increased the financial approval limit of the Central Silk Board from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore by amending Rule 22 of the Central Silk Board Rules, 1955. This step is intended to improve administrative efficiency and speed up decision-making for projects related to the development of the silk industry in India. About Central Silk Board The Central Silk B

Mustard Crop

The mustard crop has recently shown increasing susceptibility to infestation by Orobanche aegyptiaca, a parasitic weed that significantly reduces crop productivity. The growing spread of this parasite has raised concerns regarding oilseed production and farmer income, especially in major mustard-growing regions. About Mustard Crop Mustard is an important Rabi season oilseed crop cultivat

APEDA

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an arm of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has recently launched a new initiative to support agri-food and agri-tech startups. The initiative aims to promote innovation, encourage young entrepreneurs, and create new opportunities in agricultural exports. About APEDA APEDA is a statutory body establis

Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System

Recent soil tests conducted in the Kuttanad paddy fields of Kerala have revealed elevated concentrations of aluminium. These fields form part of the Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System, raising concerns about soil health, crop productivity, and long-term sustainability of this unique farming system. About the Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System The Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System

Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

In response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed that loans amounting to ₹10,320 crore have been sanctioned under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) so far, indicating strong uptake of the scheme. About the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) The Animal Husbandry Infrast

National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM)

Recently, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed the Lok Sabha about the progress and implementation of the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM), a key initiative aimed at digitally transforming India’s livestock sector. About National Digital Livestock Mission The National Digital Livestock Mission was launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry

AviSpray-10c

AvironiX Drones, a Chennai-based deep-tech drone company, has recently announced the launch of AviSpray-10c, a next-generation agricultural spraying drone aimed at improving precision farming and reducing operational costs for Indian farmers. About AviSpray-10c The AviSpray-10c is a compact, backpack-sized agricultural spraying drone that is 53% smaller than most drones in the current ge

National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)

The National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) reflects India’s strong commitment to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by aiming to transform the edible oil sector from a highly import-dependent system to a self-reliant one. The mission seeks to reduce India’s edible oil import bill while strengthening domestic production. About the National Mission on Edible Oils The National Mis

Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has stated that the PMFME Scheme has steadily expanded its reach, with significant progress achieved across major components as of 31 October 2025. About PMFME Scheme The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched on 29 June 2020 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

The Union Government has decided to expand the scope of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) by including crop damage caused by animals as an eligible ground for insurance payouts. This addresses a long-pending demand of farmers and strengthens income security in agriculture. About Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was launched on 18 February 2016

National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)

India’s honey sector is undergoing a major transformation through the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), which aims to expand scientific beekeeping across the country while strengthening its role in enhancing rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity. What is the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission? About the Scheme The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (N

Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) is a major new initiative by the Indian government aimed at transforming the agricultural sector, especially in regions facing significant challenges. Key Points of PMDDKY: Launch and Budget: The scheme was launched recently alongside the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. Total outlay: ₹35,440 cror

AgriEnIcs Programme

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently announced the transfer of technology under the AgriEnIcs Programme. This marks a significant step in advancing technological integration in agriculture and environmental management in India, with the aim to enhance precision in these sectors. About the AgriEnIcs Programme The AgriEnIcs Programme is a national initiat

What is Roen olmi

Overview: Two researchers in Goa have said that they synthesised gold nanoparticles from a wild mushroom species that is widely eaten as a delicacy in the coastal state. About Roen olmi It is a mushroom of the Termitomyces species. It grows on termite hills and is locally known as ‘roen olmi’ in Goa. It is an edible wild mushroom popular among Goans and consumed during t

Efficacy of nano urea

Context: A two-year field study conducted by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) scientists on the effectiveness of Liquid Nano Urea has revealed a significant reduction in rice and wheat yields compared to the application of conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizer. News: These results highlight the importance of conducting extended, long-term field assessments spanning 5-7 years to determine

Centre Plans Interest-free Loans for Andhra’s Cyclone-hit Tobacco Farmers

Context: The Central government is considering a proposal to provide interest-free loans to tobacco farmers of Andhra Pradesh impacted by Cyclone Michaung. News: Interest-Free Loans for Andhra Tobacco Farmers: Loan Details: Andhra Tobacco farmers are set to receive interest-free loans ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, with a repayment period of six months. These loans

Mayurbhanj’s Red Ant Chutney Receives GI Tag

Context:  Recently, the Similipal Kai Chutney made with kai pimpudi (red weaver ants) by the tribal people of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district received the geographical identity tag. News: The application was made by The Mayurbhanj Kai Society Ltd in 2020 for registration in Class 30 under sub-section (1) of section 13 of Geographical Indications of Goods (Re

Cassava(Tapioca)

Context: On January 8, 2024, the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) issued a cautionary advisory regarding the feeding of animals with cassava, commonly known as tapioca. About Tapioca Plant: Tapioca is a significant horticulture crop extensively cultivated on nearly 3 lakh hectares in Tamil Nadu, yielding an annual production of 60 lakh tonnes. It holds global importa

Tur dal procurement portal

Cooperation ministry recently launched a portal through which farmers can sell tur dal to government procurement agencies at the minimum support price (MSP) or market price, whichever is higher. Govt. Procurement agencies - National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed) or National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF).

Electronic soil

Context: Researchers have developed a new electronics soil that was found to increase the growth of barley seedlings by 50 per cent in a new study. News: A new eSoil, developed by the Electronic Plants group at Linköping University, enhances barley seedling growth by an average of 50% in hydroponic cultivation. The low-power bioelectronic scaffolding, called eSoil, is designed for

MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE (MSP)

MSP is the minimum price set by the government for certain agricultural products, at which the products would directly be bought from the farmers if the open market prices are less than the cost incurred. It fosters to insure the farmers against a steep decline in the prices of their goods and to help them prevent losses. MSP is set by the government of India twice a year for 24 commodi

Coastal Aquaculture Authority Bill

Coastal Aquaculture Authority Bill The bill seeks to amend the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005. The bill expands the scope of coastal aquaculture by including allied activities also, Shrimp Prawn Fish Any other Aquatic life in saline or brackish water Newly included allied activities