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Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
Advantages of Pulses Cultivation: International Year of Pulses 2016 Nutritional Benefits Pulses are a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide a cost-effective and nutritious alternative to animal-based protein, contributing to improved healRead more
Advantages of Pulses Cultivation: International Year of Pulses 2016
Nutritional Benefits
Pulses are a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide a cost-effective and nutritious alternative to animal-based protein, contributing to improved health and nutrition. Pulses help in combating malnutrition, especially in developing countries.
Soil Health
Pulses are known for their beneficial impact on soil health. They are nitrogen-fixing crops, which means they enrich the soil with nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This enhances soil fertility and supports sustainable agriculture.
Climate Resilience
Pulses have a low water footprint and can thrive in diverse climatic conditions, making them well-suited for regions experiencing water scarcity or climatic variability. This resilience helps in adapting to climate change.
Economic Benefits
The cultivation of pulses supports farmers’ incomes by diversifying crop production and providing a valuable export commodity. For instance, India, a major producer and consumer of pulses, benefits economically from pulse exports.
In 2016, the United Nations declared the International Year of Pulses to highlight these advantages and promote the role of pulses in achieving global food security and sustainable agriculture.
See lessDiscuss the relationship between El Nino and south-east monsoon in India and its impact on agriculture. (200 Words) [UPPSC 2023]
Relationship Between El Niño and South-East Monsoon in India: El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It has a significant impact on global weather patterns, including the South-East Monsoon in IndiaRead more
Relationship Between El Niño and South-East Monsoon in India:
El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It has a significant impact on global weather patterns, including the South-East Monsoon in India.
During an El Niño event, the Indian monsoon season, which usually begins in June and lasts until September, often experiences disruptions. El Niño tends to weaken the South-West Monsoon, which is crucial for the Indian subcontinent. The warm oceanic temperatures disrupt the atmospheric circulation patterns, reducing the moisture carried by the monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean to the Indian landmass. As a result, the monsoon rains are often delayed or less intense during El Niño years.
Impact on Agriculture:
In summary, El Niño’s influence on the South-East Monsoon can significantly affect agricultural productivity in India, leading to reduced rainfall, drought conditions, and economic challenges for the agricultural sector.
See lessWhat are the key challenges and recent advancements in Indian agriculture?
Indian agriculture faces several key challenges while also seeing notable advancements: Key Challenges: Climate Change: Variability in weather patterns and extreme events like floods and droughts impact crop yields and farming practices, making agriculture increasingly unpredictable. Water Scarcity:Read more
Indian agriculture faces several key challenges while also seeing notable advancements:
Key Challenges:
Recent Advancements:
These advancements aim to address the challenges and transform Indian agriculture into a more resilient and productive sector.
See lessWhich country is the largest producer of rice in the world?
The largest producer of rice in the world is China. Rice is a staple food for a significant portion of the global population, and China leads in its production by a substantial margin. The country's favorable climate, vast agricultural lands, and advanced farming techniques contribute to its high riRead more
The largest producer of rice in the world is China. Rice is a staple food for a significant portion of the global population, and China leads in its production by a substantial margin. The country’s favorable climate, vast agricultural lands, and advanced farming techniques contribute to its high rice output.
China’s rice production is primarily concentrated in the Yangtze River Valley and other regions with suitable growing conditions. The country has invested heavily in agricultural technology and infrastructure, which helps improve rice yields and efficiency. The government also supports rice farming through various policies and subsidies.
Following China, other major rice producers include India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. These countries also have large areas of land dedicated to rice cultivation and significant numbers of people relying on rice as a primary food source. However, China remains the leader in terms of total production volume.
Rice production is crucial not only for domestic consumption but also for international markets. The surplus rice from China often contributes to global rice supplies, impacting food security and prices around the world.
See lessSoil profile plays an important role in agriculture. Do you agree? (125 Words) [UPPSC 2023]
Importance of Soil Profile in Agriculture Nutrient Availability: Soil profile significantly impacts agriculture by determining nutrient availability. Different soil horizons (topsoil, subsoil) contain varying levels of nutrients essential for plant growth. For instance, the black soil in MaharashtraRead more
Importance of Soil Profile in Agriculture
Nutrient Availability: Soil profile significantly impacts agriculture by determining nutrient availability. Different soil horizons (topsoil, subsoil) contain varying levels of nutrients essential for plant growth. For instance, the black soil in Maharashtra is rich in minerals, benefiting crops like cotton and soybeans.
Water Retention and Drainage: The soil profile affects water retention and drainage capabilities. Sandy soils, with lower water-holding capacity, may require more frequent irrigation, while clayey soils, prone to waterlogging, can affect root development. Recent agricultural practices in Kerala have adapted to these characteristics to optimize crop yields.
Soil Structure and Health: Soil structure, influenced by the profile, impacts root penetration and overall soil health. Practices such as crop rotation and organic farming help maintain soil fertility and structure.
Conclusion: Yes, the soil profile is crucial for successful agriculture. Understanding and managing it effectively can enhance productivity and sustainability in farming.
See lessExamine the role of human activities, such as unregulated construction and tourism, in exacerbating the risks of natural disasters in Kedarnath. What measures can be taken to promote sustainable development in such ecologically sensitive areas?
Human activities such as unregulated construction and tourism have heightened the risk of natural calamities in ecologically fragile regions like Kedarnath. Rampant construction without proper appraisal of environmental impact has resulted in deforestation and soil erosion, and has also interfered wRead more
Human activities such as unregulated construction and tourism have heightened the risk of natural calamities in ecologically fragile regions like Kedarnath. Rampant construction without proper appraisal of environmental impact has resulted in deforestation and soil erosion, and has also interfered with natural water drainage systems, increasing the susceptibility of the area to landslides, floods and other natural disasters. The devastating Kedarnath flood disaster in 2013 brought this into focus when haphazard buildings and roads compounded the loss of lives and property.
Tourism though economically beneficial, has caused too much environmental degradation in the region. The inflow of visitors makes it necessary to put up a lot of infrastructure which in turn consumes large tracts of natural habitats and also generates more waste, thus polluting the environment further.
To achieve sustainable development in such regions, it is of primary importance to enforce environmental laws. Construction in general, must be limited and if at all undertaken then only using eco-friendly practices. Similarly, promotion of eco-tourism involves locals and reduces environment impacts. Reforestation should be promoted at construction sites, waste should be properly disposed off and sustainable construction materials should be used.
See lessWhat are the most effective precision agriculture technologies currently available, and how can they improve crop yield and resource efficiency?
Precision agriculture technologies significantly enhance crop yield and resource efficiency through advanced data collection and analysis. Key technologies include: 1. **GPS and GIS:** GPS-based systems enable precise field mapping and crop management, while Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analRead more
Precision agriculture technologies significantly enhance crop yield and resource efficiency through advanced data collection and analysis. Key technologies include:
1. **GPS and GIS:** GPS-based systems enable precise field mapping and crop management, while Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyze spatial data for targeted interventions.
2. **Drones and Remote Sensing:** Drones equipped with cameras and sensors capture high-resolution images, providing detailed information on crop health, soil conditions, and pest infestations. This data helps in making informed decisions on fertilization and irrigation.
3. **Variable Rate Technology (VRT):** VRT systems adjust the application rates of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides based on real-time data from sensors, ensuring resources are used efficiently and reducing waste.
4. **Soil Sensors:** These sensors monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and temperature, enabling precise irrigation and fertilization strategies tailored to specific field conditions.
5. **Automated Machinery:** Autonomous tractors and harvesters use AI and machine learning to optimize planting, maintenance, and harvesting processes, increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
By integrating these technologies, farmers can tailor their practices to the unique needs of their fields, improving yields, minimizing resource use, and reducing environmental impact.
See lessWhat is the most important part of agriculture
The most important part of agriculture is soil health. Healthy soil is the foundation of successful farming, as it supports plant growth, retains water, supplies essential nutrients, and fosters a diverse ecosystem. Maintaining and improving soil health through practices like crop rotation, organicRead more
The most important part of agriculture is soil health. Healthy soil is the foundation of successful farming, as it supports plant growth, retains water, supplies essential nutrients, and fosters a diverse ecosystem. Maintaining and improving soil health through practices like crop rotation, organic matter addition, and minimal tillage is crucial for sustainable agriculture and long-term productivity.
See lessHow can blockchain technology be used to enhance transparency and efficiency in agricultural supply chains, from farm to table?
Blockchain technology can significantly improve transparency and efficiency in agricultural supply chains by providing a secure, decentralized ledger that records every transaction. This allows all parties involved—from farmers to retailers—to access real-time information about the product's journeyRead more
Blockchain technology can significantly improve transparency and efficiency in agricultural supply chains by providing a secure, decentralized ledger that records every transaction. This allows all parties involved—from farmers to retailers—to access real-time information about the product’s journey from farm to table. Each step, such as planting, harvesting, and distribution, is logged, ensuring traceability and accountability.
With this system, consumers can verify the origin and quality of their food, fostering trust in the products they purchase. Smart contracts can also be utilized to automate agreements between parties, reducing the need for intermediaries and cutting down on administrative costs.
Additionally, blockchain enables better data sharing among stakeholders, leading to informed decision-making. Farmers can track market trends and consumer preferences, while distributors can optimize logistics based on real-time data. This not only streamlines operations but also enhances sustainability by allowing for better resource management.
In summary, by improving traceability and reducing inefficiencies, blockchain technology empowers everyone in the agricultural supply chain, ultimately delivering safer and more reliable food products to consumers.
See lessWhat is the most important part of agriculture
All that depends upon type of crop, period of crop, Manson and demand. I request you to go through below three stories to understand the market for crops in different situations. These real stories will help you in deciding the facts of agriculture and
All that depends upon type of crop, period of crop, Manson and demand. I request you to go through below three stories to understand the market for crops in different situations. These real stories will help you in deciding the facts of agriculture and
See less