Bihar Agricultural Road Map

 

Agricultural Road Map

Given the substantial yield gaps of most agricultural commodities on the one hand and low farmers' income and widespread rural poverty on the other, and also taking into account the richness of natural resources and high level of peoples' aspirations, a gradual approach for liberating the people of Bihar from twin traps of hunger and poverty will neither be economically sound nor socially expedient. In the context of National Food Security, it is worthwhile recalling words of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, from the report of National Commission on Farmers: " Unless we develop this region into an agriculturally prosperous area, our country may have to revert to a ship-to-mouth existence once again after 40 years".

Goals:-  

Formation of Road map implementation Support Unit for the execution of DRR Roadmap, MOU has been signed with Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Bangkok, Thailand to execute the DRR Roadmap.
The programmes and activities relating to agriculture, animal husbandry and cooperative sectors were primarily included in the first agriculture road map.

 

First Agricultural Road Map (2008-2012):-  

The first step was taken with "Mukhyamantri Tivra Beej Vistar Yojna" in the year 2008. In more than forty thousand villages high yielding variety seeds of wheat and paddy were distributed. These seeds reaching from one farmer to another established new records in the production as well as productivity of wheat and paddy in 2011-12. Positive steps were taken in the fields of crop diversification, horticulture, bee keeping, green manure, vermi composting and mushroom cultivation with focus on improvement in the productivity of the major crops for increasing the earning of the farmers. Bihar holds first position in India in honey bee box based honey production. Green manure and vermi composting have started showing results in "greening" Bihar. In a few districts mushroom cultivation has emerged as an avenue for gainful employment which also ensures development, food security as well as nutritional security, Execution of many programmes has increased the employment opportunities and it has led to increase in incomes.

Agriculture Road Map has led to forty fold increase in the plan outlay of agriculture department in five years.

A world record was created in the year 2012 for productivity of paddy of 224 quintal per hectare and productivity of potato of 729 quintal per hectare. Bihar received Krishi Karman award from Government of India for significant achievement in production of rice for the year 2012.

The total milk production recorded to 6643 thousand tonnes in 2011-12 while it was 5451 thousand tonnes in 2006-07. The per capita milk availability had increased to 175 gms/day in 2011-12 from 154 gms/day (2006-07).

Second Agricultural Road Map (2012-2017):-  

The exercise of preparation of second road map had taken about a year's time. It started with the constitution of an Agriculture Cabinet i.e. a cabinet committee on agriculture on the April 14, 2011. The Hon'ble Chief Minister is its chairman and the Hon'ble ministers of 18 agriculture related departments are its members. The Agriculture Cabinet in its first meeting on the April 26, 2011, constituted 14 committees under the chairmanship of Agriculture Production Commissioner, departmental Principal Secretaries and Secretaries. Retired and working officers and agriculture scientists are its members. The agriculture cabinet, in four successive meetings deliberated the reports of these committees for about 15 hours. After all these deliberations a draft road man was prepared and it was placed before a Kisan Samagam of more than 2000 farmers who were invited from different parts of the state on the February 4, 2012. After that it was discussed in the legislative Assembly on the 27 and 28 February 2012 and on 1st March 2012 in the Legislative Council. The meeting of 14 committees was again convened to discuss all the suggestions and comments and a final draft agriculture road map was prepared which was approved by agriculture cabinet in its meeting on 16th March 2012. Finally the state cabinet approved the Road Map on 03.04.2012.

Goals:-  

Major goals of agriculture road map envisage are increase in farmers' income, food security, nutritional security, to create gainful employment and to check migration, to ensure equitable farm agricultural growth with focus on gender and human aspects, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and one product from Bihar in every Indian's plate.

The second Agriculture Road Map was more comprehensive. Various programmes and activities relate to agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, cooperatives, water resources, minor water resources, land reforms, energy, environment and forest, rural roads, storage facilities and warehouses, food processing were implemented in the second roadmap.

Achievement of First Road Map:-  

The state has achieved a production of 65.16 lakh MT of milk, 110.02 crores of egg, 2.18 lakh MT of meat and 5.06 lakh MT of fish. The target of forest cover in the state in the agriculture road map has been increased to 15 percent from 9 percent. As per the estimate of Forest Survey of India, the state’s forest cover has increased to more than 12.88 percent. During the last five years, more than 18.47 crore saplings have been planted. There has been significant achievement in enhancement of storage capacity of food grains and expansion of rural roads. About 68,591 kilo-meters of rural roads have been constructed. Grain procurement through PACS has also started. 174 rice mills, 44 flour mills, 43 maize processing plants, 53 RABC (Rural Agri Business Centres), 5 dry warehouse based rural agri business centre, 16 fruits and vegetables processing plants, 9 milk processing plants, 4 makhana processing plants, 3 honey processing plants, 12 biscuit production units, 10 edible oil mills, 7 ice cream manufacturing plants and 28 other food processing units were established in the state. I.Sc.(Ag) course have commenced in 11 government basic schools from 2015. In the last 5 years initiatives have been taken for the registration of farmers. Direct payment of subsides in the bank account of the farmers has also been initiated.

Bihar received Krishi Karman award from Government of India for significant achievement in wheat for the year 2013 and maize for the year 2016.

Third Agricultural Road Map (2017-2022) :-  

Experiences and learning from the two earlier road maps and situations arising due to changing scenario have been kept in mind while formulating the third Agriculture Roadmap. Draft road map was formulated in consultation with subject experts of different departments. On 16 June 2017, a "Kisan Samagam" was organised at Gyan Bhavan, Patna to discuss and to seek opinion on draft agriculture road map from the farmers. The draft agriculture roadmap was published on agriculture department website for comments from public till 31 July 2017. All suggestions received thereof were sent to subject experts for review. After incorporating all changes and suggestions from the experts, the roadmap was finalised. Former agriculture advisor to the Honorable Chief Minister, Dr. Mangala Rai provided valuable suggestions after detailed discussion with all departments concerned. On 16 September 2017 and 22 September 2017, discussion was held with Honorable Chief Minister along with Honorable ministers of twelve departments on the final draft of the Agriculture Road Map for their insights and suggestions. The final draft was approved on 3 October, 2017 by the council of ministers of the state of Bihar.

Sector wise major strategies and programmes for the third agricultural road map were formulated keeping in mind the current scenario of the state. The main aim of this road map is to have at least one food item (vyanjan) of Bihar in every Indian’s food plate (thali). To implement programmes relating to organic farming, food security, nutritional security, inclusive growth and increase in income of farmers, emphasis will be put on sustainable technologies and processes so that present needs will be met while keeping the opportunities for the future growth intact. This is an effort for adoption of strategies for integrated agriculture and diversification of crop and enterprises for rainbow revolution which will act as a model for inclusive growth.

Defence technology

 

Table of Contents

• Ballistic Missile vs. Cruise Missile
  • Ballistic Missile
    • Types of ballistic missiles based on the range
  • Cruise missile
    • Types of cruise missiles based on speed
  • Differences between Ballistic Missile and Cruise Missile
• Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
• India’s Missile Systems
  • • Prithvi Missiles
    • Agni Missiles
    • Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT)

We frequently notice news related to ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and various missile systems of India. Memorizing names and salient features of various Indian missiles is hard without having a broader understanding of the concept of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, and major missile defence systems. It is better to give these concepts a holistic structure rather than learning them in bits and pieces.

Ballistic Missile vs. Cruise Missile

The Hindu | GS3 > indigenization of technology

The terms ‘ballistic missile’ and ‘cruise missile’ appear in news articles wherever there is a missile test. It is essential for us to understand these terms to understand various Indian missile defence systems.

Ballistic Missile

• A ballistic missile follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads on a predetermined target.
• A ballistic trajectory is the path of an object that is launched but has no active propulsion during its actual flight (these weapons are guided only during relatively brief periods of flight).
• Consequently, the trajectory is fully determined by a given initial velocity, effects of gravity, air resistance, and motion of the earth (Coriolis Force).

Image Credits: Wikipedia

• Shorter range ballistic missiles stay within the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Longer-ranged intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), are launched on a sub-orbital flight trajectory and spend most of their flight out of the atmosphere.

Types of ballistic missiles based on the range

• Short-range (tactical) ballistic missile (SRBM): Range between 300 km and 1,000 km.
• Medium-range (theatre) ballistic missile (MRBM): 1,000 km to 3,500 km.
• Intermediate-range (Long-Range) ballistic missile (IRBM or LRBM): 3,500 km and 5,500 km.
• Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): 5,500 km +

Cruise missile

• A cruise missile is a guided missile (target has to be pre-set) used against terrestrial targets.
• It remains in the atmosphere throughout its flight.
• It flies the major portion of its flight path at approximately constant speed.
• Cruise missiles are designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high precision.
• Modern cruise missiles are capable of travelling at supersonic or high subsonic speeds, are self-navigating, and are able to fly on a non-ballistic, extremely low-altitude trajectory.

Types of cruise missiles based on speed

• Hypersonic (Mach 5): these missiles would travel at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5). E.g. BrahMos-II.
• Supersonic (Mach 2-3): these missiles travel faster than the speed of sound. E.g. BrahMos.
• Subsonic (Mach 0.8): these missiles travel slower than the speed of sound. E.g. Nirbhay.

Differences between Ballistic Missile and Cruise Missile

Ballistic Missile	Cruise Missile
It is propelled only for a brief duration after the launch.	Self-propelled till the end of its flight.
Similar to a rocket engine.	Similar to a jet engine.
Long-range missiles leave the earth’s atmosphere and reenter it.	The flight path is within the earth’s atmosphere.
Low precision as it is unguided for most of its path and its trajectory depends on gravity, air resistance and Coriolis Force.	Hits targets with high precision as it is constantly propelled.
Can have a very long range (300 km to 12,000 km) as there is no fuel requirement after its initial trajectory.	The range is small (below 500 km) as it needs to be constantly propelled to hit the target with high precision.
Heavy payload carrying capacity.	Payload capacity is limited.
Can carry multiple payloads (Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle)	Usually carries a single payload.
Developed primarily to carry nuclear warheads.	Developed primarily to carry conventional warheads.
E.g. Prithvi I, Prithvi II, Agni I, Agni II and Dhanush missiles.	E.g. BrahMos missiles

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

PIB | Source | The Hindu | 19-06-2019 | GS3 > indigenization of technology

• IGMDP was conceived by Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam to enable India attain self-sufficiency in missile technology.
• IGMDP was conceived in response to the Missile Technology Control Regime that decided to restrict access to any technology that would help India in its missile development program.
• To counter the MTCR, the IGMDP team formed a consortium of DRDO laboratories, industries and academic institutions to build these sub-systems, components and materials.

Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) MTCR an informal grouping established in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. The MTCR seeks to limit the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). MTCR places particular focus on rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kg to a range of at least 300 km. The MTCR is not a treaty and does not impose any legally binding obligations.

• IGMDP was started in 1983 and completed in March 2012.
• Keeping in mind the requirements of various types of missiles by the defence forces, the development of five missile systems was taken up.

1. Prithvi: Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile (Prithivi means Earth Surface to Surface)
2. Agni: Intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile
3. Trishul: Short-range low-level surface-to-air missile
4. Akash: Medium-range surface-to-air missile (Akash means Sky Surface to Air)
5. Nag: Third generation anti-tank missile (Nag means Snake Nag slithers like a Snake to hit a tank!)

• After its success, the Agni missile program was separated from the IGMDP upon realizing its strategic importance.

India’s Missile Systems

PIB | Source | The Hindu | GS3 > indigenization of technology

Missile	Type		Range
Astra	air-to-air		80 km
Trishul	surface-to-air		9 km
Akash			30 km
Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)			2000 km
Nag	surface-to-surface Anti-tank missile		4 km
Prahaar	surface-to-surface	SRBM	150 km
BrahMos	land, naval, air	Supersonic Cruise Missile	300 km
Nirbhay	land, naval, air	Subsonic Cruise Missile	1000 km
K-15 Sagarika	underwater-to-surface	SLBM	700 km
Dhanush	sea-to-sea/surface	SRBM	350 km
Shaurya	surface-to-surface	SLBM	1900

SLBM: Sub-marine launched ballistic missile

Missile	Features
Astra	Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM). In terms of size and weight, the Astra is the smallest missile developed by the DRDO. It was envisaged to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speeds.
Trishul	Used as anti-sea skimmer (to fly low to avoid radar) from ships against low-flying attacks.
Akash	It has the capability to “neutralize aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles” as well as ballistic missiles.
PAD	Anti-ballistic missile developed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere (exo-atmospheric).
Nag	3rd generation anti-tank ‘fire and forget’ guided missile (lock-on before launch system) where the target is identified and designated before the weapon is launched.
Prahaar	High manoeuvrability. Primarily a battlefield support system for the Army.
BrahMos	It is a supersonic cruise missile developed as a joint venture between Indian and Russia. It is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world. It is the world’s fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation.
Nirbhay	Subsonic missile which is ancillary (providing necessary support) to the BrahMos range.
K-15 Sagarika	It forms the crucial third leg of India’s nuclear deterrent vis-à-vis its submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) capability. It was subsequently integrated with India’s nuclear-powered Arihant class submarine.
Dhanush	It is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It carries forward the legacy of the K-15 Sagarika.
Shaurya	Surface-to-surface ballistic missile (SSM) variant of the K-15 Sagarika. The nuclear capability of the missile enhances India’s second-strike capability. It reduces the dependence on the K-15 which was built with Russian assistance.

Prithvi Missiles

All the Prithvi variants are surface-to-surface SRBMs.

Name	Version	Range	Payload in kg
Prithvi I	Army version	150 km	1000
Prithvi II	Air force version	350 km	500
Prithvi III	Naval version	600 km	1000

Agni Missiles

Name	Type	Range	Payload in kg
Agni-I	MRBM	700 – 900 km	1,000
Agni-II	MRBM	2,000 – 3,000 km	750 – 1,000
Agni-III	IRBM	3,500 – 5,000 km	2,000 – 2,500
Agni-IV	IRBM	3,000 – 4,000  km	800 – 1,000
Agni-V	ICBM	5,000 – 8,000 km (Testing)	1,500 (3 – 10 MIRV)
Agni-VI	ICBM	8,000 – 10,000 km (Under development)	1,000 (10 MIRV)

MIRV: Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle

Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT)

• In March 2019, India successfully tested its ASAT missile.
• The ASAT missile destroyed a live satellite in Low Earth orbit (283-kilometre).
• As per DRDO, the missile is capable of shooting down targets moving at a speed of 10 km per second at an altitude as high as 1200 km.

Note:- This note is purely for self-study purpose.Taken from pmfias.

Precision farming

 

 

Table of Contents

• What is Precision farming?
• Geoinformatics for precision farming:-
  
  • Global Positioning System (GPS)
  • REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUE
  • Geographic Information System(GIS)
  • Internet of Things
• Future Strategy

• India’s agriculture is focused on production which isn’t necessarily translating into productivity & profitability.
• Shrinking land, depleting water and other related resources in agriculture are a serious cause of concern.
• Hence, there is a need for promoting farmer friendly location specific production systems to achieve vertical growth in agriculture with judicious use of natural resources.
• In this regard, precision farming aims to have efficient utilisation of resources per unit of time and area for achieving targeted production of agricultural produce.

What is precision farming?

• Precision farming involves efficient management of resources through location specific high tech interventions.
• These high tech interventions include fertigation, greenhouse, soil and leaf nutrient based fertiliser management, mulching for moisture conservation, micro-propagation, high density planting, drip irrigation etc.
• Precision farming uses information based farm management for optimum profitability, sustainability and resource utilization.
• The required information for Precision farming is obtained with the help of technologies like geographic information system (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing (RS), etc.
• The success of Precision farming relies on the integration of these technologies into a single system that can be operated at farm level with sustainable effort.

Micropropagation Micropropagation is the practice of rapidly multiplying a selected plant to produce a large number of progeny plants, using modern plant tissue culture methods. High density planting High density planting technique is a modern method of horticulture involving planting of trees densely, allowing dwarf trees with modified canopy for better light interception and distribution and ease of mechanised field operations. Control of pests and diseases, weeds and pruning of tree canopy is mostly mechanized. Irrigation and fertigation are automatically controlled. Such system has low labour requirement and produces high and regular yields of good quality fruits.

Geoinformatics for Precision Farming

• Geoinformatics deals with integrating computer science & geosciences to solve complex scientific questions.
• It is the science of gathering, analysing, interpreting, distributing and using geographic information.
• Geoinformatics encompasses surveying and mapping, RS, GIS, and GPS.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

• GPS provides continuous, real-time, 3D positioning and navigation worldwide in any weather condition.
• GPS-based applications in precision farming are being used in farm planning, field mapping, tractor guidance, variable rate applications (automated precise application of pesticides, fertilizers, etc. based on data that is collected by sensors, maps, and GPS) and yield mapping.
• GPS allows farmers to work during low visibility field conditions such as rain, dust, fog, and darkness.

Remote Sensing (RS) Technique

• RS is the science of making inferences about material objects from measurements, made at distance, without coming into physical contact with the objects under study.
• The RS system consists of a sensor to collect the radiation and a platform — an aircraft, balloon, rocket, satellite — on which a sensor can be mounted.

Remote sensing is precision farming is used for crop yield modelling, identification of pests and disease infestation, soil moisture estimation, irrigation monitoring, assessment of crop damage, etc.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

• The GIS is a computerised data storage and retrieval system, which can be used to manage and analyse spatial data relating crop productivity and agronomic (study of crops and the soils) factors.
• It can integrate all types of information and interface with other decision support tools.
• GIS can display analysed information in maps that allow better understanding of interactions among yield, fertility, pests, weeds and other factors, and decision-making based on such spatial relationships.

Internet of things

• The computers and low latency internet (5G) are the most important components in precision farming as they are main source of information processing and gathering.

Future strategy

• Precision farming is practised in developed countries and it not yet practically adoptable in developing countries like India.
• Future strategy for adoption of precision agriculture in India should consider the problem of
• land fragmentation,
• lack of highly sophisticated technical centres for precision agriculture,
• specific software for precision agriculture,
• poor economic condition of the farmers, etc.

NOTE:-This note is for self-study purpose and taken from pmfias.