GENERAL AGRICULTURE and

CURRENT AFFAIRS-2013
For ICAR - JRF, SRF, ARS-NET, IARI-Ph. D, BHU entrance exams


Compiled and Prepared by:
Mr. J aba J agdish, Ph.D. Scholar (Entomology)
Mr. Srinivasraghavan, Ph.D. Scholar (Plant pathology)
G.B.P.U.A & T- Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
PART- I: AGRICULTURE
1. WORLD AGRICULTURAL SCENARIO (FAO, 2008-09)
RICE: CHINA > INDIA > INDONESIA
MAIZE: USA >CHINA >BRAZIL
WHEAT: CHINA > INDIA >USA
GROUNDNUT: CHINA > INDIA>NIGERIA
SUGARCANE: BRAZIL > INDIA>CHINA
TOTAL CEREALS: CHINA > USA > INDIA
COARSE CEREALS: USA > CHINA > BRAZIL > INDIA
TOTAL PULSES: INDIA 1
st

MUSTARD & RAPESEED: CHINA > CANADA > INDIA
FRUITS & VEG: CHINA > INDIA
COTTON: CHINA > USA > INDIA
TOBACCO: CHINA > BRAZIL > INDIA
TEA, JUTE & ALLIED FIBRES: INDIA 1
st

COFFEE-INDIA- 6
th

CATTLE POPULATION: 1
st
(16.5%)
BUFFALO POPULATION: 1
st
(56.7%)
MILK PRODUCTION: 1
st
(15%)
EGG PRODUCTION: CHINA>USA>JAPAN>INDIA
TOTAL AREA OF INDIA- 329 m ha-2.4% of world-7
th
position
TOTAL ARABLE LAND- 162 m ha-2
nd
after USA
TOTAL IRRIGATED AREA- 58 m ha-21% OF WORLD-1
st
position
HUMAN POPULATION- 121CRORE-17% of world-2
nd
after CHINA
International comparisons of yield of selected commodities (Metric tons/ha)

Position Rice Wheat Maize Sugarcane
I Egypt UK USA Guatemala
II USA France Italy Cuba
III China Egypt Egypt Australia

2. INDIAN AGRICULTURAL SCENARIO (DACNET, 2012)

Crops
Area
(Mha)
Area
(Mha)
Production (MT)
Three largest
producing states
(2009-10)
2009-10 2011-12 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 I II III
1. Food grains
Total 121 218 241.56 257.50 UP-PB-AP
Cereals 98 204 UP-PB-WB
Pulses 23 15 16.5 17.28 MP-UP-RAJ
Oilseeds 26 26.4 25 27.8 30.52 MP-RAJ-GUJ
Rice 42 89 94 102.75 WB-AP-UP
Wheat 29 81 81 88.31 UP-PB-HAR
Maize 8 17 AP-KA-RAJ
Jowar 8 7 MH-KA-MP
Bajra 9 7 Raj-UP-MH
Bengal gram 8 8.3 7 7.5 MP-MH-RAJ
Red gram 4 4 3 2.65 MH-UP-KA
Coarse cereals - - 40.8 RAJ-KA MH
2. Commercial Crops
Groundnut 5.4 5.3 6.9 GUJ-AP-TN
Rapeseed and Mustard 5.5 5.9 6.7 RAJ-UP-HAR
Soybean - 10.1 12.1 MP-MH-RAJ
Cotton 10.3 12.1 34.7 35.2 GUJ-MH-AP
Jute and Mesta 0.9 0.9 11.5 WB-BIHAR-ASSAM
Sugarcane (t/ha) 4.2 5.9 334 357.69 UP-MH-TN
Potato (t/ha) - - UP-WB-PUJ
3. Area and production of Horticulture crops (2011-12)
4.
Fruits Area(mha) Production (mt) Vegetables Area (mha) Production (mt)
Mango 2.3 15.7 Potato 1.8 41.3
Apple 0.3 2.2 Onion 1 15.4
Banana 0.7 26.64 Tomato 0.8 17.4
Citrus 0.8 8.5 Brinjal 0.6 11.9
Guava 0.2 2.6 Cabbage 0.3 8.4
Grapes 0.11 2.77 Cauliflower 0.37 7
Pineapple 0.1 1.54 Total Veg 8.8 150.5
Pomegranate 0.1 0.9
Sapota 0.16 1.3
Total fruits 21.2 239.6
5. Area and production of major Horticultural crops (2010-11) and 2011-12 (provisional data)
respectively
Crops Area (mha) Production (mt) Area (mha) Production (mt)
Fruits 6.3 74.8 6.5 75.29
Vegetables 8.5 146.5 8.8 150.5
Spices 2.9 5.3 3.0 5.7
Plantation crops 3.3 12.0 3.3 15.3
Flowers 0.2 1.0 0.2 1.7
Total 21.2 239.6 21.8 248.49
6. Irrigated area (2008-09)
Crop Area (mha) % Irrigated area to the total area
Rice 26.5 58.7
Wheat 25.5 91.3
Maize 2.0 25.2
Sugarcane 4.5 93.7
Cotton 3.3 35.3
Total cereals 56.2 55.9
Oil seeds 8.2 27.1
Total pulses 3.8 16.0
Total food grains 60.0 48.3
Some Important facts about Irrigation in INDIA
Punjab (97.7%)>Haryana (87.2%)>UP (73.2%)
All India (46.3%)
National water award (2007)- Hiware Bazar Gram Panchayat, Ahamadnagar, Maharastra
Area under micro irrigation system in India (2008-09): 3.88 Mha.
Area under drip irrigation in India (2008-09): 1,42 Mha (Highest area Maharastra)
Area under sprinkler in India (2008-09): 2.45 Mha (Highest in Haryana)
Artificial Recharge of Ground Water Advisory Council (ARGWC)- constituted in 2006
Water Year-2007
National Institute of Hydrology- Roorkee, Uttarkhand.
World Congress on Conservation Agriculture, 2009-held at New Delhi

Production and Consumption of Fertilizers (in lakh tonnes)

Fertilizers 2011-12 2012-13 (estimated)
Urea 219.84 223.87
DAP 39.63 37.10
Complex 77.7 79.47
Consumption
NPK 277.39

For India standard ratio for fertilizers has been assumed to be 4: 2: 1.
At present only urea constituting more than 60% of the total fertilizer consumption.
Per hectare consumption of fertilizers is highest in Puducherry accounts for 1126 kg/ha
Per ha consumption (kg) for the year 2011-12: 141.30
Fertilizer consumption states wise (2006-07)
1
st
is Punjab 212 kg/ ha ,
2
nd
is Andhra Pradesh 204 kg/ ha,
3
rd
is Tamil Nadu 184kg/ ha,
4
th
is Haryana -170kg/ha
All India average is 113.25 kg/ha.
Lowest fertilizer consumption states are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim.
U.P has highest total fertilizer consumption
Largest imported fertilizer is potash.
Pesticide consumption 2010-11
1
st
is Andhra Pradesh (23%), 2
nd
Punjab followed MH
Crop- 1
st
Paddy (25.9%), 2
nd
Cotton
32 % of Indian population is under below poverty line-2012
The parameter to group under BPL is
In urban area less than 2100 cal/day
In rural area less than 2400 cal/day
Per capita availability of food grains per day in India (As on 27-07-2009)
Cereals 374.6 g/day
Pulse - 48 g/day
Rice - 175.4g/day
Wheat - 145.1g/day
Other cereals - 54.1g/day
Gram - 10.6g/day
Food grains 462.9 g/day-2011
Milk: 263g/day (2009-10)
FAO recommendation of Milk: 279g/day
Per capita availability of fruits & vegetable- 466g/day (2008-09)
3.7% total outlay for the agriculture in 11
th
FYP.
Institutional credit flow to agriculture (2009-10):
Commercial banks- 74%
Co-operative banks- 17%
RRBs- 9%
India ranks 1
st
in
Milk production
Tea production and consumption
Cashew production and export
Mango , Banana, lime, Black pepper, Turmeric
Cauliflower production
Grapes productivity
Horticulture in INDIA
COCONUT: Kerala>Karnataka>TN (area) and Kerala>TN>Karnataka (production)
CASHEW: Kerala>MH>TN (area) and MH>Kerala>AP (production)
TRACTORS: India in 4
th
position (highest in UP)
Transgenic crops
Final approval committee on release of transgenic in India is GEAC(Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee)
Leading countries in transgenic use - USA>Argentina >Canada>Brazil
Leading transgenic crops - Soybean >Maize >Cotton > Canola
Leading traits - Herbicide resistance >Insect resistance > both HR and IR combined
First transgenic developed is Tobacco
First transgenic commercialized is Tomato (Flavr sour), using Anti-sense RNA technology released for
commercial cultivation in 1994 by Calgene (Compony)
Area under transgenic plants in India (2008)-125Mha.
India 4.th position in Transgenic plants cultivation (USA>Mexico>Argentina)
Area under Bt- cotton: 7.5 Mha (2008), 8.4 Mha (2009) and 9.2Mha (2011)
First genetic Engineering company est. Genentech

FAO/WTO:
FAO Established on Oct. 16, 1945 head quarter located at Rome (Italy)
DG of FAO Jose Graziano Desilva (Brazilian)
International food policy research Institute (Washington)- DG- Shenggen Fan
Oct 16 is called as World Food Day
WTO Established on Jan 1
st
, 1995
Head quarter of WTO- Geneva. Its DG Pascal Lamy
India is founder member of WTO
Rio Summit/Earth Summit/Rio Declarations- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992
o Lead to Convention on Biological Diversity (December 29, 1992 CBD came into force)
Kyoto protocol First used in Kyto, Japan on 1997 and Aims at cutting global emissions of green house
gases (GHGs) this agreement and came in to force on Feb. 16, 2005
Nagoya Protocol enforced at Nagoya, Japan in 2010 : It concern with Biological diversity and till now 61
countries signed the agreement.
Cartagena protocol : Biosafety (Adopted on January 29, 2000 at Montreal, Canada and)
o September 11, 2003 the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety came into force
World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) or the Johannesburg Summit- September, 2002
Nanotechnology in Agriculture
Coined by Nario Taniguichi (1974), at Univ. of Tokyo, Japan
Nanotechnology is understanding and control of matter at dimension of 1-100 nm.
Example of nano based Delivery System- Halloysite
Nano Pesticide(NPs) of ZnO,SiO
2
and TiO
2
used for Bacteria & Green Algae
Nano Particles used for reclamation of heavy particles- Amphiphylic Polyurethane, Zeravalent Iron
(nZVI), and nano sized Zeolite.
Indians Who Secured World Food Prizes
1987 - Dr. MS Swaminathan architect of Indias green revolution
1989 Dr. Verghese Kurien Milk cooperatives
Dr. Gurudev S Kush improved yield potential of rice
1998 Mr B R Barwale Founder of MAHYCO
2000 Dr Surinder K vassal Developed quality protein maize
2005 Modaduga V gupta For Aquaculture
2006- Edson Lobato, Dr. A. Collins Mc clung and H.E. Alysson Pioneering work in soil science and
policy implementation that opened the vast Cerrado region of Brazil to agricultural and food production
2007- Phillip E. Nelson- Revolutionizing food processing, packaging, transportation, and distribution by
perfecting bulk aseptic packaging technology and spreading the technology worldwide
2008- Robert Dole and George McGovern Contributions in the production of sorghum, one of the
worlds five principal grains
ICAR-HISTORY
ICAR estd. On 16 July 1929 under the societies Registration Act, 1860 in pursuance of the report of the
Royal Commission on Agriculture. ICAR- headquarters at New Delhi.
Increase in production of food grains by 4 times, horticulture crops by 6 times, fish by 9 times (marine 5
times and inland 17 times),milk 6 times and eggs 27 times since 1950-51.
ICAR-Milestones:
Initiation of the first All-India Co-ordinated Research Project on maize in 1957.
Status of Deemed University accorded to IARI in 1958.
Establishment of the first Agricultural University on land grant pattern at Pantnagar in 1960.
Creation of Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) in the Ministry of Agriculture in
1973.
Opening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Puducherry (Pondicherry) in 1974.
Establishment of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board
(ASRB) IN 1975.
Lunching of Lab to Land Program and the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) in 1979
Initiation of Institution-Village Linkage Program (IVLP) IN 1995.
Establishment of National Gene Bank at New Delhi in 1996.
The ICAE was bestowed with the King Baudouin Award in 1989 for its valuable contribution in ushering
in the Green Revolution. Again awarded King Baudouin Award in 2004 for research and development
efforts made under partnership in Rice Wheat Consortium.
Launching of National Agricultural Technology Project (NAIP) IN 1998 and National Agricultural
Innovation Project (NAIP) in July 2006 with 3 components.
Organizational Setup of ICAR : ( Present scenarios-2009-10)
Union Minister of Agriculture is the ex-office President of the ICAR society (President-Sharad Pawar)
Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research &Education Ministry of Agriculture, Govt, of India &
Director General, ICAR-the Principal Executive Officer of the Council. (Present DG Dr. S. Ayyappan)
Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board ,Chairman-Dr. Gurubachan Singh (Agronomist)
Deputy Directors-General (8)
Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR).
Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor
Assistant Directors-General (24).
Directorates of information and publication of Agriculture, New Delhi.
Directorates /Project Directorates -25 (with upgradation of 12 NRCs).
National Bureaux-6 (New- NBAII, Bengaluru and NBAIM, Mau (UP).
Deemed Universities status-6 (New-NAARM, Hyderabad and NIASM, Malegaon, Maharashtra).
State Agriculture Universities- 53.
National Research Centers (NRCs) 17.
AICRPs- 61
National Institutes- 6
Central Institutes- 49
Directorate of Women in Agriculture- Bhuweneshwar, Orissa
Directorate of Floricultural Research- New Delhi.
Directorate of Information and Publication in Agriculture- New Delhi
AICRP, Arid Zone fruits- Bikaner
AICRP, NSP- Vegetables, Varanasi
AICRP, Pesticide residues, New Delhi
AICRP, Agro meteorology, Hyderabad
Borlaug I nstitute for South Asia (BISA) with centers at Ludhiana in Punjab, Pusa (Samastipur) in
Bihar and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh on Oct 2011 with collaboration of ICAR and CIMMYT(2011)
2011, Febuary :Launched National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture of worth 350 corers
head quarter CRIDA Hyderabad
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commissions- Montek Singh Ahulwalia.
Chairman of National Commission for Farmers- Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
GENERAL AGRICULTURE
1. MSP increase in 2008-09 over last year
Wheat- 8% (lowest)
Ragi 58% (highest)
2. India shares (of worlds);
Total geographical area 2%.
Population 18%.
Livestock 15%.
Forest- 1.5%.
3. Total geographical area (TGA) 329 Mha.
4. Potential for biological production- 265 Mha.
5. Per capita Land availability- 0.37 ha (1991-92).
6. Per-capita agriculture land availability- 0.16 ha (1991-92).
7. Net cultivated area 143 Mha.
8. Total irrigated area 56.3 Mha.
9. Total Irrigation potential in India- 108.2 Mha by March-2010.
10. All India avg. fertilizer consumption 116.5 Kg/ha.
11. Highest avg. fertilizer consumption- Punjab (212 Kg/ha).
12. Nutrient consumption ratio (NPK) - 5.5:2.1:1.
13. Total Number of soil testing laboratories (STLs) in India 750 (2008-09).
14. 2012-13- India Food grain production: 250.3mt (second advance estimate)
15. 2011-12- India Food grain production: 259.3mt
16. 2011-12 Bt cotton acreages in India about 9.2 mha
Some other Facts
1. Total production of milk
In 2010-11 is 112.5 mt and per capita availability is 263 g /day
In 2011-12 is 127.9
2. Total production of coffee in 2008-09 was 2.62 lakh tones and consumption was 0.94 lakh tones.
3. Production of natural rubber in 2006-07 was 852.89 thousand tones and consumption was 820.3 thousand
tones and productivity was 1879 kg/ha.
4. Total egg production In 2011-12 is 66.45 billion numbers.
5. Total fish production in 2011-12 is 8.7 million tons (India is 3
rd
largest producer of fish and 2
nd
largest
producer of inland fishes)
6. Total wool production in 2009-10 is 43.3 million kg
7. Total meat production in 2009-10 is 4 million tons
8. Buffer stock as on Aug-2012: 76Mt (Wheat: 47.5mt and Paddy:28.5mt)
9. Poverty of India: 29.8% (2010-11)
10. The Livestock Census (2007) has placed total livestock population at 529.7 million and poultry birds at
648.8 million
11. 1
st
Biodiversity heritage site in India, Tamarind Site at NALLUR, Devanahalli, Bengaluru.
Some Important Facts about Agriculture
The contribution of agriculture in Grass domestic product was 54.5% in 1950-51 and is reduced to 14.2% in
2010-11.
Agriculture provides livelihood to 65-70% of the total population. The sector provides employment to 58%
of countries work force.
Agriculture accounts for about 10.59 % of the total export.
Agriculture accounts for about 4.38 % of the total import.
Government procurement prices are based on support prices recommended by CACP (Commission for
Agriculture costs & prices).
Food stocks are maintained by the central government for 3 purpose
o Meeting the prescribed minimum buffer stock norms for food security.
o For monthly release of food grains for supply through PDS.
o For market intervention to augment supply so as to help moderate the open market Prices.
The buffer stock position of food grains in India as on OCT 2010 was 46.2 Mt
A new scheme National Project on Organic Farming has been taken up in October 2004.
The National Horticulture Mission aims at doubling horticulture production by 2012.
Total geographical area of India is about 328.7 million hectares .But statistical information regarding land
classification available for only about 305 million hectares.
Cropping intensity of India is 136%
Land reforms programmes in India include
Elimination of intermediaries.
Tenancy reforms.
Determination of ceiling of holdings per family & to distribute surplus land among landless people.
Consolidation of holdings
TRIFED (Tribal Co- Operative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd.) established in 1987.
NAFED (National Agricultural Co- Operative Marketing Federation of India).
National Co-operative Development & warehousing Board started in 1956.
Central warehousing corporation started in 1957.
No land is declared as surplus under land ceiling laws in the states of Bihar, Karnataka Orissa, and
Rajasthan.
According to 2000-01 data
62.3% of the total operational holdings were of size Less than 1 hectare marginal holdings (75408
number of holdings)
19.0% of size between 1-2 hectares-small holdings (22695 number of holdings)
11.8% of size between 2-4 hectare- semi medium holdings (14021 number of holdings)
5.5% of size between 4-10 hectare- medium holdings (6577 number of holdings)
1% of size more than 10 hectares-large holdings (1230 number of holdings)

National Agriculture Policy-2000
Union government has announced new national agriculture policy in July 28
th
, 2000.
The salient features of this policy are:
4% growth rate per annum for next two decades.
Land reforms to provide land to poor farmers.
Consolidation of holdings in all states of the nation.
To provide insurance for crops to farmers.
Promoting research for developing new varieties and ensuring protection
New agriculture policy has been described as Rainbow Revolution which Includes following
revolutions
Green Food grain production
White Milk
Yellow Oil seeds
Blue Fisheries
Red Meat/Tomato
Golden Fruits Apple
Grey Fertilizers
Black/ Brown Non-conventional energy sources
Silver Eggs
Round Potato
Pink Shrimp/Onion
During 1958 for the first time wheat production increased from 120 lakh tons to 170 lakh tons. Scientist
William Gaud termed it as Green Revolution.
Second Green Revolution strategy Adapted in 11
th
FYP. Some of the salient features are:
1. Doubling the rate of growth of irrigated area.
2. Promoting animal husbandry and fishery.
3. Providing easy access to credit at affordable rates.
4. Improving incentive structure and functioning of the market.
Flood is the worlds largest integrated dairy development Operation program.
Animal husbandry output constitutes about 30% of the countries agricultural out put.
In comparison to world India accounts 14% cattle population and 56% of the buffalo population.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in 1998 - 1999 to facilitate access to credit from
commercial Banks and regional Rural banks.
Latest ICAR News & Schemes, etc
ICAR, it was established on 16 July, 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act,
1860.
NDRI successfully clones a male buffalo calf named Shresth
Worlds 3
rd
Cloned Buffalo GARIMA-II born at Karnal
Mahima born from cloned buffalo Garima at NDRI-2013
Swarn: A Male cloned buffalo calf born at NDRI, Karnal -2013
Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. KV Thomas.
2010- The Best Institution Award has gone to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar.
2010- The Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, has been adjudged as the Best ICAR institution
for its achievements in reclamation and management of salt-affected soils of India.
2010- Chaudhary Devi Lal Outstanding AICRP Award has been bagged by All India Coordinated
Research Project for Dry Land Agriculture, Hyderabad, for developing location-specific technologies in
rainwater management
Dr. Mangala Rai, President, of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi
Pusa Basmati 1121 was released for commercial cultivation in 2003 and presently 60% of the total area
under Basmati rice cultivation.
International Buffalo Conference on Optimizing Buffalo Productivity Through Conventional and Novel
Technologies was inaugurated on 1
st
February 2010, to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Central
Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar
Buffalo is BLACK GOLD OF INDIA
India is the largest milk producer in the world producing about 105 million metric tons per annum.
Per capita milk availability to 241 g per day from a meager 124 g per day in 1950
Hyderabad Haleem gets Geographical Indication certification.
New Rice Variety Azad Basmati and Wheat Golden Halna Released.
Worlds First cloned Pashima goat-Noori developed by sher-re 9ashmir agri.university in 2011
First International School of Agriculture launched at G.B.P.U.A & T, Pantnagar.
ICAR received two times ICAR was awarded the prestigious King Boudouin Development Prize
International in 1988 for the best agricultural institution in the world
ICAR again received the King Boudouin Award in 2004 as the Chair of the Rice-wheat consortium.
National institute for research on Climate and environment soon come in force at Bangalore

Some Important National Programmes (Related to Agriculture)
1. NRAA National Rain-fed Area Authority, since 03-11-2006.
2. RADP- Rainfed Area Development Program, since 20-03-2008.
3. NPMFS- National Project on management of Soil Health and fertilizers in2008-09.
4. ISOPOM- Integrate Scheme of Oil Seeds, Pulses, oil-palm and maize started since 1
st
April -2004.
5. MMA- The Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme was formulated in 2000-01.
6. NBM- National Bamboo Mission started in 2006-07.
7. NFSM- National Food Security mission has been launched for the rabi 2007-08 to enhancing the
production of rice, wheat and pulses by 10, 8 and 2million tons respectively by the end of the 11
th
plan.
8. KCC- Kisan Credit Card Scheme was started in August 1998.
9. RKVY- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana launched in August 1998.
10. NCPAH- National Committee Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
11. PPV & FR- the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, established in November- 2005
at New Delhi.
12. AIBP-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program started since 1996-97.
13. NAFED-National Agricultural co-Operative Marketing Federation of India Limited.
14. CCI-Cotton Cooperation of India.
15. AGMARKNET-Agricultural Marketing Information Network.
16. NADAMS-national Agricultural Drought Advisory and Management System.
17. AGRISNET- Indian Agricultural On-line, was submitted to ministry of Agriculture to establish Indian
Agriculture on-line and revised in 2009.
18. AgRIS Resource Information System.
19. APHNET-Animal Production and Health Informatics Network.
20. ACINET-Agricultural Credit Informatics Networks.
21. VERCON-Virtual Extension, research and communication Network developed by FAO, in 2001.
22. ICT-Information and Communication Technology.
23. ARIS-Agriculture Research Information System.
24. 2011-National Rural Livelihood mission new version Swarnajayanthi Grameena Swarojagar Yojana in
Rajsthan.
25. 2011- National Advisory council headed by Ms. Soniya Gandhi
26. 2011-Janani Shishu Surkahsa Karyakaram (Mother-child protection programme) at Haryana
27. 2011-Rajiv awas yojana for slum free area launched 1
st
Phase.
28. 2011-Rashtriya Madhyamic Shikshya Abiyaan free education upto X class
29. 2011-Swabhimaan-credit loans at lower rates to farmers.
30. 2010:National Mission on Micro irrigation
31. 2010:Integrated nutrient based subsidy scheme
32. National Agricultural Innovation Project July 2006 (world bank aided Objective : To boost research and
development in agriculture and to create skilled scientific human resource)
33. 2010: Saffron mission
34. 2010: Accelerated pulse Production Programme (under National Food security mission)
35. 2011: Vegetable Initiative for Urban Cluster (Under RKVY)
36. Vishesha Krishi Upaj Yojana (Objective Promote agricultural exports in fruits vegetables and flowers)

Indias position in World Agriculture Rank
Irrigated Area First
Total pulses First
Milk First
Livestock (Cattles & Buffaloes) First
Population Second
Arable land Second
Pulses Second
Economically active population Second
Wheat Second
Rice Second
Oil-seeds Second
Fruits & vegetables Second
Total Cereals Third
Implements (Tractors) Third
Total Area Seventh

Milestones in Agricultural Development
Green Revolution (1968)
Ever Green revolution (1996)
Blue revolution (Fish) and White revolution (Milk)
Yellow revolution (Flower and Edible oil)

World Green Revolution
Increasing the wheat production that begins in Mexico in 1945.
The term Green Revolution was first used in 1968 by former USAID, Director William Gaud.
CIMMYT, The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, Mexico.
HYVs or High Yielding Varieties A Japanese dwarf Wheat Cultivar (Norin10 wheat) which yield 10 times
more than that of the traditional wheat.
Father of Green Revolution-Norman Ernest Borlaug (Birth March 25
th
1914 & death September 12
th
2009, age
95 years) Dallas, Texas (USA). An American Agronomist and Nobel Laureate. He received his Ph.D in Plant
Pathology and Genetics.
Father of Green Revolution in India- Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan), born on
August 7
th
1925 in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
Punjab was selected by the Indian Govt. To be the first site to try the new crops for Green Revolution.
The landmark of Indian Green Revolution IARI, New Delhi.
Miracle Rice- IR-8 a semi-dwarf rice Variety developed by IRRI, Cuttack.
Crossed between Indonesian Variety named Peta and a Chinese variety named Dee-geo-woo-gen.

General Agriculture
National Biodiversity Board- New Delhi
National Biodiversity Authority- Chennai
National Fisheries Development Board- Hyderabad
National Seed Research and Training Centre- Varanasi
Camel Crop- Sorghum
Natural genetic Engineer- Agrobacterium tumefacience
Pashmina (winter cloth) obtained from- Goats
Law of tolerance Shepherd
Oleoresin Chilli
Keshar (Saffron) belongs to family- Iridaceae
World Food Prize, 2007- Phylips Nelson
World Food Prize, 2008- R. Dole & George McGovern
Mycorrhiza increases availability of Phosphorus
Water requirement of irrigated wetland rice 1500 mm
Nutrient mobility concept Bray
PUFA content is highest in - Sunflower
Pseudo cereal- Buckwheat
First Agricultural Chemist of ICAR J W Leather
Pulse crop doesn`t fix nitrogen- Rajma
Avg. Milling recovery of rice- 60%
Father of hybrid rice in India- Dr. E. A.SIDDIQI
Shabhagi Dhan- new varieties of rice capable of withstanding drought
Water submergence variety of rice- Swarna-Sub 1, can survive for 14 days under water
To ward off threat to wheat production from globally spreading menace of resistant varieties of wheat stem
rust Ug 99, DBW 17, PBW 550, Lok 1 and Turraja identified.
In potato, dry matter rich variety Kufri Frysona developed for making French Fries.
Growth Rate in agriculture (per cent)
Share of Agriculture & allied sectors in total GDP is 14.1 per cent in 2011-12
12
th
five year plan (2012-2017)- Focus on Inclusive Growth
Year Growth rate of agriculture and allied sectors Overall GDP (Growth Rate)
2011-12 3.6 6.2
2012-13 1.8 5.0

































PART II: SPORTS, Important EVENTS and AWARDS

Sports events: Host Country and Location
2010: Commonwealth Game, New Delhi
2010: 16
th
Asian game, Guanazoh, China
2010: Hockey World Cup, India
2011- ICC World Cup, India
2012: Olympics, London
2016- Olympics, Brazil
2014- Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland
2014: Aisan Game, Inchem, South Korea
2014: FIFA, Brazil
2014: Olympics, Brazil
2015: ICC World Cup Cricket, Australia & New Zealand
2011: World Athletics held at Daiegao, South Korea

Nobel prize 2012

Area Scientists Contribution
Physics Serge Haroche and David J. Wineland
Ground-breaking experimental methods that enable
measuring and manipulation of individual quantum
systems"
Chemistry
Robert J. Lefkowitz and Brian K.
Kobilka
Studies of G-protein-coupled receptors"
Medicine
Sir John B. Gurdon and Shinya
Yamanaka
Discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed
to become pluripotent"
Literature Mo Yan
"Who with hallucinatory realism merges folk tales,
history and the contemporary"
Peace European Union (EU)
Over six decades contributed to the advancement
of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human
rights in Europe"
Economics Alvin E. Roth and Lloyd S. Shapley
"The theory of stable allocations and the practice of
market design"

Nobel prize 2011

Area Scientists Contribution
Physics
Saual Permullter, Brain Schmidst &
Adam Resiss
Expanding stars that reveals expansion of universe
is according
Chemistry Daniel Schechtamen Quasicrystal, a mosaic like chemical structure
Medicine
Bruce Beulter, Jules Hoffamann &
Ralph Steinmen
Two-tier system of Immune system
Literature Tomas Trastromer -
Peace
Ellen Johnson Sirleef, Leymch Gobwee
& Tawakal Karman
Rights activity
Economics Tomas Sargent & Christopher Sim
Empirical research cause & effect and Macro-
economics
Nobel award given by: Royal Swedish Academy Sciences, SWIDEN
ICC AWARDS - 2011
ICC Cricketer Of Year- Jonatham Trott
ICC Test Cricketer of the Year- Alastair Cook
ICC ODI Cricketer of Year- Kumar Sangakar
ICC Spirit Cricketer Award- M.S. Dhoni
Best Bowling Debut- Devendra Bhishoo
ICC T20 performer of the year - Tim Southee
ICC WORLD CUP- 2011 at glance
Host countries- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Final match held at Wankhede stadium, Mumbai.
Final: Man of the match: M. S. Dhoni
Man of the series: Yuvarj Singh (362 runs & 15 wickets)
Final teams: India Vs Sri Lanka
Winner: India won ICC world cup on 2
nd
April, 2011 (after 28 years)
India became 3
rd
team to receive world cup second time other in list are West indies and Australia
Highest run scorer: 500 runs by Dilshan, Sri Lanka
Highest wicket taker: 21 wickets by Zaheer (India) & Sahid Afridi (Pak)

58
th
National film Awards
Best film- Adaminte Makantibu (Malayalam) and selected for Oscar nomination
Best director- Vetrimaran for film Aadukalam (Tamil)
Best actor- Dhanush (Aadukalam) & Salim Kumar (Adaminter Makantibu)
Best actress Mitalee Jaglatap (Film- Baboo band baaja) and Sarnya Ponavannan (Film- Themerku
Paruvkanm)
Best children film- Hejjegalu (Kannada)

12
th
IIFA AWARD held at Toronto, Canada
Best film award: Dabangg
Best Actor: Shahrukh Khan
Best actress: Anushka Sharma
Oscar awards

Particulars 2012(84
th
) 2013(85
th
)
Best film The artist Argo
Best director Ang Lee for "Life of Pi
Best actor Jean Dujardin-The artist Daniel Day-Lewis for "Lincoln
Best actress Meryl streep-Iron lady Jennifer Lawrence for "Silver Linings Playbook

Asian games- 2010 (CHINA) & Commonwealth game- 2010 (India)

Event Gold Silver Bronze Total
Asian games 14 17 33 64
Commonwealth games (2
nd
position) 38 27 36 101

Tennis championship winner for the year- 2011
Event Mens Womens
Australian Novak Djokovik Kim Clijsters
Wimbledon Novak Djokovik Petra Kvitova
US Open Novak Djokovik Samantha Stosur
French open Rafal Nadal Li Na
Tennis championship winner for the year- 2012
Event Mens Womens
Australian Novak Djokovic Victoria Azarenka
Wimbledon Roger Federer Serena Williams
US Open Andy Murray Serena Williams
French open Rafael Nadal Maria Sharapova
2011: World cup Kabbadi held at Punjab - - - India is Winner
Awards in Sports/Science & Technology/ film/Culture/Arts etc.
2010-Dr.M.S.Swaminathan award to Dr. Sanjay Rajaram wheat breeder
2010-Dadasaheb Palke award to Tamil director K. Balachandran
2011- World food prize: J ohn A. Kufor farmer president of Ghana and Lula dosilva farmer president of
Brazil.
2012- Daniel Hillel, Israeli scientist who pioneered a radically innovative way of bringing water to crops in
arid and dry-land regions
2011-Miss Universe: Angola Leila Lopes from BENGUELA held at Brazil.
2011-Miss world: Ivina Lunasol sarcos,Venezulea
2010-Jyanapeeth award to Chandrsheakr Kumbar (Karnataka) for Literature
2011-Man booker prize: Julian Barnes for Fiction for the sense of ending
2010-ICAR First Norman Borlaug award to Dr. T.K. Adhya, Director of Central Rice Research Institute
(CRRI), Cuttack
2011: Dr. M. C. Saxena bags the Swaminathan award for leadership in Agriculture (Award by TAAS-Trust
for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences)
2011: Dadasaheb Palke award to Soumitra chatterjee
Till date Number crop plant genome sequenced
1
st
plant Arabidopsis thaliana-weed mouse-model plant
Rice, sorghum, Maize, Wheat, Soyabean, Pigeonpea, Chickpea, Black cotton wood, Barrel clover, , ,
Potato, Peach
Per Capita Availability and Production of Fruits and Vegetables

Per capita availability Production of fruits & vegetables
(Gram / per person / day) (million tonnes)
Fruit Vegetables Total Fruit Vegetables Total
2001-02 114 236 350 43 89 132
2007-08 158 309 467 66 128 194
2008-09 163 306 469 68 129 197
2009-10 167 313 480 71 134 205
2010-11 170 332 502 75 147 222
2011-12 172 350 522 76 156 232

PART III: INDIA AT A GLANCE

Geography of India
India (7th largest country) 3,287,263 Sq km (329mha)
Largest State Rajasthan 342,239 Sq km
Smallest State Goa 3,702 Sq km
Largest Union Territory Andaman & Nicobar Islands 8,249 Sq km
Smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep 32 Sq km
Largest District Kachchh (Gujarat) 45,652 Sq km
Smallest District Mahe ( Puducherry ) 9 Sq km
India share 17.5% of world population II- most populous country in world
Total number district (2011) 640
Position Of India In World

S. No Particulars Rank
1. National Security Index 5
th

2. Internet Speed 143
rd

3. Hunger Index(2012) 65
th

4 Corruption Perception Index (2012) 94
th

5. World arms/weapons importer 1
st

6. Global Economic Report (2011) 56
th

7. Human Development Index (2010) 119
th

8. Human Development Index (2011) 134
th

9. Area 7
th

10. Population 2
nd

11. Economy (GDP) 10
TH

12. Plant Biodiversity 10
th

13. Irrigated area (57 mha) 1
st

14. Purchase Power Parity (PPP) 4
th

15. Environmental Performance Index-2012 125
th

16. The Global Competitiveness Index-2011-12 56
Some Important Facts About India
Largest state in area - Rajasthan
Largest state in population UP
Smallest state in area Goa
Smallest state in population Sikkim
India has 2 biodiversity hotspots Western Ghats & Eastern Himalayas
World has 25 biodiversity hotspots.
First in irrigated area (57 m ha) in the world
India is in 4
th
position in PPP (Purchasing Power Parity).
Important Acts, Policies and Bills
Biological diversity act 2002
National Food safety and standard Act 2006
National food safety and standard act cum in force 2011
Forest Rights Act 2006
Pesticide management bill 2008
National Food Security Bill, 2011 introduced in the Lok Sabha on 22.12.2011 (75% rural population &
50% Urban population in PDS system) : Targeted Public Distribution System, besides provisions for
nutritional support to women and children
Communal violence bill 2011
Environmental act 1986
Environmental rules 1986
Prevention of food adulteration act 1955
Children to free and compulsory education act 2009
Protection of Plant varieties and Farmers Rights Authority-2005
Protection of Plant varieties and Farmers Rights Act-2001
Biotechnology regulatory authority bill-2011
RTI act-2005
Urea Investment Bill-2012 To enhance Urea Production in India
15
th
Census of India-2011
(Note: M: Male, F:Female and UT: Union territory)

I mportant note on 15
th
Census 2011
17.6% growth from 2001-2011 as compared to 21.5% growth was recorded during 1991-2001.
Rise in Sex ratio from 931 (2001) to 940 (2011).
Decline in child sex ratio from 927 (2001) to 914 (2011).
According UN India projected population will be 1.71 billion at 2060.
Density : Persons / Sq. Km(2011) India 382
State with Highest Population Density Bihar * (WB-2001) 1102
State with Lowest Population Density Arunachal Pradesh 17
UT with Highest Population Density Delhi 11,297
UT with Lowest Population Density Andaman & Nicobar Islands 46
District with Highest Population Density North East (Delhi)District with Lowest Population Density Lahul
& Spiti (Himachal Pradesh

Important International/National Conferences (Year and Place)
85
rd
Foundation day of ICAR 16
th
July, 2011
United Climate Change Conference 2012, Doha,Qutar
United Climate Change Conference 2013, Bonn, Germany
5
th
National conference on KVK, Udaipur, 2010
2012- G20 Agriculture ministers summit held at Mexico
2013-G20 leaders summit will be held at St. Petersburg, Russia
2013-World Economic Forum held at Davos, Switzerland.
2013- 100
th
Indian Science Congress held at Kolkata.
2012- 1
st
International Conference on Biodiversity & Sustainable Energy Development held at, Hyderabad,
2013-2
nd
International Conference on Biodiversity & Sustainable Energy Development will be held on
Sl. No Particulars India Highest state Lowest state
1. Population 1.21billoion UP>MH>Bihar Sikkim>Mizoram>Arunachal Pradesh
2. Literacy

74% (Total)
M:82% F:65.5%
Kerala (93.9%)
M:96%
F: 92%
Bihar (63.8%)
M: 73.4%
F: 53.3%
3. Child sex ratio 914 Chhattisgarh (964) Haryana (830)
4. Sex ratio 940 Kerala (1084) JK > Harayana (887)> Sikkim (889)
Aug 12-14, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
2011-18
th
International Botanical congress held at Paris,
Doha Climate gateway-2012, Qatar (to discuss achievements and future prospects of Kyoto protocol)
Chief/Director of I nstitutes of National and I nternational bodies
ICAR : DG- Dr. S. Ayyappan
ASRB: Dr. Gurubachan Singh (Agronomist)
BICON Chairman/MD: Kiran Mazhumdar
PepsiCo Chairman: Indira Noyi
UN Secretary: Mr. Ban Ki Moon
UN Members- 193 countries
Indian foreign service for US: Nirupma rao
International Monetary Fund New chief : Christine Lagarde
New DG of FAO: Jose Graziano Desliva
New chairman of NABARD: Prakash Bakshi
Wikileaks head: Jullian Assaunge (UK)
Face book founder: Mark Zuckerberg
FIFA president: Sepp Blatter
ICC president: Alan Isaac
IFPRI: DG: Shengeen Fan
National security Advisor of INDIA: Shivashankar Menon
DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization)
Agni-I: 700 km surface to surface ballistic missile
Agni-II: 2000km
Agni-III : 3500km missile
Agni-IV : Intermediate-range ballistic missile RANGE 3500-5000km
Agni-IV: >5000km (Latest)
Prthvi-II 350km surface to surface missile
Dhanush & Akash : surface to air missile
Nag 3
rd
generation anti tank missile
Nishanth & Rustom- Unmanned Aerial Vechile (UAV)
Brahmos Supersonic Crussie missile
Lakshya: pilotless target aircraft
Divya Drishti: Integrated signal intelligence system
Balasya mulam vigyanam tag line of DRDO


IMPORTANT RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
Command Area Development and Water Management 1974 -05
National Horticultural mission 2005 May
Marine Fishing Policy 2004
National Commission on Farmers 2004 (head M.S. Swaminathan)
Bharath Nirman 2005-06
National Rural employment guarantee scheme 2006
Kissan Credit Card Scheme 1998-99
National Agriculture Insurance Scheme 1999-2000
NMM: National Monsoon mission in 12
th
FYP estimated budget of 400corers
FAO International year
2013- International year Water Cooperation (UN)
2013- International Year of Quinoa (FAO and UN)
2014- International Year of Small Island Developing States(UN)
International Year of Crystallography(UN)
International Year of Family Farming(UN)

2012-International Year of Cooperatives
International Year of Sustainable Energy for All
2010- Wettest year (NASA Report -2011)
2005- Hottest year (NASA Report -2011)
2012-17- 12
th
five year plan
2011- Tiger population of India-1706

IMPORTANT DAYS

S. No Particulars Month & date
1 World forest day March 21
2 Water day March 22
3 Meteorology day March 23
4 World health day April 17
5 Earth day April 22
6 Biodiversity day May 22
7 Environment day June 5
8 Ocean day June 8
9 Population day July 11
10 International day of Ozone Sept 16
11 Food day Oct 16
12 Farmers day Dec 23


SOME IMPORTANT PROGRAMMES
Sl. No Program Year Objective
1. National Bamboo Mission 2006-07
To increase area & production of Bamboo,
particularly in N-E region
2.
National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme
Feb, 2
nd
2006
To provide at least 100 days wage employment
in rural areas for non-technical work
3. Bharat Nirman Dec. 16
th
2005
Development of rural infrastructure including 6
components, namely Irrigation, Water supply,
Housing, Road, Electricity, Telephone
4. National Food for Work Nov. 14
th
2004 Program to intensify generation &


Some Varieties released from IARI

Crops Varieties Crops Varieties
Cowpea
Pusa Phalguni Cotton Pusa Ageti
Pusa Basanthi Mungbean Pusa Baisaki
Pusa Dofasli Bean Pusa parvathi
Pusa Puturaj Marigold Pusa Narangi gaida
Papaya
Pusa Majestic Guava Pusa Srijan
Pusa Giant Walnut Pusa Khorh
Pusa Nanha Mango Pusa Arunima
Grapes
Pusa Seedless Rice Pusa Sughandh
Pusa Urvashi Brassica carinata Pusa Aditya
Program supplementary wage employment
5.
Samporna Grameena Rojgar
Yojana
Sept. 25
th
2001 Providing employment and food security
6.
Pradhana Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana
Dec. 25
th
2000 To link all villages with Pucca roads
7.
Pradhana Mantri
Gramodaya Yojana
2000 To provide food security to poor
8.
Swarna Jayanthi Gram
Swarojagar Yojana
Apr,1999
For eliminating rural poverty and
unemployment
9. Hariyali Apr, 2003
Empowering Panchayathi Raj institutions both
financially and administratively in
implementation of watershed development
program
10. Swajaldhara Dec, 2002
To formulate, implement, operate and maintain
drinking water projects by village community
11.
Central rural Sanitation
Programme
Mar, 2002
To improve quality of life of rural people and
provide privacy & dignity to women
12
Rashtriya Madyamitic
Shiksha Abhiyan ( RYSA )
Mar, 2009
Enhancing access to secondary education and
improving its quality
13.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana
(AAY)
2000
providing them 35 kilos of rice and wheat at
Rs.3 & Rs.2 per kg. respectively.
14.
Rajiv Gandhi Grameen
Vidyutikaran Ypjana
Mar, 2005 For complete rural electrification
Pusa Navrang Pegionpea Pusa 2001
Apple
PSM-1 Pusa Seb Mooheri Sorghum Pusa Chari
Pusa Gold Kabuli chickpea Pusa Shubra
Pusa Amartara Pride Radish Pusa Chetki
Brinjal
Pusa Upaghar
Cauliflower
Pusa Sharadh
Pusa Upaghar Pusa Synthetic
Pusa Purple long Pusa Katki
Pusa Kranthi Snow ball
Pusa Purple round Pusa Deepthi
Tomato
Pusa Upahar Pusa Shubra
Pusa Ruby
Cabbage
Pusa Mukhtar
Pusa Divya Pride of India
Pusa Lal
Bottle guard
Pusa Meghadhooth
Pusa Shethal Pusa Manjari
Bhendi
Pusa Sawami
Onion
Pusa Red
Pusa Makhamali Pusa Ratnar

Minimum support price of Agriculture products (Rs/Quintal) 28 commodities

Crops 2011-12 2012-13(26-12-12)
Wheat 1120 1350
Barley 780 980
Gram 2100 3000
Rapeseed/Mustard 2500 3000
Sunflower 2800 3700
Cotton (Long staple) 2800 3600
Cotton (Short staple) 3300 3900
Bajra 980 1175
Jowar-Hybrid 980 1500
Niger seed 2900 3500
Paddy- Common 1080 1250
Paddy- Grade A 1110 1280
Soybean- yellow 1690 2240
Ground nut 2700 3700
Maize 980 1175
Pigeonpea 3700 3850
Ragi 1050 1500
Sesame 3400 4200
Lentil(Massor) 2800 2900
Safflower 2500 2800
Green gram 4000 4400
Black gram(URD) 3800 4300
Sugarcane (Statutory
Minimum Price)
145 139
Source : Department of Agriculture and Cooperation.


References
Economic survey 2012-13, Agriculture today
The Hindu, Times of India News Paper
CSR Magazine, Down to Earth & Yojana
ICAR Website, Wikipedia

Compiled and Prepared by:
Mr. Jaba Jagdish, Ph.D. Scholar (Entomology)
Mr. Srinivasraghavan, Ph.D. Scholar(Plant pathology)
G.B.P.U.A & T- Pantnagar, Uttarakhand