Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018

1. Chief Minister of which state recently launched ‘Uzhavan’ (meaning – farmer), a mobile application for farmers?
1.Tamil Nadu
2.Kerala
3.Andhra Pradesh
4.Telangana
5.None of these

Answer – 1.Tamil Nadu

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister K Palaniswami recently launched ‘Uzhavan’ (meaning – farmer), a mobile application for farmers. This app allows farmers to have access to nine types of services, including details about their crop insurance, information on farm subsidies, book farm equipment and related infrastructure and receiving weather forecast for the next four days. ‘Uzhavan’ app is available in Tamil as well as in English. The app also provides information on the available stocks of seeds and fertilisers in local government and private stores. This app is an attempt by Tamil Nadu State Government to use technology for benefit of farmers in the state.

2. Which country banned imports of the hormone oxytocin to stop its misuse in the livestock industry, on April 6, 2018?
1.United States
2.India
3.Japan
4.France
5.None of these

Answer – 2.India

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On April 6, 2018, Indian Government banned imports of the hormone oxytocin to stop its misuse in the livestock industry. Oxytocin is referred to as “love hormone”. It is released naturally during human bonding activities such as sex, childbirth and breastfeeding. Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has stated that abuse of ‘oxytocin’ in animals, especially milch animals, causes hormonal imbalances and makes them barren sooner. ‘oxytocin’ is a prescription-only drug and Indian Government had halted its retail sales in 2014.

However, attempt to curb its illegal sales has met with limited success and the volume of imports is unclear. Ban on import of ‘oxytocin’ has been imposed based on recommendations of a panel of top drug experts. Ban on import of ‘oxytocin’, for human or animal use has been imposed with immediate effect and Central Board of Excise and Customs has stepped up vigilance against those likely to try and smuggle ‘oxytocin’ into India.

3. Central Government’s ‘Gobardhan Yojna’ is a scheme for managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste into manure and biogas. From which location it will be launched nationally on April 30, 2018?
1.Karnal, Haryana
2.Hisar, Haryana
3.Patiala, Punjab
4.Indore, Madhya Pradesh
5.None of these

Answer – 1.Karnal, Haryana

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Central Government’s ‘Gobardhan Yojna’, a scheme for managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste into manure and biogas, will be launched nationally from Karnal, Haryana on April 30, 2018. Word ‘Gobar’ in ‘Gobardhan Yojna’ is to be referred as abbreviation of Galvanising Organic Bio Agro Resources. This scheme was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while presenting Union Budget 2018. Under this scheme, bio-gas plants will be set up at individual or community level and also at the level of Self Help Groups and NGOs like Gaushalas. Funds required to set up bio-gas plants will be provided by central and state governments in the ratio of 60:40. Generating energy by converting cattle dung and solid agricultural waste into compost and biogas will also ensure cleanliness in villages. Government has set a target to cover nearly 700 districts under the scheme during 2018-19.

4. On 6th April 2018, Government of India, Government of Maharashtra and the __ Bank signed a US$ 420 million project to benefit Small and Marginal farmers in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra?
1.World Bank
2.Asian Development Bank
3.African Development Bank
4. SoftBank
5.None of these

Answer – 1.World Bank

Explanation:
On 6th April 2018, Government of India, Government of Maharashtra and the World Bank signed a US$ 420 million project to benefit Small and Marginal farmers in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra. This project will help to increase climate resilient practices in agriculture and to make farming a profitable activity. This project will benefit more than 7 million people over an area of 3.0 million ha. It will cover 5,142 villages in the 15 most climate vulnerable
districts of the region. The $420 million loan provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a grace period of 6 years. Its maturity period is 24 years. The Agreements for the Maharashtra Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture were signed by Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Indian government. Bijay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Department signed on behalf of Maharashtra government. Junaid Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank, India, signed on behalf of the World Bank. This project will be implemented in rural areas that are mainly dependent on rain-fed agriculture.

5. On April 8, 2018, Union Food Processing Industries Minister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated Uttarakhand’s second Mega Food Park in __ district?
1.Dehradun
2.Udham Singh Nagar
3.Haridwar
4.Uttarkashi
5.None of these

Answer – 2.Udham Singh Nagar

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On April 8, 2018, Union Food Processing Industries Minister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated Uttarakhand’s second Mega Food Park in Udham Singh Nagar district. Uttarakhand’s Second Mega Food Park, M/s Himalayan Mega Food Park Private Ltd, is being set up over an area of 50.14 acres at a cost of Rs 99.96 crore. Central Processing Centre (CPC) of this Mega Food Park will have a Multi-Purpose Cold Storage, Aseptic Brick Filling Line, Dry Warehouse, Fruit & Vegetable Processing Line, Quality Control & Food Testing Lab and other related food processing facilities. This Mega Food Park will benefit around 25000 farmers in Udham Singh Nagar district as well as neighbouring districts of Nainital, Garhwal, Almora and Champawat. Besides, it will also provide direct and indirect employment to 5000 persons. It is to be noted that Uttarakhand’s first Mega Food Park is located at Haridwar and has already become operational.

6. Which state government has announced that in May-June 2018, it will start a ‘community radio’ to update farmers about the latest developments in the sector?
1.Punjab
2.Odisha
3.Telangana
4.Kerala
5.None of these

Answer – 4.Kerala

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
In May-June 2018, Kerala State Government will start a ‘community radio’ to update farmers about the latest developments in the sector. This will be the first such community radio in India, under Government initiative to get connected with the farming community. The farm radio will start broadcast from Kuttanad in Alappuzha district of Kerala and will serve farmers in a 20 square kilometre radius in the region. Kuttanand was once popularly known as the ‘rice bowl of Kerala. This ‘community radio’ will serve as a platform to provide range of information to farmers including climate change and environment issues, tips and information on various aspects of agriculture and agrarian crisis and alerts. It will be launched under the Farm Information Bureau (FIB) of the Kerala State’s Agriculture Department.

7. Which state Government has come up with Water ATM Policy to provide clean drinking water to people at public places?
1.Kerala
2.Assam
3.Haryana
4.Punjab
5.None of these

Answer – 3.Haryana

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Haryana State Government has come up with Water ATM Policy to provide clean drinking water to people at public places. Distance between two water ATMs within a city would be 400 metres, which could be adjusted according to convenience of people. Spots for installation of water ATMs will be identified by the municipalities. Installation would be done mostly at public places such as bus-stands, parks, railway stations, parking areas and markets. Post installation, functioning of Water ATMs would be looked after by the municipality itself or by an agency. This responsibility may also be handed over to a company willing to look after it as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

8. On 10th April 2018, Animal Husbandry Secretary __ launched a website of Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh, the topmost body for state veterinary associations?
1.Tarun Shridhar
2.Tarun Shankar
3.Anirudh Shridhar
4.Ajith Singh
5.None of these

Answer – 1.Tarun Shridhar

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Chikitsak Mahasangh, the topmost body for state veterinary associations. Tarun Shridhar inaugurated the website ‘www.pashuchikitsakmahasangh.in’. He dedicated it to veterinarians. He
asked Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh to develop the website as an effective platform for exchange of knowledge and development of a database. Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh works for the welfare of the veterinarian’s working in government service sector. Tarun Shridhar also addressed a seminar on ‘role of veterinarians in doubling farmer’s income’ organised by Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh. He also agreed to form a committee to study the introduction of combined vaccine of Haemorrehagic Septicimia and Foot and Mouth Disease.

9. On 11th April 2018, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) announced that, it has aimed to raise its long-term on-lending or refinance portfolio to __ in the current fiscal year in a move to improve rural economy?
1.Rs 40,000 crore
2.Rs 80,000 crore
3.Rs 90,000 crore
4.Rs 70,000 crore
5.None of these

Answer – 2.Rs 80,000 crore

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On 11th April 2018, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) announced that, it has aimed to raise its long-term on-lending or refinance portfolio to nearly Rs 80,000 crore in the current fiscal year in a move to improve rural economy. NABARD’s on-lending in 2017-18 was Rs 65,000 crore. NABARD earned a surplus of Rs 2,951 crore for the fiscal year that ended in March 2018. It has planned to raise Rs 40,000 crore from the bond borrowing. Its borrowing was Rs 33,000 crore in 2017-18. It has been one of the top three borrowers in the market.

NABARD’s balance sheet grew 17 % to Rs 4.06 lakh crore in the fiscal year that ended in March 2018, against Rs 3.48 lakh crore in FY17. Loans and advances increased 15 % to Rs 3.54 lakh crore in the period compared to Rs 3.08 lakh crore in the same period that ended in March 2017. Its long-term refinance was Rs 1,22,688 crore, up 17 per cent in the fiscal 2018, compared to Rs 1,05,209 crore.

10. The government has raised the authorised capital of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) by 6 times to __, aimed to increase its lending to the rural economy?
1.Rs 300 billion
2.Rs 250 billion
3.Rs 400 billion
4.Rs 350 billion
5.None of these

Answer – 1.Rs 300 billion

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
The government has raised the authorised capital of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) by 6 times to Rs 300 billion, aimed to increase its lending to the rural economy, as a part of the initiative to double farmers’ income by 2022. A notification regarding this was released by the Finance Ministry on 10th April 2018. A bill in this regard was approved by Parliament at the start of this year. The increased authorised capital will enable NABARD to perform the commitments it has undertaken, especially with respect to Long Term Irrigation Fund and on-lending to cooperative banks. Also, it will help NABARD to expand its business and activities, resulting in promotion of integrated rural development, prosperity of rural areas and generation of more employment.

11. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has designated how many new sites as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) since 2016?
1.15
2.12
3.14
4.20
5.None of these

Answer – 3.14

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has designated 14 new sites as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) since 2016. These systems highlight agricultural traditions that promote sustainability, protect biodiversity and the environment and support the social and economic development required for stable, decent livelihoods. The 14 new sites are wide ranged from oases to rice terraces, wasabi cultivation to raisin production. These places have shaped landscapes into works of art. They have protected sustainable ways of living and producing food.
The 14 new sites are:
• Siwa Oasis, Egypt, 2016
• Chinampa Agriculture in the World Natural and Cultural Heritage Zone in Xochimilco, Tláhuac and Milpa Alta, Mexico, 2017
• Zhagana Agriculture -Forest-Animal Husbandry Composite System, China, 2017
• Huzhou Mulberry-dyke & Fish Pond System, China, 2017
• Osaki Kodo’s Traditional Water Management System for Sustainable Paddy Agriculture, Japan, 2017
• Nishi-Awa Steep Slope Land Agriculture System, Japan, 2018
• Traditional Hadong Tea Agrosystem in Hwagae-myeon, Republic of Korea, 2017
• The Agricultural System of Valle Salado de Añana, Spain, 2017
• Malaga Raisin Production System in La Axarquía, Spain, 2017
• The Cascaded Tank-Village System, Sri Lanka, 2017
• Rice Terraces in Southern Mountainous and Hilly Areas, China, 2018
• Xiajin Yellow River Old Course Ancient Mulberry Grove System, China, 2018
• Traditional Wasabi Cultivation in Shizuoka, Japan, 2018
• Barroso Agro-sylvo-pastoral System, Portugal, 2018

12. Where was the first meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan held on 18th April 2018?
1.Chennai
2.Thiruvananthapuram
3.Raipur
4.New Delhi
5.None of these

Answer – 4.New Delhi

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On 18th April 2018, the first meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan was held at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman NITI Aayog, Dr V K Paul, Member (Health & Nutrition) NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, and representatives of several ministries of the Central and State Governments participated in the meeting.
Mandate of the National Council on India’s Nutritional Challenges is as follows:
• Provide policy directions to address India’s nutritional challenges through coordinated inter-sectoral action.
• Coordinate and review convergence between Ministries.
• Review programmes for nutrition on a quarterly basis.
The Council will submit its report once in 6 months to the Prime Minister. The POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to reduce the level of under-nutrition and other related problems by making sure the convergence of various nutrition related schemes. It overlooks and reviews implementation of such schemes. It uses existing structural arrangements of line Ministries wherever available.

13. On 17th April 2018, the Environment Ministry released the draft of NCAP aimed to reduce air pollution. What does C represent in NCAP?
1.Cap
2.Council
3.Clean
4.Central
5.None of these

Answer – 3.Clean

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On 17th April 2018, the Environment Ministry released the draft of National Clean Air Programme aimed to reduce air pollution. The Environment Ministry has published the draft of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) on its website. It has invited comments from stakeholders by 17th May 2018. Objectives of the NCAP as mentioned by the Environment Ministry in the draft are:

• to augment and develop an effective and a proficient ambient air quality monitoring network throughout India to ensure comprehensive and reliable database
• to have efficient data dissemination and a public outreach mechanism for timely measures for prevention and mitigation of air pollution,
• to have a feasible management plan for prevention, control and reduction of air pollution
Measures that will be taken for reducing air pollution are:
• augmenting the air quality monitoring network
• identification of alternative technology for real-time monitoring
• setting up of 10 city super network
• indoor air pollution monitoring and management and air pollution health impact studies
• air quality forecasting system

• issuance of notification on dust management
• a three-tier mechanism for review, assessment and inspection for implementation and a national emission inventory

14. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced that it has extended total credit support of Rs 14690 crore to which state during 2017-18?
1.Assam
2.Maharashtra
3.Rajasthan
4.Gujarat
5.None of these

Answer – 3.Rajasthan

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced that it has extended total credit support of Rs 14690 crore to Rajasthan during 2017-18. Rajasthan has been one of the biggest beneficiaries under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) of NABARD. Under RIDF, NABARD disbursed concessional loan of Rs 1851.29 crore to Rajasthan state government during 2017-18. Funds sanctioned by NABARD were used for 10 irrigation projects, construction of 1614 roads and two rural drinking water supply projects in the state.

15. Where did Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani inaugurate Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC’s) Neem Project on 13th April 2018?
1.Amethi, Uttar Pradesh
2.Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
3.Ahmedabad, Gujarat
4.Surat, Gujarat
5.None of these

Answer – 1.Amethi, Uttar Pradesh

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On April 13, 2018, Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC’s) Neem Project in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh. Under this project, GNFC intends to collect 8,000 to 10,000 MT Neem seeds from Uttar Pradesh, which in turn will provide additional income of Rs 12-15 crore for over one lakh rural woman from 2,500 villages in the State. The project will not only provide additional income to rural women but will also help in fulfilling Prime Minister’s vision of Neem-coated urea in the interest of millions of farmers of the country. GNFC has been running Neem Project since 2015, in over 60 districts of five states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Earlier, it signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IFFCO to expand this project in 15 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

16. Chief Minister of which state launched ‘Pocket Cop’ project to improve crime detection rate in the state on 16th April 2018?
1.Bihar
2.Maharashtra
3.Delhi
4.Gujarat
5.None of these

Answer – 4.Gujarat

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On 16th April 2018, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched ‘Pocket Cop’ project to improve crime detection rate in the state, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Under the Pocket Cop project, smartphones having data of people with a criminal background will be given to 4,900 police personnel. The personnel include investigating officers, in-charges of police stations, those placed in PCR (Police Control Room) vans and working in passport verification. Some police personnel were handed the smartphones at the event held in Gandhinagar. The smartphone will contain four different applications for passport verification, tracing criminals, finding missing persons and for stolen vehicles. A trial was launched in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad districts earlier. After its success it has been launched for the whole state now. Vijay Rupani said that, all districts of Gujarat will be soon brought under CCTV surveillance for better crime detection.

17. On April 24, 2018, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the four-day Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in which city?
1.Hyderabad
2.Mumbai
3.New Delhi
4.Bengaluru
5.None of these

Answer – 3.New Delhi

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On April 24, 2018, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the four-day Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in New Delhi. This four-day regional Workshop (April 24-27, 2018) is the fourth in a series of UNCCD Workshops held around the world and the first one being co-hosted by India. Representatives from nearly 40 Asia-Pacific nations are participating in this workshop. Besides, scientists and academicians from premier scientific and research-based institutions of India and senior officers of Central Government ministries that work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to monitor the progress of the Convention in India, are also participating in the Workshop. During the course of this workshop, training will be imparted to delegates from 12 land degradation prone states in India.

18. Adilabad Dokra, an ancient bell metal craft popular in the tribal regions of Adilabad district and Warangal Dhurries, a popular cotton rug, have been issued the Geographical Indication (GI) Registration Certificate by the GI Registry. These two craft forms belong to which state?
1.Andhra Pradesh
2.Tamil Nadu
3.Telangana
4.Gujarat
5.None of these

Answer – 3.Telangana

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Two craft forms from Telangana – Adilabad Dokra, an ancient bell metal craft popular in the tribal regions of Adilabad district in Telangana and Warangal Dhurries, a popular cotton rug – have been issued the Geographical Indication (GI) Registration Certificate by the GI Registry, Chennai. Adilabad Dokra metal casting products mainly includes bells, idols of local deities, dancing figures, statues, jewellery and many other decorative items. The speciality of Adilabad Dokra is that no two pieces are alike in shape as well as in size thus making it impossible to replicate. ‘Warangal Dhurries’ are famous across the world due to the high degree of craftsmanship involved in its
creation. Warangal became famous as Dhurrie weaving centre on account of abundant availability of cotton. Telangana State Handicrafts Development Corporation was able to register both these crafts as Geographical Indications with assistance from Technology Centre of CII.

19. When was the World Day For Animals In Laboratories (WDAIL) also known as World Lab Animal Day observed?
1.April 24
2.April 23
3.April 21
4.April 22
5.None of these

Answer – 1.April 24

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On 24th April 2018, World Lab Animals Day was observed all over the world. World Day For Animals In Laboratories (WDAIL) also known as World Lab Animal Day is observed every year on 24 April. World Day for Laboratory Animals was declared in 1979 by the British National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS). It marks the birthday of former NAVS president Hugh Dowding. This day highlights the efforts to end the suffering of animals in laboratories and their replacement with advanced scientific non-animal techniques.

20. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has stated that it has provided an assistance of Rs 10012 crore to which state during 2017-18?
1.Rajasthan
2.Uttar Pradesh
3.Tamil Nadu
4.Karnataka
5.None of these

Answer – 2.Uttar Pradesh

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has stated that it has provided an assistance of Rs 10012 crore to Uttar Pradesh (UP) during 2017-18. The funds were provided to facilitate overall development in the state with special focus on agricultural credit. Our of the above stated amount, Rs 8450 crore released to commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks for providing short and long term finance support to agriculture, allied and off farm sectors across the state. Besides, NABARD’s initiatives in Uttar Pradesh during 2017-18 also focused on infrastructure development through dedicated funds, women empowerment through Self Help Groups, strengthening of rural financial institutions and micro-finance. For 2018-19, NABARD’s priorities in Uttar Pradesh will be digital transformation of rural financial institution
(RFIs) and rural enterprises, crop residue management in western UP, development plans for Bundelkhand region and setting up irrigation infrastructure.

21. Indian researchers have discovered world’s smallest land fern Ophioglossum malviae in the Ahwa forests of the Western Ghats in which state?
1.Rajasthan
2.Arunchal Pradesh
3.Bihar
4.Gujarat
5.None of these

Answer – 4.Gujarat

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Indian researchers have discovered world’s smallest land fern in the Ahwa forests of the Western Ghats in Gujarat’s Dang district. Researchers have stated that this fern belongs to a group known as the adder’s-tongue ferns, named after their resemblance to a snake’s tongue. The new Malvi’s adder’s-tongue fern Ophioglossum malviae is just one centimetre in size. However, the most similar adder’s-tongue fern is 10 cm tall. Researchers from Department of Biosciences at Surat’s Veer Narmad South Gujarat University stumbled across this fern during a botanical expedition in 2016. After studying its morphology in detail, researchers discovered that it differed from similar ferns in not just size but other complex fern features viz. composition of seeds and DNA.

22. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh addressed the National Kharif Conference 2018 in __ on April 25, 2018?
1.Chennai
2.New Delhi
3.Allahabad
4.Dehradun
5.None of these

Answer – 2.New Delhi

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
While addressing the conference, Mr. Singh outlined that the Central Government is working towards making agriculture policy and programs ‘income-oriented’ rather than ‘production-oriented’. PM Modi’s multi-dimensional Seven-point Strategy: In order to achieve this objective, government is encouraging the adoption of ‘multi-dimensional seven-point’ strategy suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which includes enhancing irrigation coverage focusing on ‘More crop per drop’, provision of quality seeds, large investments in warehouses and cold chains, promotion of value addition through food processing, Implementation of National Agricultural Markets and e-platforms (e-NAM), introduction of crop insurance and promotion of allied activities such as Dairy-Animal husbandry, Poultry, Horticulture, and Fisheries.

Mr. Singh added that farmers should be encouraged to participate in the ongoing Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, in which every block will organize Kisan Kalyan Karyashala on May 2, 2018 wherein Agriculture officers and scientists will discuss ways to increase income through new technology and progressive farmers will also narrate their success stories.

23. Chinese entomologists have discovered a giant mosquito belonging to ___ species, with a wing size of 11.15 cm in Sichuan province of China?
1.Holorusia Mikado
2.Colorusia Mikado
3.Entemedia Michers
4.Halurusia Mikers
5.None of these

Answer – 1.Holorusia Mikado

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
The giant mosquito belongs to the world’s largest mosquito species Holorusia Mikado. It was found in August 2017 during a field trip to Mount Qingcheng in Chengdu. It was first found in Japan and was named by British entomologist John Obadiah Westwood in 1876. The Holorusia mikado species generally has a wing size of nearly 8 cm. These mosquitoes do not feed on blood. They feed mainly on nectar. The adults have a life span of a few days. Holorusia mikado also known as the crane fly are mainly found in the Chengdu plain of the western parts of Sichuan.

24. NITI Aayog and __ will be collaborating in the area of agriculture and allied sectors with an objective to strengthen farming systems?
1.Parle Agro
2.ITC Ltd
3.Amul Co-operative Society
4.Patanjali
5.None of these

Answer – 2.ITC Ltd

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
NITI Aayog and ITC signed a letter of intent (LoI) in this regard on April 26, 2018. This collaboration will be for a period of four years till April 2022 under which, both the entities will strive to increase net returns from farming through reduction in costs of production and increasing productivity of major crops. One of the key activities to be undertaken for accomplishing this objective is to disseminate sustainable agricultural practices and templates for seasonal planning at gram panchayat level. ITC expects to impart training to over 2 lakh lead farmers in 25 districts a part of the partnership.

25. On April 30, 2018, Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Uma Bharti launched the GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) – DHAN scheme at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in __, Haryana?
1.Hisar
2.Karnal
3.Rohtak
4.Chandigarh
5.None of these

Answer – 2.Karnal

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
On April 30, 2018, Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Uma Bharti launched the GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) – DHAN scheme at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, Haryana. Ms. Bharti launched this scheme in presence of Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar. This scheme was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while presenting Union Budget 2018. The scheme derives inspiration from European countries and China, wherein animal dung and other organic waste is used to generate energy. As per 19th Livestock Census (2012) estimates, India’s cattle population is 300 million, which produces 3 million tonnes dung per day.

26. What is the theme of World Earth Day that was observed on April 22, 2018?
1.End Plastic Pollution
2.Say no to Plastic
3.Encourage use of renewable resources
4.Fight against Plastic Pollution
5.None of these

Answer – 1.End Plastic Pollution

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Earth Day is observed every year on April 22. It was first celebrated in 1970. The founder of Earth Day is Gaylord Nelson, a US senator from Wisconsin. Nelson, who had been witnessed the devastation caused by an enormous oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. Theme of Earth Day 2018 – ‘End Plastic Pollution’. It is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human attitude and behavior about plastics. The importance of Earth Day is to increase the awareness among common public, especially among youngsters, to get full effect of the campaign of environmental safety.

27. Which reserve forest is likely to be declared a Ramsar Site as West Bengal State Government has given approval to its State Forest Department to apply for recognition under the Ramsar Convention?
1.Sunderban Reserve Forest
2.Mudumalai Reserve Forest
3.Sambalpur Reserve Forest
4.Sariska Reserve Forest
5.None of these

Answer – 1.Sunderban Reserve Forest

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Sunderban Reserve Forest is likely to be declared a Ramsar Site as West Bengal State Government has given approval to its State Forest Department to apply for recognition under the Ramsar Convention. According to 2017 Forest Survey of India report, Indian Sunderbans, with 2114 sq. km. of mangrove forests, comprise almost 43% of the mangrove cover in India. Besides, it is also home to about 100 Royal Bengal tigers. Currently 26 sites in India are recognised as Ramsar wetland sites of international importance.

28. Under GOBAR-DHAN scheme, funds required to setup bio-gas plants will be provided by central and state governments in the ratio of __?
1.50:50
2.70:30
3.40:60
4.60:40
5.None of these

Answer – 4.60:40

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Funds required to setup bio-gas plants will be provided by central and state governments in the ratio of 60:40. Government has set a target to setup nearly 700 bio-gas units in different states under the scheme during 2018-19. GOBAR-DHAN scheme has twin objectives – to make villages clean and generate energy from cattle and other waste. Besides, execution of scheme will create new rural livelihood opportunities and enhance income for farmers and other rural people.

29. On April 27, 2018, Expenditure Finance Committee of Union Finance Ministry accepted the proposal of Union Ministry of Water Resources to provide Central Assistance for completion of 8 Major/Medium Irrigation projects and 83 Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) projects in drought prone areas of which state?
1.Maharashtra
2.Madhya Pradesh
3.Uttar Pradesh
4.Arunachal Pradesh
5.None of these

Answer – 1.Maharashtra

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
Estimated cost for completion of these projects is Rs. 13651.61 Crore. Although Central Government will provide financial assistance to meet the cost, Maharashtra State Government too will have to raise a part of it, which can be done by availing a loan from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). All these projects are expected to be completed latest by 2022-23. Post completion, additional irrigation potential of 3.77 lakh ha will be created in the above stated regions.

30. Which state government launched the ‘Mission Lakadong’ to achieve a five-fold increase in the production of Lakadong turmeric, an organic variety of turmeric, to at least 50,000 metric tonne per year in the next 5 years?
1.Assam
2.Bihar
3.Punjab
4.Meghalaya
5.None of these

Answer – 4.Meghalaya

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

Explanation:
The Meghalaya government has launched ‘Mission Lakadong’ to achieve a five-fold increase in the production of Lakadong turmeric, an organic variety of turmeric grown in Meghalaya, to at least 50,000 metric tonne per year in the next 5 years. On 24th April 2018, Meghalaya governor Ganga Prasad launched ‘Mission Lakadong’. This mission will be implemented by the directorate of horticulture, the Community and Rural Development department, the Forest department, the North Eastern Hill University and the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship under the direct supervision of the Governor’s secretariat.

Objective of ‘Mission Lakadong’ is to improve the livelihood and income of farmers involved in Lakadong turmeric cultivation. The mission also aims to more than double the crop area from the current 2,577 hectare to 6,070 hectare over the next 5 years. Jaintia Hills District is home to Lakadong turmeric. Lakadong turmeric has the highest curcumin content, as per a study by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The productivity of Lakadong turmeric will also be improved from 6 MT per hectare to 8 MT per hectare area with the introduction of the advanced technologies of plant propagation and post harvest technology induction.

Some Important MCQs(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

31. From which city will the Central government launch its ‘Gobardhan Yojna’ nationally?
A. Sambalpur
B. Vidisha
C. Karnal
D. Varanasi

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

32. How much amount of credit support has been extended by NABARD to Rajasthan for 2017-18?
A) Rs 8,360 crore
B) Rs 31,370 crore
C) Rs 14,690 crore
D) Rs 23,820 crore

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

33. The import of which hormone has been banned by the government to stop its misuse in the livestock industry?
A) Trenbolone
B) Zeranol
C) Estradiol
D) Oxytocin

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

34. CCEA has approved continuation of Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) and City Compost Scheme till 2019-20, at an outlay of?
A) Rs 58,234 crore
B) Rs 74,726 crore
C) Rs 61,972 crore
D) Rs 80,353 crore

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

35. Which state has won the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kadaknath chicken?
A) Odisha
B) Chhattiagarh
C) Jharkhand
D) Madhya Pradesh

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

36. CCEA has approved continuation and strengthening of 669 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) till 2019-20. What will be the financial outlay for the KVK Scheme for 2017-20?
A) Rs 3,34,000 lakh
B) Rs 2,82,400 lakh
C) Rs 1,48,200 lakh
D) Rs 4,23,000 lakh

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

37. Which state bagged the National ‘Water Digest Award’ for Water Conservation-Diversion and increasing the irrigation capacity?
A) Punjab
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Maharashtra

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

38. CCEA has recently removed prohibition on the export of?
A) Pulses
B) Rice
C) Edible Oil
D) Meat

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

39. Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated Rajasthan’s first mega food park in which district?
A) Ajmer
B) Bikaner
C) Jodhpur
D) Udaipur

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

40. Who launched the digital initiatives for farm products, developed by the Export Inspection Council?
A) Suresh Prabhu
B) Radha Mohan Singh
C) Piyush Goyal
D) MJ Akbar

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

41. Which state’s Chief Minister has launched the ‘Uzhavan’ (farmer) app?
A) Tamilnadu
B) Karnataka
C) Telangana
D) Kerala

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

42. In a first, which state government is going to launch a ‘community radio’ to connect with the farming community?
A) Maharashtra
B) Haryana
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Kerala

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

43. How much amount of loan agreement has the Maharashtra government signed with World Bank to help Small and Marginal farmers in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions?
A) $560 million
B) $240 million
C) $420 million
D) $360 million

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

44. Which of the following has tied up with Maharashtra government to finance state’s first poultry company run by tribal women?
A) Mahindra Rise
B) Infosys Foundation
C) Wipro Foundation
D) Tata Trusts

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

45. How many sites have been designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by UN since 2016?
A) 18
B) 14
C) 6
D) 10

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

46. Union Minister Smriti Irani launched the Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited’s (GNFC) Neem Project in?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Haryana
D) Madhya Pradesh

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

47. Which of the following is likely to be declared a Ramsar Site under the Ramsar Convention?
A) Tso Morari Wetland
B) Ashtamudi Wetland
C) Kolleru Wetland
D) Sunderban Reserve Forest

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

48. Union Cabinet has approved signing of an MoU with which country in the field of food safety?
A) Philippines
B) Singapore
C) Australia
D) Afghanistan

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

49. Who inaugurated the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in New Delhi?
A) Kiren Rijiju
B) Sushma Swaraj
C) Rajnath Singh
D) Dr. Harsh Vardhan

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

50. What is the name of the project launched by FSSAI, to address rising deficiencies of Vitamin D in schoolchildren?
A) Kiran
B) Sooraj
C) Surya
D) Dhoop

(Agriculture Current Affairs April 2018)

51. NABARD has announced to have increased its long-term lending in FY 2018 – 2019 to?
A) Rs 80,000 crore
B) Rs 50,000 crore
C) Rs 1,50,000 crore
D) Rs 50,000 crore