Green revolution over, agri yields staring at dead end?

Over exploitation of groundwater coupled with rising temperatures may push agriculture to stagnation, says a satellite study mapping yields from 1982 to 2006

Amit Bhattacharya | TNN

The monsoon bounty this year is expected to put the smiley back on the agriculture output graph. The government has quickly announced a target foodgrain production of 244.5 million tonnes for 2010-11, 10mt more than the highest till date – 234.47mt achieved in 2008-09. Even in the wake of last year’s monsoon failure, wheat production in the rabi cycle breached the 80mt mark for the first time ever.

But are these recent successes signs of a much-needed turnaround or are they temporarily masking a larger crisis in Indian agriculture that has been limiting growth in the medium term and threatening our food security?

A revealing international study that used US satellite data to track year-on-year changes in yields, warns that environmental drivers could be pushing agriculture towards stagnation. The findings indicate that India’s Green Revolution may have reached unsustainable levels, at least in some parts of the country, and may hit a wall unless massive policy interventions address the situation.

The paper, Decadal Variations in NDVI and Food Production in India, published earlier this year in the open access Remote Sensing journal, compares agriculture production in two decades – 1982-92 and 1996-06 – and finds a distinct slowdown in growth rates in the latter decade for both kharif and rabi crops. The study points to two worrying environmental factors, among others, that may explain the low growth during 1996 to 2006 – increasing pressure on groundwater due to unsustainable use and rising temperatures in the subcontinent.

The authors, researchers mostly based in the US, used a measure known as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which calculates crop yields using satellite data. For the study, year-on-year data from the US meteorological sensor, the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, was used.

As compared to the previous decade, the study found a 50% drop in growth rates in the kharif season during 1996-2006 and, more alarmingly, almost zero growth in the winter crop (rabi). The slowdown was more pronounced in the main foodgrain producing states in north India and in the central portion of the country.

 “Around 30% of the total cropland area of India showed a statistically significant decline in growth rate of greenness index during the rabi season,” lead author Cristina Milesi from California State University, Monterey Bay, told TOI.

The rabi slowdown is significant because it’s primarily dependent on irrigation, increasingly, groundwater. Not surprisingly, states such as Punjab and Haryana where rabi yields are stagnating, also overlap with regions where groundwater use has reached critical levels. The paper estimates that in the absence of any irrigation, it would require 30% to 150% increase in local annual rainfall to sustain the rate of growth in rabi crops seen during 1982-2002 in large portions of peninsular India.

 “Our calculations of increase in crop water demand are greatest over the northwest and central-southern peninsula and coincide to a good approximation with areas mapped as suffering from groundwater overexploitation,” the paper notes.

Says K Krishna Kumar, climate scientist at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and one of the authors, “What could also be contributing to the fall in growth is accelerated warming since the mid-1990s. Our paper notes that over the past decade, average temperatures have increased by 0.25 degrees Celsius during the kharif season and by 0.6 degrees during rabi. We cite other studies which have linked the recent warming to a potentially reduced rabi crop yield by 6%.”

How Sat Data Works

Healthy plants absorb light in the visible range while reflecting a large portion of near-infrared light. Unhealthy or sparse vegetation reflects more visible light, less near-infrared light. So, by analysing remote sensing satellite images in different spectral bands, the ‘health’ of crops can be measured over a period of time. This is the basis of calculating farmland yield through an indicator known as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index.

BUMPER RUN OVER? In the absence of irrigation, around 30-150% increase in annual rainfall would be required to sustain the rate of growth in rabi crops seen during 1982-2002

*This article is taken from Times of India, 26th November, 2010 issue

Trained Graduate Teachers Exam, 2009: Agriculture

1. How many factors are identified for influencing plant growth till now?

(A) 55
(B) 60
(C) 52
(D) 50

2. How does the moisture stress affect the cell?

(A) Affect cell division
(B) Affect cell expansion
(C) Cell mortality rate is affected
(D) No effect on cell

3. At the vegetative growth stage, flowering is stopped in food grain crops, known as-
(A) sigmoid growth curve
(B) determinate growth
(C) indeterminate growth
(D) grand growth period

4. Which one of the following can be assessed by using the following equation?

Economic Production A= Biomass Production
(A) Panicle emergence rate
(B) Rate of flowering
(C) Harvest Index
(D) Leaf production rate

5. How much radiation energy percentage radiating on plant is used in photosynthesis?

(A) 0·50%­ 2·10%
(B) 0·42%­1·66%
(C) 0·25%­0·30%
(D) 0·16%­0·24%

6. The crop with yarns of sun hemp is prepared in-
(A) 12­15 weeks
(B) 15­17 weeks
(C) 10­12 weeks
(D) 8­10 weeks

7. Which is not an inorganic matter in the following?

(A) Magnesium
(B) Iron
(C) Fat
(D) Iodine

8. Which is the highest digestible protein non-leguminous crop among the following?

(A) Napier
(B) Maize silage
(C) Maize
(D) Jowar

9. Which disease occurs, when more sorghum is consumed?

(A) Rickets
(B) Scurvy
(C) Night blindness
(D) Pellagra

10. Which Sorghum variety is not multicut?

(A) Pusa Chari-2
(B) M.P. Chari-2
(C) M.P. Chari
(D) U.P. Chari-1

11. Which is not true in relation to Bajra?

(A) Pennisetum typhoides
(B) Graminae family
(C) Chromosome No. – 20
(D) Origin Africa

12. Which variety of Barley is husk less?

(A) Pragati (K 508)
(B) Ritambhara (K 551)
(C) Geetanjali (K 1149)
(D) Karan-3

13. Which is not true in relation to Gram?

(A) Subfamily–Papilionaceae
(B) Chromosome No.–22
(C) Acid–Malic and Oxalic
(D) Origin–North America

14. Which does not match in relation to Cotton?

(A) C-520 — Diploid
(B) G-27 — Diploid
(C) Vikas — American
(D) Ranivan — American

15. Which is not matched in relation to sugarcane?

(A) Seed treatment–Aglol 3%
(B) For seed–6-7 month old crop
(C) Sowing–Upper portion is more used
(D) After flowering–Used for sowing

16. Which is not basic principle of Agronomy?

(A) To select appropriate materials for seed & sowing
(B) Management of soil and climate
(C) Appropriate intercropping activities management for crop
(D) Livestock management for Agriculture

17. Where and when was World Meteorological Organization established?

(A) New York ­ 1980
(B) Washington ­ 1978
(C) Geneva ­ 1978
(D) Rome ­ 1976

18. Effective cause of atmospheric pressure is not-
(A) temperature
(B) altitude from the sea level
(C) rotation of earth
(D) soil erosion

19. Which is not correct in the following?

(A) X-rays and Gamma rays ­ 9% of energy
(B) Visible lighting rays ­ 41% of energy
(C) Infrared rays ­ 50% of energy
(D) Ultraviolet rays ­ 10% of energy

20. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below-

List-I
(A) Paddy
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Groundnut

List-II

1. 20°C

2. 22°C

3. 25°C

4. 26°C

Codes :
(A) 4 2 3 1
(B) 2 1 4 3
(C) 3 4 2 1
(D) 1 3 4 2

21. Which states are the highest & lowest producers of Potato crop?

(A) Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand
(B) Gujarat and Assam
(C) Uttar Pradesh & Himachal Pradesh
(D) Bihar & Kashmir

22. Which elements are useful in energy storage, transfer and bonding?

(A) N P K
(B) N S P
(C) N K S
(D) None of these

23. Which of the following elements play an important role in nitrogen metabolism?

(A) Magnesium
(B) Manganese
(C) Molybdenum
(D) Iron

24. How much Brinjal seed may be obtained from one hectare area?

(A) 150­200 kg
(B) 100­150 kg
(C) 200­300 kg
(D) 75­125 kg

25. Which species of honeybee is not Indian?

(A) Apis florea
(B) Apis dorsata
(C) Apis cerana
(D) Apis mellifera

26. Which of the following is the cross of Karan Swiss?

(A) Sahiwal × Brown Swiss
(B) Sahiwal × Holstein
(C) Hariyana × Brown Swiss
(D) Hariyana × Jersey

27. For how many years is Sheep able to breed?

(A) 10 years
(B) 7 years
(C) 5 years
(D) 12 years

28. How much area m2 is required for a Goat?

(A) 0·9 ­ 1·0 m 2
(B) 1 ­ 1·5 m2
(C) 0·75 ­ 0·90 m 2
(D) 1·5 ­ 1·75 m2

29. Goal of extension education is-
(A) To promote income of the farmers
(B) To promote production of the crops
(C) To promote new crops
(D) To promote scientific out look

30. The major fungi that effect food grains in storage are-
(A) Mucor
(B) Rhizopus
(C) Candida
(D) Aspergillus

31. The leaching loss of Nitrogen (N) is more in the form of-
(A) Ammonia
(B) Nitrate
(C) Nitrogen
(D) Water solution

32. Which is not a natural factor affecting soil fertility?

(A) Topography
(B) Soil age
(C) Air
(D) Parent material

33. Approximately how much area in lakh hectares of saline and alkali soils are there in Uttar Pradesh?

(A) 15·00 lakh hectares
(B) 12·4 lakh hectares
(C) 10·4 lakh hectares
(D) 14·4 lakh hectares

34. How much percentage of soluble salts are present in Alkali soils?

(A) 1% ­ 2%
(B) 0·1% ­ 0·2%
(C) 1·5% ­ 2·5%
(D) 2% ­ 3%

35. How much is the cropped area in Uttar Pradesh?

(A) 9%
(B) 11%
(C) 12%
(D) 8%

36. The monsoon airs in the country reaches at which bank first of all?

(A) Coastal region of Orissa
(B) Bay of Bengal region
(C) Coastal region of Kerala of South Indian region
(D) Kachchh region of Gujarat

37. A.D.P. to A.T.P. change is called
(A) Photosynthesis
(B) Phosphorylation
(C) Transpiration
(D) Oxidation

38. What is the order of C 4 plants?

(A) Sugarcane ­ Maize ­ Sudan grass ­ Bajra
(B) Sugarcane ­ Cotton ­ Paddy ­ Maize
(C) Sudan grass ­ Sugarcane ­ Paddy ­ Bajra
(D) Cotton ­ Maize ­ Bajra ­ Sugarcane

39. At what stage are more nutrients essentially required in cereal crops?

(A) Growth stage of plants
(B) Formation of leaves
(C) Panicle initiation
(D) Maturity of crops

40. At which stage of crop, there is no competition for light, moisture and nutrients?

(A) Node formation stage
(B) Seedling stage
(C) Grain formation stage
(D) Before maturity stage

41. Approximately how much HCN dose is harmful for animal feeding?

(A) 0·25 gm
(B) 0·50 gm
(C) 2·50 gm
(D) 3·50 gm

42. Due to which reason is the Napier Grass mixed with Cluster bean or Cowpea for feeding?

(A) Due to high crude fibre
(B) Due to oxalic acid
(C) Due to more carbohydrates
(D) Due to more HCN content

43. Which is the perennial variety of Elephant Grass (Napier Grass)?

(A) Pusa Giant
(B) NB-21
(C) Pusa Giant Napier
(D) Napier-1

44. More than how much percentage of loss of urea should not be during silage fermentation?

(A) 20% ­ 22%
(B) 15% ­ 18%
(C) 10% ­ 12%
(D) 8% ­ 10%

45. From where is Krishak Bharati magazine published?

(A) G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pant Nagar
(B) C. S. A. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur
(C) Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad
(D) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut

46. How much minimum temperature is essential for wheat germination and optimum temperature for crop growth in degree Celsius?

(A) 3·5°C­5·5°C and 20°C­22°C
(B) 5·6°C­7·5°C and 16°C­18°C
(C) 8°C­10°C and 30°C­35°C
(D) 10°C­12°C and 25°C­30°C

47. In case of availability of two irrigations for wheat, at which critical stage crop should be irrigated?

(A) Tillering and Flowering
(B) Crown Root Initiation and Milking stage
(C) Crown Root Initiation and Flowering
(D) Late joint and Dough stage

48. Which is not the symptom of Khaira disease?

(A) Dark grey colour spots on leaves
(B) Adverse effect on root growth
(C) More diseases stop the crop growth
(D) Stem of plants turn and fall down

49. What is the suitable Rabi maize variety?

(A) Sharadmani
(B) Azad Uttam
(C) Naveen
(D) Ganga – 5

50. Which disease is not related to Bajra?

(A) Green Ear
(B) Ergot
(C) Wilt
(D) Rust

51. Which of the following is not matched?

(A) Varuna –Irrigated or unirrigated condition
(B) Vardan –Unirrigated condition
(C) Narendra-85 –Saline soil
(D) K-88 –Black grain

52. Which is not matched correctly?

(A) Blight –Mancozeb 75 W.P.

(B) White Blister –0·2% spray of Radomil
(C) Downy mildew –Zineb
(D) Smut –Endosulfan

53. How much kg of sugarcane seed is required for sowing one hectare?

(A) 7000 ­ 7500 kg
(B) 5500 ­ 6000 kg
(C) 8000 ­ 8500 kg
(D) 5200 ­ 5500 kg

54. Which is a variety of Oat?

(A) K-12
(B) Naveen
(C) LD-491
(D) Kent

55. How much seed per hectare is needed for Berseem?

(A) 18 ­ 22 kg
(B) 25 ­ 30 kg
(C) 30 ­ 35 kg
(D) 15 ­ 20 kg

56. What is the average annual production of European variety of honeybee colony?

(A) 14 kg
(B) 16 kg
(C) 10 kg
(D) 8 kg

57. How much tomatoes are required for one kg tomato seeds?

(A) 50 ­ 300 kg
(B) 300 ­ 350 kg
(C) 160 ­ 210 kg
(D) 200 ­ 250 kg

58. Inarching method is used for culture of which fruits?

(A) Mango and Guava
(B) Mango and Grapes
(C) Guava and Litchi
(D) Phalsa and Guava

59. Generally during summer and kharif seasons annual plants produce bloom in how many days?

(A) 60 ­ 70 days
(B) 70 ­ 80 days
(C) 70 ­ 75 days
(D) 50 ­ 60 days

60. Makhdum is a variety for which crop?

(A) Badam (Almond)
(B) Date palm
(C) Walnut
(D) Coconut

61. Which is the Goat breed reared in the city?

(A) Beetle
(B) Surati
(C) Marwadi
(D) Barbari

62. A hen starts egg laying after how many weeks?

(A) 15 weeks
(B) 20 weeks
(C) 18 weeks
(D) 16 weeks

63. How much is the fat percentage in the milk of Bhadavari buffalo?

(A) 15 ­ 18%
(B) 8 ­ 13%
(C) 13 ­ 16%
(D) 6 ­ 10%

64. Television broadcast for rural development programmes in India started in-
(A) 1947
(B) 1957
(C) 1967
(D) 1977

65. Which of the following points refers to the economic level of output?

(A) MR < MC
(B) MR > MC
(C) MR = AC
(D) MR = MC

66. What is the correct order of C3 plants?

(A) Sugarcane ­ Paddy ­ Bajra ­ Maize
(B) Groundnut ­ Potato ­ Wheat ­ Soybean
(C) Potato ­ Paddy ­ Bajra ­ Wheat
(D) Paddy ­ Sugarcane ­ Soybean ­ Bajra

67. C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H 2 O shows-
(A) Photosynthesis
(B) Respiration
(C) Oxidation
(D) Translocation of food mate rials

68. How does the supply of nitorgen in grains take place?

(A) From old leaves
(B) From plant roots
(C) From stem
(D) By photosynthesis

69. To reduce the crop-weed com petition, at what stage are the herbicides used?

(A) At germination
(B) At tillering
(C) At ear emergence
(D) After first irrigation

70. How much percentage dry weight of crops should be at physiological maturity?

(A) 28%
(B) 20%
(C) 25%
(D) 30%

71. Growth of early emerging leaves becomes faster because of-
(A) cell division and cell enlargement
(B) stunt growth of plants
(C) faster photosynthesis
(D) low pressure of outer atmosphere

72. The ideal temperature for most of the cultivable crops is-
(A) 30°C ­ 50°C
(B) 15°C ­ 40°C
(C) 35°C ­ 40°C
(D) 45°C ­ 55°C

73. Match List-I with List-II and choose the correct answer from the codes-

List-I
(A) Magnesium
(B) Phosphorus
(C) Potassium
(D) Manganese

List-II

1. cell formation and division

2. special function of chlorophyll formation

3. helping in the formation of primordia

4. to influence the organic action of nitrogen and iron

Codes :
(A) 2 1 3 4
(B) 2 3 4 1
(C) 3 1 2 4
(D) 2 3 1 4

74. Which pH range is not suitable to grow the crop?

(A) Oats — 5·0 ­ 7·5 pH
(B) Cotton — 6·0 ­ 7·5 pH
(C) Bean — 6·0 ­ 8·0 pH
(D) Potato — 4·5 ­ 6·5 pH

75. What is Azofication?

(A) It is also known as composite fixation of nitrogen
(B) It is also known as free fixation of nitrogen
(C) It is also known as nitrogen fixed by Rhizobium bacteria
(D) It is also known as nitrogen gain through rains or snow

76. Which is the hybrid of Pusa Giant Napier?

(A) Napier × Jowar
(B) Napier × Bajra
(C) Jowar × Bajra
(D) Bajra × Jowar

77. From where is Indian Journal of Agriculture Sciences published?

(A) UPCAR
(B) ICAR
(C) CISR
(D) NBRI

78. How much paddy seed is needed for transplanting one hectare area by SRI technique?

(A) 30 ­ 35 kg
(B) 1 ­ 1·5 kg
(C) 5 ­ 6 kg
(D) 10 ­ 12 kg

79. Soldier insect harms which crop more?

(A) Urad
(B) Arhar
(C) Moong
(D) Paddy

80. In which season is the highest yield of Maize obtained?

(A) Zaid
(B) Kharif
(C) Rabi
(D) All of these

81. Seed treatment of which crop is done by Captan or Cerasan @ 5 gm/kg seed?

(A) Cotton
(B) Jute
(C) Safflower
(D) Mondua

82. Varieties of Miscavi and Pusa Visal are of which crop?

(A) Cotton
(B) Jute
(C) Oat
(D) Berseem

83. Which is not prepared from patato?

(A) Farina and Alcohol
(B) Paper
(C) Wine
(D) Acetic acid

84. Potato tuber growth is stopped at what temperature?

(A) 40°C ­ 42°C
(B) 30°C ­ 32°C
(C) 35°C ­ 37°C
(D) 38°C ­ 40°C

85. In which state of India is the area of Coffee maximum?

(A) Kerala
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Karnataka
(D) Tamil Nadu

86. How much cloves of garlic is required for one hectare?

(A) 400 kg
(B) 500 kg
(C) 600 kg
(D) 300 kg

87. Which variety of Papaya gives maximum Papain?

(A) Pusa Delicious
(B) Pusa Majesty
(C) Pusa Gaint
(D) Pusa Dwarf

88. At the time of Apple fruit setting, what is the minimum temperature required?

(A) 10°C
(B) 4·5°C ­ 5·5°C
(C) 8°C ­ 10°C
(D) 2°C ­ 3°C

89. How many days can the Aonla be kept in salt solution?

(A) 15 days
(B) 30 days
(C) 60 days
(D) 75 days

90. What is the average temperature of cow and buffalo?

(A) ­ 98·4°F
(B) 100°F
(C) 101·5°F
(D) 102°F

91. `Pheromone Trap’ attracts-
(A) male moths
(B) female moths
(C) caterpillar
(D) female bugs

92. Success of rural projects depends upon-
(A) Agriculture Extension
(B) Management
(C) Soil Science
(D) Regular training of staff

93. At which height from soil level are the synoptic meterological observations done?
(A) 2·0 metre
(B) 1·25 metre
(C) 2·25 metre
(D) 1·0 metre to 2·0 metre

94. Which one is not correctly matched?

Weight Gases in percentage
(A) Nitrogen — 75·5270
(B) Oxygen — 23·1340
(C) Argon — 1·2820
(D) Carbon dioxide — 0·0456

95. Evaporation is measured by which instrument?

(A) Barometer
(B) Psychrometer
(C) Lysimeter
(D) Hygrometer

96. What is computed by the following equation?

w ­ w1 CGR = 2 t2 ­ t1
(A) Relative growth rate
(B) Crop growth rate
(C) Analysis of development
(D) Leaf area index

97. At what temperature does the wilt disease virus grow faster?

(A) 40°C ­ 45°C
(B) 35°C ­ 40°C
(C) 24°C ­ 28°C
(D) 22°C ­ 26°C

98. Opening and closing of stomata depends on-
(A) Sunlight
(B) Water pressure
(C) Transpiration
(D) Temperature

99. Which of the following is not a variety of seeds?

(A) Hybrid seed
(B) Composite seed
(C) Breeder seed
(D) Mutant seed

100. Which of the following is not a method of knowing seed life?

(A) Respiration test
(B) Embryo culture method
(C) Seed dormancy method
(D) Indigocarmine method

101. Which herbicide resides for the longest period in the soil?

(A) Chlorpropham
(B) Linuron
(C) Propachlor
(D) Simazine

102. In how many days is the sun hemp fibre rotten in normal conditions?

(A) 10­12 days
(B) 8­10 days
(C) 6­8 days
(D) 5­6 days

103. Which is not an organic matter in the following-
(A) Crude protein
(B) Carbohydrate
(C) Vitamins
(D) Hormones

104. How much biomass in quintal per hectare is obtained from green manure of the sun hemp and dhaincha crops?

(A) 300 ­ 325 quintals
(B) 225 ­ 275 quintals
(C) 200 ­ 225 quintals
(D) 325 ­ 350 quintals

105. Which is the highest digestible protein fodder in the following?

(A) Lucerne
(B) Cowpea
(C) Clusterbean
(D) Berseem

106. Where is the Headquarters (Hq.) of F.A.O.?

(A) Rome
(B) Washington
(C) New York
(D) Venezuela

107. Which paddy variety is not suit able for upland situation?

(A) Narendra Dhan-I
(B) Renu
(C) Saraju-52
(D) Narendra Dhan-118

108. Which variety is not susceptible to insects & disease?

(A) Pant Dhan-10
(B) Govind
(C) Narendra Dhan-2
(D) Saket-4

109. How much nursery area is required for transplanting one hectare of paddy crop?
(A) 1000 m2
(B) 750 m 2
(C) 500 m 2
(D) 250 ­ 400 m2

110. How many days old paddy seedling is used for SRI technology?

(A) 8­12 days
(B) 12 ­ 15 days
(C) 25 ­ 30 days
(D) 30 ­ 35 days

111. Which is not a variety of Vegetable Pea?

(A) Arkel
(B) Azad Pea-3
(C) Pant Matar-2
(D) Aparna

112. Which is not true in case of lentil?

(A) Chromosome–14
(B) I.P.L.–High yield
(C) Seed rate–35-40 kg
(D) Quantity of protein in lentil seed–18%

113. Which variety of Barley is not for Malt purpose?

(A) Pragati (K-508)
(B) Geetanjali (K-1149)
(C) Ritambhara (K-557)
(D) D.L.-88

114. Which is not a fodder variety of Cowpea?

(A) Russian Giant
(B) K-585
(C) Sirsa-10
(D) Azad-1

115. Which variety of Groundnut is grown in summer?

(A) Avtar
(B) Chitra
(C) Chandra
(D) Amber

116. What optimum temperature is needed for the growth of Potato tuber?

(A) 17°C to 19°C
(B) 14°C to 16°C
(C) 10°C to 12°C
(D) 22°C to 25°C

117. Which crop is affected by Tobacco caterpillar?

(A) Jute
(B) Sugarcane
(C) Lucerne
(D) Sugarbeet

118. Which country is the Second highest producer of fruit and vegetables in the world?
(A) Brazil
(B) North America
(C) China
(D) India

119. Which fruit crop has the largest area in India?

(A) Banana
(B) Citrus
(C) Mango
(D) Guava

120. What is the place of India in the World in Tea production?

(A) First
(B) Second
(C) Third
(D) Fourth

121. Which is not a hybrid variety of Mango?

(A) Mallika
(B) Ratna
(C) Arka Puneet
(D) Dashehari

122. How much percentage of income comes from animals, out of India’s total income?

(A) 20%
(B) 25%
(C) 15%
(D) 10%

123. In how many years does a bull get ready for insemination?
(A) 2 ­ 2 years 2 1
(B) 3 ­ 3 years 2 1
(C) 1 ­ 2 years 2
(D) None of these

124. As standard, how much is the weight in gram of an egg?

(A) 70 gm
(B) 58 gm
(C) 68 gm
(D) 48 gm

125. Which material should be higher in the ratio of the pregnant cow?

(A) Fat
(B) Protein
(C) Carbohydrates
(D) Dry matter

U.P. Lecturers Exam, 2009: Agriculture

1. Jalpriya is a variety of-
(A) Maize
(B) Jowar
(C) Paddy
(D) Barley

2. Sugarcane + Potato is an intercropping system of-
(A) Autumn season
(B) Zaid season
(C) Spring season
(D) Rainy season

3. Seed-rate of potato per hectare is-
(A) 25 quintal/hectare
(B) 10 quintal/hectare
(C) 15 quintal/hectare
(D) 40 quintal/hectare

4. Deficiency symptoms of calcium on plants first appear at-
(A) Lower leaves
(B) Middle leaves
(C) Terminal leaves
(D) All leaves

5. Which weedicide is used to kill broad leaf weeds in wheat?
(A) 2, 4 D.S.S. (WPSS)

(B) 2, 4, 5 T
(C) 2, 4 DB
(D) None of these

6. Maya is the variety of-
(A) Potato
(B) Gram
(C) Pea
(D) Mustard

7. The weed that causes Asthma is-
(A) Hirankhuri
(B) Bathua
(C) Parthenium
(D) Krishna Neel

8. Which crop requires maximum amount of nitrogen?

(A) Potato
(B) Wheat
(C) Barley
(D) Sugarcane

9. First dwarf variety of paddy developed in India is-
(A) Jaya
(B) Saket-4
(C) Govind
(D) Narendra-97

10. Sprinkler irrigation is suitable, where the soil has-
(A) Clayey texture
(B) Loamy texture
(C) Undulating topography
(D) All of these

11. Endosulphan is also known as-
(A) Lindane
(B) Thiodan
(C) Aldrin
(D) B.H.C.

12. Which of the following is systemic poison?

(A) Metasystox
(B) Phosphomidan
(C) Phorate
(D) All of these

13. DDVP is known as-
(A) Nuvan
(B) Malathion
(C) Thiodan
(D) Sulfex

14. Seed treatment with Vitavex is the main controlling method of-
(A) Loose smut
(B) Rust
(C) Downy mildew
(D) All of these

15. Covered smut of barley is a disease of-
(A) Externally seed-borne
(B) Internally seed-borne
(C) Air-borne
(D) None of these

16. Which of the following cakes is not edible?

(A) Castor cake
(B) Mustard cake
(C) Sesame cake
(D) Groundnut cake

17. In India, about 142 million hectare land is under-
(A) Cultivation
(B) Waste land
(C) Forest
(D) Eroded land

18. The headquarters of Indian Meteorological Department was established in 1875 at-
(A) New Delhi
(B) Hyderabad
(C) Pune
(D) Calcutta

19. Moisture condensed in small drops upon cool surface is called-
(A) Hail
(B) Dew
(C) Snow
(D) Fog

20. How many agro-climatic zones (ACZ) are found in India?

(A) 16
(B) 18
(C) 15
(D) 20

21. Tilt angle of a disc plough is generally-
(A) 10°
(B) 15°
(C) 20°
(D) 45°

22. Pudding is done to-
(A) Reduce percolation of water
(B) Pulverize and leveling soil
(C) Kill weeds
(D) All of the above

23. The Community Development Programme (CDP) was started in India on-
(A) 2nd October, 1950
(B) 2nd October, 1952
(C) 2nd October, 1951
(D) None of these

24. The main unit of Integrated Rural Development Programme is-
(A) Family
(B) Village
(C) Block
(D) District

25. Element of Communication is-
(A) Message
(B) Feedback
(C) Channel
(D) All of these

26. The first Kshetriya Gramin Bank (KGB) was opened in India is-
(A) 1972
(B) 1980
(C) 1975
(D) 1969

27. The main function of NABARD is-
(A) Farmers’ loaning
(B) Agricultural research
(C) Refinancing to agricultural financing institutions
(D) Development of agriculture

28. Rent theory of profit was given by-
(A) Hawley
(B) C.P. Blacker
(C) Tanssig
(D) F.A. Walker

29. In L.D.R., the profit will be maximum when-
(A) MC = MP
(B) MC > MP
(C) MP = TP
(D) MP > TP

30. The period of 11th Five Year Plan is-
(A) 2000-2005
(B) 2002-2007
(C) 2007-2012
(D) 2008-2012

31. Acid rain contains mainly-
(A) PO 4
(B) NO 2
(C) NO 3
(D) CH4

32. Cell Organelle found only in plants are-
(A) Mitochondria
(B) Golgi complex
(C) Ribosomes
(D) Plastids

33. Proteins are synthesized in-
(A) Centrosomes
(B) Ribosomes
(C) Mitochondria
(D) Golgi bodies

34. Milk fever is caused due to the deficiency of-
(A) P
(B) Ca
(C) Mg
(D) K

35. Milk sugar is a type of-
(A) Glucose
(B) Sucrose
(C) Lactose
(D) Fructose

36. Muriate of Potash is-
(A) K 2 SO4
(B) KCl
(C) K 2 HPO4
(D) KNO3

37. Azotobacter fixes atmospheric nitrogen in the soil by-
(A) Symbiotically
(B) Non-symbiotically
(C) Both
(A) and
(B)
(D) None of these

38. The chemical formula of iron pyrites is-
(A) FeSO4
(B) FeS
(C) FeS2
(D) Fe2 (SO4)3

39. Rock phosphates are used in-
(A) Saline soil
(B) Sodic soil
(C) Acidic soil
(D) Neutral soil

40. Intervenous chlorosis is caused due to the deficiency of-
(A) N
(B) Mg
(C) S
(D) Fe

41. Kinnow is the hybrid variety of-
(A) Citrus
(B) Orange
(C) Mandarin
(D) Lemon

42. The permanent preservative, which is used for preservation of fruit and vegetables, is-
(A) Sodium chloride
(B) Potassium metabisulphate
(C) Potassium sulphate
(D) Sugar

43. Whip tail disease of cauliflower is caused by deficiency of-
(A) Nitrogen
(B) Boron
(C) Molybdenum
(D) Zinc

44. The word `Agriculture’ is derived from-
(A) Greek
(B) Latin
(C) Arabic
(D) French

45. Motha (Grass nut) belongs to the family of-
(A) Cruciferae
(B) Tiliaceae
(C) Cyperaceae
(D) Graminaceae

46. Which of the followings are short day crops?

(A) Maize, Lobia, Bajra
(B) Wheat, Mustard, Gram
(C) Moong, Soybean, Bajra
(D) Wheat, Soybean, Bajra

47. What is the sequence of C4 plants?

(A) Sudangrass ­ Sugarcane ­ Paddy ­ Bajra
(B) Sugarcane ­ Maize ­ Sudan grass ­ Bajra
(C) Sugarcane ­ Cotton ­ Paddy ­ Maize
(D) Cotton ­ Maize ­ Bajra ­ Sugarcane

48. Match List-I (crops) with List-II (water requirement) and select your answer from the code given below-

List-I
(A) Jowar
(B) Soybean
(C) Cotton
(D) Groundnut

List­II

1. 140 mm ­ 300 mm

2. 350 mm ­ 450 mm

3. 200 mm ­ 300 mm

4. 300 mm ­ 350 mm

Codes :
(A) 3 1 2 4
(B) 4 2 3 1
(C) 1 4 2 3
(D) 3 1 4 2

49. In which state, are there biggest area, highest production and number of Sugar Mills in relation to Sugarcane?

(A) Maharashtra
(B) Bihar
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) Andhra Pradesh

50. Which is not prepared by potato?

(A) Acetic Acid
(B) Paper
(C) Wine
(D) Fanina

51. Uttar Pradesh is occupying which place in India, for Guava production?

(A) Second
(B) First
(C) Third
(D) Fifth

52. Which of the following is TPS variety of Potato?

(A) JH 222
(B) Chipsona-II
(C) Anand
(D) HPS-1/113

53. What is VAM?

(A) Virus
(B) Bacteria
(C) Algae
(D) Fungi

54. What is the main function of zinc in the plants?

(A) Synthesis of nitrogen
(B) Synthesis of phosphorus
(C) Required for synthesis of Tryptophos
(D) To increase activity of the boron

55. What is the area in floriculture (in 000 hectare) in India?

(A) 40 ­ 50
(B) 60 ­ 80
(C) 100 ­ 120
(D) None of these

56. Which of the following factors does not affect the nitrification?
(A) Air
(B) Seed
(C) Temperature
(D) Moisture

57. Which is the correct sequence of soil erosion?

(A) Rill ­ Sheet ­ Gulley
(B) Gulley ­ Sheet ­ Rill
(C) Sheet ­ Rill ­ Gulley
(D) Sheet ­ Gulley ­ Rill

58. Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) should not be mixed with-
(A) D.A.P.

(B) Compost fertilizer
(C) Ammonium Chloride
(D) Urea

59. Insecticides are specific inhibitors of-
(A) Excretory system
(B) Digestive system
(C) Nervous system
(D) Blood Circulatory system

60. The credit for the success of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) goes to-
(A) Dr. R. S. Paroda
(B) Dr. Chandrika Prasad
(C) Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta
(D) Dr. Mangla Rai

61. Cauliflower belongs to the family-
(A) Cruciferae
(B) poacae
(C) Malvaceae
(D) Leguminaceae

62. Which type of soil is best for knolkhol?

(A) Loam
(B) Clayey loam
(C) Silty clayey loam
(D) Clay

63. Which of the following soil type is most suitable for garlic cultivation?

(A) Loamy sand
(B) Sandy loam
(C) Loam
(D) Clay

64. Average planting distance (R × P) of guava is-
(A) 5 m × 5 m
(B) 6 m × 6 m
(C) 8 m × 8 m
(D) 10 m × 10 m

65. Which of the following soil type has the highest field capacity?

(A) Loam
(B) Silty loam
(C) Clayey loam
(D) Clay

66. The trade name of phorate is-
(A) Temic
(B) Thiodan
(C) Phortox
(D) Metasystox

67. The sprayers are cleaned before use by-
(A) 1% chlorine water
(B) 1% hydrochloric acid
(C) 1% ammonia water
(D) 1% bromine water

68. The cyanogas pump is a /an-
(A) Duster
(B) Fumigator
(C) Sprayer
(D) Emulsifier

69. The main reason of Irish Famine in Potato was-
(A) Late Blight disease
(B) Bacterial Blight disease
(C) Blast disease
(D) Ear Cockle disease

70. The instrument, which is used for sowing of seed with fertilizer together at a time, is-
(A) Seed drill
(B) Dibbler
(C) Seed sowing behind plough
(D) Ferti-cum Seed drill

71. Seed treatment is done to control-
(A) Soil-borne disease
(B) Air-borne disease
(C) Seed-borne disease
(D) None of these

72. Salt tolerant crop is-
(A) Cowpea
(B) Field pea
(C) Garlic
(D) Longmelon

73. Which of the following is not a dairy breed of cattle?

(A) Sahiwal
(B) Sindhi
(C) Nagore
(D) All these

74. Stored grains can be saved from insect damage, if the grain moisture content is-
(A) < 10%
(B) > 10%
(C) 10%
(D) None of these

75. Which of the following pesticides has been banned in India?

(A) Rogor
(B) DDT
(C) Metasystox
(D) Dimecron

76. Pulses fit well in cropping system as they are-
(A) Short duration crops
(B) Disease resistant crops
(C) Long duration crops
(D) Moisture stress resistant crops

77. Wheat is a-
(A) Cash crop
(B) Cereal crop
(C) Covered crop
(D) None of these

78. Autumn sugarcane is planted in month of-
(A) February-March
(B) July
(C) October
(D) December

79. Seed-rate for timely sown wheat is-
(A) 75 kg/ha
(B) 100 kg/ha
(C) 125 kg/ha
(D) 150 kg/ha

80. Most critical stage in wheat for irrigation is-
(A) C.R.I.
(B) Flowering
(C) Milk
(D) Dough

81. Name of most popular variety of wheat in Uttar Pradesh is-
(A) PBW ­ 343
(B) U.P. ­ 2338
(C) K ­ 7903
(D) K ­ 9107

82. KPG ­ 59 (Udai) is a variety of-
(A) Field pea
(B) Vegetable pea
(C) Lentil
(D) Gram

83. In plain, Rajma is cultivated during-
(A) Kharif
(B) Rabi
(C) Zaid
(D) None of these

84. Which crop is recommended for Zaid season cultivation in Uttar Pradesh?
(A) Vegetable pea
(B) Groundnut
(C) Barley
(D) Lentil

85. The most efficient use of potassium is achieved by-
(A) Broadcasting at the sowing time
(B) Top dressing after one month of sowing
(C) Basal placement at the sowing time
(D) Foliar spray

86. The term `Extension’ was first used in-
(A) U.K.
(B) U.S.A.

(C) India
(D) France

87. The first K.V.K. (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) in India was established in-
(A) Bombay
(B) Port Blair
(C) Pondicherry
(D) Madras

88. ATMA is related to-
(A) NARP
(B) NAARM
(C) NREP
(D) None of these

89. Albert Mayer is the name associated with-
(A) Nilokheri Development Project
(B) Firka Development Project
(C) Etawah Pilot Project
(D) Shriniketan Project

90. Co-operative Credit Societies Act was passed in India in-
(A) 1902
(B) 1904
(C) 1906
(D) 1912

91. Maximum photosynthesis takes place in-
(A) Blue light
(B) Red light
(C) Violet light
(D) Green light

92. Farm Planning means-
(A) Farm Budgetting
(B) Cropping pattern
(C) Type of enterprises
(D) None of these

93. The first product of photosynthesis in C 3 plant is-
(A) Pyruvic acid
(B) Phospho-glyceric acid
(C) Oxalo-acetic acid
(D) Succinic acid

94. Bending of plants towards light is called-
(A) Phototropism
(B) Vernalisation
(C) Photo-respiration
(D) None of these

95. Germination is inhibited by-
(A) Red light
(B) Blue light
(C) U.V. light
(D) I.R. light

96. The best method of milking is-
(A) Knuckling method
(B) Fisting method
(C) Stripping method
(D) None of these

97. Line breeding is a type of-
(A) Inbreeding
(B) Outbreeding
(C) Natural breeding
(D) None of these

98. Match List-I with List-II and select answer from the codes given below-

List-I
(A) White Revolution
(B) Grey Revolution
(C) Blue Revolution
(D) Green Revolution

List-II

1. Fertilizer production

2. Fish production

3. Cereal production

4. Milk production

Codes :
(A) 4 1 2 3
(B) 1 2 3 4
(C) 2 4 3 1
(D) 1 3 4 2

99. `Tharparkar’ breed of cow is-
(A) Milch breed
(B) Working breed
(C) Dual purpose breed
(D) None of these

100. Cow and buffalo belong to the family-
(A) Bovidae
(B) Suidae
(C) Equidae
(D) Cammelidae

101. What is the contribution of Animal Husbandry Sector in the agricultural growth?

(A) 10%
(B) 12% ­ 15%
(C) 7% ­ 9%
(D) 5%

102. How many labourers are required to run a 30 cows milch herd?

(A) 8
(B) 6
(C) 4
(D) 10

103. What is the availability of per day per capita milk in India presently (2008-09)?

(A) 229 gram
(B) 239 gram
(C) 219 gram
(D) 252 gram

104. Which place is occupied by India in egg production?

(A) First
(B) Second
(C) Third
(D) Fourth

105. How much calories (cal) may be obtained from 100 gram chicken egg?

(A) 175 cal
(B) 180 cal
(C) 160 cal
(D) 130 cal

106. Main function of biofertilizer is-
(A) To increase chemical process
(B) To increase physiological process
(C) To increase biological process
(D) To increase photosynthesis process

107. How much tomato average production (q.) may be yield from one hectare?

(A) 100
(B) 105-150
(C) 250
(D) 160-275

108. Which type of soil is found near the canal banks?

(A) Acidic and alkaline
(B) Acidic
(C) Alkaline
(D) None of these

109. Which one is not biofertilizer?

(A) Multiflex
(B) PSB
(C) Vermicompost
(D) NADEP

110. In which form is nitrogen absorbed by paddy under waterlogged condition?

(A) NH4 ion
(B) Nitrate ion
(C) NO 2 ion
(D) N2

111. Which one of the following do not relate to groundnut?
(A) Brazil
(B) 2n = 40
(C) Pink disease
(D) Tikka disease

112. Which of the following is produced highest in India?

(A) Mango
(B) Banana
(C) Papaya
(D) Grapes

113. The optimum temperature for the Banana crop is-
(A) 30°C
(B) 23°C
(C) 21·5°C
(D) 26·5°C

114. Which one of the following varieties has been selected to develop Narendra Aonla-6 variety?

(A) Chakaiya
(B) Hathijhool
(C) Banarasi
(D) Narendra Aonla-6

115. Red soil is poor in which of the following nutrients?

(A) Phosphorus and Sulphur
(B) Phosphorus and Nitrogen
(C) Nitrogen and Zinc
(D) Nitrogen and Potassium

116. A farming system in which airable crops are grown in alleys formed by trees or shrubs, to establish soil fertility and to enhance soil productivity, is known as-
(A) Relay cropping
(B) Multiple cropping
(C) Alley cropping
(D) Mixed cropping

117. The cropping intensity of Groundnut + Arhar ­ Sugarcane is-
(A) 200%
(B) 300%
(C) 150%
(D) 250%

118. The scented variety of paddy is-
(A) Jaya
(B) Bala
(C) Type-3
(D) Type-1

119. From which language is the word `Agronomy’ taken?

(A) Latin
(B) Greek
(C) French
(D) German

120. Tarameera is belonged to which family?

(A) Cruciferae
(B) Linaceae
(C) Compositae
(D) Graminae

121. The size of clay particles are-
(A) 1·0 mm
(B) 0·2 ­ 0·02 mm
(C) < 0·02 mm
(D) < 0·002 mm

122. When one plant has both male and female flowers separately, is called-
(A) Monophrodits
(B) Monoecious
(C) Hermaphrodite
(D) Apomixis

123. Aamrapali is the cross of-
(A) Neelam × Dashaheri
(B) Dashaheri × Langra
(C) Langra × Dashaheri
(D) Dashaheri × Neelam

124. Seed-plot technique is adopted in-
(A) Onion
(B) Potato
(C) Sugarcane
(D) Tomato

125. The origin of litchi is-
(A) India
(B) Philippines
(C) China
(D) Burma

Agri-business in India: An Overview – Dr. G. L. Meena and Dr. D. C. Pant

Introduction

Agriculture is being done in India since ancient time which is considered as the backbone of our economy. Today, agriculture has achieved commercial importance and changed from subsistence farming to commercial farming, import oriented to export oriented sector, supply driven technology to demand driven technology etc. New inputs and new technologies are hitting market everyday. Output marketing has switched over to value added rather than selling raw. Many agri-businesses started building-up in and around agriculture. This resulted in the real birth and growth of agri-business. There is need to develop to agri-business managers, who can fill the management requirements of the changing agriculture system. Agri-business education is one of the promising qualifications helps to mould the personnel into potent managers having managerial expertise. To realize the real potential in Indian agriculture and to grow it to the points of a prospective sector, it is necessity to manage the sector like–a professional enterprise. However, the concept of Indian farmer is based on P S P -3 points of formula viz., P­- Production/Productivity, S-­ Storage and P- Processing.

Concept of Agri-business

The term agri-business is the combination of two words namely; agriculture and business. But, both agriculture and business are conceptually different from each other. The word agriculture indicates ploughing a field, planting seed, harvesting a crop, and cattle-breeding, feeding heating and weeding work. But, today’s agriculture is radically different. Thus, agriculture is an economic activity refers to all those activities aiming to fulfil the basic needs of life, primary food, fodder, fiber and other associated goods. In developing country like–India, the primary concern is to make these goods accessible to the consumers at affordable prices.

A shift from `agriculture’ to `agri-business’ is being viewed as an essential pathway to revitalize Indian agriculture. While, the share of agriculture in total GDP is declining, the share of agri-business will not and is bound to go up with the demand for value addition continuously increasing. In this context, agriculture redefined as `the science and practice of activities relating to production, processing, marketing, distribution and trade of food, feed and fibre (Acharya, 2006).

Literally speaking business means bushes. In simple words `business means the state of being busy’. Broadly, business involves activities connected with the production of wealth. Business concerns with buying and selling goods, manufacturing goods or providing services in order to earn profit. The Oxford dictionary defines the word `business’ as buying and selling or trade or commercial work.

Agri-business can be defined as to include all business enterprises that buy from or sale to farmers. The transaction may involve either a product, a commodity or a service and encompasses items such as :

(1) Productive resources e.g., feed, seed, fertilizers, equipments energy, machinery etc.

(2) Agricultural commodities e.g., food, feed, and fibre etc.

(3) Facilitative services e.g., credit, insurance, marketing, storage, processing, transportation, packing, distribution etc.

Agri-business is emerging as a specialized branch of knowledge in the field of management science. Thus, Agri-business can be defined as science and practice of activities with backward and forward linkage related to production, processing, marketing and trade, and distribution of raw and processed food, feed, fibre including supply of inputs and service for these activities.

Sectors of Agri-business System (ABS)

In developing country like: India, Agri-business system with forward and backward linkages consists of following four sectors (also shown by chart) :

(i) Agricultural input sector– This sector deals with manufacturing and supplying the farm inputs such as, feed, seed, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, farm equipments, credit, insurance, farm machinery, pharmaceuticals, veterinary services, repair services, technological services, agri-clinic services, etc. used by the production sector of agri-business. Many traditional agri-business firms have been functioning in this sector such as Monsanto, John Deere, Jain irrigation etc.

(ii) Agricultural production sector–This sector deals with the growing of crops and rearing of animals. Farmers are buying yield increasing farm inputs from the market, agriculture is growing fast and agriculture production is getting increasingly transferred to manufacturing-processing sector. This sector includes the actual production of various agricultural commodities of food, feed and fibres like, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, spices, condiments, milk, meat, egg, wool, and fish so on. It must focus on natural resources management and improvement in productivity

(iii) Agricultural processing- manufacturing (agro processing) sector–This sector includes the entire individual and firms that process raw agricultural commodities (e.g., convert wheat into flour, maida, suji; raw milk into milk products etc.) and manufacture food products (e.g., bread, ice-cream, breakfast etc.) for making these available to the final consumer. This sector is attracting Indian and overseas companies like; ITC, PepsiCo, HLL, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Britannia, Godrej etc.

(iv) Agricultural marketing- distribution sector–This sector includes the millions of people and thousands of firms that handle agricultural products from farm to final consumer. On one side, the sector made available farm inputs to the production sector, on the other side, the sector made available processed products to the ultimate consumers. It includes different activities like; packaging, transport, storage, ware- houses, advertising, insurance etc. wholesale firms and retailer outlets services etc. Some of the well-known firms are engaged in this sector such as; Hershey Foods, AMUL, Pillsbury, Kellogg’s etc.

Agri-business which links input supply, farm production, agro- processing and distribution network emerges as a viable option to resolve the problems of unemployment in rural sector. Thus, the prospects of agri-business rely more on off-farm sector of agriculture viz., agricultural input supply, agricultural processing and agricultural marketing-distribution sectors.

Need for Agri-business Education

Commercialization of agriculture calls for specialized production, post- harvest management, expansion of processing, transportation, packaging activities and positioning of products both in the domestic as well as international markets. Every year about 20-30 per cent of crop produce/ foodgrains is wasted at farm level in India due to improper handling, storage spoilage, floods, droughts, pests and diseases attack and lack of knowledge of post-harvest technologies. To reduce this heavy damage/ loss of foodgrain in storage ITK (Indigenous / Inherited Technical Knowledge) techniques have been developed by the ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture) as well as three publications of Ex-Agronomist Dr. O.P. Rajput, CSR Project (ICAR) Agra (U.P.) have also been released. In foodgrains, use of (i) Neem leaves @ 5 kg/q, (ii) Lime powder @ 250g/q; (iii) Maize-Cob (without grain) ash @ 300 g/q and (iv) Heeng @ 4-5 g/q–for cereals / wheat-barley / coarse grains­ pearl millet, maize; in pulses­ coating of mustard oil on dal and use 4-5 g/q Heeng and in rice­ use of common salt @ 15-20 pieces/q., are quite useful ITK.

In the case of fruits and vegetables, this wastage is around 30 per cent. Certain sectors in India such as; floriculture, aquaculture, poultry, processing of fruits and vegetables are reaping the benefits of advanced technology. The agri-business sector encompasses the many activities of agricultural sector under one umbrella like; integration of agricultural inputs, agricultural productions, agro-processing and agricultural marketing and trade which add value to the agriculture produce. Nowadays, agri-business has become one of the most important fields in the developing country like, India to boost-up their economy and meeting globalization opportunities and challenges.

The organizations are looking for professionally competent and trained agri-business managers. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) can take a lead in this direction to provide them the desired manpower. There is greater need of agri-business education, research and capacity buildings. This is the right time for SAUs to start post-graduate programmes in agri-business management, so that managerial skills of meritorious agricultural graduates can be developed and can prove as effective agri-business managers. Now, most of the State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) are offering post-graduate programmes in agri-business management.

Distinguish Features of Agri-business in India

1. The various stakeholders involved in the agri-business sector includes such as farmer-producers, agri-input dealers and companies, Govt. agencies, certification agencies, extension agencies, financing institutions, agricultural and food, R&D institutions, cold storage and warehouse operators, storage firms, restaurants, foodchains, graders, packagers, porters, weighmen, transporters, village merchants, preharvest contractors, traders, wholesalers, brokers or commission agents, shipping agents, processors, cooperative societies, manufacturers, food retailers, etc.

2. The sheer numbers of agri-businesses are literally millions from producer to the retail marketer.

3. Most of Indian agriculture is in the hands of small and marginal farmers. Thus, agri-business is built around several millions of farmer producers; these farmers produce hundreds of different food and fibre products. Most agri-businesses deal with farmers both directly and indirectly. Other industry is not built principally around the basic producer of the raw product.

4. Agri-business of several million farm units and several thousand business units. Agri-business is the sum total of hundreds of trade associations, commodity, organisations, farm organisa- tions, quasi-research bodies, conference bodies and committee. Government is also part of agri-business. Agricultural Universities with their teaching, experiments and extension function form another sector of agri-business.

5. Agri-businesses are small and compete in a relatively free market where there are many sellers and buyers. The numbers and size of agri-business do not allow monopoly like in other enterprises.

6. The traditional philosophy of life exhibited by many agri-business workers and producers tends to make agri-business more conservative than some other businesses.

7. Husband and wives are often involved heavily in both the operational and decision-making phases of agri-business.

8. Agri-businesses tend to be community oriented that too in small town’s rural areas.

9. Agri-businesses are highly seasonal in nature. Agricultural products cannot be produced throughout the year; their productions are limited by a particular season (Kharif, Rabi and Zaid). Seasonality in production affects market price to a greater extent, if no storage facility.

10. Agri-business deals with vagaries of biological nature of production such as erratic rainfall, temperature, sunshine, drought, storm, floods, humidity, insect- pests and diseases etc. Therefore, farmers have no control over the output of production. Agricultural output comes from many small units. The production is to a largely extent dependent on weather and biological pattern of production. It is not possible to quickly shut-off or switch on agricultural production.

11. Agri-business is characterized by the small production from comparatively small land holdings and thus, provides little scope for division of labour. Assembling of agro-products from such a large number of small production units is a huge task.

12. Agri-business is distinguished by the perishability of products. Most agricultural products are extremely perishable in nature. The storage period of farm products range from few hours to few days in the case of fruits and vegetables and few years for cereals, pulses and oilseeds. The Perishability influences the marketing of produce. It also results in a wide price variation. Perishable product requires speedy handling and cold chain infrastructure.

13. Agri-business is also distinguished by bulkiness of products. Bulkiness of agricultural pro- ducts makes difficulties for transportation and storage. The bulkiness of product requires large storage capacities.

14. The producers-farmers and consumers of agricultural products are far and wide scattered throughout the length and breadth of the India. Most of the producers have small size of land holdings. This creates difficulty in marketing and estimation of demand and supply.

15. Processing has got special significance in the marketing of farm products. Therefore, processing of agricultural products in agri-business is necessary, because very few farm products are consumed directly in the form as such they obtained by producers- farmers. Thus most of the agricultural products have to be converted into consumable form before their consumption by the ultimate consumers. Processing is important both for the agri-business producers and consumers. For example, wheat converted into flour, maida, suji, sugarcane converted into gur, khandsari, sugar etc.

16. There is a large variation in the agricultural products regarding size, shape, colour, flavour, appearance and quality due to different varieties of crops. This variation in quality of products occurs from year to year and from season to season. This causes problems in grading and standardization in different quality products. Therefore, grading and standardization of agricultural products become difficult and costly.

17. Financing in the agricultural sector is a problem because high risk and uncertainty involved in agricultural production, productivity and prices.

18. Agriculture is mainly concerned with the production of food and raw material. As income increases, the demand for pro- ducts will increase less rapidly. Agricultural products generally being necessaries of life, the demand (especially food) is relatively inelastic.

19. Like demand, the supply of farm products is also inelastic because of the following reasons: (a) Agriculture has little control over the volume of production in the short run owing to the dependence on natural conditions resulting in uncertain and irregular supply. (b) The farmer has hardly any control over cost, and (c) The resources available with the farm producers are limited and cannot change in short run.

20. Farmers possess low holding- back capacity and generally sell their produce immediately after the harvest at low prices to meet their pressing demands. About 60-80 per cent of the foodgrains are still sold in the first quarter of the harvest season.

Scope for Agri-business in India

Agri-business is a complex system of input sector, production sector, processing, manufacturing sector, transport and marketing sector. Therefore, it is directly related to industry and domestic market.

1. India has a vast geographic spread, varied agro-climatic conditions, soils, which facilitates and promoting the production of variety of food and non-food crops. India is the seventh-largest country in the world, with the total land area of 3,287,263 km2 and also blessed with varied agro-climatic zones. There are 20 agro-climatic zones (ACZ) and nearly 46 out of 60 soil types in the country.

2. The domestic market for processed foods is not only huge, but is growing at a fast pace. The domestic demand for processed food products is very high and ever increasing, the scope for export earning is also a major factor to push up agricultural sector for enhanced income and increased employment options.

3. There is huge scope for processing in the food sector for increasing the income, exports and employment. At present, processing is done at primary level only and the rising standard of living expands opportunities for secondary and tertiary processing of agricultural commodities. Most of the food processing units are in the unorganized sector and Indian food market continues to be dominated by the fresh food segment. According to one estimate, Indian food market comprises 10% processed segment, 15% semi-processed segment and 75% as fresh food segment. Processing in organized as well as un-organized sector is reported to be around 2% in fruits and vegetables, 37% in milk, 21% in meat, 6% in poultry and 11% in marine fish. The highest share of the processed food is in the dairy sector, where 37% of the total produce is processed, of this only 15% is processed by the organized sector. The overall value addition in food products, which is currently 8%, is likely to increase to 35% by 2025. India has 35000 modern rice mills, 91000 rice hullers, 4500 shellers, 8300 hullers-cum-shellers, 20000 pulse mills, 400 fish processing units and 5198 processing units of fruits and vegetables.

4. There is a growing demand for agricultural inputs like; seed, feed and fodder, inorganic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers etc.

5. Applications of Biotechnology in agriculture have an immense scope in production of quality seed, bio-control agents, microbes for bakery products.

6. The vast coastal line (7517 km) and internal water courses provide enormous opportunity for production of inland, marine and ornamental fish culture. With an annual fish production of 6 million metric tonnes. India occupies the third position in fish production and Second in fresh water fish production in the world.

7. India has largest population of livestock in the world. In live- stock sector, India has 16% of cattle, 57% of buffaloes, 17% of goats and 5% of sheep population of the world. The livestock wealth gives enormous scope for production of meat, milk and milk products etc.

8. The forest area (21%) and resources can be utilized for production of byproducts of forestry.

9. The worldwide market is enormous for sugar, coffee, tea and processed foods such as; sauce, jelly and honey. The market for processed meat, spices and fruits is equally large. Only with mass production aided by modern technology and intensive marketing can the domestic market as well as the export market be exploited to the fullest extent.

10. Mushroom production can be taken-up on large scale in country for domestic consumption and its export can be enhanced with upgrading in the state of art of their production.

11. Organic farming has excellent prospective in India, because the application of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers is less in country, as compared to industrial countries. Therefore, the farmers can be encouraged and educated to switch over for organic farming.

12. There is a wide scope for production and promotion of bio- pesticides and bio-control agents for protection of crops.

13. Hybrid seeds and genetically modified crops have good potential in India in the future.

14. Micro-irrigation systems viz., drip, sprinkler, pipe and labour saving farm equipments have good potential in the coming years due to declining ground- water level and labour scarcity for agricultural operations, especially at peak harvesting time like; weeding, transplanting and harvesting and it helps in 25- 40% water saving. Newly developed agro-techniques like; SRI (System of Rice Intensification) in rice cultivation for saving 4 things i.e., (i) 20-25% water saving, (ii) 14% labour saving, (iii) enhancing land and (iv) increasing 20-45% crop productivity, with 70-80% seed saving and FIRB (Furrow Irrigation Ridge Bed) method in wheat to save 25-40% irrigation water, be adopted in agri-business field.

15. India accounts for about 8% of the world’s fruits and 15% of the world’s production of vegetables. Production of vegetables and flowers under polyhouse and greenhouse conditions can be taken-up to harness the export market.

16. The improved agricultural production provides open opportunities for employment in marketing, transport, cold storage and warehousing, credit and insurance services.

17. As a signatory of WTO, India has vast potential to improve its present position in the world trade of agricultural commodities both in raw and processed forms. The products line includes cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and oils, oil meal, spices and condiments, fruits and vegetables, flowers, medicinal plants and essential oils, agricultural advisory ser- vices, agricultural tools and implements, meat, milk and milk products, fish, forest by products etc. Export can be harnessed as a source of economic growth.

18. Agri-business management has wide scope in developing the trained manpower in different area of operations viz., management personnel to cater co- operatives and agriculture industry, policy makers for overall financial sectors, trained teaching staff to cater academic field, technically sound team to serve research area etc. Apart from this agriculture consultancy, journalism, agri-banking, hi-tech farming, agriculture conservation, agriculture engineering are also some potential areas of the career. Careers in Agri-business are varied from farming to commodity broker, food broker, loan officer, marketing researcher/specialist, product analyst, purchasing agent, statistician, and wholesaler.

19. There is a good scope of agri-business in medicinal and aromatic plants cultivation viz., Cinchona, Isabgol, Opium Poppy, Mulhati, Lemongrass, Japanese mint, Henna etc.

Summary

Based on the above, it can very well be summarized in a nutshell that the scope of agri-business sector in India is quite good. Not only can the agri-business sector meet the food and related demands of India’s large population, it can also contribute significantly to exports. There is vast potential still unexploited. Similarly, agriculture and its allied sector in India are highly under-developed. We shall have to make agriculture much more of a commercial nature. The irrigation of potential areas will have to be better utilized through drip/sprinkler/plastic pipe system to save 20-25% water, besides adoption of newly developed agro-techniques like; SRI in rice and FIRB is wheat. Agriculture with the use of better seeds, improved agronomic practices, better mechanized operations and more developed markets can really make the yield go up at a much faster pace. India can be agriculture giant. Similarly, agro-processing industries will have to be more efficient and need to be modernized with efficient technology for better output yield and to generate employment. The fact that lot of good companies in the private sector are going into seed production and agro-processing indicates a new scope of agri-business in India. One can be quite optimistic about it.

*This article is taken from Pratiyogita Darpan, September 2010 issue, Page PD/September/2001/454

Punjab National Bank Specialist Officers Exam., 2010 : Professional Knowledge

1. Which of the following methods of surface irrigation is considered as water and fertilizer efficient and ideal for several crops ?

(A) Check basin and border strip irrigation

(B) Furrow irrigation

(C) Raised bed planting method of irrigation

(D) Surge irrigation

(E) Flood irrigation

2. According to MoA, GoI Report 2008-09, which state has largest area under `Drip Irrigation’ ?

(A) Andhra Pradesh

(B) Gujarat

(C) Tamil Nadu

(D) Karnataka

(E) Maharashtra

3. Which is the most widely used green manuring crop in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, TN and Uttar Pradesh (This crop does well on Alkaline and Waterlogged soils) ?

(A) Sunnhemp

(B) Dhaincha

(C) Cowpea

(D) Egyptian Clover

(E) Senji (Melilotus Parviflora)

4. Which microorganism is most commonly used as Bio-fertilizer of pulse legumes, oil legumes and fodder legumes ?

(A) Rhizobium

(B) Azolla

(C) Blue-green algae

(D) Azospirillum

(E) None of these

5. What is the percentage of water soluble K 2 O present in Murriate of Potash ?

(A) 57

(B) 58

(C) 59

(D) 60

(E) Above 60

6. Presently, which of the following chemical fertilizers is not produced in India and is being imported ?

(A) Triple superphosphate (TSP)

(B) Potassium Sulphate

(C) Amonium chloride

(D) Ammonium sulphate

(E) All of these

7. Which one of the following states has the largest area under Kharif Maize ?

(A) Uttar Pradesh

(B) Rajasthan

(C) Madhya Pradesh

(D) Bihar

(E) Andhra Pradesh

8. Of the total area under chillies in India, the share of which state is about 27 to 28 per cent ?

(A) Andhra Pradesh

(B) Maharashtra

(C) Karnataka

(D) Tamil Nadu

(E) Madhya Pradesh

9. Which is the most widely distri buted and commercially reared honeybee species in the world ?

(A) Apis Florea

(B) Apis Dorsata

(C) Apis Cerana

(D) Apis Mellifera

(E) None of these

10. The Larvae of which of the following Pests of Sorghum crop, cut growing points and cause dead-hearts to the plant ?

(A) Aphids

(B) Termites

(C) Cutworms

(D) Shoot fly

(E) Stem-borer

11. The shoot and fruit borers, jassids, spider mites and leaf rollers are the major pests of which of the following vegetable crops ?

(A) Tomato

(B) Okra or Bhindi

(C) Cucumber

(D) Peas

(E) Red Pumpkin

12. The Central Research Institutefor Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) is located at-

(A) Anand (Gujarat)

(B) Anantpur Santoshnagar, Hyderabad (A.P.)

(C) Solapur (Maharasthra)

(D) Bijapur (Karnataka)

(E) None of these

13. Which seeding and fertilizer application equipments is deve loped by CCSHAU, Hisar, centre ?

(A) Ridge seeder

(B) Two-row bullock-drawn ridger seeder

(C) A single-row bullock-drawn FESPO plough

(D) Malviya seed-cum fertilizer drill

(E) Tractor drawn planter

14. It is estimated that India wastes more fruits and vegetables than what is consumed every year in-

(A) U.S.A.

(B) United Kingdom

(C) Australia

(D) Germany

(E) Brazil

15. In which year the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established through an Act of Parliament with the head quarters at Anand (Gujarat) ?

(A) 1963

(B) 1965

(C) 1967

(D) 1969

(E) 1971

16. Which of the following states developed `Uzavaar sandies’-an innovative model in agricultural marketing which involved direct sale of farm produce to the consumers ?

(A) Andhra Pradesh

(B) Tamil Nadu

(C) Kerala

(D) Karnataka

(E) Uttarakhand

17. In which year, the system of `minimum support prices’ (MSP) was started in India to provide remunerative price environment to the farmers to encourage use of HYVs of wheat and paddy and to invest in modern inputs ?

(A) 1965

(B) 1966

(C) 1967

(D) 1968

(E) 1969

18. During 2007-08, the share of agri cultural export to total exports in India was-

(A) 10·78 per cent

(B) 10·92 per cent

(C) 11·08 per cent

(D) 12·15 per cent

(E) 12·70 per cent

19. The total assets is 35,000 and total liability is 5,500. What could be the net Capital Ratio ?

(A) 6·36

(B) 7·00

(C) 5·83

(D) 5·38

(E) 5·00

20. Which of the following formula is used for calculating `Rate of Turn Over’ [Income Ratios in Farm management studies] ? Total Expenses

(A) × 100 Gross Income Gross Income

(B) × 100 Total Assets Fixed Expenses

(C) × 100 Gross Income Operating Expenses

(D) × 100 Gross Income

(E) None of these

21. Which one of the following extension methods you will use for showing techniques of doing things like preparation of nursery bed, treating seed with insecti cides, line sowing, taking soil samples, grafting fruits tress etc. for a group of farmers ?

(A) Result Demonstration

(B) Method Demonstration

(C) Frontline Demonstration

(D) Conducted Tour

(E) Motion Pictures (movies)

22. Which of the following schemes aim at achieving 4 per cent annual growth in the Agricul tural sector during the XI Five Year plan period by ensuring a holistic development of Agricul ture and allied sectors-

(A) RKVY

(B) NREGS

(C) BRGF

(D) SGSY

(E) None of these

23. In which month and year the National Policy on Skills Deve lopment approved by the Union Cabinet, aimed at empowering all individuals to enable them to get access to decent employment and to promote inclusive national growth ?

(A) January 2009

(B) February 2009

(C) June 2009

(D) April 2009

(E) March 2009

24. Which one of the following Rice varieties you will recommend for growing in saline areas of Haryana state?

(A) Panvet-1

(B) CSR 30

(C) CST 7-1

(D) HKR 126

(E) HKR 47

25. Which of the following hybrid Rice variety was released in 2007, and it manures in 85-90 days, yields about 6·7 tonnes/ha and suitable for cultivation in Tamil Nadu State ?

(A) Hybrid 6129

(B) JRH 5

(C) JRH 4

(D) CORH 3

(E) Indrasona

26. Under irrigated condition, this period is considered as the most optimum time for sowing, the medium and long-duration wheat varieties in India ?

(A) First fortnight of October

(B) Second fortnight of October

(C) First fortnight of November

(D) Second fortnight of Novem ber

(E) First fortnight of December

27. In the cool arid region of Ladak for covering 100 hectare area under Barley crop, how much quantity of seeds will be required ?

(A) 22,000 to 25,000 kg

(B) 22,000 to 27,000 kg

(C) 23,000 to 28,000 kg

(D) 24,000 to 29,000 kg

(E) 25,000 to 30,000 kg

28. The Jawahar, Amber are consi dered as important and good varieties of maize used for-

(A) Fodder

(B) Pop-Corn

(C) Orissa

(D) Baby Corn

(E) Quality Protein Maize

29. The `Eri’ Silkworm (Philosamia recini) which feeds on common castor-plant, is mainly raised in which of the following states, for producing eri-silk ?

(A) West Bengal

(B) Bihar

(C) Orissa

(D) Himachal Pradesh

(E) Tamil Nadu

30. Within six years of commerciali zation, from four acres in 2002, the area covered under Bt. Cotton (GMO) in India in 2008 was-

(A) 6·50 million ha

(B) 7·00 million ha

(C) 7·50 million ha

(D) 8·00 million ha

(E) 8·50 million ha

31. Under the head `Informatics in Agriculture’ which institute has developed Grape Expert System, Mushroom Expert System, Cabbage Pest Expert System ?

(A) National Institute of Agri culture Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderbad

(B) Indian Institute of Horti cultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore

(C) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi

(D) Centre for Informatics Research and Advancement, Kerala (AGREX)

(E) None of these

32. What is Age at First calving (Range) of `Sahiwal’ breed of cattle in India ?

(A) 41-49 months

(B) 38-48 months

(C) 39-53 months

(D) 44-61 months

(E) 36-42 months

33. Milk of which dairy animal contains a highest percentage of Fat, Protein, Lactose and total solids-

(A) Zebu cows

(B) European cows

(C) Cross-breed cows

(D) Buffaloes

(E) None of these

34. Which one of the following Indian breeds of sheep, you will suggest for meat and carpet wool production ?

(A) Deccani

(B) Nellore

(C) Gaddi

(D) Avivastra

(E) Mandya

35. Based of the Prime Production Traits/Characteristics, the Sirohi Breed of goat is classified under-

(A) meat and skin purpose

(B) meat, milk and skin purpose

(C) meat, hair and skin purpose

(D) meat, pashmina and skin purpose

(E) only meat

36. This is one of the best `poultry feed stuff’ and having good source of animal protein as it contains 34-55 per cent protein-

(A) Groundnut cake

(B) Fishmeal

(C) Soybean-meal

(D) Sunflower seed-meal

(E) Linseed-meal

37. Which one of the following countries, the farm gate milk price per liture ( ) is the Highest ?

(A) Japan

(B) Canada

(C) European Union

(D) New Zealand

(E) U.S.A.

38. In which of following items of pure bread cattle, is the main tenance cost per animal per day the largest ? (about 42 to 43 per cent of total maintenance cost)

(A) Feed cost

(B) Labour cost

(C) Medicinal cost

(D) Supervision (Maintenance) cost

(E) Replacement cost

39. If the total capital investment cost for a 5,000 poultry birds farm for meat production is 8·20 lakhs; what is the percentage share generally taken for pur chase of chicks/pullets in this ?

(A) 30 per cent

(B) 35 per cent

(C) 40 per cent

(D) 45 per cent

(E) None of these

40. What was the target given to Commercial Banks for extending crop loans to the farmers during 2010-11 (As announced in Union Budget 2010-11) ?

(A) 3,00,000 crore

(B) 3,25,000 crore

(C) 3,50,000 crore

(D) 3,75,000 crore

(E) 3,75,500 crore Answers with Hints

Biotechnology – Richa

Biotechnology is not a single technology, rather it is a group of technologies that share two common characteristics :

(i) working with living cells and their molecules and

(ii) having a wide range of practical uses that can improve our lives.

How does Modern Biotechnology Work ?

All organisms are made-up of cells that are programmed by the same basic genetic material, called DNA (Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid). Each unit of DNA is made-up of a combination of the following nucleotides- Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C)–as well as a sugar and a phosphate. These nucleotides pair up into strands that twist together into a spiral structure called a `double helix’. This double helix is DNA segments of the DNA tell individual cells how to produce specific proteins. These segments are genes. It is the presence or absence of the specific proteins that gives an organism trait or a characteristics. When cells reproduce, the DNA strands of the double helix separate. Because nucleotide A always pairs with T and G always pairs with C, each DNA strand serves as a precise blueprint for a specific protein. Except for mutations or mistakes in the replication process, a single cell is equipped by the information to replicate into million of identical cells. All organisms are made-up of same type of cells (genetic material). Biotechnologists use enzymes to cut and remove DNA segments from one organism and recombine it with DNA in other organism. This is called recombinant DNA (r-DNA) technology.

Applications : In Agriculture

(a) Tissue culture in plants, creation of new transgenic plants, intro duction of biopesticides and biofertilizers will be the pillars of sustainable agriculture.

(b) Creation of transgenic animals, which can be eventually used as bio-reactors to produce drug from their milk, blood etc. This is known as molecular farming.

(c) Embryo transfer technologies.

In Food- It can be effectively used to increase storage of food grains, increase nutritional value of food, enhance flavour and produce fermented food through enzyme engineering (beer biotech) etc.

In Health and Medicine- Through human genetics, identification of defective genes and gene therapy. In forensic medicine, identification of parents, criminals etc. various vaccines are either produced or expected to be produced for disease like Rabies, Malaria, Hepatitis B and Cholera. Ingredients like, insuline interferons can be produced, Antibiotics like, penicillin, streptomycin etc. may also be produced.

Industry- Production of high fructose corn syrup–sweetening agent for soft drinks, enhance the production of alcohol and production of chemical from agri-waste etc.

Environment- Special bacteria to eat away oil spilling by digesting hydrocarbon. Bio-tech developed organisms to act as bio-indicators to indicate levels of pollution in the environment.

What is Gene Therapy ?

Gene therapy is a technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development :

(i) A normal gene may be inserted into a non-specific location within the genome to replace a non-functional gene.

(ii) An abnormal gene could be swapped for a normal gene through homologous recombi nation.

(iii) The abnormal gene could be repaired through selective reverse mutation, which returns the gene to its normal function.

Molecular Technology in Medicine

The advancing technology of today is DNA or molecular technology. Molecular technology is at the threshold of many possibilities for use in clinical laboratory. Currently, molecular technology is used to identify disease causing organisms, genetic disorders or tumors and treat them too. Technologies available for infectious disease detection are DNA or RNA probes, also known as hybridization probes, and amplification assays, such as PCR and RT-PCR. Probe assays are used to dectect the following pathogenic organisms such as :

(i) Mycobacterium (tuberculosis)

(ii) Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (sexually transmitted diseases)

(iii) Enterococcus

(iv) Campylobacter

(v) Hemophiles influence

(vi) Staphylococcus aureus

(vii) Group A or B Streptococcus

(viii) Listeria monocytogenes

Production of Insulin and Enzymes- A harmless strain of Escherichia coli bacteria, when given a copy of the gene for human insulin, can make insulin. Micro-organisms can also be modified to produce digestive enzymes. With the use of modern biotechnology artificial blood vessels from collagen tubes coated with a layer of the anticoagulant heparin are being produced.

Identifying the presence of infection- With the help of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a modern biotechnology is also being used to more quickly and accurately identify the presence of infections such as AIDS; lyme disease and Chlamydia.

The polymerase chain reaction is a technique widely used in molecular biology. PCR is used to amplify specific regions of a DNA strand. This can be a single gene, a part of a gene, or a non coding sequence.

Recombinant DNA Technology- Recombinant gonadotropins are gonadotropins created by inserting the DNA coding for it into the bacteria.

What is Recombinant FSH ?

FSH is a special hormone that is secreted by a tiny gland in brain, called the pituitary gland. This hormone belongs to a group of hormones known as gonadotropins, which are responsible for stimulating the ovaries. Recombinant FSH is a synthetic form of FSH that is produced using DNA technology. It is used to help induce ovulation in preparation for fertility treatments like IUI and IVF.

What is Recombinant LH ?

Luteinizing hormone (LH, also known as lutropin) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. LH produced through biotechnological methods is called Recombinant LH.

GM (Genetically Modified) Vaccines

Instead of using expensive pharmaceutical factories to manufacture vaccines, fields of GM crops could be harvested to reap new medicines cheaply. This process is known as `pharming’. GM plants–robably tobacco or maize–offer a cheap way to make vast quantities of vaccines and other drugs. The cost of plant derived vaccine products will be 10 to 100 fold less than conventionally derived products.

Bio-Digesters

DR&DE, which has developed bio-digesters to address human wastes treatment in low temperature/high altitude zones, had recently offered to use the technology to decompose human excreta from railway compartments. The first such experimental usage of the technology is expected to be attempted end in the Chhapra mail running between Gwalior to Kanpur.

The Defence Research and Deve lopment Organisation (DRDO) Esta blishment at Gwalior has developed rapid diagnostic kits (typhigen) for detection of antigens causing typhoid, dengu and malaria.

Production of Interferons What is it ?

It is a powerful anti-viral protein made by cells against viral infection.

Functions- It affects the cellular membrane of the virus, so that it cannot spread to other cells. Controls virus multiplication, by inhibiting their protein synthesis. It also interferes with the ability of a virus to infect healthy cells. Now interferon is produced outside the body with the help of genetic engineering.

Treating Hepatitis B- With the help of biotechnology it is possible to interfere with HBV replication steps itself. A cylated peptides derived from the large HBV envelope protein block the virus entry in-vitro. Now, it has been made possible to apply this principle to prevent the human hepatitis B virus (HBV) or woolly monkey hepatitis B virus infection in vivo, using immunodeficient urkinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA).

DNA Technologies Used in Forensic Investigations–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

RFLP is a technique for analyzing the variable lengths of DNA fragments that result from digesting a DNA sample with a special kind of enzyme. This enzyme, a restriction endonuclease, cuts DNA at a specific sequence pattern known as a restriction endonuclease cuts DNA at a specific sequence pattern known as a restriction endonuclease recognition site. The presence or absence of certain recognition sites in a DNA sample generates variable lengths of DNA fragments, which are separated using gel electrophoresis. They are then hybridized with DNA probes that bind to a complementary DNA sequence in the sample.

PCR Analysis- Polymerase chain reaction is used to make millions of exact copies of DNA from a biological sample. DNA amplification with PCR allows DNA analysis on biological samples as small as a few skin cells. The ability of PCR to amplify such tiny quantities of DNA enables even highly degraded samples to be analyzed.

STR Analysis- Short Tandem Repeat technology is used to evaluate specific regions (loci) within nuclear DNA. Variability in STR regions can be used to distinguish one DNA profile from another.

Mitochondria DNA Analysis- Mitochondrial DNA analysis (not DNA) can be used to examine the DNA from samples that cannot be analyzed by RFLP or STR nuclear DNA extracted from another cellular organelle called a mitochondrion.

CODIS is a software programme of FBI that operates local, state, and national databases of DNA profiles from CODIS is a software programme of FBI that operates local, state, and national databases of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons.

Y-chromosome analysis- The Ychromosome is passed directly from father to son, so analysis of genetic markers on the Y-chromosome is especially useful for tracing relationship among males or for analyzing biological evidence involving multiple male contributors.

Auto-Antibody Fingerprinting- A class of `auto-antibodies’ that react with cellular components has been identified with normal humans and other species. Such auto-antibodies present in an individual is unique, and for this reason they have been named individual-specific or IS auto-antibodies. This can be used in authentication purpose.

Genetic Engineering–Crop Biotechnology

Genetic Engineering provides novel means of modifying crops in a much shorter time than is possible by the traditional technique of crosspollination DBT has made concerted efforts at supporting various programmes in this area since 1990. Among the activities being supported is the development of transgenic varieties of cotton, rice, mung bean and tomato, to make them resistant to stress. There are several naturally occurring organisms that have the capability of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and thus meeting the nitrogen requirement of plants without application of chemical fertilisers. Some of these organisms, such as Rhizobium, Blue Green Algae (BGA) and mycorrhiza are now being tudied for possible genetic modification to make them suitable for use as biofertilizers for different plants, in different agroclimatic regions.

Photosynthetic Organisms and Biotechnology

In the biotechnology field, photosynthetic organisms are likely to play an increasing role in production of enzymes, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, etc., which until now are produced primarily by genetically modified heterotropic microorganisms such as yeast and selected bacteria. There are several ways to modify photosynthetic organisms to have them (over) produce useful compounds. One is to introduce specific genes under a strong promoter. Leading to high expression of these genes end to synthesis of a `new’ enzyme.

Biotechnology and Silk Production

Using the technique of biotechnology, it has been made possible to generate transgenic silkworms that spin recombinant human type III procollagen as a component of the cocoon, an achievement with considerable implications for the mass production of recombinant silk proteins. Bombyx mori has two silk glands that constitute one-quarter worn’s mass and that which produce liquid silk. The silk thread is pulled from these glands specialized cells at the posterior end of the silk glands devotes 85% of their protein synthesis activity to silk production. Using biotechnology the genome of these cells is amplified several thousand fold, resulting in a single nucleus that contains the equivalent of 4,00,000 haploid genomes and thereby the productivity of the production of these proteins is increased.

Bio-Fertilizers

Cultured micro-organisms enrich the soil with nutrients. It can be certain strains of bacteria, algae or fungi.

1. Bacteria- e.g., Rhizobium (suit able in legume oilseeds such as; groundnuts etc.) Azospirillum, Azotobacter.

2. Fungi- e.g., Mycorrhizae.

3. BGA or Cynobacteria- e.g., Anabaera, Nostoc.

4. FERT (Pteridophyta)- e.g., Azolla (containing symbiotic Anboena azollae) Bacillus spaerceus helps in providing phosphates into plants as Thiobacillus does for sulphates.

Bio-Pesticides–What is it ?

These are cultured microorganisms or organic products that biologically control or destroy the pests that cause damage to plants.

Micro-organisms used for insect control are often called, bio-insecticides while the term biopesticides is used for all bio-control agents.

Examples of Bio-Pesticides-

1. Bacillus spaerecus- Kills mos quito vectors

2. Bacillus popilline- Japanese Beetle

3. Granulosisvirus- Control hornivorms in cassava plants.

Advantages- The use of biopesticide means the use of non-chemical method. This method relies on natural enemies of pests. It kills or cripples only targeted pests. No harm to non-targeted organisms and the environment due to this method.

Animal Biotechnology

In conventional cross-breeding, the number of offspring is limited by the capacity of a single female animal. Biotechnology offers means to increase this number manifold by embryo transfer-implantation of divided embryos transfer-implantation of divided embryos in several surrogate female animals. embryos transfer-implantation of divided embryos in several surrogate female animals.

The divided embryos can also be preserved at very low temperatures-a technique known as cryopreservation for later use.

Transgenic organisms- Genetically modified and with a fluorescent protein gene in its body, the first cloned rabbit in the world was Born at Xinhera hospital, at Shanghai. The cloned rabbit was produced by injecting jellyfish genes into the mother’s body after physical and chemical treatments; marrying them with the egg cell, and allowing a growth period of 30 days. It began to glow when exposed to ultraviolet beams.

Food-Biotechnology

Enzyme Engineering- Biotechnology companies have developed biocatalysts, such as enzymes, to synthesize chemicals. Enzymes are proteins produced by all organisms. Using biotechnology, the desired enzyme can be manufactured in commercial quantities. This means that improvement in the activity and usefulness of an existing enzyme or creation of new enzyme activity by making suitable changes in its amino acid sequence. When this is done for non-enzymes including that of enzymatic proteins it is called as Protein Engineering.

Sweet Bugs- It is a bacterium that turns coconut water into delicious confectionery and also produces vinegar from it. The bacteria used are called Acetobator spoxylinum. The confectionery–Name is Nata-de-Coco which is exported by Philippines and Malaysia.

The Process- Bacteria are used to turn coconut water into gel by a process somewhat similar to curd making. These confectioneries-known as Bio-sweets can be produced from other fruits like orange, pineapple, mango, banana etc.

Bio-tea- Certain bacteria are used in fermenting tea in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This is also an application of biotechnology in industrial processes.

Environment and Energy- Environmental biotechnology is used in waste treatment and pollution prevention. Environmental biotechnology can more efficiently clear up many wastes than conventional methods and greatly reduce our dependence on methods for landbased disposal.

Bioremediations is an area of increasing interest. Though application of biotechnical methods. Enzyme bioreactors are being developed that will pretreat some industrial waste and food waste components and allow their removal through the sewage system rather than through solid waste disposal mechanisms. Waste can also be converted to biofuel to run generators. Microbes can be induced to produce enzymes needed to convert plant and vegetable materials into building blocks for biodegradable plastics. In some cases, the byproducts of the pollution-fighting micro-organisms are themselves useful. For example, Methane can be derived from a form of bacteria that degrades sulphur liquor, a waste product of paper manufacturing. This methane can then be used as a fuel or in other industrial processes.

Bio-mining

To increase the efficiency of biomining, the search is on for bacterial strains that are better suited to large-scale operations. Bioprocessing releases a great deal of heat, and this can slow down or kill the bacteria being used. Researchers are turning to heat-loving thermophilic bacteria found in hot springs and around oceania vents to solve this problem. These bacteria thrive in temperatures upto 100 degrees celcius or higher and could function in a high temperature oxidative environment.

Extraction of Copper- Using a bacterium such as Thiobacillus ferroxidans to leach copper from mine tailings has improved recovery rates and reduced operating costs. It permits extraction from low grade ores–an important consideration in the face of the depletion of high grade ores. Thiobacillus ferroxidans, which is naturally present in certain sulphur- containing materials, gets energy by oxidizing inorganic materials, such as copper sulphide minerals. This process releases acid and an oxidizing solution of ferric ions, which can wash out metals from crude ore.

Extraction of Gold- Bioprocessing is also being used to economically extact gold from very low grade, sulphidic gold ores, once thought to be worthless.

Bioprospecting and Bio-piracy

What is bioprospecting- It implies using the genetic diversity in the ecosystems of the earth for producing new drugs and new crops.

Bio-piracy- Though bioprospecting has the potential of putting earth’s bio-assets to human use, this can lead to -piracy–Though bioprospecting has the potential of putting earth’s bio-assets to human use, this can lead to exploitation of poorer nations, who are rich in bio-assets but poor in resources and expertise to use them.

Biomagnification- It is a phenomenon of progressive increase in the concentration of Xenobiotic compounds as it passes through the food chain, e.g., DDT is absorbed by plants which may be eaten by some animals including fish.

Xenobiotic Compounds- It is a man-made compound either not found in nature or found in a few lower concentration than that liberated by man (e.g., phenols, aromatic hydrocarbons etc.).

*This article is taken from Pratiyogita Darpan, January 2011 issue, Page PD/January/2001/1228

Green Revolution Becoming Evergreen – Dr. Amresh Chandra

Population rich but land hungry countries like China and India have no option except to produce more foodgrains and other agricultural commodities per units of land and water under conditions of diminishing per capita availability of arable land irrigation water, and of expanding biotic and abiotic stresses. Such a challenge can be met only by harnessing the best in frontier technologies and blending them with our rich heritage of ecological prudence. Ecotechnologies for an Evergreen revolution should be the bottom line of our strategy to shape our agricultural future.

The `Green Revolution’, a term coined by William Gaud in October, 1968, is a process that leads to improved agricultural productivity. In India, Professor Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan pioneered the revolution also popularly known as the father of the Green Revolution. The introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds and the increased use of fertilizers and irrigation are known collectively as the Green Revolution, which provided the increase in production needed to make India self-sufficient in foodgrains, thus improving agriculture in India. Of the high-yielding seeds, wheat produced the best results. Production of coarse grains, the staple diet of the poor and pulses the main source of protein lagged behind, resulting in reduced per capita availability. In fact Green Revolution was the product of alteration in plant architecture and physiological properties through breeding in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), corn, (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), and other crops. The semi-dwarf plant stature contributed to providing adequate nutrition to the plant for high productivity, without inducing lodging. It also increased the harvest index. Similarly, photo insensitivity helped to match the crop cultivator to seasons with appropriate moisture availability. The Green Revolution led to increased production through higher productivity and, thereby, conserved arable land and forests. 

Green Revolution technology, however, was criticized by environmentalists, economists, and social scientists for its deficiencies. Economists stressed that, because market purchased inputs are needed for output, only resource rich farmers are able to take advantage of high yielding varieties. Environmentalists emphasized that the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the monoculture of a few crop cultivation, will create serious environmental problems, including the breakdown of resistance and the degradation of soil fertility. Social scientists stressed that often women were excluded from technology based agriculture, leading to their marginalization. The Green Revolution, however, helped many developing countries, including India and China, to achieve a balance between population growth and food production. It contributed to an alignment of population growth to the human capacity to produce the needed food and other agricultural commodities. 

Looking at the benefits and problems associated with green revolution, the need for evergreen revolution has been advocated. The phrase evergreen revolution according to the Scientists is the best available option to meet the goals of sustainability (increasing productivity without harming natural resources). To usher this transformation, adoption at farm level of one, more or a combination of approaches which are embedded in phrases like green agriculture, ecoagriculture, effective micro-organisms, white agriculture, one-straw revolution, etc. are suggested as a pathway. 

Professor, M. S. Swaminathan [Father of Green revolution in India] coined the term “Evergreen Revolution” to highlight the pathway of increasing production and productivity in a manner such that short-and long term goals of food production are not mutually antagonistic. In his recent book, The Future of life (Vintage Books, 2002), Edward O. Wilson referred this concept of evergreen revolution. To him [Dr. Swaminathan] minimum fertilizer and pesticides and genetically modified crops are used in evergreen revolution. Space technology too plays an important role in boosting food productivity. Green Revolution no doubt heralded new era in the field of agriculture but at the same time also brought so many adversities that a new approach become urgent. To attain a sustained growth rate of 8% during current Five Year plan, India must accelerate the pace of agricultural growth from the current around 1% to at least 4%. Hence, a Mission Programme for Accelerating Productivity Growth Rate in Agriculture is called for as a matter of priority. It would, therefore, need a dynamic approach oriented towards focused strategy which is well planned, coordinated and monitored. Evergreen is a holistic approach meant to address that objective. 

Indian Agriculture through the Corridors of Time 

The 1950s constituted a critical period in India’s agricultural evolution. At the time of our Independence in 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru mentioned that “Everything else can wait but not agriculture”. In the First Five Year Plan Agriculture sector was given priorities. This was because our Independence was born in the backdrop of the great Bengal Famine when more than two million people died due to starvation. Nehru placed emphasis on institution building and infrastructure development. Irrigation and power projects, fertilizer and pesticide industry, and research and education received considerable attention. Production went up largely because of expansion in irrigated area. Thanks to advances in preventive and curative medicine, average life span as well as population growth rate went up. Consequently, food imports grew, much of it under the PL-480 programme of the United States. 

The steps taken by government were largely in the field of technology, training, techno-infrastructure and trade. In the field of technology, Nehru helped to introduce frontier technologies for upgrading small farm productivity. Thus, a large exhibition was held in Delhi in 1958, in cooperation with the US Atomic Energy Commission on “Atoms on the Farm”. This exhibition showed the potential uses of atomic energy in creating new crop varieties, in controlling pests and in the field of food safety and storage. The scientific foundations for sustainable agriculture were thus laid during the 50s. It is this foundation which helped the launching of the Green Revolution in the 60s. 

While the first phase in the agricultural history of India extended from 1947 to 1964, the second period ended in 1984. It can be called the Lal Bahadur Shastri – Indira Gandhi era, when both agricultural production and food security received integrated attention. Lal Bahadur Shastri’s brief period as Prime Minister (1964-66) was characterized by severe food shortage, with the result that he appealed for a one day fast in every week to reduce demand. He also coined the slogan Jai Kisan Jai Jawan. In 1966, wheat imports touched 10 million tonnes and this helped to avoid famine. It was followed by the decades of Green Revolution. The important feature of the Green Revolution was to have food security. 

This has three major dimensions: 

• Availability of food-a function of production, 
• Access to food-a function of purchasing power/access to sustainable livelihoods, and 
• Absorption of food in the body- determined by access to safe drinking water and non-food factors such as environmental hygiene, primary health care and primary education. 

Capacity to support even the existing human and animal populations has been exceeded in many parts of the developing world. Hence, the future of food security depends upon population stabilization, the conservation and care of arable land through attention to soil health and replenishment of fertility, and the conservation and careful management of all water sources so that more crops can be produced per drop of water. 

Indiscriminate Agricultural Practices and Future 

Intensive cultivation of land without conservation of soil fertility and soil structure would lead ultimately to the springing up of deserts. Irrigation without arrangements for drainage would result in soils getting alkaline or saline. Indiscriminate use of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides could cause adverse changes in biological balance as well as lead to an increase in the incidence of cancer and other diseases, through the toxic residues present in the grains or other edible parts. Unscientific tapping of underground water would lead to the rapid exhaustion of this wonderful capital resource left to us through ages of natural farming. The rapid replacement of numerous locally adapted varieties with one or two high yielding strains in large contiguous areas would result in the spread of serious diseases capable of wiping out entire crop, as happened prior to the Irish potato famine of 1845 and the Bengal rice famine of 1942. Therefore, the initiation of exploitative agriculture without a proper understanding of the various consequences of every one of the changes introduced into traditional agriculture and without first building up a proper scientific and training base to sustain it, may only head us into an era of agricultural disaster in the long run, rather than to an era of agricultural prosperity. In this context, for example, latest objection of Indian farmers and of various NGO’s on hurried adoptation of Bt Brinjal is justifiable one. To meet these challenges realization of evergreen revolution is indeed essential and key here is how to implement it. 

Realisation of Evergreen Revolution 

To M. S. Swaminathan “we must have both environmentally and socially sustainable advances in productivity – an evergreen revolution.” But how to operationalise it is a challenge that needs attention. His answer is to implement the `biovillage’ concept, which links ecological security with small business enterprise at the village level: 

Bio-village has two components. One is natural resources conservation and enhancement of soil fertility, water, flora and fauna, and so on. The other is livelihood security. But too much emphasis on farm employment alone cannot help. How then do you create more non-farm employment and small-scale enterprises? The two major self-employment sectors in India are small-scale farming and micro retail. Both are brought together in the bio-village, in [business] operations of a small nature, the marketing of products, bio-mass utilization, and so on. The bio-village idea is a simple one : to have sustainable societies where you use the natural resources wisely while creating more opportunities for to have sustainable societies where you use the natural resources wisely while creating more opportunities for nonfarm employment such as retail. 

In the present context where natural resources are tremendously under stress a broad base green farming need to be encouraged. There are now unique opportunities for launching a food-for-sustainable development initiative, in the form of a ` grain for green’ movement. Indian government is planning to formulate some policies on these lines which would be based on the findings of the government itself and feedbacks of NGO’s and that of other agencies. Such a program could accord priority to: 

• Restoration of hydrological and biodiversity `hot spots’, particularly in mountain ecosystems. 
• Coastal agro-aqua farms (planting of salicornia, mangroves, casuarina, palms, etc. along with coastal agriculture and aqua culture). 
• Water harvesting, watershed development, wasteland reclamation, and anti desertification measures. 
• Recycling of solid and liquid wastes and composting, and 
• Agro-forestry and other sustain able land-use systems in the fields of resource-poor farmers. 

In summation, the whole process basically involves holistic ecofriendly approach in increasing agroproductivity and also addressing concerns of eco-sustainability. Nations with small farms and resource poor farmers need is the enhancement of productivity in perpetuity, without associated ecological or social harm. The green revolution should become an evergreen revolution rooted in the principles of ecology, economics and social and gender equity.

*This article is taken from the Pratiyogita Darpan, January 2011 Issue, Page PD/January/2011/1226