15 August 2026 Daily Current Affairs - Independence Day Agri Edition
Key updates on India's 80th Independence Day agri announcements, Rajasthan Krishi Vikass Scheme, global Food Price Index, and ICAR innovations.
📌Key Exam Bullet Points
80th Independence Day Agri-Tech Mission Launch
Prime Minister announced the 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Vikas Kranti 2.0' focusing on AI-driven precision farming and 100% digital soil health mapping.
Rajasthan Solar Micro-Irrigation Grant Scheme
Rajasthan Agriculture Department raised subsidy to 75% for solar-powered micro-drip irrigation systems across 12 arid districts including Jaisalmer & Barmer.
ICAR Releases High-Yield Pearl Millet (Bajra) Hybrid
ICAR-CAZRI Jodhpur developed 'HHB-311 (CAZRI-B1)', a drought-resistant Bajra hybrid yielding 32 quintals/hectare under dryland farming conditions.
FAO Global Cereal Price Index Update
FAO reported a 2.4% drop in the Global Rice Price Index due to record export surpluses from Asian producers including India and Vietnam.
PM-KUSUM Component C Subsidies Expanded
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy approved additional funding for grid-connected solar pumps benefiting over 2.5 lakh farmers nationwide.
National Krishi Ratna Awards Announced
Union Agri Ministry bestowed Krishi Ratna Award 2026 to progressive farmers for organic farming and natural pesticide innovation.
📖 In-Depth Analysis & Concept Breakdown
1.1. PM Announces National Digital Soil Mapping Mission (PM-DSMM)
On the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, the Central Government rolled out PM-DSMM, aimed at providing real-time soil NPK and micronutrient assessments via smartphone apps.
The mission integrates satellite imagery from ISRO's EOS-08 satellite with ground sensor grids deployed at Panchayat levels.
- Target Completion: March 2028
- Nodal Agency: ICAR & Department of Agriculture (DA&FW)
- Key Metric: Soil Fertility Index (SFI) mandatory for Subsidized Fertilizer purchases
2.2. CAZRI Jodhpur Innovations for Arid Zone Agriculture
Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur introduced new bio-formulation 'CAZRI-Arid-Shield' for controlling white grub attack in groundnut crops.
The formulation utilizes entomopathogenic nematodes tailored for sandy soil conditions of Western Rajasthan.
- Target Pest: Holotrichia consanguinea (White Grub)
- Key Crop Beneficiaries: Groundnut, Bajra, and Sesame in Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Nagaur
डेली प्रैक्टिस क्विज़ (15 August 2026) - Practice Test
किसी भी विकल्प पर क्लिक करके सही उत्तर (Correct Answer) एवं व्याख्या (Explanation) जांचें।