Current Affairs

Bihar Agricultural Drone Scheme Launched for Modern Crop Spraying

Source:indianmasterminds ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for BPSC aspirants tracking state-level technological interventions, agricultural modernization initiatives, and farmer welfare schemes in Bihar.

Summary

The article highlights the implementation of the Bihar Agricultural Drone Scheme, designed to facilitate advanced crop spraying, pesticide application, and fertilizer distribution via drones. By integrating modern technology into agriculture, the state government aims to boost productivity, conserve resources like water and chemicals, and reduce manual health risks for farmers in Bihar.

Key Points

  • Bihar government has introduced schemes promoting the use of agricultural drones for crop spraying, fertilizers, and pesticide application.
  • The initiative aims to modernize farming practices, reduce manual labor dependency, increase efficiency, and minimize health hazards associated with direct chemical exposure.
  • Subsidies and financial assistance are provided to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and custom hiring centers to encourage technology adoption in rural Bihar.

Important Terms

Bihar Agricultural Drone Scheme

A state-backed initiative promoting precision agriculture by subsidizing drone technology for crop spraying, pesticide application, and liquid fertilizer distribution across districts to boost farm productivity and conserve resources.

UPSC context

Relevant for BPSC (General Studies Paper II - Science & Tech / Bihar Economy), testing policy measures in smart farming.

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Agriculture Roadmap Bihar

A comprehensive strategic blueprint (2023–2028) by the Bihar government aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through sustainable practices, improved irrigation, technology integration, and doubling farmers' incomes.

UPSC context

Crucial for BPSC Mains (Economy of Bihar), testing long-term planning, agrarian transformation, and budgetary allocations in state development.

Source
Bihar Agriculture Department

The principal state government body responsible for formulating agricultural policies, implementing welfare and mechanization schemes, and managing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) portal for farmers.

UPSC context

Important for BPSC Prelims and Mains governance questions regarding administrative bodies and agricultural welfare delivery mechanisms.

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Static Concepts Connected

Bihar Economy & Agriculture

What are the key pillars and targets of Bihar's Fourth Agriculture Road Map (2023-2028)?

  • Outlay & Period: Covers a 5-year period (2023-2028) with an estimated outlay of ₹1.62 lakh crore across multiple departments.
  • Key Objectives: Focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, crop diversification, organic farming along river corridors, and value addition.
  • Tech Integration: Includes emphasis on farm mechanization, digital agriculture, and drone technology deployment across all 38 districts.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Agri-Tech Schemes + Fourth Agriculture Roadmap

    The Bihar Agricultural Drone Scheme links technology missions to Fourth Agriculture Roadmap targets, testing implementation at the Panchayat/district level in BPSC Mains.

Expect a 2-part Mains/Prelims question on subsidy limits (60%), target acreage (2.85 lakh acres), and Fourth Agriculture Roadmap integration.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2024-EBPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    What is the contribution of agriculture in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Bihar?

  • 2023BPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Consider the following statements regarding the SVAMITVA scheme: 1. It is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Mines. 2. This scheme seeks to create geopositioning infrastructure like CORS network to benchmark the location and provides five centimetre level accuracy. 3. CORS means Cross-Origin Resource Sharing. 4. The scheme is a reformative step towards establishment of clear ownership of property in rural inhabited (Abadi) areas, by mapping of land parcels using drone technology.