Daily Current Affairs : 19-March-2024

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Food Processing Industries announced exciting advancements in agricultural studies. This consists of the unveiling of a brand new dwarf coconut variety referred to as ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ and hybrid cocoa varieties evolved through the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI). These improvements purpose to enhance crop manufacturing and assist farmers in various regions of India.

Kalpa Suvarna: A New Coconut Variety

The ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ range is particularly designed for two predominant uses:

  • Tender Coconut Production: This range is right for farmers who want to develop coconuts for direct consumption.
  • Copra Production: ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ is also endorsed for producing copra, that is dried coconut utilized in cooking and for extracting coconut oil.

This new coconut variety has the potential to boost the coconut enterprise, making it greater worthwhile for farmers.

Hybrid Cocoa Varieties: VTL CH I and VTL CH II

The new cocoa varieties, VTL CH I and VTL CH II, deliver large blessings to cocoa farming:

  • High Yield: Both sorts are high-yielding, which means that they are able to produce extra cocoa beans in keeping with plant.
  • Disease Resistance: VTL CH II is in particular tolerant to black pod rot, a commonplace disease affecting cocoa vegetation, specially in areas with excessive rainfall. This trait is critical for farmers in areas vulnerable to heavy rains.

Nutritional Benefits

Both cocoa sorts are rich in fats and vitamins, making them highly suitable for both farmers and consumers. They are nicely-acceptable for cultivation in several Indian states, consisting of:

  • Karnataka
  • Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Gujarat

About CPCRI

The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) performs a important role in developing these new varieties. Established in 1970, CPCRI makes a speciality of research related to plantation crops. It become shaped by way of merging several research stations to improve coconut and arecanut cultivation in India.

Important Points:

Announcement of New Varieties: Union Minister unveiled ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ coconut and hybrid cocoa varieties (VTL CH I and VTL CH II) to enhance crop production.

Kalpa Suvarna Coconut:

  • Designed for:
    • Tender Coconut Production: Ideal for direct consumption.
    • Copra Production: Used for cooking and coconut oil extraction.
  • Potential to increase profitability for farmers.

Hybrid Cocoa Varieties (VTL CH I and VTL CH II):

  • High Yield: Capable of producing more cocoa beans per plant.
  • Disease Resistance: VTL CH II is tolerant to black pod rot, beneficial in high rainfall areas.

Nutritional Benefits: Both cocoa varieties are rich in fats and nutrients, suitable for farmers and consumers.

Cultivation Regions: Suitable for Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Role of CPCRI: The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) focuses on plantation crop research, established in 1970 to enhance coconut and arecanut cultivation in India.

Why In News

The Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Food Processing Industries unveiled a new dwarf coconut variety called ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ and two hybrid cocoa varieties developed by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), showcasing the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and supporting farmers across India.

MCQs about Advancements in Coconut and Cocoa Farming in India

  1. What is the primary purpose of the new dwarf coconut variety ‘Kalpa Suvarna’?
    A. Increase cocoa production
    B. Enhance tender coconut and copra production
    C. Improve soil quality
    D. Provide disease resistance
    Correct Answer: B. Enhance tender coconut and copra production
    Explanation: ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ is specifically designed for producing tender coconuts for direct consumption and for copra production, which is dried coconut used in cooking.
  2. Which hybrid cocoa variety is particularly tolerant to black pod rot?
    A. VTL CH I
    B. VTL CH II
    C. Kalpa Suvarna
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: B. VTL CH II
    Explanation: VTL CH II is noted for its tolerance to black pod rot, making it beneficial in regions with high rainfall.
  3. In which Indian states are the new cocoa varieties suitable for cultivation?
    A. Maharashtra and Punjab
    B. Karnataka and Kerala
    C. Rajasthan and Delhi
    D. Uttarakhand and Bihar
    Correct Answer: B. Karnataka and Kerala
    Explanation: The new cocoa varieties are suitable for cultivation in several states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
  4. What role does the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) play in agriculture?
    A. It focuses on livestock development.
    B. It conducts research on plantation crops.
    C. It promotes urban farming.
    D. It regulates agricultural markets.
    Correct Answer: B. It conducts research on plantation crops.
    Explanation: CPCRI is dedicated to researching and improving plantation crops, including coconuts and arecanuts, to enhance agricultural productivity in India.

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