Daily Current Affairs : 17-August-2024

The Union Government of India has released the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to guide farmers in coping with pest issues more correctly. This new initiative aims to connect farmers directly with agricultural scientists to improve pest control techniques and reduce reliance on insecticides.

Objectives of the NPSS

The main goal of the NPSS is to encourage a scientific approach to pest management. By using technology, it helps farmers make informed decisions about pest control rather than depending on local pesticide shops. The system provides farmers with expert advice to ensure that the right pesticides are used in the correct quantities.

  • Reducing pesticide reliance: The NPSS aims to decrease the need for farmers to buy pesticides from local outlets.
  • Expert advice: Farmers can upload photographs of pest-infested crops to the platform, where experts analyze them and offer tailored advice.
  • Soil health and crop yields: The system helps in improving soil health by ensuring the appropriate use of pesticides, ultimately leading to better crop yields.

Benefits to Farmers

This system will directly benefit around 14 crore (140 million) farmers across India. It is part of a larger initiative to integrate technology into agriculture, helping farmers adopt modern techniques for better productivity and sustainability. The NPSS enables farmers to easily communicate with experts and receive quick, accurate pest control recommendations. This connection is crucial for reducing crop losses and increasing overall agricultural performance.

Important Points:

  • Launch of NPSS: The Union Government of India launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to help farmers manage pest problems more effectively.
  • Key Objective: The NPSS aims to reduce farmers’ reliance on pesticides and encourage a scientific approach to pest control.
  • How it works: Farmers can upload photos of pest-infested crops to the platform, where experts analyze them and provide tailored pest control advice.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces pesticide use: Helps farmers make informed decisions about pest management and reduces their dependence on pesticide retailers.
    • Expert guidance: Provides access to expert advice on pest control and the correct use of pesticides.
    • Improves soil health: Ensures the appropriate use of pesticides, leading to better soil health and higher crop yields.
  • Impact: The system will directly benefit approximately 14 crore (140 million) farmers across India.
  • Part of a larger initiative: The NPSS is part of a broader effort to integrate technology into agriculture for increased productivity and sustainability.
  • Long-term benefits: Aims to reduce crop losses, improve agricultural performance, and make farming more profitable.

Why In News

The Union Government launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to help farmers connect with agricultural scientists for expert pest control guidance, aiming to improve crop protection and reduce reliance on harmful pesticides. This innovative platform allows farmers to receive timely, accurate advice, enhancing their ability to manage pest-related challenges more effectively.

MCQs about National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)

  1. What is the primary objective of the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)?
    A. To provide free pesticides to farmers
    B. To encourage a scientific approach to pest management
    C. To sell pesticides to farmers at a discounted price
    D. To connect farmers with local pesticide retailers
    Correct Answer: B. To encourage a scientific approach to pest management
    Explanation: The NPSS is designed to help farmers adopt a scientific approach to pest management, enabling them to make informed decisions and reduce their reliance on pesticides.
  2. How does the NPSS help farmers with pest control?
    A. By providing farmers with access to local pesticide retailers
    B. By allowing farmers to upload photos of affected crops for expert analysis and advice
    C. By offering farmers financial support for purchasing pesticides
    D. By sending pesticide products directly to farmers’ farms
    Correct Answer: B. By allowing farmers to upload photos of affected crops for expert analysis and advice
    Explanation: Farmers can upload images of pest-infested crops to the NPSS platform, where experts analyze the photos and provide tailored pest control recommendations.
  3. Who benefits from the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)?
    A. Only farmers in urban areas
    B. Around 14 crore (140 million) farmers across India
    C. Only agricultural scientists
    D. Only pesticide retailers
    Correct Answer: B. Around 14 crore (140 million) farmers across India
    Explanation: The NPSS is designed to benefit approximately 14 crore (140 million) farmers across India by providing them with expert advice and helping them improve pest management.
  4. What long-term benefits does the NPSS aim to achieve?
    A. Increased crop yields and improved soil health
    B. The elimination of all pesticides from farming
    C. Increased pesticide sales
    D. A reduction in the number of farmers in India
    Correct Answer: A. Increased crop yields and improved soil health
    Explanation: The NPSS helps ensure the correct use of pesticides, leading to better soil health and increased crop yields, contributing to sustainable farming practices.

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