Daily quiz – 28th Feb 2024

Aeroponics is the practice of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of any substrate.

Statement 1 is correct: Aeroponics is soil-less gardening method of growing crops. The biggest advantage of aeroponics is that roots are exposed to air, thus there is never an issue of insufficient oxygen.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The disadvantage of aeroponics include high initial construction costs, high maintenance of the system, and high level of technical knowledge required.

Statement 3 is correct: Generally, aeroponic growing system do not use pesticides. Hence, aeroponics systems can reduce water usage by 98 percent, fertilizer usage by 60 percent, and pesticide usage by 100 percent, all while maximizing crop yields. Plants grown in the aeroponic systems have also been shown to uptake more minerals and vitamins, making the plants healthier and potentially more nutritious.

Exp) Option d is the correct answer

Green Revolution refers to a period in India when use of HYV seeds, tractors, irrigation facilities, pesticides and fertilizers, etc. drastically enhanced agriculture production. Green Revolution within India commenced in 1966, leading to an increase in food grain production, especially in Punjab and Haryana as both the states were part of first phase of Green Revolution.

Exp) Option b is the correct answer.

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001 is significant as it establishes an effective system to protect plant varieties, acknowledging and safeguarding farmers' rights in conserving and improving plant genetic resources.

Statement 1 is incorrect: According to the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001, a farmer shall be deemed to be entitled to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share or sell his farm produce including seed of a variety protected under this Act in the same manner as he was entitled before the coming into force of this Act, provided that the farmer shall not be entitled to sell branded seed of a variety protected under this Act. For the purpose, “branded seed” means any seed put in a package or any other container and labelled in a manner indicating that such seed is of a variety protected under this Act.

Statement 2 is correct: The act grants intellectual property rights to farmers who have bred or developed any new plant variety. Further, the act recognizes the rights of farmers and provides for the sharing of benefits derived from the commercial use of plant varieties with farmers.

Statement 3 is correct: The Act, 2001, provides for compensation to the farmers for non-performance of protected variety. When the variety registered under this Act is sold to farmers or farming organizations, the breeder must disclose the expected performance under specific conditions. If the material fails to meet these expectations, farmers or organizations may claim compensation as prescribed in this act.

Exp) Option d is the correct answer.

Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that‟s made by burning organic material from agricultural and

forestry wastes (also called biomass) in a controlled process called pyrolysis.

Statement 1 is correct: The term 'growing medium' is used to describe the material used in a container to grow a plant. Growing media are often formulated from a blend of different raw materials in order to achieve the correct balance of air and water holding capacity for the plants to be grown. The use of bio-char in the growing medium has been successfully used in vertical farming.

Statement 2 and 3 are correct: Biochar holds potential for long-term carbon sequestration, improving soil health and water-holding capacity, and further reducing emissions of greenhouse gases associated with fertiliser application. Biochar also has the potential to boost the natural ability of legumes to fix nitrogen to the soil.

Exp) Option c is the correct answer.

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are agricultural extension centers in India that provide vocational training, technology dissemination, and farm support to farmers, school dropouts, and field level extension functionaries. The KVK scheme is 100% financed by Govt. of India and the KVKs are sanctioned to Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, related Government Departments and Non- Government Organizations (NGOs) working in Agriculture.

Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) and they aim at assessment of location specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement and demonstrations. KVKs have been functioning as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector for improving the agricultural economy of the district and are linking the NARS with extension system and farmers.

Statement 3 is correct: KVKs produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bioagents, livestock) and make it available to farmers. They also organize frontline extension activities, identify and document selected farm innovations and converge with ongoing schemes and programs within the mandate of KVK.