NATIONAL – DAIRY OF EVENTS

Indian Farmers Shift to Millets Cultivation Due to Climate Change

Context: Geopolitical tensions and severe climatic disruptions are prompting Indian farmers to increasingly cultivate hardy crops such as Pearl Millet (Bajra) and Sorghum (Jowar).

Uncertainties stemming from international conflicts—including the war in Iran—weak monsoon seasons caused by El Niño, and persistent crop losses due to pests like the Pink Bollworm have encouraged farmers to move away from water-intensive and fertilizer-dependent crops, shifting instead toward hardy millets that require fewer inputs and can withstand harsh climatic conditions.

Millet Cultivation in India

India stands as the world’s largest producer of millets, contributing nearly 42.75% to global millet production.

- Millets are generally categorized into major and minor varieties.
- Major millets include Pearl Millet (Bajra), Sorghum (Jowar), and Finger Millet (Ragi). Minor millets include Foxtail Millet (Kangni), Little Millet (Kutki), Kodo Millet (Kodra), and Proso Millet (Cheena).
- In India, millets are primarily cultivated during the Kharif season, although certain varieties—particularly in the southern regions—are also grown during the Rabi season.

Among all millet varieties, Pearl Millet (Bajra) accounts for nearly 60% of the country’s total millet production.

Regional Distribution of Millets

- Rajasthan possesses the largest area under millet cultivation and records the highest production volume in the country. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Rajasthan leads in Bajra production, Karnataka dominates Ragi cultivation, while Maharashtra ranks first in Sorghum production.

In terms of minor millets, Madhya Pradesh holds the top spot, followed by Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.

National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM)

Context:The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management has recently completed the documentation and field verification of nearly all wetlands in Maharashtra. Consequently, out of the state’s 23,415 wetlands, only 11 remain to be surveyed.

About the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management

The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management was established in 2011 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

- Its objective is to assist in the conservation, preservation, restoration, management, and policy planning related to coastal areas.

Objectives and Functions

- To emerge as a globally recognized knowledge and research institution focusing on coastal ecosystems, environmental resources, and coastal processes.
- To promote the integrated and sustainable management of India’s coastal and marine areas for the welfare of traditional coastal and island communities.

To provide scientific guidance and policy-related advice to the Central Government, State Governments, and other stakeholders on matters related to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).

Launch of ‘Jeevan’ App and ‘Shatayu’ Dashboard for Elderly Welfare

- Context:The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment is set to launch the ‘Jeevan’ mobile application for senior citizens and the ‘Shatayu’ dashboard for elderly caregivers.
- The objective of this initiative is to strengthen elderly care services by leveraging technology, supportive policies, and community participation.
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is introducing these two key digital platforms dedicated to the welfare of the elderly:

About the ‘Jeevan’ App

The ‘Jeevan’ app is being launched specifically for senior citizens.
It aims to enhance their access to various support mechanisms, welfare services, and essential information related to senior citizen care.

About the ‘Shatayu’ Dashboard

The ‘Shatayu’ dashboard has been developed for elderly caregivers.
It will serve as an information platform providing details regarding elderly care services, care assistance, and other relevant data within the elderly care ecosystem.