GS Paper III · Agriculture
Farm Technology Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper III)
From the syllabus: Major crops and cropping patterns, irrigation, storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce; farm subsidies and MSP; PDS, buffer stocks and food security; economics of animal-rearing; food processing; land reforms; e-technology for farmers
Why it matters: Questions here explore the adoption of digital tools, precision farming, and resilient crop varieties to improve productivity while ensuring sustainable resource use in agriculture.
In the news
October 2026
04 Oct 2026
Research Highlights Limits of Chemical Fungicide WarfareRecent scientific studies reveal that fungal pathogens survive antifungal treatments not only through point genetic mutations but also by multiplying protective gene copy numbers. Experts suggest that relying solely on chemical...
04 Oct 2026Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Initiates PMAY-G Phase with 3D-Printed Wall PilotChief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation for three lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin in Andhra Pradesh. The state aims to complete nine lakh houses by 2029,...
04 Oct 2026Andhra Pradesh
International delegations examine Andhra Pradesh Natural Farming ModelAgriculture experts and policy delegations from Indonesia and Thailand visited Andhra Pradesh to study the Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) model. The delegation observed chemical-free soil fertility enhancement techniques,...
September 2026
10 Sep 2026
Government to Launch PM-KUSUM 2.0 to Promote AgrivoltaicsThe Union Government is expected to announce the PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme soon, incorporating a dedicated component for agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics allows farmers to generate solar power while continuing crop cultivation on the same land,...
04 Sep 2026
CAQM and ISRO Collaborate to Refine Stubble Burning Monitoring ProtocolsThe Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is working alongside ISRO to upgrade stubble burning estimation protocols in Punjab and Haryana. Recognizing that current satellite pass schedules do not capture all farm fires, CAQM is...
August 2026
25 Aug 2026
CAZRI drives sustainable economic growth in Rajasthan's arid regionThe Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) has developed innovative agricultural technologies to foster sustainable livelihoods in Rajasthan's drylands. By introducing climate-resilient crop varieties, modern water harvesting...
24 Aug 2026
Feedstock Sourcing Becomes Critical Lever for Compressed Bio-Gas ScalingIndustry experts highlighted that securing reliable feedstock sourcing is the most vital step to scale India's Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) ecosystem. Primary feedstocks such as agricultural residues (paddy and wheat straw), press mud from...
21 Aug 2026
ICAR-NRCB Releases Biofortified Banana VarietiesThe ICAR National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) has introduced two new banana varieties named Kaveri Thangam and Kaveri Nadan. Kaveri Thangam offers nearly ten times higher vitamin A content than conventional banana varieties,...
17 Aug 2026
Floating Solar Pump Deployed in Tamil Nadu to Protect AquifersAlumni from IIT Madras have launched an innovative floating solar pump at Vishnupuram pond in Tamil Nadu to support sustainable agricultural irrigation. The system utilizes surface water during dam releases, reducing reliance on deep...
July 2026
23 Jul 2026
Blueberries Emerge as High-Value Alternative in KashmirAgricultural experts are highlighting blueberries as a highly lucrative, climate-resilient alternative to traditional apple farming in Jammu and Kashmir. The region's temperate climate and acidic soil are highly suitable for high-yield...
11 Jul 2026
Chhattisgarh Promotes Direct Seeded Rice to Fight Water StressThe Chhattisgarh government is encouraging farmers to transition to the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method for cultivating paddy. This agricultural shift is a strategic response to increasing rainfall uncertainty, acute water stress, and...
08 Jul 2026
Brazil's Ethanol Blueprint and Lessons for IndiaAs India navigates challenges in its transition to a higher ethanol-blended fuel economy, experts point to Brazil's highly successful biofuel ecosystem. Brazil uses flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) and has a robust supply chain utilizing...
06 Jul 2026
El Niño Prompts Shift to Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)Due to the challenges posed by El Niño on monsoon patterns, many Indian farmers are turning to Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) as a water-saving alternative to traditional transplanting. DSR helps mitigate the impact of poor rainfall on...
Practise Farm Technology
5 of our latest questions on this topic.
Question 1 of 5
With reference to the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) model, consider the following statements: 1. It completely eliminates the use of synthetic chemical inputs, relying instead on microbial seed coatings and bio-inoculants. 2. It focuses on zero-tillage and continuous ground cover to enhance soil organic matter and moisture retention. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains practice
The transition toward Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) is often promoted as a solution to India's burgeoning water crisis and rising methane emissions. Discuss the technical and socio-economic hurdles in its large-scale adoption by farmers in India. Suggest measures to integrate such sustainable practices into the national food security framework.
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.