December Current Affairs

Question 1

National Bamboo Mission (NBM)

Answer 1

Why in News?
The Union Agriculture Minister had approved the formation of an Advisory Group for streamlining the development of the Bamboo sector.
About
• Restructured National Bamboo Mission approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 25-042018.
• Focus ➔ It mainly focuses on the development of a complete value chain of the Bamboo sector to link growers with consumers
• Type ➔ The Restructured National Bamboo Mission is a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS).
• Aim ➔
o The Mission envisages promoting holistic growth of bamboo sector by adopting an area-based, regionally differentiated strategy and to increase the area under bamboo cultivation and marketing.
o Under the Mission, steps have been taken to increase the availability of quality planting material by supporting the setting up of new nurseries and strengthening of existing ones.
• Objectives ➔
o To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income.
o To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units near the source of production.
o To promote product development keeping in view market demand, by assisting R&D, entrepreneurship etc.
• Implementation ➔ It is being implemented through the state nodal department which is nominated by the State/UT governments concerned.
• The selection of beneficiaries ➔ The selection of beneficiaries and delivery of assistance are being carried out by the State Bamboo Mission/State Bamboo Development agency stationed at the State/UT nodal department for implimenting the National Bamboo Mission.

Question 2

Agriculture Investment Portal

Answer 2

Why in News?
The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has inaugurated the Agriculture Investment Portal (Krishi Nivesh Portal).
About

• Launched by ➔ Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

• Purpose ➔ The portal is a one-stop solution for all investors who are looking to invest in India in agriculture and allied sectors.

• The portal highlights the steps for ease of doing business in India, the market entry strategies and the regulatory frameworks that are involved in setting up the operations.

• Objectives of the portal ➔
1) Boost investments in the agriculture sector of India,
2) To ease the hand holding process for the investors,
3) Tap the potential of all the sub sectors in Agriculture,
4) To guide and assist the investors with the major infrastructure available in India,
5) Support investors and companies with the schemes, policies and incentives given by the State and the Central Government.