'Total organic farming' initiative
Context
On an experimental basis, Melkote hobli in Pandavapura taluk has been identified for implementing the ‘total organic farming’ initiative.
- Pandavapura Taluk in Mandya district is transitioning into a chemical-free agricultural zone following its official designation as an ‘organic taluk’ in Karnataka’s 2026-27 state budget.
- The pilot program is rolling out in Melkote hobli, targeting 10,000 farmers across roughly 70 villages to adopt total organic farming practices.
Features
- Implementation Strategy: Local MLA Darshan Puttannaiah noted that farmers are initially being requested to convert half an acre or at least half of their land into certified organic space.
- Timeline: The horticulture and agriculture departments aim to achieve 100% organic certification for all local crops within three years.
- Crops Involved: Melkote hobli is primarily a dryland zone where farmers cultivate ragi, vegetables, flowers, sugarcane, and paddy.
- State Context: Pandavapura is the second organic taluk in Karnataka, following Joida taluk in Uttara Kannada district, which received the status in 2025.
About Organic Farming
- Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural system that excludes synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and growth hormones.
- It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity, and local resources like crop rotation, green manure, and biological pest control to maintain long-term soil health.
Current Status in India
- Global Standings: India ranks 1st in the number of organic farmers and holds the 2nd position globally regarding total land under organic agriculture
- Land Coverage: Roughly 2.5% of India’s total agricultural land is certified organic.
- Regional Leaders: Madhya Pradesh leads with the largest absolute area under organic cultivation (26%), followed by Maharashtra (22%), Gujarat (15%), and Rajasthan (13%).
- Pioneers: In 2016, Sikkim became India’s (and the world’s) first 100% fully organic state. Lakshadweep is the first 100% organic Union Territory.
- Major Exports: Flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice, and pulses. India is also a global leader in organic cotton production.
Organic Farming vs. Natural Farming
Feature | Organic Farming | Natural Farming (ZBNF) |
Basic Premise | Holistic system to optimize agroecosystem productivity. | “Do nothing” farming; mimics natural ecosystems. |
Tillage & Plowing | Allows basic practices like plowing, tilling, and weeding. | Strictly prohibits plowing, tilling, or turning the soil. |
Inputs Used | Relies on off-farm bulk organic manures (compost, vermicompost). | Uses purely local, on-farm indigenous cow-based formulations (Jeevamrutha). |
Cost Profile | Can be capital-intensive due to purchased organic inputs and certification. | Extremely low-cost or zero credit dependence. |
Government Initiatives & Regulatory Framework
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Launched to promote cluster-based organic farming. It provides financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare for 3 years via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) specifically to source organic inputs.
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for NE Region (MOVCDNER)
A dedicated scheme for Northeastern states to exploit their traditional organic strengths, focusing on building end-to-end value chains from production to export.
- Twin Certification Framework (Highly Important for Prelims)
- National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): Run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (with APEDA serving as the Secretariat). It is an export-centric, third-party certification program recognized by the European Union and Switzerland.
- Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India): Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It is a locally focused, peer-review certification system designed to be highly affordable for domestic smallholder farmer groups.
State insect and Amphibian
Context
Apis cerana and Malabar Tree Toad to be declared State insect and amphibian.
- The sandalwood is Karnataka’s State tree, elephant the State animal, the Indian Roller State bird, and Southern Birdwing the State butterfly.
- Nallur Tamarind Grove near Devanahalli, GKVK campus in Hogarekhan in Chikkamagaluru district, Ambaragudda in Sagar taluk and Mamadapur plant sanctuary in Vijayapura district have been declared as traditional biodiversity heritage sites.
- The official proposal was submitted by the Karnataka State Biodiversity Board to shift conservation focus onto lesser-known but ecologically critical organisms.
Key Details of the Species
- Apis cerana (Asiatic Honeybee): Locally known as Tudave Jenu, this cavity-nesting bee is a key pollinator native to the region. Its recognition aims to highlight and strengthen pollinator conservation amidst climate change and habitat threats.
- Malabar Tree Toad: This is a rare, small arboreal toad endemic to the wet forest hollows of the Western Ghats. Once heavily endangered, community-driven citizen science observations helped map its wider distribution.
Existing Karnataka State Symbols
These new designations will join a growing list of official state emblems:
- State Tree: Sandalwood
- State Animal: Elephant
- State Bird: Indian Roller
- State Butterfly: Southern Birdwing
"Kaveri"
Context
QpiAI, a Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup, has developed “Kaveri,” India’s most powerful, indigenous 64-qubit superconducting quantum processor.
- This major milestone pushes India past the critical 50-qubit threshold where quantum systems begin to outperform classical computers in specific problem domains.
- It also places India in an elite group of only seven countries globally with the capability to design and fabricate quantum processors of this scale.
Features
- Processor Name: Kaveri (Follows the previously launched Indus 25-qubit prototype)
- Qubit Count: 64 qubits
- Technology: Superconducting flip-chip integrated technology
- Internal Components: Over 70,000 microscopic components working together
- Operating Conditions: Operates at cryogenic temperatures near absolute zero (~10 millikelvin) to maintain qubit stability and reduce calculation
Commercial Availability & Applications
The Kaveri processor is scheduled for commercial release by Q3 2026. It will target government labs, research institutes, and private enterprises to accelerate processing in high-impact domains:
- Advanced AI & Machine Learning: Speeding up model training and processing complex datasets.
- Cryptography & Cybersecurity: Developing quantum-resistant national security infrastructure.
- Optimization & Chemistry: Managing supply chains, simulating molecules for drug discovery, and developing advanced material sciences.