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PCS ParikshanMaharashtra Switch to Hindi
Banana Cluster in Maharashtra
Why in News?
On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced approval for a ₹200‑crore ‘Banana Cluster’ project in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, aimed at enhancing banana cultivation and strengthening agricultural infrastructure.
Key Points
- Objective: The project aims to develop a complete banana value chain including production, processing, storage, and marketing, enhancing both farmer income and export potential.
- Cluster Infrastructure: Facilities under the cluster include Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), mechanisation, bio-control units, fruit covering, pre-cooling chambers, cold storage, ripening chambers, refrigerated vans, processing units, and export infrastructure.
- Financial Support: Subsidies for these facilities will be provided through the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), ensuring direct benefits to farmers.
- Recognising that bananas are not covered under MSP for long-term storage, the government is considering alternative mechanisms to compensate farmers if market prices fall below a predetermined cost or model price, under schemes like PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanraksan Abhiyan).
- Significance: Jalgaon, also known as the ‘Banana City’, plays a pivotal role in India’s horticulture sector and contributes significantly to agricultural development.
| Read More: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), PM-AASHA |
National Current Affairs Switch to Hindi
Amogh Jwala Exercise in UP
Why in News?
The Indian Army’s Southern Command recently concluded Exercise Amogh Jwala at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Points
- Duration: The exercise was carried out over 13 days (March 6–18, 2026).
- Objective: To validate technology-driven mechanised warfare capabilities in a multi-domain operational environment.
- It demonstrated the integrated employment of mechanised forces with attack helicopters, fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone systems and network-enabled battlefield platforms under a robust command and control architecture.
| Read More: Unmanned aerial systems |
