9th,December, 2021
Topic: Horticulture
Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains
What is the news?
- Himachal to import five lakh plants from the United States, Siberia.
- The lot will consist of apple trees, temperate fruits such as berries, walnuts, etc.
Under which program?
- The Department of Horticulture will be importing more than 5 lakh this year as part of the World Bank-funded Horticultural Development Program. The total batch will include about four lakh of apples (varieties and rootstocks) and 1.5 lakh of other temperate fruits such as berries, nuts, etc.
Why important?
- This is the first time plants have been brought in from Siberia. Last year, around nine lakh plants were imported from the US. Prior to that, the department had imported the material from Italy, which had recorded a very high mortality rate in the post entry quarantine facilities.
(Source: HP Tribune)
Topic: Animals
Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains
What is the news?
- Shepherds lose sheep, goats to foot rot disease.
- It is a huge financial loss. Sheep grazing is our main source of livelihood.
About foot rot disease:
- Foot rot is an acute and highly infectious livestock illness characterized by swelling and lameness. This extremely painful condition may become chronic unless treatment is provided, allowing other foot structures to become affected. Foot rot originates between the claws of the hoof.
(Source: HP Tribune)
