March 2nd,2020

Topic:- Agriculture

News:-Diversification plan set to take off, finally.

Aim:-

• Aim to reduce production cost.
• The area under basmati, cotton, maize cultivation to go up.

Government initiative:-

• Finance Minister setting aside Rs 200 crore for the purpose, the government has proposed to diversify 3 lakh hectares area, currently under paddy cultivation.

What do officials say?

• The thrust, say, officials, will be on promoting maize and basmati variety of crops, in place of water-guzzling paddy. Besides, the government is also promoting the cultivation of cotton and pulses in the southern part of the state.
• Our priority is to promote crop diversification and reduce the production cost while trying to save as many natural resources as possible.

Study says:-

• Studies have shown that for every 100 litres of water that is recharged in the ground, the usage is 165 litres. At least 85 per cent of the usage is for irrigating paddy. The effort to wean farmers away from paddy will thus prevent desertification of the state, which is predicted in the next two decades

(Source:- The Tribune)

Topic:- Punjab festival

News:-This year’s Patiala Heritage Festival was organised from 22nd to 28th Feb. It was extremely well-organised and we saw the participation of people from many different cultures. Sharing a few images of the festival with you all.

About Patiala Heritage Festival:-

• The Patiala Heritage Festival is the brainchild of Patiala Heritage Society. The festival is organized by the Patiala Heritage Society in association with National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) every year.

Aim:-

• The aim of the Patiala Heritage Society is to preserve and restore Patiala City’s heritage and the festival is a big step towards that direction.

(Source:- The Tribune)