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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Unified Genomic Chip’ on Saturday, a significant advancement aimed at enhancing dairy farming efficiency in India. This innovative technology will assist farmers in identifying high-quality cattle early, promoting better livestock management.
Overview of the Unified Genomic Chip
The Unified Genomic Chip is designed to support farmers in making informed decisions about animal selection. It is available in two versions:
- Gau Chip: Tailored for cattle.
- Mahish Chip: Designed for buffalo.
Objectives and Benefits
Developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), the primary objectives of the chip include:
- Identifying Young, High-Quality Bulls: The chip enables farmers to detect promising candidates at an early age.
- Improving Livestock Quality: It is specifically designed for Indian cattle breeds to enhance the overall quality and productivity of the dairy sector.
Launch of Indigenous Technology for Sex-Sorted Semen
At the same event, PM Modi introduced an indigenous technology for producing sex-sorted semen. This technology aims to increase the availability of sex-sorted semen for farmers, facilitating the selection of desired animal breeds. The benefits of this project include:
- Cost Reduction: Farmers can save approximately Rs 200 per dose.
- Support for ‘Make in India’ Initiative: The project aligns with the government’s efforts to promote domestic production and technology.
Release of the 18th Installment of PM-Kisan
The launch of the Unified Genomic Chip coincided with the release of the 18th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to farmers across the country.
Key Highlights of PM-Kisan
- Direct Financial Benefits: The scheme facilitates direct benefits totaling over Rs 20,000 crore for farmers without any middlemen involvement.
- Impact on Maharashtra Farmers: In the previous 17th installment, 12 million farmers in Maharashtra received Rs 32,000 crore from the scheme.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the purpose of the Unified Genomic Chip?
- A) To enhance animal feed
- B) To identify high-quality cattle early
- C) To improve dairy product sales
- D) To monitor cattle diseases
Answer: B) To identify high-quality cattle early
- What are the two versions of the Unified Genomic Chip?
- A) Gau Chip and Cow Chip
- B) Mahish Chip and Goat Chip
- C) Gau Chip and Mahish Chip
- D) Buffalo Chip and Cattle Chip
Answer: C) Gau Chip and Mahish Chip
- How much can farmers save per dose with the new sex-sorted semen technology?
- A) Rs 100
- B) Rs 150
- C) Rs 200
- D) Rs 250
Answer: C) Rs 200
- What is the total financial assistance provided under the PM-KISAN scheme?
- A) Rs 10,000 crore
- B) Rs 15,000 crore
- C) Rs 20,000 crore
- D) Rs 25,000 crore
Answer: C) Rs 20,000 crore
- How many farmers in Maharashtra benefited from the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme?
- A) 10 million
- B) 12 million
- C) 15 million
- D) 18 million
Answer: B) 12 million