Current Affairs

PIB Daily · 22 July 2026 · Agriculture

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

22 July 2026

PIB Daily22 Jul 2026pib.gov.in

Branch of the Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited in Bihar

The Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) operates in Bihar through field officials and the Bihar Rajya Beej Nigam Limited, its designated nodal agency. While no formal branch office exists, BBSSL coordinates seed distribution, business development, and monitoring of seed-related activities, including direct supply to cooperative societies. BBSSL implements a farmer-centric pricing model, ensuring seed-producing farmers receive the highest of MSP plus a minimum 10% incentive, prevailing mandi market price, or the concerned State Seed Corporation’s procurement rate. This model aims to provide assured procurement, protect farmers from price fluctuations, and offer a remunerative premium for quality seed production.

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GS-2PIB Daily22 Jul 2026pib.gov.in

Government of India outlines major steps to strengthen veterinary services, expand dairy cooperatives, and manage stray dogs

The article outlines major government initiatives to strengthen veterinary services, expand dairy cooperatives, and manage stray dogs. Key measures include 100% central assistance for livestock vaccination under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, operationalization of Mobile Veterinary Units, and support for diagnostic labs. The 'White Revolution 2.0' aims to significantly expand dairy cooperative coverage and strengthen existing societies, supported by the National Programme for Dairy Development and modernization efforts by NDDB. For stray dog management, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, provide a statutory framework for sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination. The National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination, based on a 'One Health approach', aims to eliminate rabies by 2030, with states encouraged to establish animal shelters and ABC centres.

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PIB Daily22 Jul 2026pib.gov.in

Blue Economy of Odisha under PMMSY

The Department of Fisheries (DoF), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) since 2020-21 across India, including Odisha. Under PMMSY, significant proposals for fisheries development in Odisha, totaling ₹1,301.18 crore, have been approved, focusing on strengthening the aquaculture value chain. Key projects include an Integrated Aqua Park at Basantapur, Sambalpur (₹100 crore) and a State-of-Art Wholesale Fish Market at Pandara, Bhubaneswar (₹59.13 crore), both incorporating modern sustainability features. Additionally, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility was extended to fishers and fish farmers in FY 2018-19, ensuring timely and affordable working capital. The DoF, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, is actively promoting KCC benefits. Odisha further enhances KCC affordability by providing additional interest subvention, making loans up to ₹1.00 lakh interest-free and reducing rates for higher amounts.

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PIB Daily22 Jul 2026pib.gov.in

Development of cold water fisheries

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore across all States/UTs to address critical gaps in fish production, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and fishers' welfare, including cold water fisheries. Additionally, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore has been in effect since FY 2018-19. The government has approved Rs 706 crore for fisheries projects in Himalayan and Hilly States, and issued 'Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold Water Fisheries' to support states. Emerging technologies like Raceways, RAS, Biofloc, IoT-based monitoring, and digital platforms are promoted. Specific clusters for cold water fisheries development have been notified in Anant Nag (J&K), Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), Kargil (Ladakh), and Kullu (Himachal Pradesh). Research institutes like ICAR-CICFR and CIFT are also involved in developing intensive trout production and processing facilities.

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