Instruments and Projects in Agriculture

Instruments for Agriculture

• Rhizo meter: Measures the area surrounding roots in the soil and the root surface area.
• Aril-ometer: Measures the quality of cotton fiber, specifically its fineness (firmness).
• Nephanometer/Micronier: Offers precise measurement of fiber fineness.
• Psychrometer: Measures relative humidity and absolute humidity levels.
• V-notch weir: Measures the flow rate of irrigation water.
• Thermocouple/Thermometer: Measures the temperature of the soil.

Agricultural Projects and Schemes

• Gurgaon Project (1920): Led by F.L. Bryan, aimed at agricultural development.
• Sriniketan Project (1921): Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, focused on rural upliftment.
• Mathrubam Project (1928): Led by Spenser Hatch, emphasized rural welfare.
• Sevagram Project (1936): Initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, focused on community development and self-reliance.
• Etawah Pilot Project (1948): Led by Albert Meyer, served as a model for agricultural development.
• Neelkhundi Project (1948): Led by S.K. Dubey, aimed at improving agriculture in a specific region.

Other Notable Initiatives

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) established in 1935: Plays a crucial role in the Indian economy, including agricultural financing.
• Indian Village Service (IVS) established in 1948 by W.H. Vishar: Focused on rural development and community upliftment.
• Sarvodaya Program launched in 1950: Aims for the upliftment of all beings, with a significant focus on rural communities.
• First Five Year Plan implemented in 1951: Focused on economic growth and development, including agriculture.
• Bhoomi-dan Yojana launched in 1951: A land reform scheme aimed at distributing land to the landless.
• National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) initiated in 1979: Promoted agricultural research and development.
• National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) launched in 1998: Focused on the adoption of agricultural technologies.
• First Irrigation Commission formed in 1901: Focused on irrigation infrastructure and its management.
• Second Irrigation Commission formed in 1969: Revisited and addressed irrigation issues in India.
• National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) established on October 2, 1958: Promotes agricultural cooperatives and marketing.
• Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP) launched in 1960-61: Focused on increasing agricultural productivity in selected districts.
• Community Development Programme (CDP) initiated on October 2, 1952: Aiming for rural development and community empowerment.
• National Extension Service (NES) established on October 2, 1953: Provides technical guidance and support to farmers.