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.

Explore various instruments used in agriculture for measuring soil parameters and fiber quality. Additionally, learn about significant agricultural projects aimed at rural development and community upliftment from the early 20th century. Test your knowledge with this comprehensive quiz.