- Zaid Campaign-2023 is a national initiative by the Indian government to promote summer crops that are grown between March and June. The campaign aims to increase food security farmers' income and crop diversification.
- Some examples of Zaid crops are watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, bitter gourd, pumpkin etc.
- Uncertainty in water supply: Zaid crops depend on irrigation as they are grown during summer when rainfall is scarce. However, many farmers lack access to adequate and reliable sources of water for irrigation.
- Pests and diseases: Zaid crops are vulnerable to various pests and diseases that can damage or destroy them. For example, watermelon can be affected by anthracnose, fusarium wilt, gummy stem blight etc. Farmers need to adopt proper pest management practices and use resistant varieties to protect their crops.
- Lack of transport and storage facilities: Zaid crops are mostly perishable and need to be transported and stored properly to avoid post-harvest losses. However, many farmers lack access to good roads, markets, cold chains and warehouses that can ensure timely delivery and quality preservation of their produce.
- Lack of financial resources: Zaid crop cultivation requires investment in inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. However, many farmers lack access to credit or insurance that can help them finance their operations and cope with risks such as crop failure or price fluctuations.
Question:
Q.1 What is the main objective of Zaid Campaign-2023?a. To promote winter crops
b. To promote summer crops
c. To promote organic crops
d. To promote genetically modified crops
