Agri Secretary Manoj Ahuja Launches Mobile App & Web Portal for GCES

Current Context: GCES stands for General Crop Estimation Survey, which is a process of collecting and compiling data on crop yields and production in India.The GCES web portal and mobile application are new initiatives launched by Shri Manoj Ahuja, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), on September 21, 2023.

• These platforms aim to revolutionize farming practices by using digital technology to provide more accurate and real-time estimates of crop statistics.
• The GCES portal and application are designed to automate the data collection and compilation process, which was previously done manually, causing delays and errors.
• The data will be collected using GPS-enabled mobile devices and stored in a server, ensuring timely reporting and data accuracy. The GCES portal and application are currently in the pilot stage, and will be rolled out in 12 states by the third week of October 2023.
• The GCES portal and application are expected to enhance the credibility and reliability of crop estimation data, which is crucial for planning, policy making, and market interventions in the agricultural sector.

Question:

Q.1 Who launched the GCES web portal and mobile application on September 21, 2023?
a. Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India
b. Shri Manoj Ahuja, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
c. Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal, the Minister of Education
d. Shri Amit Shah, the Minister of Home Affairs