CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The World Bank will provide USD 80 million loan to improve water management practices and increase agricultural productivity in selected gram panchayats in Himachal Pradesh.

Detailed explanation-2: -Rice, Wheat and Maize are important cereal crops of the State. Groundnut, Soyabeen and Sunflower in Kharif and Rapeseed/ Mustard and Toria in the Rabi season are important oilseed crops. Urd, Bean, Moong, Rajmash in Kharif season and Gram Lentil in Rabi are the important pulse crops of the State.

Detailed explanation-3: -Since 2005, the World Bank has committed over $1.5 billion to support the state in watershed development, green hydropower, infrastructure, and agriculture. Ongoing engagements in the state include horticulture development and improving water supply and sewerage services in the capital city of Shimla.

Detailed explanation-4: -The gross cropped area is 1039552 hectare and the area sown more than once is 4.042 lakh hectare with the cropping intensity of 169%. The net irrigated area is 109452 hectare (By canals- 2.75 %, By wells and tube wells- 18.9% and by others – 78.4%).

Detailed explanation-5: -Water Resources The major river systems of the region are the Chandrabhaga or Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutllej and Yamuna. These perennial rivers are fed by snow and rainfall. The annual replenishable groundwater resource in the state is 0.43BCM and the stage of ground water development is 30%.