MP has embarked on a plant to develop 1,100 climate smart villages in how many agro-climatic zones of the state?

a. 10

b. 11

c. 12

d. 13

ANSWER: 11

Explanation:

MP has started an ambitious plan to develop 1,100 climate smart villages with the aim to enable farmers to manage climate change risks and ensure good productivity.

The villages will be developed over a course of the next 6 years.

100 villages in each of the 11 agro climatic zones of the state will be taken up under the National Agriculture Development Programme and the Indian National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.

The plan, which would incur a cost about Rs 150 crore every year, will encourage farmers to go for short duration variety of crops, in addition to using drought-resistance seeds.

Focus will be on integrated agriculture which comprises animal husbandry, fisheries and traditional farming.

Agro-forestry will also be adopted in these villages.

This will help in water retention and prevent soil erosion.

Integrated nutrients management would also be implemented to help in soil fertility and plant nutrients supply through optimisation of all possible sources of organic, inorganic and biological components.

In addition, the integrated pest management, zero tillage, raised bed gardening techniques and micro-irrigation would also be introduced in the climate smart villages. This would help farmers to increase the productivity amid all issues of climate change.