Impacting Farmers’ lives through Science Biotech-Kisan & Cattle Genomics

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/664817/indias-first-cloned-assamese-buffalo.html

A cloned Assamese buffalo male calf has been born for the first time, the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) claimed here.

"We used unique methods and produced this clone calf, Sach-Gaurav, on December 22, 2017, through a normal delivery," CIRB cloning team head P S Yadav said on Thursday.

The calf was born to a Murrah buffalo. It was also the first to be born in the field, 100 km from the cloning laboratory at Hi Tech Sach Dairy Farm here, he said.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research-CIRB is a central institute and it has a mandate to conserve superior animals of all buffalo breeds.

ICAR-CIRB director Inderjeet Singh said the Assamese buffaloes were found only in the Northeastern part of the country and they were used mainly for agricultural work.

He said this was the second cloned male produced by ICAR-CIRB after Hisar-Gaurav, born December 11, 2015.

Hisar-Gaurav was producing quality semen from the age of 22 months and 10 females of the institute's herd were pregnant with its frozen semen.

Yadav said the birth weight of the calf was 54.2 kgs and it was in good health. It had normal physiological parameters and blood profile, he said.

The genotype of the calf was confirmed by microsatellite analysis (parentage verification) and chromosome analysis, he said.

Animal cloning can be an excellent reproductive tool for conservation and multiplication of selected superior animals of buffalo breeds, he said.

He said it was India's first cloned Assamese buffalo calf and the embryos were transported for about two hours before being transferred into the recipient mothers.

"The ovaries of Murrah buffaloes were used as a source of recipient oocytes...Small tissue of Assamese buffalo was airlifted from Veterinary College, Khannapara, Guwhati, 2000 km away from our cloning laboratory, to culture establish the donor cells," he said.

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
16-March, 2018 11:43 IST
Bring in greater transparency, ethical corporate behavior and enhanced accountability into our corporate governance system: Vice President

Development is meaningless unless it incorporates the needs of the farming sector; Vice President suggests measures to improve farmers’ income; Inaugurates 58th National Cost Convention of Institute of Cost Accountants of India

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that bring-in greater transparency, ethical corporate behavior and enhanced accountability into our corporate governance system. He was addressing the inaugural session of the 58th National Cost Convention of Institute of Cost Accountants of India, here today. The Minister of State for Law & Justice and Corporate Affairs, Shri P.P. Chaudhary and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that no true development can be said to be meaningful unless it incorporates the needs of the farming sector. He suggested six possible drivers of income for farmers’ growth, stating that sincere implementation of such measures would double farmers’ income by 2022:

1. Diversification of farm activities towards high-value crops and enterprises.
2. Improving irrigation facilities to double productivity.
3. Better price realization for farmers through competitive markets, value chains and improved linkage between field and fork.
4. Improvement in the terms of trade for agriculture.
5. Technology up gradation.
6. Shifting cultivators from farming to non-farm occupations.

The Vice President said that government of India is taking measures to double their income by 2022 adding that food security is one of India’s top policy priorities and doubling of farmers’ real income is the need of the hour. He further said that talking about the role of professional bodies like ICAI must be in the forefront in the fight against fraud and corruption. You can help bring in greater transparency, ethical corporate behavior and enhanced accountability into our corporate governance system, he added.


The Vice President called on CMA professionals can expedite FDI by effective valuation of assets, liabilities, stocks, properties to facilitate investors to make the right financial decisions and fulfill regulatory obligations. Introduction of GST and the inclusion of anti-profiteering clause in the act, made it mandatory to pass on the benefit of tax reduction or input tax credit to the final customer, he added.


The Vice President said that India is currently reviewing and simplifying laws and procedures and the ease of doing business index has become a popular tool for governments to show that they offer a favorable investment climate for private businessmen. He further said that goal of the youth should be to achieve excellence in their chosen fields and everyone’s aim and goal over the next five years should be to usher in the positive changes that make India an inspiration for other countries. The year 2022 is truly significant as it happens to be the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, he added.


Following is the text of Vice President’s address:

“I have immense pleasure to inaugurate the 58th National Cost Convention of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. I was more than keen to be present here and interact with all of you as the theme “New India 2022: from Intent to Action” is close to my heart.

It is indeed the right theme as the time has come for building a New and Resurgent India that will take its legitimate place in the comity of nations as a thriving democracy with strong pluralistic foundations.

I am happy that the Institute has taken cognizance of the fact that its professionals need to partner in this pioneering nation-building activity by sensitizing and mobilizing the people to work towards realizing the “Vision - New India 2022”.

Friends, as you all are aware, Indian economy has become one of the largest fast economies in the world and is moving in the right trajectory. It is projected to become the third largest economy in the world in the next 10-15 years. However, we all should collectively ensure that there are no hurdles or bottlenecks that pullback the country’s onward march. We need to work relentlessly to eliminate illiteracy, gender discrimination, religious fundamentalism and other social evils. We need to make our governance systems even more robust, transparent, citizen-centric and investment-friendly. We have to ensure that the growth is inclusive so that the fruits of development reach all.

As a matter of fact, the country is blessed with a predominantly young population and the most pressing need is to convert this youth force into a highly skilled and employable human resource to achieve what is commonly described as “the demographic dividend”.

The goal of the youth should be to achieve excellence in their chosen fields. Everyone’s aim and goal over the next five years should be to usher in the positive changes that make India an inspiration for other countries. The year 2022 is truly significant as it happens to be the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.


As you all know, the government has launched various initiatives like Make in India, Digital India and Skill India to improve the country’s economy. Greater thrust is being given for the growth of crucial sectors like power, railways, infrastructure, rural and urban development. FDI has been allowed in many sectors and at the same time, measures were being taken to improve the lot of farmers and double their income by 2022.


Food security is one of India’s top policy priorities and doubling of farmers’ real income is the need of the hour. No true development can be said to be meaningful unless it incorporates the needs of the farming sector.

It is important to look at the possible drivers of income growth for farmers. The first source is diversification of farm activities towards high-value crops and enterprises. National-level data reveals that shifting to high-value crops can quadruple income from the same piece of land. The second source is irrigation, which can double productivity. The third source is better price realization for farmers through competitive markets, value chains and improved linkage between field and fork. The fourth source is an improvement in the terms of trade for agriculture. The fifth source is technology upgradation. Another important source is the shift of cultivators from farming to non-farm occupations. In conclusion, if the above-mentioned six measures are implemented sincerely at the state-level, then farmers’ income can be doubled by 2022-23 in most of the states.

I hope CMA professionals would discuss the issues confronting agriculture sector and articulate a proper roadmap with timelines to achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.



Sisters and Brothers,



India is currently reviewing and simplifying laws and procedures. It is targeting 90 measures including quicker construction permits and simpler registration of new companies to achieve a higher ranking in the World Bank’s annual listing of Ease of Doing Business. The ease of doing business index has become a popular tool for governments to show that they offer a favorable investment climate for private businessmen. All of you have an important role to play in the years to come.

CMA professionals can expedite FDI by effective valuation of assets/liabilities/stocks/properties to facilitate investors to make the right financial decisions and fulfill regulatory obligations.

The IBC Code is a revolutionary step as it proposes to transform the credit market in India, which hitherto was malfunctioning due to various problems and malpractices. The benefits of Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code will help in improving stressed assets easily and speedily, thereby, enabling the higher flow of capital in economy.

With the introduction of GST and the inclusion of anti-profiteering clause in the act, it has become mandatory to pass on the benefit of tax reduction or input tax credit to the final customer.

The anti-profiteering rules provide for setting up committees in each state and also a standing committee for verification of data for assessing the impact of GST. The Cost Accountants are empowered for providing such assistance to the Authority which will enhance in decision making.

I appreciate the role played by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India in the industrial and economic growth of the country. The Institute is the only recognised statutory professional organisation and licensing body in India specialising exclusively in Cost and Management Accountancy.


I am aware that the Institute has been at the forefront in remodelling business models for more effective and robust functioning of the Indian economy. The CMAs contribution to the Indian economy is immense as they are trained to be cost competitive, utilize available resources in an efficient and cost-effective manner leading to cost control and cost reduction.

I am happy that the technical sessions at the convention are focusing on the changing dynamics of the corporate regime for realigning with the New India concept. Topics like ‘Ease of Doing Business- Contribution of CMAs’, ‘Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code-CMAs Reviving Businesses’, Indian Railways- CMA as Game Changer’, ‘Valuation: A New Perspective’ and ‘Challenges in Doubling Indian Farmers’ Income- Role of CMAs’, ‘Anti Profiteering: An Opportunity for CMAs’ reflect how the corporate sector is reorienting itself to the changing environment.

Finally, I would like to conclude by asking professional bodies like yours to be in the forefront in the fight against fraud and corruption. It is disturbing to note that in some of the recent scams the role of a few chartered accountants came to light. Wrongdoing by even a few will bring bad name to the profession.

You have the onerous responsibility to examine proposals and assess the costs and assist the decision-makers to take informed decisions. Your professional expertise must constantly be enhanced by learning from the best practices within and outside India. You can help bring in greater transparency, ethical corporate behavior and enhanced accountability into our corporate governance system.

I once again congratulate the Institute for organizing this national event of immense importance and convey my best wishes for the success of all your endeavours.



JAI HIND!”

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
16-March, 2018 19:41 IST
Important information on agricultural research is the main attraction of Krishi Unnati Mela 2018: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Several websites, portals, apps, SMS are being used to provide information to farmers at the right time: Union Agriculture Minister

India is moving towards Digital and Mobile revolution and even far-flung villages have access to mobile phones. We have been seamlessly linking Information Technology with agriculture and in order to establish direct connect between the government and farmers, mobile and internet plays a key role. This was stated by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh at the Krishi Unnati Mela 2018 in Pusa, New Delhi. Shri Singh Said that Several websites, portals, apps, SMSes are being used to provide information to farmers at the right time. Important information on agricultural research is the main attraction of this fair.

Union Agriculture Minister also said that for new harvesting techniques through organic means and its successful implementation, the Jaivik Mahakumbh pavilion is a special attraction at the fair. He said that in order to give a boost to Cooperatives, a Sahakar Sammelan is also being organized. Apart from this, 9 farmers-scientist discussions (3 each day) are also being organized on important issues. Exclusive seed selling counters have also been set up in the fair.

More than 800 stalls have been set up by the Central and State Governments, various organizations, etc. in this fair. Ways to enhance farmers’ income through theme pavilions like micro irrigation, neem-coated urea, soil check/Soil Health Card, reducing costs through less use of fertilizer, effectiveness of crop insurance scheme and new dimensions of income generation, such as animal husbandry, bee keeping, poultry farming, are being showcased. Through a Live demo, farmers can witness actual farming at the fair.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on March 17, 2018, will address the farmers, agricultural scientists and other participants during the mela. He will inaugurate the Jaivik Kheti portal and will lay the foundation stone of 25 KVKs. He will also confer the Krishi Karman Award & Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puruskar.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing the media persons, at the Krishi Unnati Mela – 2018, in New Delhi on March 16, 2018. The Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj & Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing the media persons, at the Krishi Unnati Mela – 2018, in New Delhi on March 16, 2018. The Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj & Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak are also seen.

*******

Prime Minister's Office
16-March, 2018 10:34 IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address farmers at 'Krishi Unnati Mela' at IARI on March 17

Prime Minister to inaugurate the Jaivik Kheti portal and lay foundation stone of 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to also confer the Krishi Karman Award & Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puraskar

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the annual 'Krishi Unnati Mela' at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, IARI Pusa campus in the capital on March 17. He will address farmers, unveil a portal on organic farming and lay the foundation stone of 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The Prime Minister will also confer the “Krishi Karman” and “Deen Dayal Upadhya Krishi vigyan Protsahan” awards on this occasion.

Theme of the fair is doubling farmer’s income by 2022. 'Krishi Unnati Mela” is aimed at creating awareness about the latest technological developments in the agriculture and allied sectors among farmers.

Theme pavilions on doubling farmers income, live demonstrations on micro-irrigation, waste water utilisation, animal husbandry and fisheries are among the major attractions of the fair. Pavilions on seeds, fertilisers and pesticides will also be set up at the Mela.

*****

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
16-March, 2018 15:48 IST
2044 Model Fertilizer Retail Shops made operational across the country: Shri Rao Inderjit Singh

Minister of State for Planning (IC) and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, in a written reply to a question by Shri Mahesh Poddar on steps taken by Government to open Model Fertilizers Retail Shops to provide quality fertilizers and for hiring of farming equipment in the country, in Rajya Sabha today, informed that during Budget 2016-17, it was announced that over a period of three years, 2000 Model Fertilizer Retail Shops would be opened across the country. The target has been achieved and 2044 Model Fertilizer Retail Shops have been made operational, the Minister informed.

Model Fertilizer Retail Shops provide mandatory services like selling of quality fertilizers at genuine rates, soil testing, seed testing, promotion of balanced use of nutrients etc. Some optional services are also provided through these shops like hiring of equipment such as tractors, laser evelers, rotavator, crop harvester and thrashers, hiring of sprayers, sale of small implements like spades and sickles etc.

A State-wise details of Model Fertilizer Retail Shops is as provided below:


S. No.

State

Number of Shops

1

ANDHRA PRADESH

299

2

ASSAM

12

3

BIHAR

98

4

CHHATTISGARH

16

5

DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI

1

6

GOA

3

7

GUJARAT

214

8

HARYANA

114

9

HIMACHAL PRADESH

1

10

JAMMU & KASHMIR

1

11

JHARKHAND

13

12

KARNATAKA

97

13

KERALA

13

14

MADHYA PRADESH

84

15

MAHARASHTRA

164

16

ODISHA

13

17

PUNJAB

141

18

RAJASTHAN

45

19

TAMIL NADU

47

20

TELANGANA

212

21

UTTAR PRADESH

366

22

UTTARAKHAND

14

23

WEST BENGAL

76



*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
17-March, 2018 13:43 IST
PM addresses Krishi Unnati Mela



The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today visited the Krishi Unnati Mela at the IARI Mela Ground, Pusa Campus, in New Delhi. He visited the theme pavilion, and the Jaivik Mela Kumbh. He laid the Foundation Stone for 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras. He also launched an e-marketing portal for organic products. He gave away the Krishi Karman Awards and the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Krishi Protsahan Puraskar.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that such Unnati Melas play a key role in paving the way for New India. He said that today, he has the opportunity to simultaneously speak to two sentinels of New India – farmers and scientists. He said farmers and scientists have to work together to transform agriculture.

The Prime Minister specially mentioned the State of Meghalaya, which received an award for its achievements in agriculture, in the period under review.

The Prime Minister appreciated the spirit and the hard work of our farmers, for their achievements in agriculture since independence. He said that today, there is record production of foodgrains, pulses, fruits and vegetables, and milk. He said that there are important challenges in agriculture today, which reduce the farmer’s income, and increase his losses and expenditure. He said the Government is working with a holistic approach to deal with these challenges. He said the aim remains to double farmers’ incomes, and make the farmers’ lives easier.

Speaking about the progress towards this resolve, the Prime Minister said that more than 11 crore soil health cards have been distributed so far. 100 percent neem coating of Urea has also resulted in lowering expenditure on fertilizer, apart from raising productivity.

He said that through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, premiums have been lowered, capping on insurance removed, and claims amounts disbursed to farmers have gone up. He said the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana envisions water for every farm. 80,000 crore rupees are being spent to complete pending irrigation projects.

He said the Kisan Sampada Yojana is helping strengthen the supply chain from the farm to the market, and creating modern agriculture infrastructure. He said Operation Greens, announced in the recent budget, will be beneficial for farmers growing fruits and vegetables, especially Tomato, Onion and Potato.

He said several Model Acts related to farmers’ welfare have been prepared, and States have been urged to implement them.

The Prime Minister said that the Government is working to ensure that farmers get modern seeds, adequate power supply, and easy market access.

He said that the Union Government has decided that for all notified crops, MSP will be at least one and a half times the cost. He said that for this purpose the cost will include elements such as labour, rent for machinery, cost of seeds and fertilizers, revenue being given to State Government, interest on working capital, and rent of leased land.

The Prime Minister said comprehensive steps are being taken for Agriculture Marketing Reforms. It is important to connect Rural Retail Markets with wholesale and global markets. He said that in the recent Union Budget, Grameen Retail Agriculture Markets have been envisaged. 22,000 rural haats will be upgraded with necessary infrastructure, and integrated with APMC and the e-NAM platform.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of Farmer Producer Organizations. He said Farmer Producer Organizations, would be given relief on income tax, on the lines of cooperative societies. He said a new chapter in Agriculture Marketing Reform is being added in this programme, with the e-marketing portal for organic products.

He said that along with the Green Revolution and White Revolution, we must stress on Organic Revolution, Water Revolution, Blue Revolution, and Sweet Revolution.

He said the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will play a key role in this regard.

The Prime Minister explained how honey-bees could be an important source of additional income for farmers. Similarly, he spoke of the benefits of solar farming. He said about 2.75 lakh solar pumps have reached farmers in the last three years. The Prime Minister also spoke of the Go-Bar Dhan Yojana for creating compost, bio-gas etc from bio-waste.

The Prime Minister said crop residue burning has harmful effects, and if the crop residue is instead returned to the soil through machines, it will have beneficial effects.

The Prime Minister said that the Government is working to ensure that adequate Agriculture Credit is available.

The Prime Minister said that such events should also be held in far-flung areas. He also called for impact analysis of such events.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting Theme Pavilion at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting Theme Pavilion at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj & Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting Theme Pavilion at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi lays the Foundation Stone for 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi lays the Foundation Stone for 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala and the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj & Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launching e-marketing portal for organic products, at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala and the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj & Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the Krishi Karman Awards and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Krishi Protsahan Puraskar, at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the Krishi Karman Awards and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Krishi Protsahan Puraskar, at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala and the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj & Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the Krishi Karman Awards and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Krishi Protsahan Puraskar, at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing the gathering at Krishi Unnati Mela, in New Delhi on March 17, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
18-March, 2018 16:49 IST
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses the Valedictory function of KrishiUnnatiMela 2018

‘’Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Agriculture Ministry is determined to accomplish goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022’’ Modi government has brought about a new methodology and a transparent work culture: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

The developments in the field of agriculture and the efforts for the betterment of farmers made under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi are bearing fruits. The efforts of the last 3 years have brought about a qualitative change in the life of farmers. The Modi government has brought about a new methodology and a transparent work culture. This was stated by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh at the Valedictory function of the KrishiUnnatiMela 2018.

Shri Singh further said that the government has acted in a time bound manner under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The schemes for farmers’ welfare are being implemented in mission mode. The new methodology of good governance, new ideas and an improvement oriented vision will pave the way for modernisation of farming in a new India.

The Modi government has been successful in changing the mind-sets of farmers and increasing awareness among them. To improve the financial status of farmers, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has kept a goal before the country of doubling farmers’ income by 2020. This is the first time that the Prime Minister has put a concrete goal of welfare of farmers. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Agriculture Ministry is determined to accomplish this goal by 2022 and is working with full commitment and honesty to achieve this goal.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the central government is working with speed towards doubling farmers’ income by 2022. An inter-ministerial committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of CEO of National Rainfed Area Authority, Agriculture cooperatives and Farmers Welfare Department on 13.04.2016. This committee has beengiving suggestionson various interventions and processes to be followed which will be implemented through the state governments.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion of the valedictory function of the KrishiUnnatiMela 2018 were Shri ParshottamRupala, Minister of State of Agriculture; Smt. Krishna Raj, Minister of State of Agriculture; Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Shri Surya PratapShahi; Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, Dr.TrilochanMohapatra; CEO National Rainfed Area Authority Shri Ashok Dalwai.



*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh releasing the publication at the valedictory function of the “Krishi Unnati Mela, 2018”, in New Delhi on March 18, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj, the Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh releasing the publication at the valedictory function of the “Krishi Unnati Mela, 2018”, in New Delhi on March 18, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj, the Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh presenting the awards at the valedictory function of the “Krishi Unnati Mela, 2018”, in New Delhi on March 18, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj, the Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh presenting the awards at the valedictory function of the “Krishi Unnati Mela, 2018”, in New Delhi on March 18, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj, the Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh presenting the awards at the valedictory function of the “Krishi Unnati Mela, 2018”, in New Delhi on March 18, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj, the Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing at the valedictory function of the “Krishi Unnati Mela, 2018”, in New Delhi on March 18, 2018.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing at the valedictory function of the “Krishi Unnati Mela, 2018”, in New Delhi on March 18, 2018.

The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala addressing at the valedictory function of the “Krishi Unnati Mela, 2018”, in New Delhi on March 18, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
19-March, 2018 18:14 IST
Draft Agriculture Export Policyput up in the public domain

To implement Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Doubling Farmer’s Income”, Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry has taken the initiative to draft an “Agriculture Export Policy” in the larger interest of farmers and agricultural exports.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has come up with a draft “Agriculture Export Policy” which is aimed at doubling the agricultural exports and integrate Indian farmers and agricultural products to the global value chain.

Preliminary meeting with stakeholders was held to get their feedback on the proposed policy. Based on the preliminary inputs a draft policy document is prepared. The draft Agriculture Export Policy is put up in the public domain in order to seek wider consultation and feedback/suggestions from the stakeholders so as to provide the final shape to the Policy.

The document is available in “Whats New” section of the home page of Department of Commerce website. (http://commerce.gov.in/writereaddata/uploadedfile/MOC_636570683307194585_Draft_Agr_Export_Policy.pdf)



The suggestions may be forwarded at santosh.sarangi@nic.inand ramesh.n77@gov.in by 5thApril, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
20-March, 2018 17:04 IST
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship sign MoU on skill development training programmes at Krishi Vigyan Kendras

Ministry is making fast progress in fulfilling Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream of “Kaushal Bharat-Kushal Bharat”: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Government believes agriculture must be developed as a private enterprise so that it attracts more youth: Union Agriculture Minister

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship today signed an MoU to conduct skill development training programmes for agriculture and allied sector, on a regular basis, at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs). Meanwhile, the skill development training programmes currently being run across KVKs will continue.

The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh expressed happiness over the signing of MoU, which he said, will help increase cooperation. Also present on the occasion were Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Parshottam Rupala, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Smt. Krishna Raj along with Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Shri Anant Kumar Hegde, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said his Ministry is making fast progress in fulfilling Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream of “Kaushal Bharat-Kushal Bharat”. He said the government believes that agriculture must be developed as a private enterprise so that it attracts more youth. For this, he said, the Ministry is working at four levels, namely:

• Increase productivity,
• Post-harvest management and fair-prices to the farmers for their produce,
• Lower risk in agriculture,
• Strengthen and develop other aspects of farmers' income such as horticulture, animal husbandry, beekeeping, dairying, fisheries etc.

In view of the latest developments in agriculture, several new dimensions in agri-warehousing, cold chain, supply chain, dairy, poultry, meat, fishery, horticulture, agricultural mechanization, micro-irrigation, hydroponic greenhouses etc have emerged for skilled and trained youths to gain self-employment. In 2016-17, 203 skill development programmes comprising 200 hours were organized by 100 KVKs and 8 national training institutes, training 3549 youths. For this, Rs 3.53 crore was spent from Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). In 2017-18, 94 training institutes have organized 116 skill development training programmes and imparted training to 2320 youths. A provision of Rs 2 crore has been made for conducting skill training programmes in 2017-18 which is proposed to be increased to Rs 17 crore in 2018-19.

The Minister said due to the low presence of agro-based industries in rural areas, it is important to increase the ratio of self-employment to employment to 100%. He said there is a need to study the Skill Gap Analysis in agriculture sector by the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI).

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[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan witnessing the signing of an MoU, in New Delhi on March 20, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj and Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Anantkumar Hegde and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan the signing ceremony of an MoU, in New Delhi on March 20, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj and the Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Anantkumar Hegde are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
21-March, 2018 20:37 IST
Cabinet approves Revision of Energy Norms under New Urea Policy

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has accorded the following approval to the proposal of Department of Fertilizers:

(a) The Target Energy Norms under New Urea Policy-2015(NUP-2015) for 11 urea units to be implemented w.e.f. 1st April, 2018.

(b) The extension of present energy norms with token penalties, under the New Urea Policy-2015 for a further period of two years for 14 urea manufacturing units which failed to achieve the Target Energy Norms.

(c) Three Naphtha based urea units are also allowed the existing energy norms for another two years/till gas pipeline connectivity.

(d) The target energy norms as per NUP-2015 will be continued for 5 years w.e.f. 1st April, 2020.

The extension of present energy norms for further period of 2 years will ensure easy availability of urea to farmers throughout the country. It will also help to maximize the indigenous urea production and will lessen the import of urea.

The approval will also help to recover some part of the CAPEX invested by urea manufacturing units for making their units more energy efficient. Energy efficient urea manufacturing units shall reduce the carbon footprint and it will be more environment friendly.

Chemical Fertilizers have played an important role in making the country self-reliant in food grain production and provide a very vital input for the growth of Indian agriculture.

The energy efficiency norms notified by the Department for the year 2018-19 are capital intensive. The cost economics of the companies does not support the implementation of energy saving schemes as the simple pay back on investment is very long.

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Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
21-March, 2018 20:36 IST
Cabinet approves Central Sector "Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry" for sericulture sector

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for Central Sector Scheme "Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry" for the next three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20.

The Scheme has four components –

1. Research & Development (R&D), Training, Transfer of Technology and IT Initiatives
2. Seed Organizations and farmers extension centres
3. Coordination and Market Development for seed, yarn and silk products and
4. Quality Certification System (QCS) by creating amongst others a chain of Silk Testing facilities, Farm based & post-cocoon Technology Up-gradation, and Export Brand Promotion.

Financial Outlay:

A total allocation of Rs.2161.68 Crore has been approved for the implementation of the Scheme for three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20. The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry through Central Silk Board (CSB).

Impact:

The scheme is expected to increase the silk production from the level of 30348 MTs during 2016-17 to 38500 MTs by end of 2019-20 with the following interventions:

• Production of import substitute bivoltine silk to the tune of 8500 MTs per annum by 2020.

• Research & Development to improve productivity from the present level of 100 Kgs to 111 kgs of silk per ha. of plantation by the end of 2019-20.

• Large scale propagation of improved reeling machines (Automatic Reeling Machine for mulberry; improved reeling/spinning machineries and Buniyad reeling machines for Vanya silk) under Make in India programme to produce quality silk to cater to the market demand.

The scheme will promote Women Empowerment and livelihood opportunities to SC/ST and other weaker sections of the society. The scheme will help to increase productive employment from 85 lakhs to 1 crore persons by 2020.

Improvement over the earlier scheme:

The scheme has following improvement over the earlier scheme:

(i) The scheme aims to achieve self-sufficiency in silk production by 2022. To achieve this, production of high grade silk in India will reach 20,650 MTs by 2022 from the current level of 11,326 MTs thereby reducing imports to Zero.

(ii) For the first time, there is clear focus on improving production of highest grade quality of silk. It is proposed to increase 4A grade silk from the current level of 15% to 25 % of mulberry production by 2020.

(iii) The implementation strategy is clearly based on convergence at the State level with the schemes of other Ministers like MGNREGS of Rural Development, RKVY & PMKSY of Ministry of Agriculture, for maximizing benefits to the sericulturists.

(iv) The R&D projects pertaining to disease resistant silkworm, host plant improvements, productivity enhancing tools and implements for reeling and waving etc. will be done in cooperation with Ministries i.e. Science and Technology, Agriculture and Human Resource Development (HRD).

Details:

The core objective of the scheme is to improve the productivity and quality of silk through R&D intervention. The focus of R&D intervention is to promote improved crossbreed silk and the import substitute Bivoltine silk so that Bivotine silk production in India enhances to such a level that raw silk imports become nil by 2022 thereby making India self-sufficient in silk.

R&D interventions will include race improvement through development of improved host plant varieties and improved disease resistant silkworm breeds by having collaborative research with reputed National Research organizations like IITs, CSIR, IISc and international research institutes on Sericulture in Japan, China, Bulgaria etc.; Technological advancements with respect to pre coccon and post cocoon sectors. Thrust will be given on technology upgradation and making mechanization affordable.

Use of silkworm by-products (pupa) for poultry feed, sericin for cosmetic applications and product diversification into non-woven fabrics, silk denim, silk knit etc. will be given thrust for added value realisation.

Under Seed Sector, Seed Production Units will be equipped and strengthened to bring in quality standards in production network, besides increasing the production capacity to cater to the increased silk production target. Support would be provided for adopted seed rearers to generate quality seed cocoons, private graineurs to produce quality seed and Chawki Rearing Centres (CRCs) with incubation facilities to produce and supply chawki worms. Other efforts will include setting up new Cold storage, providing mobile disinfection units and equipment support for mechanization.

Registration process under Seed Act and reporting by seed production centres, basic seed farms and extension centres will be automated by developing web based software. All the beneficiaries under the scheme from silk farmers, seed producers and chawkirearers will be brought on a DBT mode with Aadhaar linkage. A Helpline will be set up for timely redressal of grievances and all outreach programmes.

Brand Promotion of Indian silk will be encouraged through quality certification by Silk Mark not only in the domestic market but in the Export market as well. High quality standards in silkworm seed, cocoon and raw silk will be promoted by setting up Cocoon Testing Centres & Silk Testing Centres. Efforts will be strengthened for collaborating with NIFT and NID for support on design and product development.

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Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
21-March, 2018 17:47 IST
States asked to submit their Annual Action Plan 2018-19 to the Centre latest by April 15, 2018 to disburse funds related to central schemes on Agriculture immediately: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Union Agriculture Minister addresses Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries (Agriculture) and other senior officials of all States and UTs via video conferencing

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh today addressed via video conferencing the Chief Secretaries of States and Principal Secretaries and senior officials of State Agriculture Departments in New Delhi, today. In a first-of-its-kind meeting for the Agriculture Ministry, Shri Singh asked the States to submit their Annual Action Plan 2018-19 to the Ministry latest by April 15, 2018 so that the funds on account of central schemes on Agriculture and allied sectors are disbursed immediately. The Union Minister asked for inter-state criteria information on Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to be sent urgently.

Shri Singh also asked States to organize regular meetings of the Steering Committee on Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme and fill vacant positions. He also took stock of the unutilized funds of the States and UTs for 2017-18 and asked them to submit, in the next two days, the utilization certificates of the fund received on account of first installment so that the second installment is released before the end of financial year 2017-18. The Minister also requested States to utilize the leftover fund before the end of fiscal 2017-18.

Shri Singh called for the smooth operation of all the schemes, sought their suggestions and gave necessary instructions to the concerned officials.

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Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
21-March, 2018 15:42 IST
Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana to promote organic farming: Radha Mohan Singh

Organic farming Revolution in India on the lines of the Green Revolution

Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers in Agriculture is a cause for concern and has drawn the attention of the government because of its implications on environment, socio-economic and production fronts. This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh while addressing ASSOCHAM’s National Conference on Organic farming in New Delhi, today.

He said India is traditionally the world's largest organic farming country. Organic farming is already being doneon the basis of traditional knowledgein several parts of India. The government is committed to take India on the path of modernity in agriculture and wants to introduce new techniques. For a sustainable increase in production, the government has been promoting organic farming on priority.

He said it is the mission of Hon’ble Prime Minister to ensure a successful “Organic Farming Revolution” in India on the lines of “Green Revolution” so that the farming community benefits from it. Through government’s various schemes, approximately 23 lakh hectares of land has been made suitable for organic farming. In order to promote organic farming, the government has started the ParamparagatKrishiVikasYojana (PKVY), under which 2 lakh hectareshas been made suitable for organic farming thereby benefitting 5 lakh farmers.

The Minister said the main objective of National Centre of Organic Farming is to promote organic farming in the country. Other government institutions like APEDA and Ministry of Commerce, while playing a leading role in improvement and control of certification system, are promoting the export of organic products. The government has initiated the Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern region. The aim of the Ministry is to promote organic farming in hilly and tribal areas as the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in these areas is very low.

The Minister said the government’s target is to cover 50,000 hectares under organic farming in the North Eastern states, out of which 45,918 hectares have been made suitable for organic farming and 2429 Farmers Interest Groups have been formed, thereby connecting 48949 farmers with the scheme. He said that in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream, India should move towards becoming a chemical free organic country.

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[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh at the ASSOCHAM’s National Conference on Organic farming, in New Delhi on March 21, 2018.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing at the ASSOCHAM’s National Conference on Organic farming, in New Delhi on March 21, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
22-March, 2018 10:23 IST
PM reaffirms commitment towards water conservation.

“WorldWaterDay is an occasion to highlight the importance of Jal Shakti and reaffirm our commitment towards water conservation.

When water is conserved, our cities, villages and hardworking farmers benefit tremendously”, the Prime Minister said.


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Ministry of Finance
22-March, 2018 16:57 IST
Agriculture Credit to farmers

The Government of India fixes agriculture credit disbursement targets for the banking sector every year and banks have consistently surpassed these targets. The details of Agriculture Credit Targets fixed by the Government and the achievement by the Banks, for the last three years (2014-15 to 2016-17) as reported by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) are given as under:





Agriculture Credit Target &Achievement

(Amount. in Rs. Crore)



Year
Target allotted by GoI
Achievement
Percentage Achievement of target

2014-15
8,00,000.00
8,45,328.23
105.67

2015-16
8,50,000.00
9,15,509.92
107.71

2016-17
9,00,000.00
10,65,755.67
118.42




The year-wise, State-wise details of agriculture loans disbursed (number of accounts and amount) to farmers by the banks during the last three years as reported by NABARD is given in Annexure.


The activity of money lending is regulated by State-specific money lending laws. The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households during NSS 70th round (January, 2013- December 2013) in the rural areas of the country for reference period of the agricultural year July 2012- June 2013 which reveals the following:-

About 52 percent of the agricultural households in the country were estimated to be indebted. At all India level, about 60 percent of the outstanding loans were taken from institutional sources which included Government (2.1 percent), Co-operative society (14.8 percent) and Banks (42.9 percent).

Government/Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken several measures to increase institutional credit flow and bringing more and more farmers including small and marginal farmers within the fold of institutional credit. These measures inter alia, include the following major steps to provide hassle free crop loan to farmers including small and marginal farmers (SF/MF):-

• As per RBI directions, Domestic Scheduled Commercial Banks are required to lend 18% of the Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent to Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE), whichever is higher, towards agriculture. A sub-target of 8% is also prescribed for lending to small and marginal farmers (SF/MF) including landless agricultural labourers, tenant farmers, oral lessees and share croppers. Similarly, in the case of Regional Rural Banks 18% of their total outstanding advances is required to be towards agriculture and a sub-target of 8% has been set for lending to small and marginal farmers.

• With a view to ensure availability of agriculture credit at a reduced interest rate of 7% p.a. to the farmers, the Government of India in the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare implements an interest subvention scheme for short term crop loans up to Rs. 3.00 lakh. The scheme provides interest subvention of 2% per annum to Banks on use of their own resources. Besides, additional 3% incentive is given to the farmers for prompt repayment of the loan, thereby reducing the effective rate of interest to 4%. Further, in order to discourage distress sale of crops by farmers, the benefits of interest subvention has been made available to small and marginal farmers having Kisan Credit Card for a further period of up to six months (post-harvest) at the same rate as available to crop loan against negotiable warehouse receipts to store their post harvest produce in Warehouses accredited by Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA).

• The Government introduced the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, for issue of KCC to farmers for uniform adoption by the banks, so that farmers may use them to readily purchase agriculture inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and draw cash for their production needs.

• Under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, a flexible limit of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 has been provided to marginal farmers (as Flexi KCC) based on the land holding and crops grown including post harvest warehouse storage related credit needs and other farm expenses, consumption needs, etc., plus small term loan investments without relating it to the value of land.

• RBI has conveyed to Banks to waive margin/security requirements of agricultural loans upto Rs.1,00,000/-. The requirement of 'no due’ certificate has also been dispensed with for small loans up to Rs.50,000 to small and marginal farmers, share-croppers and the like and, instead, only a self-declaration from the borrower is required

• To bring small, marginal, tenant farmers, oral lessees, etc. into the fold of institutional credit, Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) have been promoted by banks. One of the main objectives of financing through JLGs is to augment flow of credit to landless farmers cultivating land as tenant farmers, oral lessees or share croppers and small / marginal farmers as well as other poor individuals taking up farm activities, off-farm activities and non-farm activities. As on 31st March, 2017, cumulatively 24.53 lakh Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) have been provided Rs.26,848.13 crore loan by banks across the country.

As reported by NABARD the share of SF/MFs accounts in total number financed by all agencies grew from 60.07 per cent in 2015-16 to 72.06 per cent in 2016-17. More importantly, in terms of amount disbursed, the share of SMFs grew from 41.51 per cent (in 2015-16) to 50.14 per cent (in 2016-17). In actual terms, the agriculture credit disbursement towards SF/MF grew from Rs. 3.80 lakh crore in 2015-16 to Rs. 5.34 lakh crore in 2016-17, while the number of SF/MF accounts grew from 5.40 crore to 7.71 crore during this period.

This was stated by Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Minister of State for Finance in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
22-March, 2018 18:32 IST
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses Consultative Committee of the Ministry on Millets - Coarse Cereals

Government decides to declare Year 2018 as “National Year of Millets” Production of Millets will definitely help in providing nutritional security & preventing malnutrition, especially to the poor: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

The joint efforts of the Central and State Governments and the hard work of farmers will not only increase the production of millets but also help prevent illnesses caused due to the lack of nutritious elements in diet. This was stated by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh while addressing the members of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare today on Millets - 'Coarse Cereals.’

The Minister informed that millets include Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, little millets include Kutki, Kodo, Sawa, Kangni and Cheena. Highlighting the importance of Millets, Shri Singh said that Millets are known for their nutrients. They are tolerant to drought, are photo insensitive and are resistant to climate change. The cultivation of millets requires less water than the cultivation of rice and wheat.

Millets are cultivated in low-fertile land, mountainous, tribal and rain-fed areas. These areas include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. In the pre-Green Revolution era, in 1965-66, millets were cultivated in 36.90 million hectares. In 2016-17, the area under millet cultivation declined to 14.72 million hectares (60% less coverage area) due to change in consumption pattern, dietary habits, unavailability of millets, low yield, less demand and conversion of irrigated area for cultivation of rice and wheat. As a result of this, nutrients like protein, Vitamin-A, iron and Iodine levels fell in women and children. Production of millets will definitely help in providing nutritional value, especially to the poor. Besides providing nutritional security, it also helps in preventing malnutrition.

Hon'ble Prime Minister in the meeting held on July 18, 2017, had decided to start distributing millets under Public Distribution System (PDS) to improve nutritional security, the Minister informed. Subsequently, a meeting of the committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Ayog was held on October 13, 2017 wherein it was decided to promote millets viz. Jowar, Bajra, Ragi through PDS across the country to improve nutritional content in the diet of people. On the basis of the recommendations of NITI Ayog, it has been decided to create a sub mission on Nutri cereals instead of the existing NFSM-Coarse Cereals. National Food Security Mission (NFSM) -Coarse Cereals are divided into two components: NFSM (Makka and Jau) and Sub Mission on Nutri-Cereals covering Jowar, Bajra, Ragi and little millets like Kutki, Kodo, Sawa, Kangni and Cheena.

The Government has also decided to declare 2018 as “National Year of Millets”. In case of an emergency, the cultivation of millets is very suitable for small and marginal farmers. In order to promote millets, their prescribed purchases in MSP and inclusion in Mid-day Meal are being done.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Textiles22-March, 2018 17:21 IST
India to be Self-Reliant in Silk Production by 2020

The Minister of Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani interacting with media today regarding efforts of the Govt. of India to make the country self-reliant in silk production

India will be self-reliant in the production of silk by 2020, said the Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani in a media interaction today. The Union Cabinet’s decision approving the Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry will help increase the production of Bivoltine silk (high quality) by 62 percent by 2020. The Minister further said the aim of the government is to increase the number of people engaged in the silk sector from 85 lakhs to one crore in the next three years. She said, 50 thousand people will be trained in this sector. Smt. Irani told media that an inter- ministerial committee of related ministries will be set up under the Textiles Ministry to disburse a sum of Rs. 1000 crores for development of Research & Development.

Seed production units will be equipped and strengthened, besides increasing the production capacity to cater to the increased demand for silk in the future. Elaborating further the Minister said that under Digital India, web-based solutions will be provided to farmers engaged in seed production and other allied activities. Farmers and seed producers will get all subsidy by Direct Benefit Transfer.

The minister informed that market development is a very important area and 21 cocoon testing centres are being set up in the main silk producing states of the country. Apart from this, 19 basic silk seed farms, 20 silk worm seed production centres, 131 chawki rearing centres and 500 acres of land is being set aside for improved varieties.

Infrastructure development by individual farmers and silk producers will be financially supported by the Central Government which will bear 50% of the costs. For beneficiaries belonging to SC or ST category, the Centre will bear 65% of the cost. In case of beneficiaries from North East States, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, the Centre will bear 80% of the cost. A Helpline will be set up for timely redressal of grievances and all outreach programmes.

Smt. Irani informed that the State Governments have been urged to participate in implementing the Scheme as they have an important role to play in increasing the silk production of the country. The Minister said that out of 26 silk producing and consuming states, only 17 have a separate Department or Directorate of Sericulture.

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The Union Minister for Textiles and Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Smriti Irani interacting with the media regarding the cabinet approval for the Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry, in New Delhi on March 22, 2018.

The Union Minister for Textiles and Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Smriti Irani interacting with the media regarding the cabinet approval for the Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry, in New Delhi on March 22, 2018.