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

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
06-April, 2017 18:14 IST
Geo-tagging of agriculture assets created under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY): Shri Radha Mohan Singh

More than 1.5 lakh infrastructure/assets develop under the scheme in horticulture, fisheries, dairy and livestock breeding: Shri Singh

“Centre committed to transparency in governance and the initiative to list infrastructure/assets with the help of technology”

“Farmers to be able to utilise pesticide/residue testing labs, storage infrastructure and market-related information on time”


A MoU was signed here today between Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for geotagging of agriculture land in presence of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Development of North Eastern Region, Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances & Pensions. Shri Shobhna K Patnaik, Secretary DAC & FW, Dr. Kiran Kumar, President, ISRO, Director, NRASA DAC and senior officer of NRASA were also present on this occasion.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) works for the development of Agriculture & allied sectors by motivating the states. More than 1.5 lakh assets have been created/ developed under this scheme in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and dairy sectors. It is imperative to formulate a national index of the assets to understand them, systemize them and to reduce the gap between demand and supply.

Agriculture Minister said that the government is committed to transparency in governance. Shri Singh said that development of space-related technologies to prepare the list of the assets and their utilisation is a progressive step. Being aware of the realistic status of assets will not only be helpful in monitoring and utilising, but also be extremely useful in formulating development schemes in the agriculture sector. Agriculture Minister added that it will also help in avoiding duplication and pave the way for harmonising a balance between the various schemes of the ministry.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh further added that there is unlimited scope for agriculture development by utilising satellite and remote sensing technologies. The government wants farmers to avail the benefits provided by these technologies. Shri Singh said that by utilising space-related technologies farmers will get timely information about pesticide/residue testing labs, storage infrastructure and agriculture markets.

Agriculture Minister informed that the space technology needs to be developed in the areas such as land resource mapping, pesticides management, soil health mapping, crop yield estimation as well as the identification and assessment of floods like calamities, inland fisheries, animal species identification and sheep rearing and when the technology is developed, the farmers can enjoy quick and instant benefits.

Shri Singh said very soon farmers would utilise the internet and mobile phones to obtain agriculture related information such as fertility of soil, the quantity of fertiliser to be used, condition for sowing potential pests aggression, estimation of yield, godowns, cold storage, agriculture markets as well as identification and availabilities of animal species.

Agriculture Minister showered both the teams as well as states with praise for applying space and remote sensing technologies to monitor agriculture-related assets under RKVY.


***

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh at the signing ceremony of an MoU between RKVY division of DAC&FW and National Remote Sensing Agency for use of geospatial technology for monitoring of assets created under RKVY, in New Delhi on April 06, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Orange-spotted grouper fish is being released into the cage at Nagayalanka in Krishna district. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGMENT
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-breed-in-krishna-estuary/article17837035.ece

High-value marine fish species developed in-house to be introduced in open ponds, cages
The Visakhapatnam-based Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)’s scientists have launched their research on feasibility of mass cultivation of Orange-spotted grouper, one of the high value marine fish species, in Krishna district.

Orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is known as ‘Estuary cod’, which inhabits the tropical mangrove, open and shallow sea, coral reef, intertidal flats, lagoons and estuaries. A team of CMFRI scientists led by Sekhar Megharajan on Saturday began cultivation of Orange-spotted grouper in a local brackishwater pond and cage that floats on the Krishna in Nagayalanka mandal. “The bloodstock of Orange-spotted grouper has been developed in our in-house laboratory in Visakhapatnam in 2013. The wild grouper was collected from an estuary in Visakhapatnam for developing its breed in huge quantity,” Mr. Sekhar Megharajan told The Hindu. The CMFRI is engaged in testing the grouper breed in Kottapalem and Nagayalanka in Krishna district and Visakhapatnam. “This is the first attempt by the CMFRI wing to cultivate the grouper, the breed developed in the laboratories, in the open ponds and cages. We will supply the seed in a huge quantity based on the results and survival rate of the breed,” added Mr. Sekhar Megharajan.

The CMFRI collaborates with Nagayalanka-based aqua farmer Lanka Sekhar for testing the grouper cultivation in floating cages. The success of the experiment could be claimed if the growth rate of the grouper reaches one kilogram within one year. The locations where grouper cultivation is being tested by the CMFRI are surrounded by estuary, backwaters and dense mangrove forest cover.CMFRI Director A. Gopalakrishnan and other scientists Shubhadeep Ghosh, Ritesh Sanjan and B. Xavier were part of the team that developed the grouper breed.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
11-April, 2017 17:57 IST
Blue Revolution

Realizing the immense scope for development of fisheries and aquaculture, the Government of India has restructured the Central Plan Scheme under an umbrella of Blue Revolution. The restructured Central Sector Scheme on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries (CSS) approved by the Government provides for a focused development and management of the fisheries sector to increase both fish production and fish productivity from aquaculture and fisheries resources of the inland and marine fisheries sector including deep sea fishing.

The scheme has the following components:
i. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and its activities.
ii. Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture.
iii. Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Operations.
iv. Strengthening of Database & Geographical Information System of the Fisheries Sector.
v. Institutional Arrangement for Fisheries Sector.
vi. Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and other need-based Interventions.
vii. National Scheme on Welfare of Fishermen.
The Scheme Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries is being implemented in consultation with all States & UTs. Besides the activities undertaken under both the marine and inland sectors, no specific role for the coastal states has been defined.

The Blue Revolution is being implemented to achieve economic prosperity of fishermen and fish farmers and to contribute towards food and nutritional security through optimum utilization of water resources for fisheries development in a sustainable manner, keeping in view the bio-security and environmental concerns.

Under the scheme, it has been targeted to enhance the fish production from 107.95 lakh tonnes in 2015-16 to about 150 lakh tonnes by the end of the financial year 2019-20. It is also expected to augment the export earnings with a focus on increased benefit flow to the fishers and fish farmers to attain the target of doubling their income.

The Department has prepared a detailed National Fisheries Action Plan-2020(NFAP) for the next 5 years with an aim of enhancing fish production and productivity and to achieve the concept of Blue Revolution. The approach was initiated considering the various fisheries resources available in the country like ponds & tanks, wetlands, brackish water, cold water, lakes & reservoirs, rivers and canals and the marine sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Sudarshan Bhagat, in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*****

Ministry of Agriculture
11-April, 2017 17:57 IST
Availability of High Yielding Seeds

The availability of certified/quality seeds for Kharif 2017 is 176.26 lakh quintals against the requirement of 154.69 lakh quintals in the country and there is no shortage of quality pesticides in the country as reported by the States.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the State Agricultural Universities are conducting research and high yielding varieties are being developed for the benefit of farmers. During the year 2016, a total of 308 varieties have been developed and released. The details are, in Cerelas 153 varieties, Pulses 43 varieties, Oilseeds 50 varieties, in Fibre crops 33 varieties, in Forage 20 varieties and in Sugar crops 9 varieties.

The Government provides assistance under various crop development programmes/Schemes for seed related activities to make quality seeds available to the farmers at reasonable prices. The quality of pesticides is monitored by the insecticide inspectors of Central (182) and State Government (13403) respectively through inspection of manufacturing, storage, sale points etc, draw samples of pesticides, analyze with the help of notified pesticide analysts,. Prosecution is initiated in case of violation of the provisions of insecticide Act, 1968.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Parshottam Rupala, in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Agriculture
11-April, 2017 17:41 IST
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare supports potato growers in Uttar Pradesh

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Ministry approves procurement of one lakh metric tonne potatoes from farmers under Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)



Potato purchase to be made at Rs.4870 per metric tonne



Government to provide an additional Rs.1217.50 per metric tonne for storage, transportation & mandi fee


The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has approved the procurement of potato under Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) in Uttar Pradesh for the crop season 2016-17. A maximum quantity of 1,00,000 metric tonne (MT) of potato may be procured under the scheme by the State Agency.



The purchase will be made at Rs. 4,870/- per MT. The Ministry will provide an additional Rs. 1217.50/- per MT or actual whichever is less for overhead expenses, such as transportation charges, mandi tax, and godown charges.



Purchase centres/areas will be decided by the state government in consultation with the state agency.



The MIS will be implemented by the state agency. The Potatoes will be purchased from the Cooperative Societies, farmers’ organizations or directly from the farmers to eliminate the possibility of middlemen taking advantage of the scheme. The state government will ensure that the produce is purchased from genuine farmers only.



The procured stocks will be disposed of in the open market to ensure maximum realizable price. If necessary, this can also be sold to processing units within the state. The state agency would also make efforts to export the procured potatoes after processing.



In order to avoid recycling, the stock would not be sold in the same market / state from where it has been procured during the period of the scheme. However, if the prices are better it can also be sold, locally.



Barter payments or payments in kind to farmers for procurement won’t be allowed.



Payment to farmers as far as possible will be made through non-cash transaction and receipts for sales must be through banking channel only, preferably through Demand Draft.



***

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
17-April, 2017 15:42 IST
PM inaugurates Cattle Feed Plant, launches irrigation and water supply schemes at Bajipura, Gujarat


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated the SUMUL cattle feed plant at Bajipura in southern Gujarat. He also laid the Foundation Stone for three Lift Irrigation Schemes, and inaugurated the Drinking Water Supply Scheme for Vyara Town and Jesinhpur-Dolvan Groups of Tapi district.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister recalled having worked in this area for a long time. He said SUMUL – the Surat District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited - has empowered several people in the nearby areas. He said the stretch from Umbergaon to Ambaji has been transformed and this has benefited the tribal communities of Gujarat. Here, in SUMUL we see the positive results that can be achieved when Sahkar (Cooperatives) and Sarkar (Government) work together, the Prime Minister said. He said SUMUL also illustrates the good that happens when farmers and dairies work closely.

The Prime Minister said that Tapi district is one of the newer districts of Gujarat, and he is happy to see it achieve remarkable progress.

The Prime Minister called for value addition in the agriculture sector, and focus on increasing per capita milk production.

***

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurating the fully automatic Cattle Feed Plant of SUMUL Dairy, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the fully automatic Cattle Feed Plant of SUMUL Dairy, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the fully automatic Cattle Feed Plant of SUMUL Dairy, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Art Gallery after inauguration of the fully automatic Cattle Feed Plant of SUMUL Dairy, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Milk processing plants and other developmental projects in Gujarat, at Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Milk processing plants and other developmental projects in Gujarat, at Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Milk processing plants and other developmental projects in Gujarat, at Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Milk processing plants and other developmental projects in Gujarat, at Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a gathering at the public meeting, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a gathering at the public meeting, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a gathering at the public meeting, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a gathering at the public meeting, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a gathering at the public meeting, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a gathering at the public meeting, in Bajipura, Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

 

[khanmubashir]

Ministry of Science & Technology
26-October, 2016 16:43 IST
Impacting Farmers’ lives through Science Biotech-Kisan & Cattle Genomics

As a part of the Government’s focus on the development of programmes that aim to directly and positively impact people’s lives rapidly, the Ministry of Science and Technology has been at the forefront in many of these initiatives. Two Farmer-Centric initiatives of this Ministry are Biotech-KISAN and Cattle Genomics.

The Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan shared details on these new initiatives with the Press in New Delhi today. The two programs are intended to have major impact on rural livelihood through science. The Minister in his address stated that the Prime Minister’s emphasis on the importance to work on the problems faced by our farmers is a great motivation factor for the scientist community.


Biotech- KISAN (Krishi Innovation Science Application Network) Empowering Small- and Women- Farmers with Science Implementation


Biotech-KISAN is a new programme that empowers farmers, especially women farmers. Cash crops and horticulture can be a major source of income but the vagaries of climate, disease and market often prevent this. Farmers are eager to use scientific tools that can mitigate these factors. The Department of Biotechnology is partnering to stimulate these exciting directions.

The Scheme is for farmers, developed by and with farmers, it empowers women, impacts locally, connects globally, is Pan-India, has a hub-and spoke model and stimulates entrepreneurship and innovation in farmers.

Biotech-KISAN is:

· For Farmers: The Biotech-KISAN is a Farmer centric scheme launched by of the Department of Biotechnology, where scientists will work in sync with farmers to understand problems and find solutions.

· By Farmers: Developed in consultation with the farmers. Soil, Water, Seed and Market are some key points that concern small and marginal farmers. Biotech-KISAN aims to link farmers, scientists and science institutions across the country in a network that identifies and helps solve their problems in a cooperative manner.

· Empower women. The woman farmer is often neglected. It is important to empower the women farmer, help her meet her concerns for better seed, storage of seed and protection of the crops from disease and pest. The women farmer is also the prime caretaker of livestock and she is eager to combine traditional wisdom in handling the livestock and with current best practices, especially in the context of emerging livestock disease. The scheme includes the Mahila Biotech- KISAN fellowships, for training and education in farm practices, for women farmers. The Scheme also aims to support the women farmers/ entrepreneur in their small enterprises, making her a grass root innovator.

· Connects Globally. Biotech-KISAN will connect farmers to best global practices; training workshops will be held in India and other countries. Farmers and Scientists will partner across the globe.

· Impacts Locally. The scheme is targeted towards the least educated marginalised farmer; Scientists will spend time on farms and link communication tools to soil, water seed and market. The aim is to understand individual problems of the smallholding farmers and provide ready solutions.

· Across India. Biotech KISAN will connect farmers with science in the 15 agro-climatic zones of the country in a manner, which constantly links problems with available solutions.

· Hubs and Spoke. In each of these 15 regions, a Farmer organisation will be the hub connected to different science labs, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and State Agriculture Universities co-located in the region. The hub will reach out to the farmers in the region and connect them to scientists and institutions.

· Farmers as Innovators. The hub will have tinkering lab, communication cell and will run year-long training, awareness, workshops and which will act as education demonstration units to encourage grass root innovation in the young as well as women farmers.

· Communicating Best Practises There will be a communication set-up to make radio and TV programmes for local stations, as well as daily connectivity through social media.



Cattle Genomics: Taking Indigenous Livestock to Pole Position


Livestock contributes significantly to the livelihood of rural poor in our country and has enormous potential to reduce poverty. There is a predicted increase in demand for animal food products in India by 2020. In the wake of climate change challenges, quality breeding of indigenous livestock is essential. When breeding is selective, the native livestock can transform the lives of small farmers. Genomic selection will ensure high-yielding, disease-resistant, resilient livestock.

Selecting hardy livestock that give high-yields. Better livestock can be genetically, selected which ultimately leads to enhancement of productivity in a sustainable, resilient manner.

Traditional Breeding takes time. Genetic improvement of livestock through traditional selection for increasing livestock productivity has major limitations. To overcome these, genomic selection has played a crucial role in livestock industry globally.

Global best methods for local livestock. Genomic selection will transform local livestock breeding. This uses information on variation in DNA sequences between animals to predict the breeding value of animals more accurately.

Genome sequencing of indigenous cattle breeds from all registered cattle breeds of India by involving various stakeholders is to start soon.

Development of high-density DNA chips. This will reduce the cost and time interval of breeding program in future and productivity of indigenous cattle will be enhanced.

*****

I hope this makes a dent in Indian farmers suicides rates one of highest in world with 10000+ annual average

 

[Hindustani78]

Prized possession Trainers parade their Ongole bulls at Madirala, near N.G. Padu in Prakasam district. | Photo Credit: Kommuri Srinivas

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...eders-bet-on-ongole-bulls/article18151656.ece

Rearing the breed for racing a big business in Prakasam district of A.P.
While the average farmer is selling his cattle at a throwaway price unable to feed it following severe drought for the third year in succession, breeders of the world famous Ongole bull rear it with a zeal to make big money.

The pure breed of Ongole cattle (Bos indicus) has flourished on the tracts between Gundalakamma and Musi rivers for centuries.

However, the breed is gradually vanishing in its land of origin, even as farmers elsewhere in the world, particularly Brazil, are rearing it in a big way for dairy products.

Under pressure to cut costs, the farmers have dumped the indigenous bull and prefer tractors for cultivation.

But progressive farmers in the district train the majestic bulls for racing events held at frequent intervals and, in the process, make handsome gains by selling their prized beasts.

A well-bred pair of Ongole bulls fetches anywhere between ₹ 40 lakh and ₹ 50 lakh, says G. Sai Babu, who organises boulder pulling competition at Madiralapadu every year during summer.

Calves with superior characteristics are obtained by mating bulls and cows and fed with a special diet comprising, among other things, horse gram, finger millet, dried coconuts and palm dates, says Chandrasekhar, a bull breeder, who spends close to ₹ 1 crore every year to maintain his cattle farm at Madirala.

The beautiful bovines are housed in airy cowsheds and protected from excessive heat by giving showers in two to three spells every day, and by operating ceiling fans and air coolers when the situation demands, explains a bull trainer Suresh, proudly parading his well-trained pets.

How they practise

The practice session for the bulls includes sprinting and boulder pulling under the watchful eyes of eight to 10 trainers both in the morning and evening.

“The bulls are even given tender coconut and glucose water after a energy-sapping workouts,” adds another bull trainer K. Krishna, getting ready for an absorbing contest in the temple town of Markapur.

The State government should sponsor special cattle shows and racing events for the farmers to evince interest in rearing the bulls, they plead.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
21-April, 2017 18:24 IST
“Quality Mark” Award Scheme for Dairy Cooperatives initiated by NDDB

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is in the process of registering the quality mark logo under Trademarks Act, 1998

As part of the innovative initiatives under the “White Revolution” umbrella Schemes, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has supported the National Dairy Development Board(NDDB) developed initiative of “Quality Mark” Award Scheme for dairy Cooperatives to promote and encourage enhancement of safety, quality and hygiene of milk and milk products manufactured by dairy cooperatives. It is aimed at bringing about process improvement in the entire value chain from producer to the consumer to ensure availability of safe and quality of milk and products both for the domestic and foreign market. The Quality Mark” Award Scheme for dairy Cooperatives in the country has been initiated to instill confidence in the consumers for the quality of milk being marketed by them by ensuring availability of safe and good quality milk and milk products. The quality mark scheme was rolled out on 6th January-2016 after deliberating on the process and award mechanism for over a year. The initiative does not propose any new/ additional system for Food Safety and Quality Management but lays down minimum standards against each link of the processes required for ensuring quality and safety.

The NDDB is in the process of registering the quality mark logo under Trademarks Act, 1998. The Dairy units which meet the criteria for award of quality mark will be allowed to use the logo on the package containing milk and milk products and the award of the quality mark shall be specific for location of the dairy unit as well as for the process for a particular product. The mark may be applied to the packaging or printed on a label affixed to the package. The logo/symbol of quality mark on milk and milk product packages indicates that the dairy unit has adopted and implemented all the processes required as per the food safety and quality management system for manufacture of milk and milk products as per the set quality parameters.

The assessment is a two-step process involving pre-assessment and a final assessment. The pre-assessment largely covers the village level procurement and processing infrastructure availability, training manpower and the retail sales. Only those dairy units that score over 70% in the preliminary assessment are considered for final assessment which is done by a team of three experts of which one is an external expert. The final assessment is made for the evaluation of 45 critical and 97 major parameters that influence the quality of the processed milk and milk products. The award of Quality Mark shall be valid for three years subject to maintenance of quality, food safety standards and compliance with terms and conditions of the agreement.

The guideline document for award of quality mark was finalized based on the discussions of the working group in the meetings at Anand and Delhi in November, 2014 and August 11, 2015. Thereafter, comments were sought from the members which were discussed during the roll out meeting at Anand, on 6th January, 2016 by incorporating the feedback from different stakeholders. After the finalization of quality mark documents, it was circulated to the State Milk Federations & District Milk Unions. The interested State Milk Federations /Cooperative Dairies /Educational Institutions / Govt. Dairy Units are required to apply for the award of Quality Mark Management (QM) document. The document has been finalized after a series of deliberations which began in November, 2014 and was rolled out in January 2016.

An eleven member Management Committee has been envisaged to oversee the activities of the Quality Mark. The Management Committee has members including the representatives of DADF, FSSAI and Managing Directors of four State Milk Federations representing the regions and two Experts in Dairying. The first meeting of the Management Committee of the Quality Mark was held at Anand on March 15, 2017. Representative of the Food Safety and Standards Authority & DADF also attended the meeting. In the meeting the formal nationwide launch of the Quality Mark was discussed and it was recommended to have a formal launch of the Quality Mark after the current Parliament Session by the Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Since roll out of quality mark initiative by NDDB, on 6th January, 2016, NDDB has so far received 53 applications (comprising Karnataka-13, Mother Dairy-8, Punjab-4, Tamil Nadu-5, Haryana-4, Bihar-11, Maharashtra-4, MP-4) for award of the Quality Mark. Out of 53, 30 applications have been assessed and 13 Dairy Units have been found eligible for award of Quality Mark logo by NDDB.

*****

Ministry of Agriculture
21-April, 2017 18:23 IST
Major steps taken by Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHDF) to discourage the Adulteration of Milk and Milk products in coming summer season, 2017

DAHDF is regularly reviewing the availability of milk situation in the country with National Dairy Development Board

Adulteration in Milk is harmful to health even while it is an unfair trade practices. Further, it is a market fraud and affects the honest efforts of the milk producers. Government of India has enacted Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act -2006 in August 2006 to consolidate the laws relating to food and to establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is implemented by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India through the State Food Safety Commissioners in each State. The State Government machinery is equally responsible in controlling the menace of sale of adulterated/synthetic milk.

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries is regularly reviewing the availability of milk situation in the country with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and State Milk Federations. The Department is observed that due to increase in the international and domestic prices there will be less availability of milk and milk products in the ensuing summer season which may effect the quality of milk and milk products. The issue of adulteration of milk have been discussed in the meetings held on 23.03.2017 and 31.03.2017, under the chairmanship of Secretary(ADF) with the officers from M/o Health& Family Welfare, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI), and National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, which have discussed about the measures/steps to be taken for effective enforcement of the provision of Food Safety and Standard Act (FSS Act) 2006 and to ensure availability of safe & quality Milk and Milk Products to the consumers in products in coming summer season, 2017.

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries vide letter dated 31st March, 2017 have requested Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh to take the stock of the situation and ensure immediate drive to check sale of adulterated milk in the State especially in the Western District of Uttar Pradesh. DAHDF vide letters dated 14th Oct 2016 and 5th April 2017 have also requested FSSAI and all Chief Secretaries of States to ensure strict enforcement of provisions of FSS Act 2006 for ensuring the supply of safe and quality milk and milk products to the consumers especially children in the country.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

A ‘cage’ set up in a reservoir near Pune. Express
Written by Rohit Alok | Mumbai | Published:April 30, 2017 2:28 am
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-hit-belts-take-lead-in-fish-farming-4633722/

Pisciculture or fish farming is likely to bring relief for some of the state’s drought-prone regions with parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, which were under the shadow of a severe dry spell till recently, already taking a lead in pisciculture activities across Maharashtra.

Buoyed by a good monsoon in 2016-17, the Maharashtra government has been encouraging pisciculture farmers to take up cultivation of fresh water fish found in water reservoirs. On October 17, 2016, the state’s fisheries department brought out a resolution to promote ‘cage culture’ in water reservoirs to boost fresh water fishing. ‘Cage culture’ is a practice of cultivating fish from fingerlings in a controlled environment, where water quality and fish food is constantly monitored.

“About 211 projects have been sanctioned in the past six months,” said a senior government official.

While Chief Minister’s home district, Nagpur, has bagged the highest number of projects at 51, senior officials said other Vidarbha belts, including Yavatmal, Wardha, Chandrapur, and Buldhana, also figure prominently on the list of places where pisciculture has been introduced.

About 41 projects have been taken up in the catchment of the Pavana dam in Western Maharashtra’s Pune. In North Maharashtra, projects have been sanctioned in Jalgaon district, officials said.

While senior government officials confirmed that only about a dozen of these projects were currently operational, the state appears to have drawn up an ambitious five-year plan.

“Nearly 1,200 water reservoirs are proposed to be tapped for pisciculture between 2016 and 2020. So far, about 10,128 cages have been approved for projects spread across 13 districts,” said an official. Explaining the reason behind the government’s push to the fish breeding method, the official said: “This method can yield up to 2.5 tonnes of fish in one cage per month.”

Currently, the state ranks fourth in the country in freshwater farming. It cultivates 1.5 lakh metric tonnes fish a year on an average. Officials said the plan was to push the state to the first position with the help of this expansion.

The cage culture method of inland breeding involves a cage made of nets, which is supported on a floating frame that is submerged in water, at least 6 metres deep, and thousands of fingerlings are released in the net. Two species of fish — red tilapia and basa — have been found to be the most suitable for this method of cultivation. “Once the fish grow up to 1 kg, they are removed from the reservoir and distributed,” the official said.

Another senior Mantralaya official said: “Each ‘cage’ can generate direct employment for 10 people. A project of 1,000 cages can generate 10,000 jobs and provide indirect employment to another 15,000 people.”

A fisheries department official said the move to promote pisciculture in the drought-prone and dry land farming-dependent regions was a ‘conscious’ measure to provide an ‘alternate source of income’ to the farmers.

Officials from the Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation (MFDC), meanwhile, said that farmers in the rain shadow belts were ‘early movers’ in tapping pisciculture activities since they have understood the potential of a sustainable alternate income source.

With a good monsoon forecast for 2017-18, pisciculture farmers have a reason to smile. Officials are banking on increased fresh water production this year. “A survey will be done at the end of 2017 to evaluate the economics of the cage culture project,” said a senior Mantralaya official. As a policy measure, the government has plans to encourage pisciculture activities in 1% catchment area across all water reservoirs.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...s-of-rupees/story-Cug2pgrJvCFXIpONR7P4mL.html
Sultan and Yuvraj are the centre of attraction at Kota’s agriculture fair because their semen fetches their owners more than Rs 150,000 per ejaculation.

india Updated: May 25, 2017 20:07 IST

Aabshar H Quazi
Hindustan Times, Kota

Yuvraj is no ordinary bull. Its seed fetches its owner Rs 150,000 for one ejaculation(HT PHOTO)
Yuvraj is no ordinary bull. Its seed fetches its owner Rs 150,000 for one ejaculation. The 9-year-old bull of Murrah breed drinks 20 litres of milk every day to stay fit and healthy. He has so far fathered more than 200,000 calves, his owner says.

Like him, Sultan, too, is a stud but it ejaculates more semen than Yuvraj and , therefore, makes its owner richer.

The two breeding bulls are the centre of attraction at the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet at Kota where their owners are displaying them to motivate farmers to rear bulls to make money out of their semen and to improve breed quality.

At a cattle fair in Karnal, Haryana, last year, a farmer offered Rs 9 crore to buy Yuvraj but his owner, 51-year-old Karamveer Singh of Sunariyo village in Kurukshetra, refused to part with the bull.

“I bought him for Rs 54,000 seven years ago; it has given me millions of rupees and there’s an emotional connection, too. I cannot sell him for any price,” he says.

Similarly, a cattle farmer from South Africa offered Rs 21 crore for Sultan but his owner, Naresh Beniwal, declined the offer.

Sultan is 5 feet and 11 inches tall and has won the National Livestock Championship six times, the last being in 2013. (HT PHOTO)
Yuvraj weighs 1,500 kg and is 5 feet and 7 inches tall. He has been National Livestock Champion 24 times for his vital statistics. Sultan is 5 feet and 11 inches tall and has won the championship six times, the last being in 2013.

One ejaculate of these bulls is around 6 millilitre of semen from which 600 doses are prepared through scientific dilution. Each dose costs around Rs 250.

Yuvraj produces around 45,000 doses every year and Sultan, 54,000.

“We spend around 200,000 every year on their upkeep, health care and vaccines,” said Beniwal, a farmer from Kethal in Haryana. “The bulls need a lot of milk and cattle feed and need to be bathed at least thrice a day to keep them healthy,” he added.

The owners of these bulls have employed 4-5 people to look after their priced possessions.

Yuvraj and Sultan, they add, are sought after for their semen by farmers who want a good breed of buffalo for dairy farming. This breed of buffaloes, Singh said, produce more than 20 litres of milk every day.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
28-May, 2017 18:55 IST
Our Country is the Largest Producer of Milk in the World: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission, on the lines of Gokul Gram, ‘ Gir Cow sanctuary’ has been Approved

It Is the Responsibility of Veterinarians to Contribute in Keeping the Nation Healthy By Increasing Availability of Animal Protein

By 2022 the Government of India is committed to Double Farmers' Income

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh today said that the Government of India has undertaken several new initiatives in the field of animal husbandry in Gujarat. Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission, on the lines of Gokul Gram ‘Gir, Cow Sanctuary’ has been approved. This will be established in Dharampur, Porbandar under Livestock insurance coverage. Earlier only two milk animals were included , now 5 milk animals and 50 small animals are included. This scheme has been implemented in all the districts of the state, whereas earlier only 15 districts were included. During the year 2014-16, about 26,000 animals have been insured in the state. To fulfil the shortage of veterinarians, a veterinary college has been established in Junagadh. The Agriculture Minister was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of polytechnic at Kamdhenu University, Sabarkantha.

The Agriculture Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride that our country is number one in milk production in the world. In the year 2015-16, the growth rate of milk production has been 6.28 per cent due to which total production has reached 156 million tonnes. And now, per person milk availability is 337 gram on an average, while on the world level it is 229 gram. It is worth mentioning that in comparison to the years 2011-14, the growth in milk production during the years 2014-17 has been 16.9 per cent.

He said that the standard of living of urban and rural families is rising, therefore, the demand for the animal protein is increasing. So, it is necessary that we constantly make effort to increase the production of our livestock, poultry and fish so that the country's citizens are well-nourished and healthy. That is why it is the responsibility of veterinarians to contribute in keeping the nation healthy by increasing availability of animal protein.

He said that the Government is committed to double farmers' income by 2022 and veterinaries play a significant role in fulfilling the Government’s resolution to double the farmers’ income. A healthy animal will result in greater production which will automatically enhance the farmer’s income and the country will proceed on the path of economic prosperity.

Agriculture Minister said that India is world’s highest livestock owner at about 512.05 million out of which 199.1 million are bovines, 105.3 million buffaloes, 71.6 million sheep and 140.5 million goats. In the case of goats, India is at the second position in the world and it is approximately 25 % of the livestock. India is second largest poultry market in the world and it includes the production of 63 billion eggs and 649 million poultry meat. India's marine and fish industry are growing at around 7 percent compound annual growth rate. Overall, India’s livestock sector is growing fast and emerging as a major contributor in the global market.

The Agriculture Minister said that the Government of India is ensuring the quality of education in universities is of international standards. In this direction, ICAR’s Fifth Deans Committee Report has been approved. Schemes like ‘Student’ and ‘Arya’ have been started with scholarships. Students’ scholarship amount has been increased.

In the end, the Minister said that to see our nation prosper and agriculture sector and farmers flourish, we need to work together. When the agriculture will grow, the farmer will be happy and the country will move forward. *****

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurating the building of Polytechnic in Animal Husbandry, at Kamdhenu University, Himmat Nagar, in Gujarat on May 28, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala is also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurating the Cow Shed at Polytechnic in Animal Husbandry, at Kamdhenu University, Himmat Nagar, in Gujarat on May 28, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala is also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurating the Hostel Building of Polytechnic in Animal Husbandry, at Kamdhenu University, Himmat Nagar, in Gujarat on May 28, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala is also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing at the Polytechnic in Animal Husbandry of the Kamdhenu University, Himmat Nagar, in Gujarat on May 28, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...to-influence-testing-labs/article18620118.ece


May 30, 2017 00:20 IST
Updated: May 30, 2017 00:20 IST

Govt. will continue testing samples regularly, says Dairy Development Minister
Tamil Nadu Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji, on Monday said the government will continue to test all milk products including State-owned Aavin’s milk to ensure they are free from chemicals.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Bhalaji said the government’s intention was not to threaten anyone (private milk manufacturers) but to prevent chemicals from being added to the milk. The minister said yet again that a number of private milk operators were adding different chemicals in milk that was leading to health problems like kidney, liver failures and heart diseases.

When asked if he had any health report that could confirm his stance, he parried the question.

“You now see a lot of 30-year-olds, who are visiting the doctor for kidney problems, heart problems…that is because chemicals like formaldehyde are being used in the milk,” he said. “This is being done in a scientific manner. It is like a silent killer,” the minister alleged. To another query if the government had received a report of the samples apparently sent to a lab in Pune, the minister said the results of the tests would completely change if he divulged when the results would come.

“Some labs refused to take the samples because, before the milk sample reached the testing centre, representatives of private companies reached there first,” Mr. Bhalaji alleged.

He said there were about 70 private milk companies in the State and not all of them were mixing chemicals. “Some of them are not mixing chemicals, but their quality is not up to the mark,” he said, adding that Aavin’s milk was pure.

“If you have any suspicions about Aavin milk, you can personally take it to a private testing centre and get it checked,” Mr. Bhalaji said.

It may be recalled that the Leader of the Opposition and DMK working president M.K. Stalin has already called for a probe by a sitting judge of the High Court into allegations of adulteration by private milk producers.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
01-June, 2017 16:18 IST
India is a World leader in Milk Production for the past 15 years primarily due to the contribution of smallholder milk producers, processors and all other stakeholders involved: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

In the year 2014-17, milk production increased by 16.9% to 465.5 million tonnes as compared to 398 million tonnes during 2011-14: Shri Singh

In the year 2014-17, income of farmers increased by 13.79% to Rs.33 per litre as compared to Rs.29 per litre during 2011-14: Shri Singh

Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a new initiative in the country: Shri Singh

The government of India has approved a new program called National Mission for Bovine Productivity (NMBP) and allocated Rs.850 crore for increasing milk production and making dairying more remunerative for farmers: Shri Singh


Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh stated that India is a World leader in milk production for the past 15 years and this achievement is primarily due to the contribution of smallholder dairy farmers, milk producers, milk processing and marketing organisations and various other stakeholders involved. He further said that although considerable progress has been made in Milk Production, still we have miles to cover in order to provide milk-based nutrition support to all the children in the country. The Minister was speaking on the occasion of World Milk Day Celebration at NASC Complex, New Delhi.

Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister said that in the year 2014-17, milk production increased by 16.9% to 465.5 million tonnes as compared to 398 million tonnes during 2011-14. Similarly, in the year 2014-17, income of farmers increased by 13.79% to Rs.33 per litre as compared to Rs.29 per litre during 2011-14.

Shri Singh stated that in order to increase the productivity of Indigenous Cattle, the allocation for preservation and development of Indigenous Breeds has been increased manifold. For the first time in the country, an initiative called Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been taken with an objective to preserve and develop indigenous bovine. Major objectives of the mission are establishment of Gokul Gram, Field Performance recording, awarding farmers and institutes involved in the scientific rearing of Indigenous animals, strengthening Bull Mother farms, and inducting high genetic merit Bulls of Indigenous Breed into Semen Stations. Further, two National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres are being established as centres of excellence for preservation and development of Indigenous Breeds in a scientific way. Besides being a storehouse of Indigenous Germplasm, National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres would also be a source of proven genetics.

Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister said that an amount of Rs.25 crore has been released for each centre in Madhya Pradesh in North region and Andhra Pradesh in South region for the establishment of National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre. National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre in Andhra Pradesh is almost ready.

Shri Singh said that Indigenous Breeds, besides being heat tolerant and resistant to diseases, are popular for producing A2A2 type milk which protects us from various chronic health problems such as Cardio Vascular Diseases, Diabetes and Neurological Disorders besides providing several other health benefits. There is a need to market A2A2 milk separately in the country.

Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister further, stated that in order to meet the growing demand of milk and to make milk production more profitable, Government of India has approved new scheme - National Mission for Bovine Productivity - and allocated Rs.825 crore for the same. For the first time in the country, E-Pashu Haat portal has been established under Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The portal would play a vital role in making available quality bovine germplasm by linking farmers with livestock rearers. This portal would help the livestock rearers and the farmers to sell and purchase Cattle and Buffaloes of Indigenous Breeds. The Minister said that Hon’ble Prime Minister has an objective to double farmer’s income by 2022. The dairy sector will play a significant role in achieving this objective. He stated that all the stakeholders will have to work together to achieve this objective.

On this occasion, the Minister also distributed National Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu Awards to dairy farmers for the year 2017. Both these awards were introduced this year.



SS

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh lighting the lamp at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat and the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Devendra Chaudhry are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh gave away the National Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu awards, at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat is also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh gave away the National Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu awards, at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat and the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Devendra Chaudhry are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh gave away the National Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu awards, at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat and the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Devendra Chaudhry are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh gave away the National Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu awards, at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat and the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Devendra Chaudhry are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh releasing the publication, at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat and the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Devendra Chaudhry are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat addressing at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh with the recipients of the National Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu awards, at the “World Milk Day” celebration, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017.

 

[kvpak]

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

Why the hell are these projects given Hindi names?
@manlion @Trichy @Rajaraja Chola

@Nilgiri

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

Why the hell are these projects given Hindi names?
@manlion @Trichy @Rajaraja Chola

@Nilgiri

Better than Rajiv/Indira/nehru/sanjay/Sonia/ Gandhi names given in the past. Moreover all these plans have Official Tamil translated versions in respective states. Adellam unaku enga da teriya pogudu