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

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
05-December, 2017 17:47 IST
100 million Soil Health Card distributed to farmers in the first phase (2015-2017): Agriculture Minister

Shri Radha Mohan Singh launches Soil Health Card (SHC) Mobile App

Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses farmers on the occasion of World Soil Day in Jhajjar, Haryana

On the occasion of World Soil Day, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the objective of SHC is to provide information about the Soil Health to 120 million farm holdings in the country. The Agriculture Minister stated it while addressing farmers on the occasion of World Soil Day in Jhajjar, Haryana today. It is worth mentioning that every year World Soil Day is celebrated on 5th December. In India, Soil Health Card scheme was launched in February 2015 in Rajasthan. The Minister said that Soil Health Card mobile App has been launched today to help the farmers. The app will benefit field-level workers as it will automatically capture GIS coordinates while registering sample details at the time of sample collection in the field and indicate the location from where the sample has been collected.

This app works like other Geotagging apps developed for the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. The app contains farmers’ details including name, Aadhaar card number, mobile number, gender, address, crop details, etc.

Shri Singh said that SHC informs farmers about nutrients status of the soils along with the recommendation on appropriate dosage of nutrients to improve soil health and fertility. A farm will get the soil card once in every 2 years so that nutrients deficiency can be regularly detected and improved. He said that the imbalanced use of fertilizers damages the fields and reduces production. The Minister informed that in the first phase (2015-17) 100 million SHCs have been distributed so far. The aim of the Ministry is to provide SHC to all 120 million farm holdings by December, 2017. The second phase began on May 1, 2017, and will continue for the year 2017 to 2019.

The Agriculture Minister said that the key features of Soil Health Card include a uniform approach to collect samples and test them in the laboratory, covering all the land in the country and renew SHC every two years. This scheme is being implemented in collaboration with State Governments. GPS based soil sample collection has been made compulsory to monitor the changes in soil and to prepare a systematic database to compare them with the past years’. The Minister further said the online registration of samples and test results are uploaded on the National Portal of the Soil Health Card. Based on the test results, the system automatically calculates the recommendations.

Shri Singh said that Soil Health Card is prepared in 14 local languages and distributed to the farmers. The Minister expressed happiness over the preparation of SHC in the local dialect. Now the SHC can be prepared in local dialects such as Kumaoni, Garhwali, Khasi, and Garo. He said that farmers should use nutrients on their farms as per the recommendations in the card. This will reduce the cost of production and increase the output and income of the farmers.

The Agriculture Minister informed that the SHC portal has been linked to the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) and distribution of fertilizers has started in 16 districts on the basis Soil Health Card recommendation as a pilot scheme. It is worth mentioning that on the Occasion of World Soil Day, programs are being organized in all the districts at the state level to generate awareness about Soil Health. Talking about the progress of SHC distribution in Haryana, the Minister informed that in the first phase, the aim was to distribute SHC to 43.6 lakh farmers and so far 28.92 lakh farmers have been provided SHC. The remaining are being distributed. To promote SHC, various initiatives are being organized by state governments and ICAR, its institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras to promote Soil Health Card scheme.

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Ministry of Agriculture
05-December, 2017 17:15 IST
India has one of the strongest national agricultural research systems in the world: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

India taken up the initiative for the establishment of 150 Seed Hubs for pulses: Shri Singh

Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses the representatives at the 5th Regional Coordination Meeting of ICARDA-South Asia & China Regional Program

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh expressed happiness about his participation in 5th Regional Coordination meeting of ICARDA’s South Asia & China Regional Program on “Strategic Partnership towards enhancing Food and Nutritional Security in South Asia & China”. The Representatives from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sudan participated in this meeting where South-South cooperation in agricultural research for development was discussed. It is being organised at NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi.

Shri Singh said that this forum presents an invaluable opportunity for Member Countries to once again reaffirm their commitment towards ensuring food and nutritional security through alleviation of poverty and hunger, in the region, as well as globally.

India’s strengths in agriculture are many and diverse. We boast of one of the strongest national agricultural research systems in the world. Geographically, we have the second-largest arable area, and as many as 127 diverse agro-climatic zones, thereby giving India global leadership in several crops. We are second globally, in terms of production of rice, wheat, fish, fruits and vegetables. India is also the world’s biggest milk producer. Even our horticulture sector has shown an average growth of 5.5% annually over the last decade.

Despite all this, challenges persist in Indian agriculture. Farmers are our primary stakeholders, and keeping this in mind, we have launched many new initiatives to increase our farm yield and double our farmers’ income by raising their socio-economic status.

Union Agriculture Minister said that India has taken up the initiative for the establishment of 150 Seed Hubs for pulses, ensuring timely availability of sufficient quantity of quality seeds. The establishment of seed hubs for other crops is also being undertaken.

Shri Singh said that Indian approach to partnership with African nations in agriculture is driven by the aim of South-South Cooperation through research for development, capacity building, access to Indian market, and support to Indian investments in agriculture in Africa. ICARDA has considerable experience of working closely with most African countries to deliver science-led technologies for the benefit of farmers, and can act as a catalyst in this endeavor under an India-Africa-ICARDA initiative.

Shri Singh said that some coordinating centres like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) are being implemented to ensure food and nutritional security in the country. India envisages ICARDA’s Food Legume Research Platform (FLRP) under this domain as well. India and ICARDA have had a long-standing collaboration in the field of agricultural research and development, which has only strengthened significantly over the years.

Union Agriculture Minister said that at present ICARDA collaborates with 8 ICAR institutions and 15 State Agricultural Universities, and has introduced several thousand landraces, wild species and newly developed breeding lines to India of the its mandated crops, and shared with its partners. Shri Singh further informed that India remains one of the biggest global importers of ICARDA germplasm for research.

Shri Singh said this year, India-ICARDA collaboration peaked another level when the Union Cabinet of India, chaired by the hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, approved granting an international status under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, to ICARDA in India, and supported the establishment of Satellite Hubs in West Bengal (exclusively for pulses) and Rajasthan (for NRM research on forages including spineless cactus, management of rangelands and silvi-pasture, developing models for improving crop-water productivity and conservation agriculture).



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
07-December, 2017 19:30 IST
Shri Singh addresses farmers at Kisan Goshthi Sah Prakshetra Bhraman in Patna

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the Agriculture Ministry is constantly working towards increasing farmers’ income, creating employment opportunities in the agrarian sector and ensuring farmers earn maximum profit. Shri Singh said “Kisan Goshthi Sah Prakshetra Bhraman” is also being organized for the welfare of farmers. The Agriculture was speaking at the “Kisan Goshthi Sah Prakshetra Bhraman” organized at ICAR in Patna today.

Shri Singh said that agriculture sector’s contribution is important for economic growth of the country. Agriculture contributes around 14 percent in the country's GDP and the contribution is 19 percent in Bihar. With the growth of the economy, the contribution of agriculture sector to the country's GDP is decreasing, but the population’s dependency on agriculture is not decreasing in the same proportion. It poses a challenge for inclusive growth. Compared to the rest of the country, there is more pressure on agriculture in Bihar. The state’s share in land holdings in the country is 3.8 percent, whereas Bihar's share in the country's population is 8.6 percent. The population density of the state is 1106 people per sq. Km, whereas the national average is only 382 persons per sq. Km. In the state, 91 percent of the farmers are marginal while the national average is 68 percent. Keeping this in view, the population of the state is under heavy pressure and the number of marginal farmers and agricultural laborers in the farming families is higher.

The state has enough natural resources such as fertile soil, water and agricultural hydrological conditions for the development of agriculture. In the last four-five years apart from achievements in crop and horticulture, there has been a significant progress in agriculture too. Last year, an estimated 141 lakh tonnes of crops were produced in the state and it includes paddy 68.8 lakh tonnes, wheat 47.4 lakh tonnes, maize 25.2 lakh tonnes, pulses 4.2 lakh tonnes and oilseeds 1.3 lakh tonnes. According to the estimates, 156.29 lakh tonnes vegetables and 40 lakh tonnes fruits were produced. Similarly, milk production in the state has been 87 lakh MT, egg 111 crore, meat is 3.26 lakh tonnes and fish production is 5.06 lakh MT.

Agricultural universities and agricultural institutions have made significant contributions in agricultural production. At present, there are two agricultural universities and one animal science university, four research institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (2 in Patna, and one each in Muzaffarpur and Motihari), four regional agricultural research institutes (in Motipur, Pusa, Darbhanga and Begusarai), six agricultural colleges, one fish, dairy, agricultural management, horticulture and veterinary college in the state. Krishi Vigyan Kendra is working in all 38 districts for the promotion, evaluation, and training of agricultural technology. Agricultural science portal has been created to provide information about the activities of all the agricultural science centers.

Kisan Suvidha and Pusa Krishi Apps, Crop Insurance Mobile App and Agricultural Market App have been developed by incorporating information technology in agriculture. Farmers can get information about climate change, agricultural consultations, market prices etc through the apps.

Pusa Krishi App provides information about the technology developed by IARI. Crop Insurance App provides general information as well as about insured amount, premium details, notified crop information, etc. National Agricultural Market (eNAM) App provides information about the value of the crop in mandis within the range of 50 km. Crop insurance portal reduces claim settlement time and increases transparency. To double the income of the farmers till 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture is running a seven-point program.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurating an exhibition, during the International Exhibition and Conference ‘EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017’, in New Delhi on December 07, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visiting an exhibition, during the International Exhibition and Conference ‘EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017’, in New Delhi on December 07, 2017.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visiting an exhibition, during the International Exhibition and Conference ‘EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017’, in New Delhi on December 07, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak is also seen.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visiting an exhibition, during the International Exhibition and Conference ‘EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017’, in New Delhi on December 07, 2017.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visiting an exhibition, during the International Exhibition and Conference ‘EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017’, in New Delhi on December 07, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak is also seen.

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Ministry of Agriculture
07-December, 2017 14:29 IST
India is in a far better situation today than it was a few years ago: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Need to build a future ready Agriculture- by plugging the existing gaps: Shri Shekhawat

Shri Shekhawat inaugurates EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017

The Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated three-days EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017 in New Delhi, today. H.E. Mr. Maurizio Martina, Minister of Agricultural, Food & Forestry Policies, Italy, H.E. Lorenzo Angeloni, Ambassador of Italy to India, Shri S.K. Pattanayak, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare were also present on this occasion

Speaking on this occasion, Shri Shekhawat said that as we all know, India is in a far better situation today than it was a few years ago — be it the macro-economic performance, or the confidence in the economy or ease of doing business. This is partly because of the buoyant rural economy, of which, agriculture is an important constituent.

Shri Shekhawat further stated that even though, we have been nearly sufficient on food production, we have to keep our selves prepared for future need. Some estimates shows that Food grain demand of country is expected to reach 355 million tonnes in 2030 as compared to 250 million tonnes in 2016. Therefore, there is a need to build a future ready Agriculture- by plugging the existing gaps.

Shri Shekhawat said that Agriculture is a labour intensive activity. The labour intensive crops entails high manpower requirement, which is fast depleting and posing a big challenge to crop productivities. This has resulted in shift from labour - intensive to mechanization intensive techniques.

The Minister said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is working on mission of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and farm machinery is an important constituent of it. With the country’s population growing and the amount of arable land being limited, it is important that we provide our farmers with all the tools to optimize the output on their farms. The question thus emerges not only as to how to leverage farm mechanization for enhancing agricultural productivity, but also, how to include the large community of small and marginal farmers into the fold of mechanized farming.

Shri Shekhawat said that the government is therefore promoting farm mechanization by subsidising purchase of equipment through scheme of Sub-Mission of Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) that promotes models of custom hiring as well.

It is generally believed that the benefits of modern technology have been restricted to farmers with large land-holdings. Yet the fact remains that even small farmers are adopting and utilizing selected farm equipment for efficient farm management through custom hiring.

Shri Shekhawat informed that during the last few years Indian agricultural equipment market has been widely exposed to international trade. I am told that India is a strong exporter of agricultural machinery with a CAGR of 6.2% over the last 4 years. The presence of 180 buyers from over 40 countries at EIMA AGRIMACH 2017 will certainly give a big push to the international trade in farm machinery.

The Minister said that strengthened concentration on commodity specific farm equipment is also a viable path to pursue for increasing mechanization. Attempts should be to diversify the pattern of mechanization in India. Time has come to get the farm equipment industry into a loop and enter into meaningful discussions for spreading the culture of mechanization in the rural areas.

SS/AK

***
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat releasing the Exhibition Directory, at the inauguration of the International Exhibition and Conference 'EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017', in New Delhi on December 07, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat releasing the Knowledge Report “Mechanization-Key to higher productivity to double farmers income”, at the inauguration of the International Exhibition and Conference 'EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017', in New Delhi on December 07, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat addressing at the inauguration of the International Exhibition and Conference 'EIMA AGRIMACH INDIA 2017', in New Delhi on December 07, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
10-December, 2017 19:39 IST
Prof. Swaminathan was a transformative leader who has inspired many scientists: Vice President

Confers 'Yeraringan' Award to Prof. M.S. Swaminathan

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Prof. M.S. Swaminathan transformative leader who has inspired many scientists to focus on the problem of Indian agriculture. He was addressing the gathering after conferring 'Yeraringan' Award to Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, in Chennai today. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri Banwarilal Purohit and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.



The Vice President said that Prof. Swaminathan was a living legend who has done India proud with his extraordinary vision, commitment and pragmatism. He further said that he was truly an iconic figure who has shown to the entire world how research can reach the farms and transform farmers’ lives. He was a man with deep commitment to our country’s development, he added.



The Vice President said that in 1947, Prof. Swaminathan moved to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI, Pusa) in New Delhi as a post-graduate student in genetics and plant breeding. He further said that he qualified for the Indian Police Service but chose a different career path. Instead of taking leadership positions in the public safety and security domain, he charted out a new path leading to food security for the country, he added.



The Vice President said that India registered significant increase in agricultural production in 1960s consequent upon the adoption of new agricultural strategy and use of high yielding variety seeds and chemical fertilizers. He further said that the programme was a major breakthrough and a turning point in the history of agriculture development in India. Prof. M.S. Swaminathan was at that moment the adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and he had invited Dr. Norman Borlaug to India and worked with him in developing high yielding varieties of wheat.


The Vice President said that Prof. Swaminathan's vision, foresight, intellectual rigour, and the abilities to connect the research findings with farmers’ concerns have earned him numerous awards. He was a Fellow of many of the leading scientific academies of India and the world, including the Royal Society of London and the US National Academy of Sciences, he added.


Following is the text of Vice President's address:


" It’s my privilege to be a part of this auspicious award ceremony in which we celebrate the outstanding achievements of one of our country’s greatest scientists, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan.

Dr. Swaminathan is a living legend who has done India proud with his extraordinary vision, commitment and pragmatism.

It is quite appropriate that he is being conferred the award of YERARIGNAR, the Icon of Farm Research by four institutions. He is truly an iconic figure who has shown to the entire world how research can reach the farms and transform farmers’ lives.

I have known Prof. M.S. Swaminathan for a long time. He is a man with deep commitment to our country’s development. He is a transformative leader who has inspired many scientists to focus on the problem of Indian agriculture. It is not surprising that he did what he did and excelled in everything he did.

His commitment to serve our motherland is not surprising as he comes from a patriotic family that had placed India first. He was deeply influenced by his father who was a surgeon and social reformer. His father M.K. Sambasivam, a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, took the lead in Kumbakonam in “burning his foreign clothes”, a symbolic act in support of the Swadeshi movement: which emphasized the use of Indian rather than foreign-made clothes, use of handloom cloth instead of mill-made cloth. The political purpose of the Swadeshi movement was to free India from dependence on foreign imports and to protect our village industry and craftsmen. His father took the lead in opening the temples to low class people as a part of the temple entry movement of the Indian independence movement in Tamil Nadu, and in eradicating filariasis in Kumbakonam, an area long infected with the disease. The sense of service to one’s fellow beings was thus ingrained in Dr. Swaminathan’s heart very early.

The switch to agriculture came at a turning point in his life when he witnessed the Great Bengal famine of 1943. He decided to devote his life to address this challenge, and influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, he took the decision to pursue agriculture in Madras Agricultural College, Coimbatore, now the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

In 1947, the year of Indian independence he moved to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI, Pusa) in New Delhi as a post-graduate student in genetics and plant breeding. Meanwhile, he qualified for the Indian Police Service but chose a different career path. Instead of taking leadership positions in the public safety and security domain, he charted out a new path leading to food security for the country. With a fellowship from UNESCO, he continued his research in Netherlands and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1952 from Cambridge University. Later, he was made an Honorary Fellow at Cambridge in 2014.

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan then accepted a post-doctoral research associateship at the University of Wisconsin, Department of Genetics to help set up a United States Department of Agriculture’s potato research station. Despite his strong personal and professional satisfaction with the research work in Wisconsin, he declined the offer of a full-time faculty position, returning to India in early 1954. This proves his love for his home nation. He wanted to use the techniques and skills he learnt abroad for the welfare of his own people.

This he did in ample measure and ushered in the green revolution in the early 1960s.

India registered significant increase in agricultural production in 1960s consequent upon the adoption of new agricultural strategy and use of high yielding variety seeds and chemical fertilizers. The key pillars of this revolution were high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and promoted irrigation facilities. The programme was a major breakthrough and a turning point in the history of agriculture development in India. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan was at that moment the adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and he had invited Dr. Norman Borlaug to India and worked with him in developing high yielding varieties of wheat.

Dr. Swaminathan is a great institution builder. He established National Bureau of Plant, Animal and Fish Genetic Resources of India and International Plant Genetic Resources Institute. He has also played a pivotal role in establishing the Agricultural Research Service of the ICAR.

His vision, foresight, intellectual rigour, and the abilities to connect the research findings with farmers’ concerns have earned him numerous awards. He has received several honours, outstanding awards and prizes and international recognitions. He is a Fellow of many of the leading scientific academies of India and the world, including the Royal Society of London and the US National Academy of Sciences. He has received 70 honorary doctorate degrees from universities around the world. He was a Member of the Parliament of India (Rajya Sabha) during 2007-13. He also chairs the Task Force set up by the Ministry of External Affairs to oversee the projects undertaken in Afghanistan and Myanmar in the field of agriculture and was elected the “Living Legend of International Union of Nutrition Sciences” at the 20th International Congress of Nutrition held at Granada, Spain.

Personally, I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Thiru Swaminathan avargal for a long time. I have been associated with him especially while he was chairing the Farmers’ Commission and other committees as well as when he was a Member of Parliament. I have always appreciated his love for the farming community, as well as his vision of reducing hunger and poverty. He blends in himself the visionary, innovative approach of a great scientist and the missionary zeal of a social activist eager to use his knowledge and insights for the welfare of Indian farmers. He is truly cast in the mould of our ancient Rishis who believed that ‘Jnana’ and ‘Vignana’ is for ‘Sarvajanahitaaya, SarvajanaSukhaaya’.

It is gratifying that the Agricultural Scientific Tamil Society in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University are honouring a legend and icon who contributed his life time for eradicating poverty and for the betterment of Indian farming community with a honorary outstanding ‘Yerarinjar’ award. I believe that this recognition is a privilege Dr. Swaminathan has given to these institutions. India and the world have already recognised Dr. Swaminathan’s extraordinary contribution. We in Chennai today are joining those institutions that have accorded him the highest recognitions one could aspire for. The Indian culture believes that we must recognise the great work of pace setters like Dr. Swaminathan. That’s where the word ‘Krithagnyatha’ comes from. It means to know what work has been done. In recounting his incredible achievements and honouring him, I do hope many more agricultural scientists will get inspired by him to serve our motherland.

On behalf of all citizens of India, I extend my whole hearted thanks to Prof. Swaminathan for his invaluable contribution to India’s home grown food security. I am really honoured to confer this award to Prof. Swaminathan ji.



Jai Hind!"

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
15-December, 2017 17:30 IST
Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Colombia in the field of agriculture and fisheries

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Colombia in the field of agriculture and fisheries.


The MoU provides for cooperation in the following fields of agriculture and Fisheries:

1. Innovative agricultural practices/approaches,
2. New agricultural mechanizations,

• Successful models of agricultural marketing,

1. To develop projects in association with agricultural companies for production of seed,
2. Innovative production models and value generation processes in horticulture(vegetables, fruits and flowers),
3. Exchange of information/exchange visits of SPS experts,

• Jatropha and Karaya,
• Cooperation in research in oil seeds and oil palm,

1. Marine Industrial Fishing, Aqua-culture and Research & Training in the field of Fisheries,
2. Small and large ruminants (cattle, sheep, goat) and pigs productivity, diseases and diagnostics and
3. Pork processing and value addition.

Under the MoU, a Joint-Working Group (JWG) will be constituted to prepare/finalize Work Plan for the next two years while specifying task/ activities to be undertaken during that period. The MoU will be initially valid for a period of five years and shall be automatically extended for a subsequent periods of five years unless either party expresses its desire/intention to terminate it.

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The Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak and the CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority, Dr. Ashok Dalwai at the launch of the “Agriculture Grand Challenge”, in New Delhi on December 15, 2017.

The Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.K. Pattanayak addressing at the launch of the “Agriculture Grand Challenge”, in New Delhi on December 15, 2017.

Rajappa, a paddy grower, with black rice variety at his farm in Huluse village in Somwarpet taluk. | Photo Credit: SpecialArrangement

Hassan , December 15, 2017 00:38 IST
Updated: December 15, 2017 08:49 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...over-organic-native-paddy/article21666270.ece

Nearly 700 of them have been growing indigenous rice varieties in Hassan

A good number of farmers in the Malnad areas of Hassan district are cultivating native varieties of paddy, thanks to the encouragement by the Department of Agriculture promoting organic farming.

Nearly 700 farmers have been growing native paddy varieties and are happy with the earnings. As they are certified organic growers, their produce is attracting demand.

“When we began field work in 2007, traditional varieties of paddy were cultivated hardly in 100 acres,” recalled Jayaprasad Ballekere, chief executive officer of Bhoomi Sustainable Development Society. The Agriculture Department had involved the non-government organisation to promote organic farming in Sakleshpur, Alur taluks of Hassan and Somwarpet of Kodagu. “A majority of farmers were after hybrid and improved varieties of paddy. Following constant efforts, now native varieties are grown in more than 1,500 acres in the three taluks,” he said.

Rajamudi considered good for diabetics, Navara with medicinal value, Ghamsala a scented variety, Rathna Choodi, Netti Bilakki, Holesalu Chippuga, Kempakki (red rice), and Kappu Akki (black rice) are the native varieties of paddy.

“Holesalu Chippuga is the best variety for puffed rice. Last year, I sold paddy at ₹4,500 per quintal. Almost the entire yield goes to places like Sangli in Maharashtra and Davangere, where there are many puffed rice producing units,” said Y.C. Rudrappa, a progressive farmer of Yedehalli in Sakleshpur. He has been cultivating Holesalu Chippuga variety in eight acres of his land.

Alur, Sakleshpur and Somwarpet taluks are known for heavy rainfall, which is well-suited for traditional varieties.

Lesser duration
“Traditional varieties take 150-160 days for harvest and is suitable for this area. However, the duration of hybrid and improved varieties is about 120-130 days,” said Mr. Jayaprasad. The organic farmers of Hassan and Kodagu districts have formed a federation to market their produces. Mr. Rudrappa, who is chairman of the federation, said more than 3,500 farmers are part of it. The Agriculture Department and NABARD have helped the formation of the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and promote organically grown produce. V.G. Bhat, District Development Manager of NABARD, told The Hindu: “The bank has been encouraging organic farming. We have provided ₹9 lakh for the FPO. The response has been impressive.”

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi walks through the exhibition of farm produce of North-East and display of relevant farm and non-farm technologies, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, 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 and the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi walks through the exhibition of farm produce of North-East and display of relevant farm and non-farm technologies, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. 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 is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi walks through the exhibition of farm produce of North-East and display of relevant farm and non-farm technologies, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. 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 is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi walks through the exhibition of farm produce of North-East and display of relevant farm and non-farm technologies, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley lighting the lamp at the International Forum on Role of Rural and Agricultural Finance to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals and 69th APRACA Executive Committee Meeting, hosted by NABARD, in New Delhi on December 16, 2017.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley at the International Forum on Role of Rural and Agricultural Finance to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals and 69th APRACA Executive Committee Meeting, hosted by NABARD, in New Delhi on December 16, 2017.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley addressing the gathering at the International Forum on Role of Rural and Agricultural Finance to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals and 69th APRACA Executive Committee Meeting, hosted by NABARD, in New Delhi on December 16, 2017.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley addressing the gathering at the International Forum on Role of Rural and Agricultural Finance to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals and 69th APRACA Executive Committee Meeting, hosted by NABARD, in New Delhi on December 16, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
17-December, 2017 16:56 IST
India is the second largest producer of horticultural crops and fruits in the World: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

According to an estimate, a production of 30 crore metric ton horticulture crops on 2.5 crore hectare land is expected during 2016-17: Agriculture Minister

Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses on the occasion of World Orange Day 2017 in Nagpur

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh said research and development projects in horticulture crops have yielded encouraging results, as a result, the production of horticulture crops have been more than food grains irrespective of adverse climatic conditions. After China, India is the second largest producer of horticultural crops and fruits. The Agriculture Minister said it today at the World Orange Day 2017 event in Nagpur.



Shri Singh said more than 9 crore metric ton of fruits on 63 lakhs hectare land were produced during 2015-16. According to an estimate, a production of 30 crore metric ton horticulture crops on 2.5 crore hectare land is expected during 2016-17 in which contribution of fruit is significant. The record achievement includes 42 million ton of fruit production on 65 lakh hectare land. In terms of area in India, the citrus fruits hold second position (10.37 lakh hectare) and third (12 million tonnes) in production.


The Agriculture Minister said keeping in view the importance of orchards in maintaining nutrient security, providing employment and conserving the environment, Agriculture Ministry is implementing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture across the nation. The School of Horticultural Sciences department of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), along with its 23 institutes, 11 All India Coordinated Research projects and 2 All India Network projects are providing necessary technical cooperation and scientific research assistance to the horticulture mission.

Shri Singh said that Government established a Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI) in Nagpur in 1985 with an objective to develop research and necessary techniques for citrus fruits and in 1986 it was upgraded to National Research Centre for Citrus. He said that in 2014, the present central government upgraded this centre to the central institute. A sub-centre of the CCRI was established 42.4-acre land in 2017 in Biswanath Chariali in Biswanath district of Assam with an objective to accelerate the research and development work on citrus fruits in North Eastern states of the country.

Shri Singh said ICAR is implementing All India Coordinated Fruits Crop Research Project in 10 centres of 8 states viz. Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka. Keeping in view the needs of the specific area, necessary research, technical training, and demonstration are being carried out on citrus fruits. In the last 4 years, the Government has allocated a sum of Rs.23 crore to these centres.

In addition to this, Government has allotted a sum of Rs.13 crore and 68 lakh (Rs.2 crore and 73 lakh per year) only to the institute situated in Nagpur during 12th Five year plan, which has been increased to Rs.13.4 crore only within a span of 3 years from 2017, out of which Rs.3.25 crore has been allocated for the year 2017-18 which is 20% more as compared to the last 5 years’ allocation.

The Agriculture Minister said that many ambitious schemes are being implemented for the integrated development of horticultural crops like informing the farmers of advanced production techniques, promoting the processing and marketing of products to promote the export. For this, 2 clusters will be developed in Amravati and Nagpur.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

A section of the hi-tech plug nursery that was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Muvattupuzha on Saturday.

December 17, 2017 00:39 IST
Updated: December 17, 2017 08:18 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...oduce-two-crore-seedlings/article21824540.ece

CM inaugurates VFPCK facility at Muvattupuzha
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that his government’s activities are oriented towards ensuring the welfare of farmers for a better farming culture.

Mr. Vijayan, who inaugurated a hi-tech vegetable seedling centre at Nadukkara in Muvattupuzha on Saturday, said the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council of Kerala-led hi-tech plug nursery would go a long way in the efforts towards achieving agricultural self-reliance. The nursery is intended to make available to farmers high quality seedlings. Seedlings instead of seeds are extensively used by farmers these days, which saves precious time and ensures there is no loss due to seeds not sprouting. Non-availability of seedlings in the favourable season for cultivation is a major issue, which will now be addressed by the nursery which is capable of producing 2 crore seedlings annually, he said.

High-tech quality seedlings
The scientifically produced hi-tech seedlings will be healthy, generating high yields in fertile soil with quality irrigation facilities. The sale of the first batch of seedlings produced at the nursery was done by Mr. Vijayan, with K.M. Joseph, winner of the Haritha Keerthi Award, being the first buyer.

Mr. Vijayan also inaugurated the mechanised unit part of the nursery. Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunilkumar, who presided over the event, said urgent measures in consultation with the finance department would be taken for resumption of activities of the Agro Food Processing Company.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
19-December, 2017 16:39 IST
Use of Space Technology in Agriculture and Allied Sectors

The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare is proposing a new integrated programme, called National Programme on use of Space Technology for Agriculture (NPSTA), envisaging integrated use of Space and Geospatial Tools for Mapping, Monitoring and Management of Agriculture. The programme will have four sub-programmes catering to various themes viz. Crop Assessment & Monitoring; Agricultural Resources Management; Disaster Monitoring and Mitigation and Satellite Communication and Navigation Applications. All the current running programmes, such as FASAL (for crop forecasting), NADAMS (for drought assessment), CHAMAN (for horticultural assessment and development), KISAN (for crop insurance) and Crop Intensification planning, will be subsumed under this proposed programmes.

In order to increase the availability of certified/quality seeds to the farmers locally, the Government has proposed to set up 500 numbers of seed production and seed processing units at Gram Panchayat Level.

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



*****

Ministry of Agriculture
19-December, 2017 16:31 IST
Reforms in Agriculture Sector by Niti Aayog

The Government is aware of the roadmap outlined by NITI Aayog for reforms in agriculture sector and doubling farmers income by 2022. The Roadmap presents a quantitative framework for doubling farmers’ income which has identified seven sources of growth. These are:

(i) increase in productivity of crops.

(ii) increase in production of livestock.

(iii) improvement in efficiency of input use (cost saving).

(iv) increase in crop intensity.

(v) diversification towards high value crops.

(vi) improved price realization by farmers.

(vii) shift of cultivators to non-farm jobs.

This Policy paper was shared with the States/UTs for devising a relevant strategy so as to realize the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Apart from the above, the Department has also constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee for recommending suitable strategy.

Agriculture is a State subject and the State Governments are primarily responsible for the growth and development of agriculture sector in their respective States. The role of Central Government is to supplement the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures and budgetary support.

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 with reference to the agricultural year July 2012- June 2013. The information on unemployed farmers in the country is not available in the data collected during the above NSSO survey.

The Department is working out specific interventions for promoting ancillary activities like bee-keeping and also finalizing farm sector programmes under the ‘Skill India’ programme to improve employment opportunities and to reduce over dependence on the agriculture sector.

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.



*****


Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
19-December, 2017 13:46 IST
Revival of Sick Fertilizer units and commissioning of New Fertilizer Units

Indigenous urea production to increase by 72.146 lakh metric tonne per year, leading to huge reduction in import of urea: Shri Rao Inderjit Singh

Minister of State for Planning (IC) and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today, informed that Government of India is reviving 5 closed fertilizer plants of Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd. (FCIL) and Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd. (HFCL) namely Talcher, Ramagundam, Gorakhpur and Sindri plants of FCIL and Barauni plant of HFCL by setting up new ammonia-urea plants of 12.7 Lakh metric tonne per annum capacity each using state of the art technology, in the following states: -


Sl No.
Name of Fertilizer plant
Name of location & State where plant is located

1.
Talcher Fertilizers Ltd.
Talcher, Odisha

2.
Ramagundam Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.
Ramagundam, Telangana

3.
Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL)
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

4.
Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL)
Sindri, Jharkhand

5.
Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL)
Barauni, Bihar


In addition to above, Cabinet on 21.05.2015 approved the setting up of a new ammonia-urea complex of 8.646 LMTPA capacity at Namrup within the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL). Subsequent to commissioning/ start of the above plants, the indigenous urea production will be enhanced by 72.146 lakh metric tonne per year leading to huge reduction in import of urea. The aforesaid proposal upon implementation/ operation will bridge the gap between demand and supply of urea in the country, and will rejuvenate the fertilizer sector, Shri Singh informed.


In a separate written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today, Shri Singh stated that commercial production from Ramagundam unit is likely to start by 2018 while from other 4 units, it is likely to start by 2020.


Further, the Minister stated that under the provision of New Investment Policy (NIP) -2012 dated 2nd January 2013 and read with its amendment dated 7th October, 2014, Matix Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (Matix) has set up a Coal Bed Methane (CBM) based greenfield ammonia- urea complex at Panagarh, West Bengal with the installed capacity of 1.3 MMT per annum. The commercial production of Matix has started on 1st October, 2017. Chambal Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (CFCL) has also proposed to set up a Brownfield project with capacity of 1.34 MMT at Gadepan, Rajasthan, which is likely to start commercial production in January, 2019.


*****

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
19-December, 2017 16:23 IST
Total sugar production estimated to be around 249 lakh MT during 2017-18

Government withdraws stock holding and turnover limits on dealers of sugar with immediate effect

During the current Sugar Season 2017-18, crushing operations in all major sugar producing States has commenced smoothly. The total sugar production is estimated to be around 249 lakh MT by the end of the season against estimated consumption requirement of about 250 lakh MT. However with the carry over stock, the total availability of sugar is sufficient to meet the estimated domestic requirement. As such, there will be smooth availability of sugar and the sugar prices in the domestic market are expected to remain stable at reasonable levels.

Given the current comfortable position of production and in order to further smoothen the supply chain for easy availability of sugar in all regions, Government has withdrawn stock holding and turnover limits on dealers of sugar with immediate effect.



*****

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
19-December, 2017 15:09 IST
Reforms in Decentralized Procurement Scheme



NITI AAYOG has been requested to study the trends in procurement of foodgrains and assess impact of Decentralized Procurement Scheme (DCP) system thereon and to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement agencies under DCP System.


Non- DCP States are regularly encouraged to take up Decentralized Procurement System (DCP) for foodgrains. However, it is implemented with the consent of concerned state.


As on date 15 States have adopted DCP mode for procurement of Rice (Out of which Jharkhand has partially adopted DCP operation for five revenue districts).


Further, 8 States have adopted DCP mode for procurement of Wheat (Out of which Rajasthan has partially adopted DCP operation for 9 districts. However, the State has been included in Centralized Procurement only for RMS 2017-18). Detailed list is given below in table


A High Level Committee (HLC) under the Chairmanship of Shri Shanta Kumar was set up, to review the current system of procurement of foodgrains, marketing, storage, preservation and distribution. Based on recommendation of HLC, important actions taken are as follows:-


1. Levy on rice millers has been abolished.

2. The rules for registration of Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs) has been amended to streamline its functions and to increase the use of NWRs.

3. Depot Online System is currently operational at 526 FCI depots.

4. Special focus on procurement of paddy in Eastern States has been given resulting in increase of procurement of rice during KMS 2016-17 upto 70.70 Lakh MT against 53.65 LMT during KMS 2015-16.

5. Private Players has been engaged by FCI to maximise the outreach of MSP operations in Eastern States,.

6. Government of India has approved Action Plan for construction of 100 LMT silos upto 2019-20.

7. A policy decision has been taken for non-acceptance of rice/wheat in Central Pool in the event of a surplus states declares a bonus over and above MSP.



List of DCP States



S.N.
State/UT
DCP adopted for

1.
A&N Islands
Rice

2.
Bihar
Rice/Wheat

3.
Chhattisgarh
Rice/Wheat

4.
Gujarat*
Rice/Wheat

5.
Karnataka
Rice

6.
Kerala
Rice

7.
Madhya Pradesh
Rice/Wheat

8.
Odisha
Rice

9.
Tamil Nadu
Rice

10.
Uttarakhand
Rice/Wheat

11.
West Bengal
Rice/Wheat

12.
Punjab
Wheat

13.
Rajasthan (in 9 District) **
Wheat

14.
Andhra Pradesh
Rice

15.
Telangana
Rice

16.
Maharashtra
Rice

17.
Jharkhand (5 District)***
Rice


* State has signed for Decentralized Procurement of paddy/rice from KMS 2017-18.

** State has been included in Centralized Procurement only for RMS 2017-18.

***Operated DCP System in one district during KMS 2016-17 and in 5 Districts from KMS 2017-18.


This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri C.R. Chaudhary today in Lok Sabha.

Ministry of Finance
19-December, 2017 17:11 IST
Initiatives Taken To Reduce Debt Burden Of Farmers


To reduce the debt burden of farmers, the Government has taken the following major initiatives:


· With a view to ensuring availability of agriculture credit at a reduced interest rate of 7% p.a. to farmers, the Government of India in the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) implements an interest subvention scheme for short term crop loans up to Rs. 3.00 lakh. Under the said scheme, additional subvention of 3% is given to those farmers who repay their short term crop loan in time, thereby reducing the effective rate of interest to 4% p.a. for such farmers.

· Reserve Bank of India has issued directions for Relief Measures to be provided by respective lending institutions in areas affected by natural calamities which, inter alia, include, restructuring/rescheduling of existing crop loans and term loans, extending fresh loans, relaxed security and margin norms, moratorium, etc. These directions have been so designed that the moment calamity is declared by the concerned District Authorities they are automatically set in motion without any intervention, thus saving precious time. The benchmark for initiating relief measures by banks has also been reduced to 33% crop loss in line with the National Disaster Management Framework.

· Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojana (PMFBY) provides a comprehensive insurance cover against failure of insured crops due to non-preventable natural risks, thus providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/ damage arising out of unforeseen events; stabilizing the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming; and encouraging them to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. For development of agriculture and welfare of farmers of the country, the Government in DAC&FW, is implementing various Central Sector/ Centrally Sponsored Schemes, which include:


(i) Rashtriya KrishiVikasYojana (RKVY)

(ii) National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

(iii) National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)

(iv) National Mission For Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)


State Bank of India (SBI) has informed that it has published a study report about loan waiver and its impact on State finances in SBI ECOWRAP issue No. 13, FY 18 dated 20.06.2017. The gist of the study is as under:


· The demand for a loan waiver currently has been accentuated perhaps by 2 successive years of less than normal rainfall in FY14 and FY15.

· Apart from impacting asset quality for the Agricultural sector, farm loan waiver will impact State finances adversely.

· The current loan waiver, however, has a positive aspect unlike the earlier ones, as the schemes announced in several States have specified a threshold limit (mostly Rs.1 lakh), and any amount over that will have to be paid.


This information was shared by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha.



*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
20-December, 2017 19:21 IST
Flagging off of First Trial Shipment of Green Chillies by Air from Varanasi

Eastern Uttar Pradesh is one of the potential areas for export of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as green chillies, okra, bitter guard, green peas, brinjal and mango and guava etc. Despite the potential of fresh produce in Uttar Pradesh, exports are not taking place due to logistic constraints.

To address this concern, the Agricultural and Processed Food Exports Development Authority (APEDA) has sensitized exporters to source produce from Uttar Pradesh for export to various markets. As an outcome of this effort, one exporter has agreed to export green chillies and green peas from Varanasi to Dubai. Necessary tie up with importers has also been facilitated by APEDA. With the efforts of APEDA, facilities of custom clearance and phyto-sanitary certificate issuance at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi are being set up, to facilitate exporters from the region for export of fresh fruits and vegetables. Spice Jet airlines has also come forward to facilitate trade from Varanasi by sending the consignment via Delhi.

APEDA organized the first trial shipment export of green chillies etc. by M/s. Elite Oceanic Trading Pvt. Ltd. from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi to Dubai with the logistics support of Spice Jet airline.


The first trial consignment was flagged off by Shri D.K. Singh Chairman, APEDA today. The consignment was flagged off in the presence of Dr. B. Singh, Director, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) and representatives of NPPO, DGFT, the state horticulture department, exporters and farmers. This was the first consignment of vegetable exports from the Purvanchal Region of Uttar Pradesh and would encourage entrepreneurs to boost export of fresh vegetables from this region.

APEDA an apex organization under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is responsible for promotion and development of export of various agro products.

APEDA’s export basket includes fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, pickles, chutneys, guar gum, poultry, meat and dairy products, confectionery, cut flowers, food grains, aromatic plants, Basmati Rice and Indian Long Grain Rice and other Indian delicacies. India exports agricultural products to more than 80 countries. The export of Agro products for the year 2016-17 was to the tune of Rs. crore 1,08,284.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
22-December, 2017 17:48 IST
Rabi Crops Sowing Crosses 546 Lakh Hactare

As per preliminary reports received from the States, the total area sown under Rabi crops as on 22nd December, 2017 stands at 546.02 lakh hectares as compared to 544.97 lakh hectare this time in 2016.

Wheat has been sown/transplanted in 262.74 lakh hectares, rice in 14.78 lakh hectares, pulses in 146.06 lakh hectares, coarse cereals in 49.41 lakh hectares and area sown under oilseeds is 73.03 lakh hectares.


The area sown so far and that sown during last year this time is as follows: Lakh hectare

Crop

Area sown in 2017-18
Area sown in 2016-17

Wheat
262.74
272.62

Rice
14.78
10.31

Pulses
146.06
133.94

Coarse Cereals
49.41
49.84

Oilseeds
73.03
78.27

Total
546.02
544.97




SS: weather watch 22.12.2017


***

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
22-December, 2017 11:46 IST
Year End Review- 2017 : MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZER

DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

(1) UREA PRICING POLICY – 2015: - New Urea Policy – 2015 was notified on 25th May, 2015:-

ü to maximize indigenous urea production;

ü to promote energy efficiency in the urea units; and

ü to rationalize the subsidy burden on the Government of India

· Concession based pricing upto Reassessed Capacity (RAC) based on cost-plus approach. MRP fixed at Rs 5360/MT plus 5% of MRP for NCU.

· Beyond 100 % of RAC, units to get variable cost plus lowest fixed cost of all urea units, subject to IPP plus incidental charges.

Production of urea during 2016-17

· The production of urea during the year 2016-17 was 242.01 LMT, which is significantly higher than the production of urea during 2012-13 (225.75LMT) and 2013-14(227.15 LMT)

(2) NEEM COATING OF UREA:-

· 100 % Neem Coated production made mandatory on 25.05.2015.

· 100 % of Neem Coating achieved

ü 1st September, 2015: indigenous urea

ü 1st December, 2015: imported urea

(3) INTRODUCTION OF 45 KG. UREA BAGS REPLACING THE EXISTING 50 KG. BAGS: - Vide Notification dated 4th September, 2017, it has been decided by the Government, to introduce 45 Kg Bag of urea replacing the existing 50 Kg bag.

(4) NEW INVESTMENT POLICY: - Under the provisions of New Investment Policy (NIP)- 2012 read with its amendment, Matix Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited(Matix) has set up a CBM based Greenfield Ammonia-Urea complex at Panagarh, West Bengal with the installed capacity of 1.3 MMT per annum. The commercial production of Matix has started on 1st October, 2017.

(5) REDUCTION IN THE RATES OF P&K FERTILIZERS:- The Department had encouraged the Fertilizer companies to reduce the rates of P&K fertilizers which resulted in reduction in the MRP of DAP, MOP and Complex fertilizers by Rs. 125/, Rs, 250/- and Rs. 50/- respectively per 50 kg bag from June 2016. The prices of DAP have again been reduced by Rs. 65/- per 50 kg during December, 2016.


(6) REMOVAL OF THE MINIMUM ANNUAL PRODUCTION OR MINIMUM CAPACITY UTILIZATION CRITERIA FOR SSP UNITS :- It has been decided to do away with the provision of mandatory 50% capacity utilization or minimum production of 40000 MT for SSP units to be eligible for subsidy.



(7) REVIVAL OF SINDRI & GORAKHPUR UNITS OF FCIL AND BARAUNI UNIT OF HFCL:- Cabinet in its meeting held on 13th July 2016 approved to revive Gorakhpur, Sindri & Barauni units by means of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of Public Sector Units namely, National Thermal Power Corporation, Coal India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Fertilizer Corporation India Limited/Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited, through “nomination route”. Accordingly, a SPV by name Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) has been formed.

Earlier, Cabinet in its meeting held on 25.05.2016 approved Financial Restructuring of HFCL by way of waiver of the GoI loans and the outstanding interest on GoI loan. This enabled HFCL to get de registered from the purview of BIFR and paving the way for revival of closed units of HFCL.

The present status of revival of Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni units is as under:

1. Pre project activities are under progress. The following pre-project activities have been completed in respect of all the three projects:

i. Pre-feasibility

ii. Geo technical investigation and topographic studies


The above three projects likely to start production by October 2020.


(8) MODEL FERTILIZER RETAIL SHOP:-

• In the Budget 2016-17, announcement was made for opening up of 2000 Model Fertilizers Retail Shop over a period of three years.
• It will provide mandatory services like selling of quality fertilizers at genuine rates, soil testing, seed testing, promotion of balanced use of nutrients etc.
• It will also provide some optional services like hiring of equipment such as tractors, laser levelers, rotavator, crop harvester and thrashers, hiring of sprayers, sale of small implements like spades and sickles etc.

· 2000 Model Fertilizers Retail Shops have been made operational up to the month of May, 2017.

(9) POLICY ON PROMOTION OF CITY COMPOST: -

· Policy for promotion of City Compost has been notified by the Department of Fertilizers on 10.2.2016 wherein Market Development Assistance (MDA) of Rs. 1500/MT has been provided for scaling up production and consumption of City Compost.

· Manufacturing companies allowed to undertake direct sale of city compost to farmers. Guidelines for release of MDA on direct sale issued on 9th January, 2017. Required software for routing of MDA through FMS and Mobile Fertilizer Management System (mFMS) rolled out.

· A Committee of Joint Secretaries of Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Urban Development and Department of Agriculture set up for coordination.

· The Fertilizer Companies have adopted 372 villages for promoting the use of City Compost.

· State Level Steering Committee for promotion of City Compost constituted in 11 States.

· 96584 MT of Compost Co-marketed in 2016-17 by fertilizer companies. During 2017-18 (April to November, 2017) the fertilizer marketing companies has co-marketed about 90,733 MT of city compost and during the month of November, 2017 it was 19,740 MT.

· Vide O.M. dated 7th September, 2017, Fertilizes Marketing Companies also allowed for Bulk Sale of city compost and manufacturing companies for Bagged Sale of city compost.



(10) DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFER SCHEME IN FERTILIZER SUBSIDY SCHEME AND ITS EEXPECTED BENEFITS TO FARMERS: -

· The Pilot project has been implemented in 17 districts out of the projected 19 districts.

· The deployment of PoS machines and training of retailers is going on in the remaining 2 districts.

· The Department has chalked out a detailed plan of action for Pan-India rollout of the DBT in Fertilizers scheme, based on the preparedness of the State Governments and deployment of PoS devices by fertilizer companies.

· A total of 2,04,996 no. of PoS devices needs to be deployed amongst which 1,82,898 devices have been received and 1,45,968 devices have been deployed all over the country.

· Different states/U.T.s have been put on Go-Live mode w.e.f. 1st September, 2017.

· As on date, 14 States/UTs have been brought under DBT Framework.

· The tentative dates for phase-wise roll out of National level DBT are tabulated below.

S. No
Name of States / UT's
GO Live Timeline

1
NCT of Delhi
1st September, 2017

2
Mizoram, Daman & Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Manipur, Nagaland, Goa, Puducherry
1st October, 2017

3
Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Tripura
1st November, 2017

4
AP, Haryana, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and MP
1st December,2017

5
Kerala, Bihar, Karnataka, J&K, Jharkhand, Telangana, WB, Odisha, UP, Gujarat, HP and TN
1st January 2018



11.)Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) of Rs. 10,000 crores has been approved in Budget 2017 to clear fertilizer subsidy dues. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has accorded the ex-post facto approval for implementation of SBA.

DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

1.) PRADHAN MANTRI BHARTIYA JANAUSHADHI PARIYOJANA (PMBJP)

· During the period from 1.1.17 to 18.12.2017, 3019 PMBJP Kendras are functional. The scheme’s product basket has been expanded to cover 652 medicines and 154 surgicals & consumables covering all therapeutic categories such as Anti-infectives, Anti-diabetics, Cardiovasculars, Anti-cancers, Gastro-intestinal medicines, etc.

· Several MoUs have been signed with various State Government/Organisations/NGOs to promote opening of PMBJKs across the country. As on 2nd November, 2017, 36,564 applications have been received from private individuals, out of which in-principle approval has been given in all the applications.

· Department of Pharmaceuticals persuaded the Medical Council of India (MCI) to issue guidelines to Health Secretaries of all the States/ UTs and President of all the State Medical Councils to comply with the ethics regulation of para 1.5 Use of generic names of drugs under IMC Act.


2.) CAPPING OF CEILING PRICES OF STENTS AND KNEE IMPLANTS:

· The ceiling price of the Coronary Stents, was revised with effect from 1st April, 2017. All types of cardiac stents are now available in the price range of Rs. 7,400 to Rs.30, 180.

· Knee Implant ceiling prices are fixed with effect from 16th August, 2017. Various types of knee implants are now available in the price range of Rs. 54,720 to 1,13,950.

· The Reduction in Prices of coronary stents was up to 85% and that for knee implants was up to 69% of the prices before price cap.

· Total estimated saving of Rs. 5,950 crores to general public: The capping of prices of Coronary Stents resulted into estimated savings of Rs. 4450 crores and that of Knee Implants into estimated savings of Rs. 1500 crores.


3.) NPPA has fixed the ceiling prices of 255 formulations during January, 2017 to November, 2017, resulting in total formulations under price control to 849 under NLEM 2015. The fixation of ceiling price of scheduled formulations resulted in saving of Rs. 2643.37 crore to consumers.

During January, 2017 to November, 2017, an amount of Rs. 179.45 crore was recovered from pharmaceutical companies for overcharging and 226 demand notices (including suo motu cases) were issued for overcharging amounting to Rs. 728.99 crore during the said period.


4.) Pharma Data Bank provides a platform to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturer/ Marketing/ Importer/ Distributor Companies to file mandatory returns prescribed in Form II, Form III and Form V of Drugs (Prices Control) Order,2013 (DPCO, 2013) and applications for price approval of ‘new drug’ under DPCO,2013 too online. As on 11.12.2017, 862 companies are registered for 64804 products. Out of 862 companies registered, Form V compliance status of 121 companies is 100% in respect of products registered by them.


5.) Mobile Apps/ other tools: NPPA has recently launched its mobile app on 29.08.2016 named as Pharma SAHI DAAM for the benefit of the common people of India through which anybody can easily search the brand name, composition, ceiling price and MRP of the formulation. This app can be downloaded from Google play store free of cost for Android based mobile phones and from Appstore for IOS based mobile Phone (iphone). Ceiling Price of scheduled formulations may also be obtained by using the tool ‘Search Medicine Price’ available in the website of NPPA.


6.) Monitoring and Enforcement: Based on the analysis of data provided by AIOCD PharmaTrac, NPPA identified 336 formulations as without price approval cases.


7.) Department has prepared an Umbrella Scheme namely ‘Scheme for Development of Pharma Industry’ comprising of

a. Assistance to Bulk Drug Industry for Common Facilitation Centre.

b. Assistance to Medical Device Industry for Common Facilitation Centre.

c. Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry

d. Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme

e. Pharmaceutical Promotion and Development Scheme.

EFC Memo for the Umbrella Scheme has been circulated to the concerned Ministries/ departments for comments.


8.) PHARMACEUTICALS PROMOTION & DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (PPDS)

· Launched in 2008 (Since the formation of Department of Pharmaceutical), with the objective of promotion, development and export promotion in Pharmaceutical sector by extending financial support for conduct of seminars, conferences, exhibitions, mounting delegations to and from India for promotion of exports as well as investments, conducting studies/consultancies, for facilitating growth, exports as well as critical issues affecting Pharma sector.

· Financial assistance given to total number of 17 Events/ Seminars till 2nd Nov., 2017

· 2nd edition of India Pharma and India Medical Device – International Exhibitions & Conferences on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices sectors – organized at Bengaluru, Karnataka from 11-13th February, 2017. 275 exhibitors from Pharma and Medical Device sectors and hosted Buyers from 24 countries. International Drug Regulators from 8 countries, 29 officials from foreign Embassies/High Commissions in India apart from 10,000 Business Visitors visited during the event.



9.) National Pharmaceutical policy is under consideration so as to cover the entire gambit of the pharma sector.



10.) After reviewing the implementation of Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP), the Department is in the process of consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice for making a statutory order for controlling the unethical practices being adopted by some Pharmaceutical companies.


11.) The Department has constituted a Committee of Joint Secretaries having representatives from NPPA, Health, DIPP, DCGI to review Drug Price Control Order(DPCO), 2013 for ensuring enhanced accessibility of drugs to the poor. The Committee has since submitted its recommendations. Amendments to the provisions of DPCO, 2013 are being considered on the basis of the recommendations and discussions with the stakeholders.



12.) National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER): Following the announcement of the Government for setting up of NIPERs one each in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, State Governments of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra have agreed to provide land at Jhalawar, Raipur and Nagpur respectively for opening of NIPERs.

7 NIPERs have undertaken Academia-Industry linkage with 17 leading Pharma Industries through 24 MOUs. Institutional mechanism on NIPER-Industry partnership for campus placements and CEO talks has also been established. During the academic year 2017-18, 596 students are pursuing Master’s degree courses and 72 students are pursuing PhD courses in various NIPERs.


13.) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in its meeting held on 1.11.2017 accorded ‘in principle’ approval for strategic disinvestment of Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a PSU under Department of Pharmaceuticals.






DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS

1.) Assam Gas Cracker Project (AGCP)

The Assam Gas Cracker Project (AGCP) initiated in pursuance of the Memorandum of Settlement signed between Central Government, All Assam Students Union (AASU) and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGP) on 15th August 1985 has the objective of overall socio-economic development of the North East Region. The project was commissioned on 2nd January 2016 and dedicated to the nation by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 5th February 2016 at BCPL Complex, Lepetkata, Dibrugarh. BCPL has a production capacity of tons per annum (TPA) of Polyethylene and 60,000 TPA of Polypropylene, along with other by-products. Natural Gas and Naphtha are the feed stocks. The project has generated direct employment for around 700 persons in the Plant and indirect employment for around 1,500 inside the project complex. Downstream chemical and petrochemical industry in North Eastern Region will receive raw material from BCPL and Employment generation for around one lakh persons is expected through setting up of a number of downstream plastic processing industries & ancillaries in the North Eastern Region.

The Plant is under stabilization and against the production capacity of 2,20,000 tons per annum (TPA) of Polyethylene and 60,000 TPA of Polypropylene, along with other by-products, BCPL has produced about 1,00,000 tones Polymer during the year 2016-17.

2.) HINDUSTAN ORGANIC CHEMICALS LIMITED (HOCL)

The Government of India/CCEA on 17th May, 2017 has approved a restructuring plan for HOCL which involves closing down the operations of all the non-viable plants at Rasayani unit of HOCL except Di-Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4) plant which is to be transferred to ISRO on 'as is where is' basis, with about 20 acres of land and employees associated with the plant. The N2O4 plant is of strategic importance as it is the only indigenous source of N2O4 which is used as liquid rocket propellant by ISRO in the space launch vehicles. While Kochi unit will continue its operations, 'in principle' approval has also been accorded for HOCL to be put up for strategic disinvestment through DIPAM after the process of disposing land and other unencumbered assets at Rasayani is complete. Financial implication of the restructuring plan is Rs.1008.67 crore (cash) which is to be met partly from sale of 442 acres HOCL land at Rasayani to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (Rs.618.80 crore) and the balance (Rs.365.26 crore) through bridge loan from the Government. The funds will be used to liquidate the various liabilities of the company, including payment of outstanding salary and statutory dues of employees and repayment of Government guaranteed bonds of Rs.250 crores. The bridge loan amount, along with other Govt. liabilities of the company, is proposed to be repaid to the Govt. from the disposal of remaining unencumbered land and other assets of Rasayani unit.

Necessary action is being taken by the Department/ HOCL to implement the restructuring plan. All the plants at Rasayani unit have been closed down except N2O4 plant which has been transferred to ISRO on 1st October, 2017 (with HOCL extending support for operating the plant for 6 months or until factory license is transferred to SRO). Bridge loan of Rs.360.26 crore has been released to HOCL which has been utilized by the company for settling the liability relating to Government guaranteed bonds of Rs.250 crores and for part payment of outstanding statutory dues (employees and others). For disposal of remaining unencumbered land, bids received are under process by NBCC (appointed as Land Management Agency). For sale of 442 acres of land to BPCL, BPCL requires NOC from State Government, which is vigorously followed up by the Department at various levels with the state Govt. A major portion of HOCL's liabilities, including salary & statutory dues of the employees, payment to suppliers/contractors, etc. and implementation of VRSNSS is to be met from the sale proceeds of Rs.618.80 crore to be received from BPCL.

3.) Petroleum. Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR):

• Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals has a Policy to promote Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPlRs) to promote the concept of cluster based development. So far, four PCPlRs have been approved.

• In order to have a better plan for the Petrochemical Sector, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals has initiated work on preparation of a Perspective Plan for the petrochemical industry. The Plan would highlight the likely demand- supply scenarios over next 10-15 years and would present options to meet the gap.

• Simultaneously, policy options are being explored to accelerate the implementation of PCPIR including recommendations regarding amendments to the existing PCPIR of the Govemment.

• On full realization, PCPlRs are expected to attract investment of around Rs. 7.63 lakh crore and are expected to generate employment for around 34 lakh persons.

• The Anchor Unit project of Gujarat PCPIR i.e. ONGC Petro additions Ltd. (OPaL), a cracker-cum-petrochemical complex for production of 1.1 million-ton Ethylene and 0.34 million-ton Propylene per annum with polymerization units of Polyethylene and Polypropylene, has been dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister on 7th March, 2017.

4.) Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET):

• The Government has approved setting up of 16 new centres of Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CPET) taking the total number from 23 to 39.

• An Advanced Polymer Design and Development Research Laboratory (APDDRL) is being set up at Bengaluru for R&D in key areas of polymeric applications in defence materials, bio-polymers & bio-nano composites for packaging, bio-sensors for healthcare, natural fiber reinforced composites, polymer adhesives and coatings for marine applications, fuel solar cells for solar energy, e-waste recycling etc.

• CIPET has tied-up with various PSUs and industries for indigenization of plastics products, technology solutions, R&D with focus on "MAKE IN INDIA" such as Defence, marine & industrial applications.

• During January - November, 2017, CIPET has provided skill training to approximately 60,000 persons.

• 36 skill training courses of CIPET have been aligned with NSQF based on National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. This is will ensure uniform & standardized Skill Training Mechanism across the country.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
16-January, 2018 13:37 IST
Total milk production increases from 51.33 Million Tonnes during 2016-17 (Summer) to 53.77 Million Tonnes during 2017-18 (Summer)

Total milk production registers a growth of 4.7% Milk and Egg Production Outlook 2017-18

The Milk production in the country during 2016-17 has achieved a remarkable progress by showing 20.13% growth as compared to 2013-14. Further, the production have been estimated to be increased by 6.4% in 2016-17 over 2015-16. In past the growth rate has been 6.3% in 2014-15; 6.3% in 2015-16 and 6.4% in 2016-17. Thus, there is concurrent high growth rate maintained over the past three years. Aligning with this progressive picture, in the current year (2017-18) also the Dairy sector gradually picking up its momentum towards the projected target of National Action Plan for Dairy Development.

As regards to seasonal estimation, the total milk production has increased from 51.33 Million Tonnes during 2016-17 (Summer) to 53.77 Million Tonnes during 2017-18 (Summer) registering a growth 4.7%. The same is comparatively higher than the growth rate of summer season 2015-16 to 2016-17 (3.9%). Thus, even during the summer season 2017-18 the growth rate is higher and sustained.

The first five highest milk producing States during Summer Season 2017-18 are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

Egg Production: The total Egg production in the country during 2016-17 has been reported as 88.1 Billion showing a growth rate of 12.3% over 2013-14. Further, the productions have been estimated to be increased by 6.3% in 2016-17 over 2015-16. In past the growth rate has been 5.0% in 2014-15; 5.7% in 2015-16 and 6.3% in 2016-17. Thus, there is consistent improvement in the growth rate of Egg production during the past three years.

As regards to seasonal estimation, the total egg production has increased from 26.03 Billion during 2016-17 (Summer) to 27.95 Billion during 2017-18 (Summer) registering a growth 7.4%. The same is comparatively higher than the growth rate of summer season 2015-16 to 2016-17 (5.5%). Thus, even during the summer season 2017-18 the growth rate is higher and sustained. The production of egg is largely contributed by commercial poultry farms with nearly 80.83% and remaining production is from household/backyard poultry.

The first five highest eggs producing States during Summer Season 2017-18 are Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Haryana.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
17-January, 2018 20:01 IST
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh releases the coffee table book on mass embryo transfer

Shri Radha Mohan Singh today launched a Coffee table book on mass embryo transfer by Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries. Shri Singh also launched software to collect data for 20th Livestock Census. A Vision-2022 document, prepared on the basis of National Action Plan on Dairy Development, was also released by the Agriculture Minister.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that India has 30 crore Bovines, which is 18 percent of the Bovine population of the world. He further said that through traditional and scientific knowledge, and after years of hard work, today we have 42 breeds of cattle, along with Yak and Mithun, and 13 breeds of buffaloes. The Minister was speaking at release function of coffee table book on Mass embryo transfer by Department Of Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries (DADF) in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.


The Minister also launched software to collect data for 20th livestock Census and said as the part of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative, computer tablets will be used for 20th Livestock Census. This software will have all the tools to prepare analytical reports and real-time monitoring of census operation.

He said that central government has set the target of doubling farmers’ income in the next 5 years and dairy sector will play a significant role in achieving the same. DADF has prepared an Action Plan on Dairy Development to achieve this target. A Vision 2022 document, prepared on the basis of National Action Plan, was also launched by the Minister. The document includes an outline for dairy development, recommends measures to double the farmers’ income, and also focuses on ways and means of making milk and milk products pure and safe.

The Minister said that for the conservation and enhancement, a new scheme called Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in December 2014. Also, National Mission on Bovine Productivity was started in November 2016 to increase production and productivity of bovine population in the country. He said DADF started many collective schemes for the growth of Indigenous breeds under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

He stated that among them Estrus Synchronization, which started in October 2016, was important. For the first time in the country, 1,24,000 animals were inseminated with high-quality semen of indigenous breeds through Estrus Synchronization. These animals were identified by UID and were registered on Information Network for Animal Productivity & Health (INAPH). Accordingly, to the reports received from the states, 41,353 male-female calves were produced through Estrus Synchronization.

The agriculture minister said on October 2-10, 2017, DADH in co-operation with 12 States undertook a Mass Embryo Transfer programme in Indigenous Breeds under the scheme, National Gokul Mission. Under this programme, embryos of higher genetic merit indigenous bovines such as Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Ongole, Deoni, and Vechur were transferred into surrogate cows. These cows were identified by UID and are under observation.

The superior quality calves will be used for semen production at semen centres. The Minister said through the use of Embryo transfer technology (ETT), a farmer can get a 5-6 fold increase in the number of offspring, which will be free from diseases. 50 embryo transferred technology labs are being established under Rashtriya Gokul Mission. These labs will provide a new direction for the conservation and preservation of indigenous breeds.

***

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh launching the 20th Livestock Census Software, in New Delhi on January 17, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj is also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh releasing the Coffee Table Book on Mass Embryo Transfer Technology in Indigenous breeds of Cattle under Rashtriya Gokul Mission of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, in New Delhi on January, 17, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj and the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Shri Devendra Chaudhry are also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh releasing the National Action Plan for Dairy Development of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, in New Delhi on January 17, 2018. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Krishna Raj and the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Shri Devendra Chaudhry are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
19-January, 2018 17:13 IST
Vice President outlines 12 initiatives to make agriculture viable and remunerative

Delivers the 14th Dr V.K.R.V. Rao Memorial Lecture in Institute for Social and Economic Change

The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has said that despite agriculture being the main occupation of most Indians, farmers are finding the profession unattractive because of low and stagnated income and productivity. He said this while delivering the 14th Dr V.K.R.V. Rao Memorial Lecture at the Institute for Social and Economic Change in Bengaluru today. Karnataka Governor Shri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Anant Kumar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that strategies for faster, inclusive and sustainable growth must address the issues faced by farmers.

Government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), e-NAM and Soil Health Cards are helping the farmers to improve productivity and get better returns, he said.

The Vice President said that initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana are required for addressing the risks in livestock sector.

The Vice President said that we have a legitimate reason for being proud of our farmers’ achievements. We have successfully overcome food shortages. We have moved from food import to self-sufficiency and exports. We have made the transition from subsistence farming to intensive and technology-led cultivation. At present, India occupies top position in the production of many crops. It has the highest milk production in the world and has seen many transformative changes as it ushered in green, white, blue and yellow revolutions, he said.

The Vice President said that an enhanced investment, both public and private is required. We need to formulate a long-term and a medium term action plan detailing how private and public investments will be channelled and the strategic directions we should pursue to revitalize this sector, he said.

The Vice President has outlined twelve initiatives that might help increase productivity and generate adequate returns to farmers.

• First is the use of good quality seeds which can enhance productivity by 15 to 20%.
• Second, a balanced use of fertilizers is essential for raising agricultural productivity.
• Third, timely institutional credit plays a pivotal role for adoption of innovations by marginal and small farmers.
• Fourth, diversification by supplementing farming with allied activities like dairying, fisheries and poultry can contribute significantly to increasing farmers’ incomes.
• Fifth, farm mechanization in India must expand.
• Sixth, intensification of agriculture and combining agriculture with horticulture and mechanization of hill agriculture can increase the farmers’ income.
• Seventh, we must strengthen the ecosystem that encourages agro-based industries.
• Eighth, there has to be a much better understanding of water use.
• Ninth, farmers need to realize larger share of the consumer price. Tenth, we may have to consider substantive reforms in the land policy.
• Eleventh, we need to develop climate change resilient farming practices.
• Twelfth, knowledge sharing processes must be streamlined.

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[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-...agriculture/article22466545.ece?homepage=true

India must exploit the potential of this technology to help farmers meet irrigation needs
In the past few years, solar pumps have consistently piqued the interest of various bureaucrats and politicians. The Prime Minister spoke about solar pumps from the ramparts of the Red Fort in 2016. There is no shortage of ideas which the Centre, States, civil society organisations, and enterprises are adopting to enhance penetration of solar for irrigation. But how should India proceed with this impactful technology?

Case studies
Maharashtra is solarising its agricultural feeders by installing solar power plants at the substation level, through competitive bidding. Karnataka is promoting solar pumps for existing grid-connected farmers under a net-metering regime, allowing them to generate additional income by feeding back surplus energy into the grid. In eastern States, GIZ, a German development agency, has piloted community ownership models providing water-as-a-service using solar pumps.

Despite the diversity of approaches and significant government subsidies, only about 1,42,000 pumps have been deployed till date against a target of one million pumps by 2021. Such limited demand, in a country with 132 million farmers and 28 million existing irrigation pumps, calls for a reflection on existing deployment approaches.

In India, 53% of the net-sown area is still rain-fed. Solar pumps hold potential to enhance irrigation access, advance low-carbon agriculture, reduce the burden of rising electricity subsidies, and improve the resilience of farmers against a changing climate. But farmers’ perspectives have to be considered and the local context appreciated when deploying the technology to maximise economic returns.

What can be done

At the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), we have published three new research studies. I propose seven takeaways for the government to consider while promoting solar for irrigation. First, target marginal farmers with smaller solar pumps, particularly in areas with good groundwater development potential. Our research, based on a recent primary survey of 1,600 farmers in Uttar Pradesh, revealed that close to 60% of marginal farmers relied on buying water, the costliest option for irrigation, or on renting pumps to meet their needs.

Second, couple solar pump deployment with micro-irrigation and water harvesting interventions at the farm and community levels. While lack of irrigation is a major bottleneck, 30% of farmers reported limited water availability for irrigation as a challenge.

Third, focus on technology demonstration and deploy at least five solar pumps in each block of the country. CEEW research suggests that such efforts could have a profound effect on farmers’ willingness to adopt solar pumps and spur bottom-up demand.

Fourth, in regions with already good penetration of electric pumps, prefer feeder solarisation through competitive bidding over solarisation of individual pumps. A comparative economic analysis finds that solarising individual grid-connected pumps is the costliest approach for the government to expand irrigation cover, while not being the most attractive option for farmers.

Fifth, in regions with prevailing local water markets, promote community-owned solar pumps. CEEW research finds that while joint ownership drew interest from 20% of farmers, close to 80% of them were interested in buying water from a community-owned or enterprise-owned solar pump at competitive prices.

Sixth, encourage sharing of solar pumps among farmers through farmer extension programmes. Given zero marginal cost of pumping with solar, water sharing, already a prevalent practice in many parts of the country, helps put a marginal price to the water.

Seventh, provide interest-subsidy to farmers combined with reduced capital subsidy to enable large-scale deployment of solar pumps in a shorter span of time. Such an approach would cover a greater number of farmers, helping them reap the benefits of solar pumps sooner, and increase overall returns to the economy.

Guided by on-ground experiences and an expanding body of research, the government should continuously improve and innovate its support mechanisms on solar for irrigation. India must exploit the potential of this decentralised technology to achieve the dual national targets of 100 GW of solar and doubling farmers income by 2022 — setting a world-class example of greening the economy and overcoming its developmental challenges, simultaneously.

Abhishek Jain is a Senior Programme Lead at the CEEW, an independent not-for-profit policy research organisation. Email: abhishek.jain@ceew.in

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
20-January, 2018 18:38 IST
Milk production, which was around 17-22 million tonnes in the 1960s, increased to 165.4 million tonnes in 2016-17. Particularly, it increased by 20.12% during the year 2016-17 in comparison to 2013-14.

Per capita availability of milk increased from 307 grams in 2013-14 to 355 grams in 2016-17, registering a growth of 15.6%. Income of Dairy farmers grew by 23.77% during the period 2014-17 in comparison to 2011-14

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries has initiated a number of schemes with the objective of doubling the dairy farmers’ income by 2022. The government of India has taken several initiatives to increase the milk production by raising the productivity of milch animals. The Minister said it today while addressing a farmers’ conference, organised by the Deshratan Dr. Rajendra Prasad Dugdh Utpadak Sahkari Sangh, in Ratanman, Babhangama, Begusarai.

The minister said that since last 20 years, India continues to be the largest milk producer in the world and the credit goes to the Government initiatives and implementing various schemes to increase the productivity of milch animals. Milk production, which was around 17-22 million tonnes in the 1960s, increased to 165.4 million tonnes during 2016-17. Particularly, it has increased by 20.12% during 2016-17 in comparison to 2013-14. Similarly, per capita availability has increased from 307 grams in 2013-14 to 355 grams in 2016-17, registering 15.6% growth. Moreover, income of milk producers increased by 23.77% during 2014-17 as compared to 2011-14. In the last 3 years, with the annual growth rate of 6.3%, India has outpaced global milk production where it has grown by 2.1%.

The Minister said that factors such as increased consumer interest in high protein diets and increasing awareness & availability of value-added dairy products through organised retail chains are also driving its demand. During the last 15 years, Milk Cooperatives have converted about 20% of milk procured into traditional and value-added products that offer about 20% higher revenue. This share of value-added products is estimated to increase to 30% by 2021-22.

He said that for the first time our government started a new initiative called Rashtriya Gokul Mission in December 2014 for the conservation and development of indigenous breeds. Under this scheme, so far proposals worth Rs.1,348 crore from 28 states have been approved and Rs.503 crore has been released. Among other initiatives, Rashritya Gokul Mission also includes setting up of Gokul Gram. These Gokul Grams will act as Centres for development of indigenous breeds and a dependable source for supply of high genetic breeding. Currently, 18 Gokul Grams are being set up in 12 different states.

He further added that for the conservation of indigenous breeds two National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres in – one in Chintaladevi, Nellore in the Southern region and one in Itarsi, Hoshangabad in the Northern region of India are being set up. In these centres, 41 cattle and 13 buffalo breeds would be conserved. The Breeding Centre in Andhra Pradesh is ready.

The Minister said that Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission, a Rs. 825 crore National Bovine Productivity Mission was initiated in November 2016 with an objective to make the dairy business profitable by increasing the milk production and productivity. Similarly, for the first time, an e-Pashuhaat portal was created under National Bovine Productivity Mission, which plays an important role in linking milk producers with breeders.

He also said the World Bank funded National Dairy Plan Phase I is being implemented by NDDB in coordination with the respective state governments and Cooperative Institutions/State Dairy Federations. Under this scheme, 29 sub-projects for Bihar with a total grant of Rs.64.46 crore have been approved and Rs.37.04 crore was released until December 2017. These sub-projects have been targeted to benefit 1,50,000 dairy farmers in 2,928 villages.

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