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

[kvpak]

Giving a person0.s name is not the same as Hindi names. It shows how servile you are to Hind-ians.

No. I have seen in many GOI projects names are Hindi names written in Tamil script.

Also almost all Indian gob websites are in English, Hindi. In English pages Hindi names written in English script

Unacceptable to Tamil patriots

 

[Trichy]

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

@Nilgiri

mothalla nee tamila pesudaaa inga apparam vanthu athu yen ippadi hindi la irrukunu keluda alakai mundamee

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
04-June, 2017 18:45 IST
Union Agriculture and farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated Nagpur Dairy Plant and Mother Dairy Milk Booth at Nagpur

In the year 2015-16, the growth rate of milk was 6.28 percentages and it caused increase in milk production to 156 million tonnes



Per capita availability of milk in India is 337gms/day while World average is only 299 gms/day



India has highest animal wealth in the World with 512.05 million numbers


Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that there is a tremendous potential for working on the development of dairy in Maharashtra. In Nagpur Vidarbha and Marathwada Center, the dairy profession can be a major source of livelihood for rural households. The Agriculture Minister said this on the occasion of inauguration of Nagpur Dairy and Mother Dairy booth here today. On this occasion, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis were also present.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that according to the data of May 28, 2017, the total production of milk in 2015-16 reached 156 million tonnes which is 6.28 percent annual growth rate. It may be worth to mention here that milk production during 2014-17 has increased by 16.9% when compared to the year 2011-14. Per capita availability of milk in India is 337gms/day while World average is only 299 gms/day. As far as Maharashtra is concerned, milk production increased from 9.54 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 10.1 million tonnes in the year 15-16 with a growth rate of 6.4%, which is more than country’s growth rate of 6.28%, but per capita availability of milk has been 239 gms/day in 2015-16 which is substantially lower than national average, he added.

The Agriculture Minister said about Marathwada and Vidarbha region,

• Out of the total milk animals in the state, 41 per cent are in these areas, whereas it contributes only 28 per cent (261 lakh kg per day) in the State's total milk production. This is due to the presence of large number of low-productive indigenous cows and buffaloes.
• The average milk productivity of animals in this area is 3.21 kg per day which is less than the state and the country average of 4.42 kg per day and 4.32 kg per day respectively.
• Only 13 percent of reproductive animals are reproduced with artificial insemination. Thus there is a great possibility of improving the genetic potential of milk animals by artificial insemination.
• 58 percent of those who keep milk cattle have only one cattle per family.
• Per capita availability of milk in these areas is only 170 gm per day, which is less than the state and country average of 239 and 337 grams per day respectively. The consumption of milk in this area is quite less and malnutrition is increasing.
• Institutional structure is weak for milk procurement from milk producers. In this area, the marketable surplus milk available is 37% of the milk production, but, the milk procurement by Milk Unions in the region is only about 8% (4.3 lakh kg per day). Most Milk Unions either receive lesser amount of milk or are not currently functional - about 30 percent of these Unions gets more than 10,000 kilograms of milk per day.
• States of Rajasthan and Gujarat with similar climatic conditions are in second and third place in terms of milk production, while Maharashtra is at sixth place. Dairy industry is the main source of livelihood for the rural families of these states. As far as milk production and procurement through milk cooperative societies are concerned, this state is above national level. According to the "19th Census of Livestock-2012", the population of livestock in Maharashtra has dropped by 9.5 percent from 3.59 million in 2007 to 3.25 crore, in 2012.
• Frequent famine, dry wells, dry hand pumps, low-productive animals are common in Marathwada and Vidarbha areas, due to which the dairy industry is more progressive in the western part of the state, where more than one-third of the state's milk cattle inhabits.
• Therefore, dairy industry in Marathwada and Vidarbha is important for rural development and is working with NDDB and its subsidiaries for the development of an integrated (integrated) 3-year plan.
• In these areas, Mother Dairy has been targeting 3000 villages of 11 districts- Amravati, Akola, Nagpur, Jalna, Wardha, Buldhana,

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
07-June, 2017 11:02 IST
India’s Seafood Export at all-time High in 2016-17 :MPEDA

Riding on a robust demand for its frozen shrimp and frozen fish in international markets, India exported 11,34,948 MT of seafood worth an all time high of US$ 5.78 billion (Rs 37, 870.90 crore) in 2016-17 as against 9,45,892 tons and 4.69 billion dollars a year earlier, with USA and South East Asia continuing to be the major importers while the demand from the European Union (EU) grew substantially during the period.

Frozen shrimp maintained its position as the top item of export, accounting for 38.28 per cent in quantity and 64.50 per cent of the total earnings in dollar terms. Shrimp exports increased by 16.21 per cent in terms of quantity and 20.33 per cent in dollar terms. Frozen Fish was the second largest export item, accounting for a share of 26.15 per cent in quantity and 11.64 per cent in dollar earnings, registering a growth of 26.92 per cent in terms of value.

USA imported 1,88,617 MT of Indian seafood, accounting for 29.98 per cent in terms of dollar. Export to that country registered a growth of 22.72 per cent, 33 per cent and 29.82 per cent in terms of quantity, value in rupee and US dollars, respectively. South East Asia remained the second largest destination of India’s marine products, with a share of 29.91 per cent in dollar terms, followed by the EU (17.98 per cent), Japan (6.83 per cent), the Middle East (4.78 per cent), China (3.50 per cent) and other countries (7.03 per cent). Overall, exports to South East Asia increased by 47.41 per cent in quantity, 52.84 per cent in rupee value and 49.90 per cent in dollar earnings.

“Increased production of L. Vannamei, diversification of aquaculture species, sustained measures to ensure quality, and increase in infrastructure facilities for production of value added products were largely responsible for India’s positive growth in exports of seafood,” said Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister for Commerce and Industry.

The overall export of shrimp during 2016-17 was pegged at 4, 34,484 MT worth USD 3,726.36 million. USA was the largest import market for frozen shrimp (1, 65,827 MT), followed by the EU (77,178 MT), South East Asia (1, 05,763 MT), Japan (31,284 MT), Middle East (19,554 MT), China (7818 MT) and other countries (27,063 MT).

The export of Vannamei shrimp, a major seafood delicacy, improved from 2, 56,699 MT to 3,29,766 MT in 2016-17, registering a growth of 28.46 per cent in quantity. In value terms, 49.55 per cent of total Vannamei shrimp was exported to USA followed by 23.28 per cent to South East Asian countries, 13.17 per cent to the EU, 4.53 per cent to Japan, 3.02 per cent to the Middle East and 1.35 per cent to China.

Japan was the major market for Black Tiger shrimp with a share of 43.84 per cent in terms of value, followed by USA (23.44) and South East Asia (11.33). Frozen shrimp continued to be the principal export item to USA with a share of 94.77 per cent in dollar value while Vannamei shrimp to that country showed an increase of 25.60 per cent in quantity and 31.75 per cent in dollar terms.

Vietnam, with a share of 76.57 per cent in value (US dollar), was the major South East Asian market for Indian marine products, followed by Thailand (12.93 per cent), Taiwan (3.88 per cent), Malaysia (2.60 per cent), Singapore (2.21 per cent), South Korea (1.50 per cent) and other countries (0.30 per cent). Vietnam alone imported 3, 18,171 MT of Indian seafood, the quantity being much more than that of any other individual markets like US, Japan or China.

The EU continued to be the third largest destination for Indian marine products with a share of 16.73 per cent in quantity. Frozen shrimp was the major item of exports, accounting for 40.66 per cent in quantity and 55.15 per cent in dollar earnings out of the total exports to the EU. Exports of Vannamei shrimp to the EU improved by 9.76 per cent in quantity and 11.40 per cent in dollar value.

Japan, the fourth largest destination for Indian seafood, accounted for 6.83 per cent in earnings and 6.08 per cent in quantity terms. Frozen shrimp continued to be the major item of exports to Japan with a share of 45.31 per cent in quantity and 77.29 per cent in value out of the total exports to that country.

Besides frozen shrimp and frozen fish, India’s other major seafood product was frozen squid, which recorded a growth of 21.50 per cent, 59.44 per cent and 57 per cent in terms of quantity, rupee value and dollar earnings, respectively. Export of frozen cuttlefish showed a decline in quantity terms, but increased in the rupee value and dollar terms by 18.85 per cent and 16.95 per cent, respectively.

Dried items registered a growth of 40.98%, 20.14% & 79.05% in terms of quantity, rupee value and dollar terms, respectively. Indian ports handled a total marine cargo of 11,34,948 tons worth Rs 37,870.90 crore (5,777.61 million dollars) in 2016-17 as compared to 9,45,892 tons worth Rs 30,420.83 crore (4,687.94 million dollars) in 2015-16. Vizag, Kochi, Kolkata, Pipavav and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) were major ports that handled the marine cargo during 2016-17. Exports improved from Vizag, Kochi, Kolkata, Pipavav, JNP, Krishnapatanam and Tuticorin as compared to 2015-16.

Vizag port exported 1,59,973 tons of marine cargo worth Rs 9,294.31 crore (1,401.94 million US dollars) in 2016-17 as compared to 1,28,718 tons worth Rs 7,161 crore (1,105.76 million dollars) in 2015-16.

Vizag port was followed by Kochi (1,55,989 tons, Rs 4,447.05 crore), Kolkata (1,04668 tons, Rs 4,451.67 crore), Pipavav (2,32,391 tons, Rs 4,217.45 crore), JNP (1,49,914 tons, Rs 4,084.96 crore), Krishnapatnam (62,049 tons, Rs 3,701.63 crore), Tuticorin (42,026 tons, Rs 2,220.52 crore), and Chennai (37,305 tons, 1,693.87 crore).

***

 

[Hindustani78]

New beginning: A mechanised boat entering the sea from Fishing Harbour in the early hours of Thursday. | Photo Credit: K_R_DEEPAK

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...n-embark-on-maiden-voyage/article19080728.ece

61-day conservation period will brighten prospects of good catch, they say
With rain clouds hovering over horizon and forecast of a normal monsoon, fishermen undertook maiden voyage after observing 61-day conservation period from early hours of Thursday exuding confidence of netting a good catch.

Enforcement of conservation period by all the motorised boats, which used to be partial during earlier years, has made the owners of mechanised boats and beach landing crafts more enthusiastic this time.

In fact, most the boat owners procured ice one week in advance to avoid last-minute rush. Still those who wanted to buy it had to face some problem due to sudden surge in demand.

Of 700 mechanised boats and 250 beach landing crafts, about 60% ventured into sea on day-1. “Due to total enforcement of ban period, we are expecting a pretty good catch this season,” Joint Director of Fisheries Dr. P. Shankar Rao told The Hindu.

He said they had also disbursed cash compensation of ₹3.41 crore out of sanctioned amount ₹5.47 crore to 8,531 workers through bank transfer before commencement of fishing season.

The conservation period, which has been increased from 47 to 61 days for entire East Coast, fishermen say, will brighten the prospects of a good catch.

“Though the operational cost has gone up, we are hopeful of doing better than last year this time. Our boats have gone northwards heading for Gopalpur and Paradip,” Dolphin Boat Operators’ Welfare Association president Ch. Satyanarayana Murthy said.

“We are very happy this time that Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have cooperated in making the ban enforced fully,” AP Mechanised Boat Owners’ Welfare Association president P.Ch. Appa Rao said.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-up-blood-bank-for-cattle/article19159703.ece

Odisha is all set to become the first state in the country to have a blood bank for the cattle.

Stating this, the Vice-chancellor of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) Surendra Nath Pasupalak said that the first of its kind blood bank would be established on the premises of OUAT at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 crore.

Mr. Pasupalak said a proposal in this regard was earlier submitted to the National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP). After approval from the NADP, the OUAT is now awaiting approval from the state government.

The project will have a 60:40 sharing between the Centre and the state government, the OUAT VC said.

The cattle farmers will provide blood voluntarily. The blood bank will also go and collect blood from centres. Blood transfusion facility for cattle blood will also be done at the proposed blood bank. This will prevent death of cattle during deliveries and other ailments, he said.

The storage facility would come in handy for the veterinarians to save lives of the domesticated animals.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing the members at the second General Council meeting of National Livestock Mission (NLM), in New Delhi on July 13, 2017. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat is also seen.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressing the members at the second General Council meeting of National Livestock Mission (NLM), in New Delhi on July 13, 2017. The Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Devendra Chaudhry is also seen.

Ministry of Agriculture
13-July, 2017 17:32 IST
National Livestock Mission (NLM) provides assistance to improve availability of quality feed and fodder, risk mitigation and extension, skill development and training for livestock sector: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

One of the reasons for setting up NLM from scheme-mode to mission-mode is to provide the necessary flexibility to all States and Union Territories: Shri Singh



There is a need to augment resources for the sector and synergise activities through appropriate convergence: Shri Singh



Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses the members at the second General Council meeting of National Livestock Mission.


Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh today presided over the second General Council meeting of the National Livestock Mission (NLM). Shri Singh said Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries is implementing National Livestock Mission for sustainable development of Livestock Sector, especially for poultry, goats, sheep, pig, pack animals, etc.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said NLM provides assistance to improve availability of quality feed and fodder, risk mitigation and extension, skill development and training for livestock sector including cattle and buffaloes. The livestock rearers and farmers, especially women, are unorganised, as these activities are primarily backyard in nature. However, rearing small ruminants, backyard poultry, pigs and other minor livestock offers tremendous opportunities for improving both nutritional and livelihood security of livestock rearers with specific scientific interventions.

Shri Singh said one of the reasons for setting up NLM from scheme-mode to mission-mode is to provide the necessary flexibility to all States and UTs in undertaking appropriate interventions suited to their conditions. Taking into account the overall requirement of the livestock sector, there is a need to augment resources for the sector and synergise activities through appropriate convergence, under the umbrella of NLM to supplement the efforts of the States and UTs to take care of the activities which cannot be accommodated within other ongoing schemes.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said all components under the NLM are made flexible and modular, looking into the needs of farmers and stake holders, and as per the geographical and regional requirements so that even the small and marginal farmers can also avail the benefits of the activities proposed under NLM. The distribution of resources and subsidies are also made equitable with considerations for APL, BPL beneficiaries and beneficiaries of North Eastern Region, Hilly, Left Wing Extremism areas so that the beneficiaries in more disadvantageous position get equitable benefits for sustainable livelihood.

The National livestock Mission is organised into the following four sub-Missions:

i. Sub-Mission on Livestock Development

ii. Sub-Mission on Pig Development in North-eastern Region

iii. Sub-Mission on Fodder and Feed Development

iv. Sub-Mission on Skill Development, Technology Transfer and Extension

A detailed presentation was given on various components of NLM sub-missions in the meeting.

font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:#212121"> Shri Singh said close alignments of the guidelines is mandatory for the smooth execution of various programs and effective implementation of interventions.
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NLM’ last three years achievements and milestones are as follows:

— 32,981 Beneficiaries have been assisted under Entrepreneurship Development & Employment Generation (EDEG).

— 3.68 lakh beneficiaries funded for assistance under Rural Backyard Poultry Development.

— 35.64 lakh animal insurance has been under taken.

— 3.00 lakh Goat and 9.80 lakh pig has been given health support.

— 41 state Poultry /Sheep/ Goat Piggery Breeding Farms have been supported.

— 54,930 Chaff Cutter has been distributed.

— 96,321 Qtls seed has been distributed.

— 3823 silage units have been established.

— Organization of 519 Livestock Mela has been supported.

— 223 Livestock Farmers Group and 121 Farmers Field School has been established & 8420 Farmers have been covered under exposure visit.

Milestones achieved under the Leadership of Hon’ble Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister

— The Risk Management and Insurance as a component of Sub-Mission on Livestock Development of National Livestock Mission (NLM) is implemented in all the District of the Country instead of 300 selected District earlier.

— All animals are now covered such as indigenous/crossbred milch animals, Pack animals (Horse, Donkey, Mules, Camels, Ponies and Cattle Buffaloes male) and other livestock (Goat, Sheep, Pigs, Rabbit, Yak and Mithun instead of only milch animals earlier.

— The benefit of subsidy has been enhanced and is restricted to 5 cattle unit per beneficiary per household, in case of Goat, Sheep, Pigs and Rabbit one cattle unit is equal to 10 animals instead of only 2 milch animals per household earlier.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
16-July, 2017 19:30 IST
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressed a gathering on 89th Foundation Day of ICAR

The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that agricultural scientists have played a significant role in bringing Green Revolution and developing research and technology. He was addressing the 89th Foundation Day Celebration of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Annual Award distribution function here today.

The Minister said that since 1951 foodgrain production in the country has increased five times, fish production 14.3, milk production 9.6 and egg production 47.5 times. In the Horticulture Sector, there has been a threefold increase in fruits and vegetable production as compared to1991-92. This type of development has a direct effect on the nation's food and nutritional security. The scientists have also played a key role in furthering excellence in higher education. Our scientists are engaged in innovative research in Science and Technology and they are appreciated at the international level for their work.

At the event, 122 awards were presented for excellence in 19 various categories. It includes 3 institutes; 2 AICRPs; 12 Krishi Vigyan Kendras; 19 farmers and 80 scientists, including 30 women. The Minister congratulated the three best-ranked Universities, Official Language Awardees and other winners for their outstanding achievements and contributions. The Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.S. Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottambhai Rupala, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat, Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) and Vice Chancellors of Agriculture universities were also present on the occasion.

The ICAR is the premier organisation that had started Green Revolution in the country and today, the country has not only come out of a food deficit situation but also has become self-sufficient in foodgrains and now it has surplus foodgrains.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to Gross Value Added (previously known as GDP) is 18%. There has been a record production of about 274 million tonnes of foodgrains in the country and it has been possible due to the availability of technologies, quality seeds and related services being made available to the farmers. This achievement has been possible due to the contribution of institutions of ICAR and State Agricultural Universities and hard work of farmers.

While emphasising the importance of agriculture sector, the Agriculture Minister said the government has taken several steps for sustainable development of agriculture. Several measures have been proposed for the farmers’ welfare and improvement in agriculture such as bringing 2.85 million hectares under irrigated area by 2012-2018; providing assistance of Rs.2,87,000 crore (42.1 billion US dollars) to the village panchayats and municipalities and to provide electricity to all the villages.

He informed that steps have already been taken to solve the two important problems (Soil and Water) by the Government to improve agricultural production. Soil Health Card Scheme and Organic Farming Scheme ‘Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana’ have been initiated to improve soil fertility on a sustainable basis.

Other initiatives include improvement of irrigation through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sinchai Yojana; increasing the effectiveness of water under Per Drop More Crop; and to increase the income of farmers, e-NAM has been started. For the growth of agriculture and to cover the risks of farmers from climate adversities for agricultural development, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has received a widespread approval as a major landmark policy.

He expressed happiness over the fact that the Government Soil Health Card Scheme has been made successful by the institutions of ICAR, Agricultural Universities and various development departments. The Minister expressed hope that young researchers will take special initiative for the success of government schemes.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises
18-July, 2017 15:19 IST
Rajasthan Electronics Instruments Limited

Electronics Milk Adulteration Tester (EMAT) manufactured by REIL is approved by the Government laboratories accredited for the purpose by Government of India. The validation certificates of EMAT are from National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and STQC, Electronics Test & Development Centre, Bangalore under Ministry of Information Technology.

The Company has extended business across the borders through exports of Electronic Milk Testing Equipments and Solar Photovoltaic Systems to countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, Norway, Egypt and Kenya during last 05 years.

REIL has its manufacturing unit and Head Quarter at Jaipur, Rajasthan.

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Shri Babul Supriyo in reply to a written question in the Lok Sabha today.

******

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Science & Technology
19-July, 2017 16:45 IST
Biotech Kisan and Cattle Genomics Schemes

542: SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA:


Will the Minister of SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether the two main schemes namely Biotech Kisan and Cattle genomics have been launched by the Government to change the life of farmers;

(b) the manner in which these two schemes are likely to be beneficial for rural people; and

(c) the number of farmers who will be covered under Biotech Kisan and Cattle genomics schemes in the country?



ANSWER



MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES



(SHRI Y. S. CHOWDARY)



(a) Yes, Madam. The Department of Biotechnology has initiated two farmer-centric programmes Biotech Kisan and Cattle Genomics. Under the Biotech Kisan, eight Biotech Kisan hub’s have been recommended to be setup in seven agro-climatic zones. The cattle genomics programme is being implemented by National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, an autonomous Institute funded by the Department.



(b) & (c) Biotech Kisan programme: Under the programme, the following eight Biotech Kisan hub’s in seven agro climatic zones are being funded:

· Agro-climatic Zone I: Western Himalayan Region

· Agro Climatic Zone II: Eastern Himalayan Region

· Agro-climatic Zone VI: Trans Gangatic Plains Region

· Agro-climatic Zone VIII: Central Plateau & Hills Region

· Agro-climatic Zone X: Southern Plateau & Hills Region

· Agro-climatic Zone XI: East Coast Plains & Hills Region

· Agro-climatic Zone III: Lower Gangetic Plain


These Biotech Kisan hub’s will understand problems of farmers related to water, soil, seed and marketing and provide solutions with validated technologies. The programme is expected to create strong scientists-farmers interactive platform. Under the programme thematic farmer fellowship as well as fellowships to women farmers (Mahila Kisan Biotech Fellowship) will be awarded. The programme will benefit nearly one lakh twenty thousand farmers.


Cattle Genomics programme: Programme is currently in research mode. The main objective is to predict breeding values of animal, using DNA level information with performance record, more accurately and identify genetic worth of animal (elite animal) at an early age. The ability to select elite breeding animal at an early age will help in enhancing productivity at farmer’s level in future.


*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
27-July, 2017 17:16 IST
To enable farmers to get maximum yields at lower cost, Government launched ambitious Soil Health Card scheme: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

9 crore Soil Health Cards distributed to farmers so far: Shri Singh



Chemical fertilizers consumption dropped by 8 to 10% during the year 2016-17 as compared to 2015-16 and Overall production increased by 10 to 12%: Agriculture Minister

Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses the Consultative Committee meeting


Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministers, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said the growth of agriculture sector is being discussed for a long time, but for the first time since independence, the development work in agriculture sector along with the improvement in the economic condition of farmers have been accelerated at the grass root level. Shri Radha Mohan Singh said it here today at the Consultative Committee meeting. The agenda of the meeting was Soil Health Card (SHC).

Shri Singh said that it is the dream of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to double the income of farmers by 2022 and make to farmers realise their significant contribution to the nation building. To achieve this goal, action on three pillars needs to be taken.

Shri Singh said the first pillar is that the cost of production should be reduced and productivity should be increased. The second pillar is that farmers need to diversify and adopt other agricultural activities such as animal husbandry, poultry, goat farming, bee keeping, and timber plantation. The third and the most important pillar is that farmers get regulated markets close to their farms to sell their produce and earn profitable returns.

The Agriculture Minister said that to reduce the cost of production, increase the productivity and to distribute SHC to the farmers across the nation, the Government has launched this ambitious scheme. SHC recommends ways to improve the soil quality, appropriate dosage of nutrients for improving soil health and its fertility and analyse the nutrient level. Every two years the soil health will be reviewed to examine nutrients deficiencies so that corrective measures can be taken accordingly. The salient features of SHC include adoption of uniformed approach towards samples collection and testing in laboratories, one coverage for all the land in the country, and issue Soil Health Card every 2 years

Shri Singh opined that for the first time a uniform soil specimen parameter has been adopted. In the irrigated areas, samples will be drawn on a grid of 2.5 ha. In rainfed areas, sampling will be done in a 10 ha. grid. GPS-based soil sample collection has been made mandatory to create a systematic database to monitor changes in soil and compare it to the previous years.

Shri Singh said that uniform soil sample collection and testing method are being adopted. Under this scheme 12 soil health parameters such as primary nutrients (NPK), secondary nutrients (such as sulphur) and micronutrients (boron, zinc, copper etc.), are being analysed. Secondary nutrients and micronutrients analysis are compulsory.

The Minister said uniform Soil Health Card norm is being adopted. Scientific soil health management practices are being adopted to provide soil test based fertiliser recommendations. In the first two years (205-17), 253 lakh soil samples have been collected till 25-7-2017 against the target of 253 lakh samples and 248 lakh samples (98%) have been tested. So far nine crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to (75%) farmers as against the target of 12 crore cards.

Shri Singh informed that the scheme is not only reducing the cost of production, but also identification and utility of nutrients have also increased. During 2014-17, Rs.253.82 crore has been released for the scheme. Chemical fertilisers consumption dropped by 8 to 10 percent during the year 2016-17 as compared to 2015-16. Overall production increased by 10 to 12 percent.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that some of the states have witnessed growth in this sector and 16 states have already achieved the target, while 9 states are set to achieve the target by the end of July 2017. However, the progress is slow in seven states, which include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur. Shri Singh urged the members to make efforts to achieve the target in their respective states as soon as possible.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
28-July, 2017 13:36 IST
Revival of Closed Fertilizer Plants

Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, in a written reply to a question on revival of closed fertilizer plants in Rajya Sabha today, informed that at present eight fertilizer public sector plants have been lying closed. Out of these closed plants presently five plants namely Talcher, Ramagundam, Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni are being revived by setting up Ammonia-Urea plants of 1.27 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) capacity each, the Minister informed.


Gorakhpur & Sindri units of Fertilizer Corporation of India limited (FCIL) and Barauni unit of Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited (HFCL) are being revived by means of Special Purpose Vehicle of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) through nomination route. A Joint Venture (JV) Company named “Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL)” comprising of National Thermal Power Corporation, Coal India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited and FCIL/HFCL has been formed, Shi Mandaviya stated.


Further the Minister informed that the Talcher Unit of FCIL is being revived on ‘Nomination basis’ by a Consortium of PSUs namely Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF), GAIL(India) Limited, CIL and FCIL. A JV Company named “Talcher Fertilizers Limited (TFL)” has been formed. Ramagundam unit of FCIL is being revived on nomination basis by consortium of PSUs namely Engineers India Limited (EIL), National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and FCIL. A JV Company named “Ramagundam Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited” has been formed.


Expected date of operationalization of these plants are as under:


Fertilizer Plant

Expected month of operationalization

Talcher
December, 2020

Ramagundam
November, 2018

Gorakhpur
August, 2020

Sindri
September, 2020

Barauni
October, 2020


*****

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
28-July, 2017 13:35 IST
No Reports of Diversion & Smuggling of Subsidized Urea for Non-Agricultural Purposes: Shri Mansukh Lal Mandaviya

National Roll Out of DBT for fertilizer subsidies by the end of current financial year

Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today, informed that during last year, there were no reports of alleged diversion & smuggling of subsidized urea for non-agricultural purposes. Also, the Minister stated that in the current year, no report of diversion & smuggling has been received from any State Government.


Shri Mandaviya informed the House that the Government has declared fertilizer as an essential commodity under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955(ECA) and notified Fertilizer (Control) Order (FCO), 1985 & Fertilizer (Movement Control) Order, 1973 under the EC Act. State Governments have been adequately empowered to ensure selling of fertilizers at MRP besides stopping smuggling and diversion of fertilizers. State Governments are empowered to conduct search, make seizures and take punitive action against any person violating provisions of FCO, 1985 and Essential Commodities Act, 1955.


The State Governments have been empowered to take appropriate action to curb diversion of fertilizers and initiate action against the persons who violate these orders. Department of Fertilizers has, from time to time, written to the Chief Secretaries of various States and Ministry of Home Affairs to activate the enforcement agencies under their jurisdiction to take appropriate action to curb diversion, Shri Mandaviya added.


Department of Fertilizers ensures availability of all fertilizers at State level as per requirement projected by DAC&FW in consultation with States/ UTs for each season and distribution within the States is the responsibility of the concerned State Governments. The availability is monitored regularly at various levels and there is no shortage of any fertilizer.


Further, Shri Mandaviya detailed the following steps that are being taken to check black-marketing/ smuggling/ diversion of fertilizers meant for farmers:

a. The movement of all major subsidized fertilizers is being monitored throughout the country by an on-line web based monitoring system (www.urvarak.co.in) also called as Integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System (iFMS);

b. The State Governments have been advised to sensitize the State Institutional Agencies to coordinate with manufacturers and importers of fertilizers for streamlining the supplies;

c. Department of Fertilizers and Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) are jointly reviewing fertilizer availability with State Agriculture department through Video Conferences every week. The corrective actions, if required, are taken immediately to avoid any hardships to farmers;

d. Fertilizer companies are required to print Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on the fertilizer bags clearly. Any sale above the printed MRP is punishable under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955;

e. State Governments as enforcement agencies are adequately empowered to check the irregularities.



In a separate reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Shri Mandaviya informed that Government has planned for National Roll Out of DBT for fertilizer subsidies by the end of current financial year. All the preparations for launch of DBT at National level including deployment of PoS machines are in progress as per National Roll Out Action Plan, the Minister added.



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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers28-July, 2017 13:33 IST
Government has taken a number of measures to curb malpractices in neem coating of urea: Shri Mansukh Lal Mandaviya

Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today, informed that the Government has taken a number of measures to curb malpractice of using spurious/cheap oil in lieu of neem oil in neem coating of urea, which are as follows:-


· Department of Fertilizers (DoF) from time to time has issued instructions to urea units for ensuring the quality of neem oil and to procure it from genuine neem oil manufacturers only.


· Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW), in an order dated 06th February, 2017, has amended the specification of Neem Coated Urea wherein a foot note regarding specification of neem oil has been included. DoF has directed all the urea manufacturers/importers to strictly adhere to the specification of neem oil used for the purpose of production of neem coated urea.


· DoF has requested DAC&FW to advise the Central Laboratories to lift samples of neem oil used for neem coated urea from the premises of urea manufacturing units to test its quality as per the specification of neem oil.


· DoF has advised all the urea manufacturers/importers to include the details of the production/import capacity and quantity of neem oil to be supplied to urea manufacturers/importers as a condition in the ‘Tender Notice’.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
01-August, 2017 17:17 IST
Agriculture Produce Market Committee

Ministry has drafted a model “The Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017, which provides for progressive agricultural marketing reforms, including setting up markets in private sector, direct marketing, farmer-consumer markets, de-regulation of fruits and vegetables, e-trading, single point levy of market fee, issue of unified single trading license in the State, declaring warehouses/silos/cold storage as market sub-yards and Market Yards of National Importance (MNI) so that more markets are available for farmers to sell their produce for better prices.

The said model Act was released on 24th of April, 2017 in a meeting of Ministers of Agricultural Marketing from States/ UTs chaired by the Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for its adoption by the States/ UTs.

A meeting of Ministers of Agricultural Marketing of States implementing e-NAM was held under the Chairmanship of Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare on 05.07.2017. The progress of implementation of National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) was reviewed. The States were urged to adopt the Model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2017. State representatives were requested to make all efforts for successful implementation of the scheme to achieve the objectives for optimising benefits to the farmers.

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

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Ministry of Agriculture
01-August, 2017 17:16 IST
Facilities to Farmers

The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) has taken up several initiatives in the field of agricultural extension which includes ‘Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms’ which is popularly known as ATMA Scheme, Mass Media Support to Agricultural Extension and Kisan Call Centres. In order to enhance physical outreach of extension personnel for their direct interface with the farmers, financial support for specialists and functionaries down to the Block level has been provided. The key objectives of ATMA scheme include setting up of autonomous institutions at the State/District/Block level, encouraging multi-agency and broad-based extension strategies adopting group approach to extension and facilitating convergence of programmes in planning, executing and implementation. Under Mass Media scheme, the Government is educating farmers through display of exhibits for know-how on new tools and technology, creating awareness about schemes, programmes activities being implemented for benefiting and helping farmers. Farmers’ education/awareness programmes are being implemented through agriculture fair, exhibitions and use of print, electronic media like Radio, TV and Social Media platforms, etc. Under Kisan Call Centres (KCCs) scheme, farmers’ queries are answered on a telephone call in their own dialect between 6.00 AM to 10.00 PM on all seven days. Presently, these Call Centres are working in 14 different locations covering all the States and UTs. A Toll Free No.1800-180-1551 has been allotted for this purpose.


Kisan Suvidha Mobile App has been launched by the Government which provides information to the farmers on Weather report, Plant Protection, Input Dealers, Agro-Advisory and Marketing. Besides, Pusa Krishi Mobile App, Agri-Market App and Crop Insurance Mobile App have also been launched for the benefit of farmers.


Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a network of 680 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country with mandate of Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development. A number of activities viz. on-farm trials, front-line demonstrations, creation of awareness on improved agricultural technologies, etc. are conducted by KVKs for the benefit of farmers.


This Ministry is also implementing various crop development schemes for increasing production and productivity of the crops in the country viz. National Food Security Mission (NFSM) on rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals and Commercial Crops (cotton, jute & sugarcane); Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) and Crop Diversification Programme (CDP). Under these schemes, scientific crop production technologies are being promoted at the farmers’ field through organization of cluster demonstrations and training of farmers with latest crop production technologies such as timely sowing, seed rate, recommended package of practices, etc. for reduction in the cost of cultivation. Assistance is given to farmers on distribution of improved seeds/hybrids, farm implements/machines, irrigation devices, plant protection chemicals, bio-pesticides for promoting Integrated Pest Management and soil ameliorants, etc. through State Government. New initiatives like distribution of seed mini-kits of newer varieties of pulses free of cost, production of quality seed, creation of seed hubs at SAU and KVKs, strengthening of bio-fertilizers and bio-agent labs at SAUs/ICAR Institute, technological demonstration by KVKs and enhancing up breeder seed production have been included under NFSM.


Under NFSM and BGREI, there is a provision of ‘Cropping System Based Training’ of farmers which includes four sessions i.e. one before Kharif and Rabi Seasons, one each during Kharif and Rabi Seasons. Under this programme, training of trainers/farmers is imparted by Crop/Subject-Matter Specialist of ICAR Institute/SAUs/KVKs on creating awareness about the new high yielding varieties.


National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP): Under NMOOP programme, Transfer of Technology (ToT) component, assistance is provided to States for conducting Farmers Training and Trainers Training Programme, in which training is provided to the farmers and extension workers educating the farmers to avail the benefits of the programme.


Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – ‘Per Drop More Crop’: This Department is implementing ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component of PMKSY. It mainly focuses on water use efficiency at farm level through precision/micro irrigation (Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation).


Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecological approach which aims to keep pest population below economic thresholds level by employing available alternate pest control strategies and techniques viz. preventive measures, cultural, mechanical and biological control with greater emphasis on usage of bio-pesticides and pesticides of plant-origin like Neem formulation, etc. The Government is implementing “Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach in India” through 35 Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) of Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage established across the country, which inter alia, organizes Farmers Field Schools (FFSs) to promote IPM approach.


The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) envisages production and productivity improvement of horticulture crops like fruits (including apple) and vegetables through various interventions. Capacity building of farmers and technicians are also provided for adopting improved technologies. Scheme also envisages creation of infrastructure for Post-Harvest Management (PHM) and marketing for better price realization of produce.


To develop Common Agriculture Market, the Government has launched National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) project on 14th April, 2016. Under the e-NAM, 585 regulated markets across the States are to be integrated with e-NAM portal by March, 2018. The e-NAM would facilitate farmers to on-line trade their agricultural produce in any market integrated to the portal and to the buyer registered thereon. So far, 455 markets of 13 States have been integrated with e-NAM portal.



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



SS/ AK

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Ministry of Agriculture
01-August, 2017 17:14 IST
Improvement in Breed of Cattles

Milk production has increased by 6.27% per annum during last three years and during the last decade milk production has increased by 4% per annum.


As per breed survey report 2012 the country has 37.92 million animals of indigenous cattle breeds as against 23.78 million animals of indigenous cattle breeds during 2007 (as per breed wise livestock census 2007).


In order to complement and supplement the efforts made by the States for development and conservation of indigenous breeds Government of India has initiated following programmes after detailed consultations with States and all the stake holders: i) Rashtriya Gokul Mission; ii) National Mission on Bovine Productivity; iii) National Dairy Plan-I and iv) Breed Improvement Institutes.


Government has initiated Rashtriya Gokul Mission with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous breeds and National Mission on Bovine Productivity for enhancing milk production and productivity of bovine population in the country during last three years.


Steps undertaken by the Government for development of cattle population in the country is as under:


(i) Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been launched December 2014 for the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds thereby enhancing milk production and productivity. The framework of the scheme is to enhance milk production & productivity through induction of high genetic merit bulls for semen production; field performance recording; strengthening of bulls mother farms; setting up of Gokul Grams etc.


(ii) National Programme for Bovine Breeding is being implemented for enhancing productivity of milch animals through extension of Artificial Insemination (AI) coverage. This is done through establishment of Multi Purpose AI Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs); strengthening of existing AI centres; monitoring of AI etc.


(iii) National Mission on Bovine Productivity has been launched in November 2016 with the aim of enhancing milk production and productivity and thereby making dairying more remunerative to the farmers. The scheme is being implemented with following components a) Pashu Sanjivni- this component includes identification of animals in milk using UID, issuing health cards to all animals in milk and uploading data on INAPH data base; b) Advance reproductive Technique- under the component sex sorted semen production facility is being created at 10 A graded semen stations and 50 Embryo Transfer Technology Labs with IVF facilities are being created in the country; c) Creation of E Pashu Haat Portal- The e-pashu haat portal has been launched in November 2016 for linking farmers and breeders of indigenous breeds and d) Establishment of National Bovine Genomic Centre for Indigenous Breeds(NBGC-IB): The NBGC-IB is being established for enhancing milk production and productivity through genomic selection among indigenous breeds.



(iv) Two National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres are being established one in the State of Andhra Pradesh for southern region and other in Madhya Pradesh for northern region of the country with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous breeds in a scientific manner and thereby enhancing milk production and productivity.


(v) National Dairy Plan-I a world Bank assisted project being implemented in 18 major dairy States with aim of enhancing milk production and productivity in order to meet demand of milk in the country through strengthening of semen stations; bull production programme (progeny testing and pedigree selection), ration balancing programme etc.


(vi) Government has also established three subordinate organizations namely (i) Central Cattle Breeding Farms (CCBFs) (ii) Central Herd registration Scheme and (iii) Central Frozen Semen Production & Training Institute. These organizations are also undertaking genetic upgradation of milch animals through supply of disease free high genetic merit bulls for semen production and natural service for use in the breeding programme being implemented by the States.


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


SS/ AK

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Science & Technology
06-August, 2017 19:09 IST
Inauguration of National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute – Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (NABI-CIAB) Campus by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology & Earth Sciences, Environment, Forest & Climate Change

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology & Earth Sciences, Environment, Forest & Climate Change inaugurated the new Administrative and Research Buildings of two national institutes under the administrative control of Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India namely National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB) in Sector 81, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), Punjab today. Dr. K. Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, DBT, Prof. Arun Kumar Grover, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Dr. T.R. Sharma, Executive Director, NABI, Dr. Rajender Singh Sangwan, Chief Executive Officer, CIAB and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister expressed his pleasure in dedicating both the institutes to the nation, and emphasized the need for quality research work and output with optimal utilization of state-of-art equipment and infrastructure that can reach common man in a form that can be easily perceived in proper perspective. He encouraged scientists/students to exploit the biotechnological tools to address the problems related to quality of food and malnutrition with full enthusiasm and zeal getting inspiration from the legacy and contributions of champions in the field of science and technology. He urged both the institutes to address the problems of hunger & malnutrition and to bring nutritional revolution in the country through biotechnology research and innovation for Food and Nutrition Security. Dr. Harsh Vardhan also said that young researchers and students should aim big and work hard to achieve their goals with sustained efforts.

Interacting with the faculty, Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasized the need for doing new innovations that have an immediate societal impact with the common man as the target. He counseled researchers to shift from routine to out of the box thinking and to dream big to translate their efforts to greater innovations. He also said there should be a method for scientists to work to set timeframes to achieve their targets.

NABI is the first Agri-Food and Nutritional based Biotechnology Institute, which has been set up by the Dept. of Biotechnology in the Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali. CIAB has been set up adjacent to NABI and is the first institute dedicated to generation of secondary agriculture bioproducts through value addition to unutilized and underutilized biomass. Both the institutes area part of agri-food cluster in the Knowledge City, Mohali along with its neighboring institutes, like; IISER, ISB, INST and Biotech Park. The campus comprises of laboratory buildings, 15 acres of land for field experiments, a large glass house, transgenic net houses, office area, housing, guest house, research scholar hostel, utilities and other requisite services. Total entire area of the campus is 50 acres. The building complex of CIAB has a total floor space of 77000 square feet built at a cost of Rs Forty three crores whereas NABI has a total floor space of 3,17,500 square feet built at a cost of Rs one hundred and thirty five crores.

The institutes apart from providing quality research in the field of agricultural biotechnology and bio processing also provide innovative technologies in the field of food processing.. Under reach to community program NABI is playing an important role in conducting motivational course to the students of local schools to increase their awareness in life sciences. Their products of nutritionally rich crops and processing of crop residues in useful products will be provided to the local farming communities to increase their income.The industry ready specialized products like high anthocyanin have already been taken by local industries under specific MOU. They are acting as nodal agencies for local organization in the areas Agri food and nutritional biotechnolgy.

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The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurating the new Administrative and Research Building of National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), in Mohali, Punjab on August 06, 2017.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurating the Administrative and Research Building of Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), in Mohali, Punjab on August 06, 2017. The Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan releasing the publication at the inauguration of the Administrative and Research Buildings of National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), in Mohali, Punjab on August 06, 2017.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan planting a sapling, at the inauguration of the Administrative and Research Buildings of National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), in Mohali, Punjab on August 06, 2017. The Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan and other dignitaries are also seen.

Ministry of Agriculture
08-August, 2017 17:43 IST
Roadmap for Next Three Years for Evergreen Revolution




The NITI Aayog has drafted the three years action plan for all the sectors including agriculture. The details of the action plan may be obtained from the link http://niti.gov.in. The action plan on agriculture deals with remunerative prices for farmers and raising productivity.



Strategy chalked out for increase in production of pulses, use of wasteland, seed village programme and model contract farming are as below:-



Increase in production of Pulses



National Food Security Mission (NFSM-Pulses) is being implemented in 638 districts of 29 States in the country. The interventions covered under NFSM-Pulses include cluster demonstrations on improved package of practices, demonstrations on cropping system, distribution of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs), INM, IPM, resource conservation technologies/tools, efficient water application tools and cropping system based training for increasing production and productivity of pulses.



Under this scheme, new initiatives have been taken up during 2016-17 i.e., creation of seed hubs, breeder seed production, minikit distribution, cluster frontline demonstrations etc.



Use of wasteland

PMKSY is principally for development of rainfed portions of net cultivated & culturable wastelands.



Seed Village programme

To upgrade the quality of farmer’s saved seeds financial assistance for distribution of foundation/certified seeds at 50% cost of the seeds for agricultural crops for half an acre per farmer was available up to the year 2013-14. From the year 2014-15, the financial assistance for distribution of foundation/certified seeds at 50% cost of the seeds for cereal crops and 60% for pulses, oilseeds, fodder and green manure crops for production of quality seeds is now available for one acre per farmer.



Certified Seed Production of Pulses, oilseeds, Fodder & Green Manure crops through Seed Village.



In order to enhance certified seed production of Pulses, oilseeds, Fodder & Green manure crops in the country, this component has been initiated from 2014-15. Under this component the financial assistance for distribution of foundation seeds at 75% cost of the seeds for pulses, oilseeds, fodder and green manure crops for production of Certified Seeds is available for the farmers.



The above schemes are demand driven and implemented by the States/implementing agencies for benefiting the farmers.



Model Contract Farming Act

In pursuance of announcement in the Union budget 2017-18, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has constituted a Committee on 28.02.2017 to formulate a Model Contract Farming Act for adoption by the States. This Model Act on Contract Farming would address the constraints in promoting contract farming in a holistic manner by the States.



The agriculture and allied sector road map endeavours growth of agriculture for meeting food and nutrition security of the country.

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

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Ministry of Agriculture
08-August, 2017 17:41 IST
Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium


The Government established Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) as a Society in 1994 to facilitate agri-business ventures by catalyzing private investment through Venture Capital Assistance (VCA) Scheme in close association with financial institutions. The setting up of State level SFAC as counterpart agency of Central SFAC for agribusiness projects was part of the Scheme. The Scheme envisaged a corpus contribution from Central SFAC of Rs. 50.00 lakh to each State which establishes a State Level SFAC. So far, 21 States have received funds for Central SFAC for setting up of State SFAC.


The role of State SFACs is to aggressively promote agribusiness project development in their respective States. The main functions of SFAC are:


(i) Promotion of development of small agribusiness through VCA scheme;

(ii) Helping formation and growth of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) / Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs);

(iii) Improving availability of working capital and development of business activities of FPOs/FPCs through Equity Grant and Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme;

(iv) Implementation of National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Electronic Trading platform.



At present, SFAC is implementing the following schemes:


1. Agri-Business Development (ABD) through Venture Capital Assistance (VCA) and Project Development Facility (PDF).

The Scheme aims to facilitate the promotion of agri-business projects establishing backward linkages with farmers, providing assured market to their produce, thereby generating employment and enhancing farmers’ income. SFAC partnership with various PSU banks has so far helped support 1674 projects across the country, investing a total of Rs. 495.36 Crores in venture and helping to leverage Rs. 5950.76 Crores in total project investment. This has created 81396 direct employment and linked approximately 1.53 lakhs Farmers to these units.



2. Equity Grant and Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Farmer Producer Companies:



The scheme has two components as given below:

(a) A grant of upto Rs. 10.00 lakh to each registered Farmer Producer Company is given to match the member equity raised by the institution. This enhances the equity base of the FPC and enable it to approach financial institutions for raising working capital. SFAC has been sanctioned Equity Grant to 127 Farmer Producer Companies amounting to Rs.7.04 Crore to enable them to leverage working capital from financial institutions.

(b) Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF) has been set up in SFAC with a corpus of Rs. 100.00 Crores. The CGF will offer a cover of 85% to loans extended by banks to Farmer Producer Companies without collateral, upto a maximum of Rs. 1.00 Crore. Under the Scheme, 21 projects in five states have been sanctioned credit guarantee of Rs. 9.31 Crore till date. State-wise details are as below:

State

Total

No. of Projects

Credit Guarantee cover Sanctioned (Rs. In lakh)

Kerala
1
63.75

Rajasthan
2
39.10

Madhya Pradesh
7
382.36

Maharashtra
1
38.25

Tamil Nadu
9
365.30

Total
21
931.26

Price Stabilisation Fund:

SFAC is one of the Central Procurement Agencies for pulses and oilseeds under Price Stabilisation Fund of Department of Consumer Affairs.


SFAC has made substantial impact in the agriculture sector. SFAC has emerged as a developmental Institution with its core aim and objective focused on increased production and productivity, value addition, provision of efficient linkages between producers and consumers. This has resulted in enhancing the yields and incomes of farmers/producers groups as well as created jobs in the rural areas.


The Government has reviewed the functioning of SFAC from time to time. Based on the review the annual action plans are formulated and associated budgets are released.

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

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Ministry of Agriculture
08-August, 2017 17:39 IST
FDI in Agriculture



Foreign direct Investment (FDI) received in the agriculture sector during the last three years and the current year is given below:



Sl. No.
Year (Apr-Mar)
FDI Equity in (Rs crore)

1
2014-15
365.31

2
2015-16
553.14

3
2016-17
515.49

4
2017-18(Upto May, 2017)
354.77


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


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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
09-August, 2017 14:36 IST
State wise Target set for 100 million Artificial Insemination for 2017-18

National goal of 300 million ton milk production by 2023-24

India ranks first in milk production, achieving an annual output of 155.48 million tons during 2015-16 accounting for 19 % of world production. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has set target for 100 million Artificial Insemination for 2017-18. A National goal of 300 million ton milk production by 2023-24 has been kept along with increasing the productivity of 40.77 million breedable Indigenous non-descript cows from 2.15 Kg per day to 5.00 Kg per day during the same period.

India has a bovine population of 300 million as per 19th Livestock census 2012. Out of 190 million cattle population, 20% are exotic and crossbreds (39 million) and about 80% belonging to indigenous and Non-descript breeds. While India accounts for more than 18% of the world population, the normal Indian cow with the poor farmer barely gives 1 to 2 litres per day. Thus 80% of the cow population gives only 20% of cow milk.

Though India maintains its top ranking in milk production, on the flip side, about 80% Cattle belonging to Indigenous and Non-descript breeds are low yielders whose productivity needs to be improved by adopting appropriate breeding techniques.

Key strategy for increasing productivity is through ensuring Artificial Insemination (A.I.). A.I plays a vital role in improving the productivity of Bovines by upgrading their genetic potential thereby enhancing the milk production and productivity in the country. This core activity is fortified through the ongoing flag ship schemes, National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB) and Indigenous Breeds (IB) under the Umbrella scheme Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) . These programmes envisage twin benefits namely (i) To improve the productivity and enhance milk production and (ii) To increase farmers income that will facilitate the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling their income by 2020.

Though the breeding infra structure has been strengthened substantially for the delivery of breeding inputs at farmers’ doorstep under these schemes, the A.I. coverage is still 26% of the breedable population.

As per 2015-16 data made available by the States, an Artificial Insemination worker merely performs 1.92 A.I per day as against the required average of atleast 4 A.I. per day. Further 3 semen doses are used for achieving one successful conception. Thus there is wastage of high quality semen due to usage of 3 semen doses for each successful A.I. This poor situation is further aggravated by usage of Indigenous bull semen being merely 11% of total A.I coverage.

To facilitate the government’s ambitious goal of doubling farmers income by 2020, a State Wise target of 100 million Artificial Insemination has been shared for 2017-18. Directions have been given to States by Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DADF) in this regard.