agri nation august 2015

Agri Nation | | | | ISSUE III NEW DELHI AUGUST 2015 PAGE 16

DFC WILL 'ADD LIFE' TO AGRI PRODUCE IN THE COUNTRYAgriculture is gaining priority in Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) distributors from J&K, Himachal NDA government. To strengthen rail and we are monitoring it closely. Pradesh & Haryana are being links and facilities to transport agri Deadline has been fixed to complete benefited from it. We have plans to products to markets, various the project. Except one establish ten such centers at various ministries and stakeholders have to sector, railways have locations in the country in couple of come forward wi th rad ica l acquired over 80 years. approach. Minister of State for percent land for Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, in a DFC and Definitely, big candid conservation with Shakti tenders for amount of Sharan Singh, shares his views on some have domestic the role of Indian Railways in the already produce is development of agriculture sector: been wasted due

awarded. to non-In next six availability months We all work as an integrated of proper tenders government. Food Corporation of infrastructureIndian Railways is the best mode of work will India (FCI) is responsible for . Government transport. We can safely transport agri be storage of food grains in the as well as products to markets through our completed country. It will not be good for Railways has reliable network. After NDA came to for all sectors individual ministries to think in taken this into power, Prime Minister emphasized except one. account. DFC is isolation. Whatever government upon the need of modernization of We are hopeful being developed will decide, railway will also be part wagons, especially for perishable that very soon for fast of it. Regarding railway land, I products. Consequently, today we India will transportation would like to clarify that 87 per cent have a milk train running in country. have a of goods. As I of our land is along the railway DFC. It One of our PSU called Container mentioned, t r a c k . R e m a i n i n g l a n d i s will bring Corporation of India (CCI) has CCI is also commercial so we will work to take change and established a refrigerated storage to working towards maximum commercial benefits out add value to store perishable goods and a ripening establishing storage of it. Still, wherever we have land in Railways transportationchamber for fruits and vegetables in and refrigeration facilities across rural areas, we will definitely be a facilities. Along with other products, Azadpur Mandi in Delhi. CCI is the country. We are expanding our part of government’s policy. agri produce will be transported undertaking such projects across r a i l n e t w o r k s o t h a t f o o d safely and quickly through DFC. India. CCI is soon going to start grains/fruits can reach the market

refrigeration and ripening chamber at from remote areas. Hope, this will Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh. Railway improve in coming years. There are some proposals from is doing its best to support

state governments to develop dry agriculture.

ports. Dry port will be set up in the Farmers need fertilizer on time and it State for which state governments is our priority. Railways are

I n A z a d p u r M a n d i , D e l h i , will allot land near a railway committed for timely delivery of refrigeration and ripening centre for station. We are mulling it. fertilizers. When and where there is perishable produce like vegetables Agriculture produce will reach the demand for more goods trains for and fruits is already functional from transporting fertilizer, we have ports through this dry port which is last three months. Farmers and special provisions for it. expected to benefit farmers.Recently, we had a meeting on

It is good that government and Railways is concerned about agriculture. But at the same time, it is

also true that 40 per cent of fruits rot in mandis. Is it

s o m e t h i n g worrisome?

India has become self reliant in

agriculture produce, but storage

still remains the major challenge.

With both land & infrastructure

available, has Railways got any

plan to foray into area of providing Agriculture is a significant sector of storage facility? our country. What role do you see for Indian Railways in its development?

Do you have any plan to develop

dry ports?Timely delivery of fertilizers is always talked about. Do you have something to offer?

Please, elaborate upon CCI refrigeration centers?

What is current status of Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and how is it going to change the face of t ransportat ion of agricul ture produce?

| | | | | ISSUE III NEW DELHI AUGUST 2015 PAGE 16 PRICE `20.00 ISSN 2395 - 2954

Grape Waste Could Make Competitive Biofuel ... P3

Goat Farming Business For Beginners ... P10

Insuring Farmers-Adapting to Climate Biofuel ...P3 Promoting Contract Farming ...P6 Farming Best Fitness Activity' Indians are

Change Bruno Friedel ...P2 more concerned about their ...P14Sea Level Rise is Inevitable, and We are Not Crop Insurance for Banana Plantations ...P7Solar Energy is Key to Stimulate Growth in Prepared. M.S. Swaminathan ...P4 Kharif Crop Sowing Crosses 890 Lakh Indian Chicken are Calling Vijay Sardana India ...P3 Hectare So Far, Marginally Higher Than Last India Inc Hails PM's, Agriculture Start-Ups ...P8

Year ...P15Grape Saste Could Make Competitive Initiatives ...P5 Bringing Agriculture to Space ...P12

Agri Nation | | | | ISSUE III NEW DELHI AUGUST 2015 PAGE 02 Agri Nation | | | | ISSUE III NEW DELHI AUGUST 2015 PAGE 03

Climate change is increasing the risks Payouts are often calculated on an if it could stifle adaptation. Insurance for farmers, but a new form of incremental scale, with a set for crops could undermine local insurance may provide support. maximum limit of payout. adaptation with farmers being

incentivised to cultivate cash crops, As the risks of natural disasters due to Where schemes are designed in rather than more climate-resistant climate change increase, insurance consultation with farmers, they can varieties. has been put forward as a potential determine payouts to help restart

way of supporting small-scale farmers production and provide support And because climate change makes in developing countries to help them during disrupted periods. UN-DESA predicting regional weather harder to manage the risks. has suggested that both the index and and traditional agriculture riskier,

th resholds should be se t in index-based insurance schemes can Due to fears of natural disasters consultation with agro-meteorologists only be of limited support. Insurance damaging their crops, farmers are and farmers to fully understand local cannot be the only adaptation tool and likely to be risk averse and not invest conditions. instead should be part of a broader sufficiently in their farms. Insurance

adapta t ion s t ra tegy, such as can help provide a safety net and Index insurance is not designed to encouraging farmers to diversify crop absorb the risks of potential hazards. protect farmers against every possible varieties.loss, but instead support them against Having insurance can also build

a large-scale or regional risk, or a Innovat ions in index-based financial resilience as it helps farmers particular climate risk. Insurance insuranceto access credit assistance more easily, companies have a better basis to allowing them to innovate and invest Schemes have piloted innovative assess the probabilities of payouts i n t e c h n o l o g i e s t h a t b o o s t elements to better support farmers. In because of the predetermined index of productivity. Ethiopia and Senegal, the Rural hazards. Resilience Initiative has targeted But farmers in developing countries The specified index allows insurers smallholder farmers previously have traditionally been unable to lower overheads with less need to considered uninsurable. Farmers are secure coverage through multi-peril dispatch assessors. Lower costs mean consulted on what needs to be insured crop insurance. This lack of access cheaper premiums for smallholder and when, and on elements of the affects women farmers in particular, farmers. insurance contract, such as the compounding existing problems with

frequency of payouts. a lack of credit and financial advice. Limits to index-based insuranceR4 has also integrated an 'insurance A new kind of insurance Index-based insurance is not always through work' programme allowing appropriate or adequate. Policies may To offer protection to these farmers a traditionally cash-poor farmers who not be accurate enough to cater to an new form of insurance, known as are unable to pay up front premiums, individual farmer's circumstances. As index-based insurance, is gaining to pay for insurance with their labour. several farmers are likely to be currency, part icular ly in the

covered by the same index formula The Agriculture and Climate Risk developing world. It pays out and data sources, some farmers may Enterprise (ACRE) project in East according to a predetermined index receive a payout even if they have not Africa combines insurance with for asset and investment losses, such lost crops. Or alternatively they may agricultural credit from microfinance as the loss of agricultural crops. experience losses when a payout is not institutions. This means farmers have

The index, made before the insurance triggered. access to credit to buy new farming period starts, calculates deviations technologies toincrease productivity.Indexes must take into account these from the norm for factors such as

tensions, although they can never be When carefully calibrated to specific temperature, rainfall, crop yield, eliminated. Robust measurements to circumstances in collaboration with livestock mortality rates, seismic inform the index are crucial , and farmers themselves, index-based activity and wind speed. Payouts indicators must be easy to quantify insurance schemes have succeeded. occur when the index falls above or and be able to be measured They can form an important part of a below a pre-specified threshold. The independently. Weather-based indices toolbox of other mechanisms to threshold and deviations from it are such as wind speed, rainfall and river- support farming communities to adapt usually set via historical data and water levels have been promoted by to greater risks as a result of climate project ions, according to an large reinsurers. change. International Fund for Agricultural

Development guide. Part of a broader adaptation Bruno Friedel is a consultant working strategy with IIED's Sustainable Markets Contracts pay out when a certain

Group.measurement point is triggered (such There remain broader questions over as cumulative millimeters of rainfall). whether insurance can be beneficial or

Insuring Farmers-Adapting to Climate ChangeBruno Friedel

and has become 'Solar Farmer'. So, the entrepreneurial benefits of generating solar energy are not restricted to public and private sector companies, but farmer is also reaping benefits from it.

First Solar Farmer is Shri Raman Parmar of Thamana village in Anand district of Gujarat. Raman Parmar was selected as first 'solar farmer' under the joint pilot project of Agriculture Research Organization International Water Management Institute (AIWMI) and Tata Programme. Four months agao, solar panels of 8.50 KW were installed in the fields of Raman Parmar. Using this, he started running his 7.5 horse power pump. In four months, he has been able to sell electricity worth Rs 7500 to government. He also uses electricty from his own solar power plant to irrigate his own crops. Now, Raman Parmar is not dependent on electric supply from government any more. According to Neha Durga, advisor for AIWMI, " Raman Parmar from Thamna village was selected as first solar farmer only after conducting thorough survey and research”

About 60 sq metre of land is required for setting up a solar farmer set up. This can yield power worth Rs 50000-60000 in a year. If a farmer's consumption is half of this, he can sell the remaining half, thus earning Rs 25000 - 30000 for himself. AIWMI has undertaken this

Solar Energy is key to stimulate growth in India, to boost the sector. For example, in district Anand research to make farmers self reliant in power and especially in agricutural sector. Understanding its in Gujarat which was once the centre of to end their dependence on traditional power. It is potential and need for its promotion, central Operation Flood has now become centre of signicant as farmer loses his huge quantity of government has started preparing small Orange Revolution (Solar Energy). The crops because of power crisis. A farmer can sell entrepreneurs in solar energy setor. State encouraging trend here is that a farmer is also excess power and this will give them an governments are also keen and equally geared up participating vehemently in orange revolution additional source of income.

Solar Energy is Key to Stimulate Growth in India

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Global wine production leaves an estimated 13 largely a waste product," says Associate biofuels can be difficult because of it structurally million tonnes of grape marc waste each year. Professor Rachel Burton, Program Leader with complex nature that is not always easily broken Now researchers are suggesting that this solid the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre down," says Ms Corbin.waste left over from wine-making could make a of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls in the School of "Grape marc is readily available, can be sourced competitive biofuel. Agriculture, Food and Wine. cheaply and is rich in the type of carbohydrates Blurb PhD candidate Kendall Corbin analysed the that are easily fermented."

composition of grape marc from two grape The solid waste left over from wine-making Associate Professor Burton says: "We've shown varieties, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon could make a competitive biofuel, University of that there is a potential new industry with the blanc. She also investigated pre-treatment of the Adelaide researchers have found. evolution of local biofuel processing plants to grape marc with acid and enzymes. add value to the grape for an environmentally Published in the journal Bioresource Technology, Ms Corbin found that the majority of the friendly biofuel."the researchers showed that up to 400 litres of carbohydrates found in grape marc could be bioethanol could be produced by fermentation of Source: University of Adelaideconverted directly to ethanol through a tonne of grape marc (the leftover skins, stalks fermentation with a yield of up to 270 litres per and seeds from wine-making).tonne of grape marc. The leftover product was

Global wine production leaves an estimated 13 suitable for use as an animal feed or fertiliser.million tonnes of grape marc waste each year.

Ethanol yields could be increased by pre-Nationally it is estimated that several hundred treatment with acid and enzymes up to 400 litres a thousand tonnes are generated annually and it is tonne.generally disposed of at a cost to the winery."Using plant biomass for the production of liquid "This is a potentially economic use for what is

Grape Waste Could Make Competitive Biofuel


“Sea Level Rise is Inevitable, and We are Not Prepared”M.S. Swaminathan

New Delhi: India Inc welcomed trajectory," the industry chamber textiles, leather, food processing livelihood opportunities for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's said in a statement. and so on," CII said. poor in remote corners of the emphasis on addressing issued country," FICCI President Jyotsna The objec t ive of offer ing Industry body FICCI also said the related to agriculture in the country Suri said in a statement.incentives for investments is to announcements on 'Start up India, as well as the importance accorded promote employment. It makes Stand up India' and for providing S t reng then ing mer i t -based to start-ups and social security. eminent sense to give incentives employment-linked incentives to employment ecosystem by doing "CII salutes Prime Minister for directly as per employment industry are welcome steps as these away interviews for low-end jobs impressive implementation of new generated, it added. The parameter will boost entrepreneurship and is a step in the right direction, c a m p a i g n s a n d s c h e m e s of employment in financial c r e a t e t h e m u c h n e e d e d inculcating a sense of confidence announced in 15 months. Social incentives to new manufacturing employment opportunities for the and empowerment for all citizens, security, Startup India, and units, as stated by the Prime nation's youth. Creating a few she added.agricultural productivity, as Minister in his Independence Day million entrepreneurs across the stressed by the Prime Minister, are speech, can be a game-changer for country will not only create many the foundations for the next growth the labour intensive sectors such as more million jobs but also provide

India Inc Hails PM's, Agriculture Start-Ups Initiatives

A study to assess the harvest and case of cereals. 75% in NE and hilly areas subject crore and grant-in-aid of Rs. 1109 post-harvest losses of major crops to maximum of Rs. 10 crore per crore. To encourage investment in latest and commodities in India has been project. Integrated cold chain and technology of food preservation, In addition, National Horticulture undertaken by Central Institute of preservation infrastructure can be the Ministry of Food Processing Miss ion (NHM), Na t iona l Post-Harvest Engineering and set up by individuals, groups of Industries is operating a Central Horticulture Board (NHB), and Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana en t repreneurs , coopera t ive Sector Scheme of Cold Chain, N a t i o n a l C o o p e r a t i v e u n d e r I n d i a n C o u n c i l o f societies, Self Help Groups Value Addition and Preservation D e v e l o p m e n t C o r p o r a t i o n Agricultural Research (ICAR). As (SHGs) , Fa rmer P roduce r Infrastructure with the objective of (NCDC) under Department of per the study, major reasons for Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, p r e v e n t i n g p o s t - h a r v e s t Agriculture and Cooperation, wastage of food grain produce are Central/State PSUs, etc.horticulture & non-horticulture Ministry of Agriculture and poor farm operat ions l ike losses by providing financial Under this scheme, the Ministry Agricultural and Processed Food harvesting, threshing, storage, assistance for setting up integrated has sanctioned 138 cold chain Products Export Development insect/pest infestation etc. In case cold chain and preservation projects so far since inception of Author i ty (APEDA) under of fruits and vegetables also there infrastructure facilities. Under the the scheme in 2008. The Cold Depar tment of Commerce, are high losses in farm level Scheme, financial assistance is Chain scheme has acted as a Ministry of Commerce and operations. As per the report the provided in the form of grants-in- catalyst in bringing investment in Industries, Government of India extent of losses varies from 4.58% aid upto 50% of the cost of this sector. The total project cost of are also providing assistance for to 15.88% in respect of fruits and Technical Civil Work and Plant & 138 projects is Rs. 3271 crore with setting up cold storages under their vegetables and 4.65% to 5.99% in Machinery in general areas and private investment of Rs. 2162 respective schemes.

Reduce Wastage of Food Grain Produce

EVENTSAgriTech India 2015Media Today Group are organizing the 7th edition of AgriTech India 2015 during 21st to 23rd August 2015 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bangalore, India, which is going to pump in more value additions to the existing technology from all over the world. AgriTech India 2015 exhibition will, therefore, be an eye opener for the growers, wholesalers, importers, exporters and all other stakeholders of every segment of Agriculture and Farm Machinery, Equipment and allied sectors who want to expand and diversify their activities.

The Dairy Show 2015The fourth edition of International Dairy Show 2015 is going to scheduled from 5th to 7th September, 2015 at HITEX, Hyderabad, India.This event will focus on strengthening the entire dairy chain starting from animal rearing to milk & value added milk products. The event will be one of the largest dairy sector interfacing in india among as well as international dairy stakeholders. It will also expose them to technologies, government / institutional assistance, various schemes and international tie-ups. Objective of the event is to provide knowledge to farmers and dairy entrepreneurs on best practices in animal rearing and dairy processing.

The Agri Asia 2015The Agri Asia 2015 exhibition on agriculture technology will be held at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India during 10th to 12th September, 2015. This exhibition will aim to continue its valuable effort to showcase the continuous up gradation of technology and interrelated development in Agriculture Industry.It is one of the leading international Agriculutre Events of its kind to showcase international agriculture technologies. This Agriculture Exhibition traditionally attracts many Ministers of Agriculture, decision-makers, experts, practitioners and trainers in agriculture, as well as thousands of visitors from all around the globe.

Food & Hospitality Oman 2015Food & Hospitality Oman is the famous international level trade show of food and hospitality industry. From tremendous response of Visitors in the last edition, the show is again set to come with the new innovations in its 2015 edition. Food & Hospitality Oman 2015 is set to open its doors of opportunities from7th September, 2015 to 9th September 2015 in the Oman International exhibition Centre (OIEC), which has over 12,000 square meters of exhibition space and is considered perfect venue for trade shows.

“It's hard to imagine how farmers a r e n o t p r e p a r e d , " s a i d "Every year just got worse until will live," said Tapas Paul, who as a Swaminathan, who pioneered high- there was nothing left," she said, World Bank official helped channel yield wheat and rice varieties for crouched in a bright pink sari by her about $100,000 to help build the India in the 1960s. "The biggest fields.small garden a decade ago in a problem in India is just the very large

Indian villager Chellammal is a swampy, seaside town dominated by population. We can say people can

graceful 65-year-old farming salt flats in southern Tamil Nadu relocate, but where could we even

housewife, whose farmland was state. "In the places subject to accommodate all those who need to

ruined when saltwater seeped into inundation and sea level rise, there move inland?

the soil from a neighbouring shrimp are few options."

Saltwater for a farmer long meant farm. 'I struggled so long to get A team of Indian scientists is certain crop failure. Wartime foes things to grow, but nothing worked," searching for solutions to what they sowed enemy fields with salt to said Chellammal. 'Every year just describe as a fast-approaching ensure social collapse. Natural got worse until there was nothing agricultural crisis. Their neatly disasters such as the 2004 Asian left.' (Aijaz Rahi/Associated Press)

plotted rows of naturally salt- tsunami left countless plots The land her family had saved for

t o l e r a n t p l a n t s , k n o w n a s unproductive for years. decades to buy went completely

halophytes, could be a part of the barren about five years ago, after a Asia's coastal farmers, including

answer. The scientists from the M.S. neighbouring village took up shrimp millions impoverished in India, now

Swaminathan Research Foundation farming when flooding from a face such problems. Climate change

are also trying other approaches: nearby ocean canal salted their will bring stronger storms and

tweaking genes and cross-breeding lands. The shrimp ponds were never warmer temperatures that expand

plants by conventional means to lined properly, so their saltwater ocean waters and melt ice caps and

discover which might grow and even seeped into surrounding soils.glaciers. As a result, seas are set to

flourish.rise up to one metre (3.2 feet) in this The farmland lost by Tetakudi's 200

A sign board reading "Halophytes" century, according to the latest households now supports little more

is displayed in a small garden scientific forecasts. than a vast expanse of salt-tolerant

created by Indian scientists with shrubs called Suaeda maritime Chellammal, a graceful, 65-year-old

dozens of naturally salt tolerant along with succulents called farming housewife in the Tamil

plants in the town of Vedaranyam, Salicornia brachiata, known to Nadu village of Tetakudi, knows the

India. There are 350 known species locals as "chicken feet."nightmare of farming on salt-

of salt-tolerant plants that are contaminated land too well. To the villagers, the bright green

candidates to become crops for the bushes are no better than weeds.

future (Aijaz Rahi/Associated "I struggled so long to get things to Already, 12 families have boarded

Press) grow, but nothing worked," said up their homes and left.

Chellammal, who goes by one name. "Sea level rise is inevitable, and we

SEA LEVEL


Agricultural marketing is regulated by the So far, 21 States (Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, States' Agricultural Produce Marketing Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Regulation (APMR) Acts. In order to regulate Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Telangana) have notified the rules and develop practice of contract farming, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, to implement the provision. Government has been actively advocating to Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab (separate

The Government does not provide financial the States/ Union Territories (UTs) to reform Act), Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura

assistance either to States or directly to the their agri marketing laws to provide a system of and Uttarakhand) have amended their

farmers to promote contract farming. registration of contract farming sponsors, Agricultural Produce Marketing Regulation

This information was given by the Minister of recording of their agreements and proper (APMR) Acts to provide for contract farming State for Agriculture Sh. Mohanbhai dispute settlement mechanism for orderly and of them, only 13 States (Andhra Pradesh, Kalyanjibhai Kundaria in Rajya Sabha.promotion of contract farming in the country. Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana,

Promoting Contract Farming

Govt Plans to Strengthen Agricultural ResearchDepartment of Agricultural Research & farming a viable, self-sustaining and In addition, ICAR is also partnering with the

Education (DARE) /Indian Council of internationally competitive enterprise. The international agencies and institutes including

Agricultural Research (ICAR) is geared to efforts initiated towards re-orientation of CGIAR institutions in frontier areas of

strengthen, agricultural research in the R&D system by ICAR which include research to ascertain greater dividends to

country putting emphasis on increasing development of quality human resource Indian agriculture.

production, productivity and resource use through quality agricultural education, need-ICAR is committed to solving the existing

efficiency in agriculture sector to shore up based training in India and abroad, harnessing problems of Indian agriculture and enhancing

farm revenue. Several region specific ICT in agr icul ture development , agricultural production and productivity in the

technologies have been developed and strengthening social science skills, promoting country through science-led and technology-

introduced by institutes of ICAR and centers pub l i c -p r iva te sec to r pa r tne r sh ip , driven farming systems approach rather than

of All India Coordinated Research Projects strengthening policy analysis and vision-commodity based approach.

(AICRPs) located at different State oriented market-led intelligence analysis

agricultural Universities (SAUs) to achieve ski l l s , s t rengthening agr i -business The ICAR is giving a special thrust on sustainable enhanced productivity and development and IPR management. Further, integrated farming systems, conservation profitability of different farming systems to research and development efforts are focused agriculture, climate resilient agriculture, shore-up the farm revenue. The details of on high value processed products, linking abiotic stress management, solid waste funds during last 3 years is given below: production with processing and marketing management, and improving water and

with focus on small and marginal farmers and nutrient use efficiencies. In order to ensure (Rs. in crore)

farm workers, establishment of quality site-specific balance fertilization and thereby testing/ referral labs, developing high improving soil health and crop productivity in yielding varieties combining with high the country. Considering the present scenario protein content and other characteristics of climate change, the resources like soil, demanded by the importing countries. water, biodiversity etc. are likely to be under

much more stress. A number of technological, ICAR works in close collaboration with

institutional and policy interventions various other departments and institutes

including development of suitable crop The National Agricultural Research and engaged in research and/or development in

varieties and natural resource management Education System (NARES) under Indian agriculture sector. The Department of

practices such as efficient agriculture, research Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Agriculture and Cooperation, Govt. of India,

programmes on increasing water productivity, comprising of a network of 100 research Department of Animal Husbandry Dairy and

nutrient use efficiency, improving soil health, institutes, 73 Agricultural Universities and Fisheries and Ministry of Food processing

minimization of soil and environment 642 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) is geared Industries are also partnering with ICAR

pollutants, access to mechanization, post-to meet the challenge of Indian agriculture towards meeting the twin objectives of food

harvest management, value addition and food under new WTO regime, enhance the self-sufficiency and boosting income for a

safety are given more focus.competitiveness of Indian farming to make market-driven scenario.

Budget Estimates

3220.00

2415.00

3715.00

Revised Estimates (allocation)

2520.00

2600.00

2500.00

Year

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

Banana farmers could insure their crop for Rs.3.22 lakh per acre and the total premium has been worked out to about Rs. 24,000/- The farmer would have to pay a premium of about Rs.12,000 as the Government is paying a 50% subsidy and the payment date is fixed by 30th September 2015 in the arid district of Kamudhi where Banana was being cultivated in about 230 hectares and in the west firka alone the farmers are cultivating crop in 100 hectares.

According to the Horticulture Department, the insurance was being getting destroyed owing to natural calamities or diseases. The premium introduced this year to the farmers in that region for the Kharif Season as would be deducted when farmers apply for farm loans in the primary in the first phase. The seven revenue villages in the region are cultivating agriculture cooperative banks, nationalized banks or with the other banana crop and the insurance would be a boon to the farmers who raise banks.the crop after making huge investment. The district administration has

introduced crop insurance for banana plantations for the first time after Small and Marginal non-loanee farmers could avail of 55 percent the Chennai-based Agriculture Insurance Company of India offered the subsidy and pay the balance premium of Rs.10,876 by 15 September services. 2015. The insurance premium to be paid within one month of the banana

saplings.By insuring the farmers could get compensation in the event of the crop

Crop Insurance for Banana Plantations Introduced


Local media reports that US chicken is being developing materials aimed at informing largest in the world after the US, China and

sold at prices much lower than domestically Vietnamese consumers that cooked poultry Brazil.

produced products has angered poultry was safe and encouraging consumers to As US chicken legs are priced much lower

farmers in the country. The claims come at a support their industry."than ones from India (Americans, unlike

time when Vietnamese poultry producers are US chicken leg quarters Indians, don't savour legs), domestic breeders

already struggling to remain profitable in the are apprehensive that they may lose up to 40

face of high prices for feed grains. Two-thirds of the chicken leg quarters per cent of their market.

produced in the US are consumed in the US. "US chicken parts are sold in Vietnam at the

Those remaining are sold to more than 125 Many countries including several in the EU same or higher prices than in the United

countries around the world, including and Australia do not allow import of chicken States, so under World Trade Organization

Vietnam at similar prices as in the US. from the US on various health grounds that rules they are not being dumped," USAPEEC

pass the WTO scrutiny.president Jim Sumner, has said in response to India's Response to US Chicken legs the claims. ruling: India's concern that low pathogenic strains of

bird flu (that is occasionally found in chicken "US sympathetic to local poultry producers" India is preparing a second line of defense to

from certain parts of the US) posed health protect its domestic poultry industry against

"We are very sympathetic that this situation is risks was dismissed by the WTO as being competition from cheap chicken leg imports

affecting local producers," Sumner said. scientifically invalid. New Delhi has time till from the US.

"Consumers should keep in mind that the January 26 to file an appeal against the ruling.

complaint is about US frozen leg products that The Commerce Ministry feels that it stands a With the World Trade Organization recently do not directly compete with fresh locally better chance at retaining the import ban if it ruling against India's ban on chicken import produced whole chickens, which is the can issue fresh orders based on a more valid from the US on the grounds that it would lead preferred product of Vietnamese consumers." health concern.to spread of bird flu, the Commerce Ministry

has asked poultry breeders to work out fresh Sumner said that USAPEEC and the US “Risk assessment could be done on factors

risk assessments that would better withstand poultry industry had always been supportive such as US poultry being fed genetically

scientific scrutiny. (Corporate such as Venky's of the Vietnamese poultry industry, modified food or the fact that frozen chicken

and Suguna are likely to be affected by the conducting various seminars and workshops is kept in that state for long periods,” the

ruling.)aimed at supporting food safety and official said. However, New Delhi has to steer

biosecurity practices for the local poultry clear of risks related to factors that may not be “We are going to challenge the WTO ruling industry. under control in the domestic market.soon, but we have to be ready for a possible

negative outcome. That is why we have asked "In the early 2000s, USAPEEC came to the The Way Forward:

the poultry industry to get other possible assistance of the local poultry industry during

health risks assessed,” a Commerce Ministry • It is the time that Indian Poultry Industry the devastating avian influenza crisis,

official said. must think how to put house in order to face

the competition on horizon.Taking a hit

• There are many traders and poultry players India's over four lakh

those who will offer their services to poultry farmers, who

import the chicken legs from US and act produce an estimated 3.5

as their distributors. million tonnes chicken

annually, could take a The way Indian poultry industry is operating

severe beating if cheap - highly fragmented and struggling to survive

chicken legs from the from competition within. In existing

US flood the domestic framework, it will not be able to face the

market. India's poultry competition from international products. It is

industry, worth an high time Indian Poultry industry must learn

from experience of Vietnam poultry trade. e s t i m a t e d ? 5 0 , 0 0 0

crore, is the fourth

Indian Chicken are CallingPolutary industry claims that US chicken is being 'dumped' in Vietnam have been fervently denied by the head

of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC).

Vijay Sardana

Plate to Plough: The Hands That Feed UsIndian agriculture has made remarkable progress since 1947 and credit for this goes mainly to the farmer . Now we need to repay our debt to the agricultural community

Ashok Gulati

As India celebrates its 68th year of the mid-1960s could not buy more than eight seeds in the mid-1960s despite the massive independence, it is time to pause and look back million tonnes (mt) of wheat in the opposition from left-wing parties in Parliament at the major challenges we have faced since international market, while it was importing 10 and ushered in the Green Revolution. There are Independence and how they were overcome, as mt under PL-480. So, India did not have much scientists like the late Norman Borlaug, who well as at the mistakes and follies we of an option but to become self-sufficient in the invented these seeds, and M.S. Swaminathan committed so that we don't repeat them. production of basic staples. India imported and Atwal, the first ones to adapt them to Indian

18,000 tonnes of high yielding varieties (HYV) conditions. But when Subramaniam was asked In 1947, undivided India had a population of of wheat from Mexico in 1966, and ushered in whom the credit for the Green Revolution 390 million. But overnight, on August 15, India the Green Revolution. should go to, his reply was “to the farmers” was responsible for the destiny of 330 million

who took the risk of adopting new people. The other 60 million went to Pakistan Where does India stand today in terms of its technologies. He saluted the Indian farmer.— 30 million in West Pakistan and another 30 agriculture? While the population has grown

million in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. A from 330 million in 1947 to almost 1.25 billion, India's milk story is the story of the Milkman of majority of these 330 million people were that is by almost 3.8 times, our wheat India, Verghese Kurien, who nurtured the rural, quite poor, illiterate, and had a very short production has increased by almost 15 times cooperative movement in the country and life expectancy. (from about 6.5 mt in 1951 to 96 mt in 2014). made Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited), an

Rice production has gone up by more than five “utterly-butterly” name in every household.Gandhi rightly said that India lives in its times (from 20.6 mt in 1951 to 106.5 mt in villages, and feeding people well was the There is an important lesson from this grand 2014), maize production by more than 14 times biggest challenge to ensure healthy and happy success of agriculture. New technologies (from 1.7 mt to 24.4 mt), milk by eight times lives for them. But we also wanted to transform (HYV seeds, water, fertilisers) and innovation (from 17 mt to 137 mt), fish by 12 times, and our society fast, develop modern industrial in institutional engineering (as in the milk potatoes by 26 times. Cotton production has goods and outlook. So, after a few initial years sector) have been the real catalysts of change. also increased from three million bales in 1951 of absorbing the shock of Partition and These seeds can come from outside the country to 37 million bales in 2014, an increase of more stabilising society, Jawaharlal Nehru led India (as was the case with the HYV seeds of wheat than 12 times.on to a socialist path with a mixed economy and rice, and now with Bt cotton seeds from

framework. Heavy industrialisation under India is not only self-sufficient in agriculture, large private-sector companies such as state ownership was the darling of but also a net exporter of agri-produce. In Mahyco Monsanto), or take birth on Indian development policy and a symbol of 2014-15, agri-exports were $38 billion against soil, as was the case with Pusa basmati and modernisation. For food, however, India relied imports of less than $20 billion. During the last several hybrids of maize, introduced by both on supplies from the United States under three years, India has exported a total of 61 mt multinationals and domestic companies as well Public Law 480 (PL-480) against rupee of cereal, nothing short of a wonder for a as government. But it is the farmer-payments, as India did not have much foreign country that lived from ship to mouth in the entrepreneur who takes the risk in adopting exchange to buy large quantities of food in mid-1960s. Today, India is the largest exporter these seeds and technologies, puts in his/ her international markets. The folly of this set-up of rice in the world, and the second-largest best efforts, and the nation reaps a rich harvest became apparent in the mid-1960s, when the exporter of beef (buffalo meat) and cotton. to feed its citizens.US suspended wheat supplies temporarily (due India is the largest producer of milk, and the It is time to salute our farmers for these heroic to some political differences) at a time when second-largest producer of fruits and accomplishments. But it is also time to ask, India was facing back-to-back droughts and vegetables, rice, wheat and sugarcane. This is a what is it that the country has given back to the country was literally living from “ship to matter of great satisfaction and relief for them? Are they prosperous and happy? There is mouth”. But the folly of state-led heavy policymakers. An idea of the progress made no doubt that several pockets of peasantry have industrialisation and import substitution, can be gauged by looking at how just the price experienced prosperity, but the overall picture, which kept India trapped in what the late Raj of onions makes them nervous today. Think of as per the latest situation assessment survey, is Krishna called the “Hindu rate of growth” of what would have happened if there were all- not rosy. So, the next challenge for all of us is to 3.5 per cent for decades, is still being debated. round shortages as in the mid-1960s. ensure a smile on their faces as well. This calls India was quick to learn from its PL-480 for a major re-orientation of farm policies. It's Whom should we salute for such a turnaround mistake and neglect of agriculture. It realised time to ring the cowbell.in India's agri-fortunes? Several stakeholders that its political freedom could be imperilled if have played a role in achieving this. There have The writer is Infosys chair professor for it was not self-reliant in basic food production. been policymakers like C. Subramaniam, who agriculture, ICRIERBut all of India's foreign exchange reserves in steered the political debate to import HYV


Goat Farming Business For BeginnersAs goat farming is a highly profitable business, so it is necessary to make a proper business plan before starting it. Goat farming project requires less capital and investment than raising any other livestock. Therefore, it's advisable to take time; draw a workable clear strategy before investing your money in this sector

Dr. RNS Gowda

As goat farming is a highly profitable business, so it is rapidly. Globally, goat meat forms 70% of total Health & Care in Goat Farming Businessnecessary to make a proper business plan before consumed meat globally. If you have sufficient

Always try to raise your goats hygienically. Sometimes starting it. Goat farming project requires less capital facility of selling goat meat in your local market

your goats may suffer by various diseases. Make sure and investment than raising any other livestock. then you can start raising some highly meat

that a veterinarian doctor is available near your farm. If Therefore, it's advisable to take time; draw a workable productive goat breeds. Boer, Beetal, Matou, Black

possible stock some necessary vaccines and medicines clear strategy before investing your money in this Bengal etc. are highly meat productive goat breeds.

in your farm. And always vaccinate your goats timely.sector.

2. Milk: Goat milk is enriched with many Tips & Suggestions for Goat Farming Business

You can start goat farming business with a very small necessary nutrition elements and it is easilyThere are many factors related to this business. Before investment. Results are encouraging as you get more digestible. As a result it has huge demand in local starting goat farming business, ask some questions to profit in it that too in a short time than any other and international market. Goat milk is also very yourself.livestock farming projects. Huge global demand is the suitable for making all types of dairy products. If

main reason for the spread of this business rapidly you can sell goat milk in your nearest market easily 1. Do you love goats? Loving the animals that youthroughout the world. So, if you want to start this then you have to choose some highly milk are raising is very important for success in any business and have the ability of good planning then it is productive goat breeds. Some h i g h l y m i l k business.the business for you. A beginner should visit goat producing goat breeds are Saanen, Jamunapari,

2. Do you have any experience in this business? If farms and meet some successful goat producers. This Toggenburg, Anglo Nubian, Alpine etc.not, contact your nearest animal husbandrywill give you an idea about the business and help you in

3. Fibre: If you want to produce fibre then training centre or visit some farms.starting it. However, for making a suitable goat Cashmere and Angora goat are very suitable. Both

farming business plan read the following suggestions 3. Do you have enough capital for setting up your are highly fibre productive.and points very carefully: farm? You can also apply for bank loan.

4. Skin: All goat breeds produce skin. But few ofGoat Products in Goat Farming Business 4. Do you have enough facilities for goat farming? them produce high quality skin. Black Bengal goat

For example clean and fresh water source, First of all make a clear decision of what do you really produces high quality skin and its skin has a high cultivation of green feeds like plants or grasses, want to produce and sell from your goat farming demand and value in the international market. proper marketing, medication etc.business. Goats are multi-purpose animals. You can Before start raising goats for skin be sure that there

produce the products like milk, meat, fibre, manure is a market available for selling your product. 5. What is the market condition of your location? and skin from goats. Go to your nearest market and try Try to understand the market demand and price of 5. Manure: Some crop farmer uses goat manure in to understand which goat products have a high demand your products.their fields. It is high quality organic fertilizer.in the market. Try to produce those products which you

You can earn some extra money by selling the 6. Do you have enough time & interest? This is can sell easily in your local area and in the market.

manure of goat. very important for beginners.Otherwise you will lose money instead of being

Goat Housing in Goat Farming Businessbenefited. For example, your goats are producing good 7. Can you personally take care of your goats? quantity of milk but there is a little or no goat milk Don't depend on labourers. Try to take care ofCommercial goat farming needs suitable house for consumer in your local market then your production your goats personally along with your labourers. profitable production. Serious goat producers make and investment will be in risk. So, always keep this Learn more about their health and diseases separate house for their goats. You should make such a factor in mind and focus on those products only which management. If possible visit some farms house which can provide all types of facilities for your have demand in the local market around you. If you practically for several days and try to learn goats. Good house keeps the goat healthy and free from have a good facility of marketing your products everything related to this business.diseases. This directly increases the production. So, internationally then you can produce any product from before starting consider how comfortable house can Before making goat farming business plan, consider your farm. However, make a good decision of what you you make for your goats. Investment in housing is your budget and some other factors related to this are going to produce from your goat farming business. fixed. And you can use one house for several years. business. How much capital do you have? How much 1. Meat: Nowadays goat meat has a great demand facility can you provide to your goats with this capital? Feed Management in Goat Farming Business

internationally. And this rate is increasing Which product do you want to produce from your Goats are ruminants. They eat almost all farm? What are the natural facilities available there for types of crop, corn and leaves. It would goat farming? Is there any market for selling your be better if you have a grazing place products in proper price? Is there any grazing place where your goats can roam freely. In this near your farm? Can you provide proper treatment and system your goat will get food from medicines? If all the answers become positive then you natural sources and it also reduces your should start goat farming business immediately. food cost. In case of raising goats by

p r o v i d i n g t h e m h o m e m a d e Dr. RNS Gowda, Former Vice Chancellor of New supplementary feed be sure that all feed Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, and Fisheries Sciences elements are easily available in your University, Bidar and former Director of The Institute local market. Also ensure sufficient of Animal Health and Veterinary Biological in supply of clean and fresh water. Bangalore.

Understand Manures and Fertilizers to Enhance Vegetable Crop ProductionTabish Malik

It is important to understand essential nutrients and their applications to grow vegetable crops. It is important to keep plants healthy to take good quality and quantity yield. Also judicious application of bio fertilizers can help reduce the amount of fertilizer treatments your plants need.

bhindi, potato, brinjal respond well to foliar application of urea at 0.5-1 per cent. Urea spray should be given in afternoon. The crop can be sprayed 30-40-days after transplanting or after fruit set. Copper, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, boron and nickel are also essential for growth. These minor elements are needed in Total, there are seventeen such elements and these very small amounts. Therefore their requirement can be classified into three groups, namely, can be easily met either by foliar application or by

1. Major or Macro Nutrients – commonly applying their salts in soil. Dipping the seedling known as NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and roots in 2 percent salt solution also meets the Potassium) and are needed in large quantities needs of the plants. Foliar application of the salt is to grow vegetable crops. more effective for growth and developments of

shade for 20-25 minutes, before use. crops. 2. Secondary elements – Magnesium, Sulphur and Calcium. These are also needed in large 2. Seedling treatment: Mix 400gm culture in 20 Bio-fertilizers for vegetablesquantity however; the soil itself may meet the litre of water. Mix it well. Dip the seeding roots

Bio fertilizer (microbial inoculants) is helping in crop requirements. Sulphur is needed in large in the slurry for 10-15 minutes. Remove the boosting the growth and production of vegetable amount for cabbage, cauliflower and mustard seedling from the slurry and transplant the crops. It is reported that the use of bio fertilizer crops. seedlings in the prepared field. increases the crop yield from 15-30 percent. The

3. Trace or minor elements - Zinc, Copper, 3. Soil application: Mix 2 kg of bio-fertilizer in microbial inoculants fix the atmospheric nitrogen Molybdenum, Boron, Nickel, and Manganese 20kg of FYM/compost. Spread the mixture in up to 30-50 kg/ha. Symbiotic and non- symbiotic constitute micro nutrients or trace elements, field evenly followed by planting of seedling. both type of bacteria are capable in fixing the and they are also essential for crop but are For mixing the bio fertilizer with compost atmospheric nitrogen. Different group of needed only in small quantity. Insufficient ensure that the compost is moist. If necessary, rhizobium spp are suitable for legume crops, quantities of any micro nutrient affect the sprinkle water to make it moist for spreading while azotobactor spp, azospirillum spp and quality and quantity of crop and produce the bio fertilizer on the compost. Mix it well. frankia spp (actinomycete) are nitrogen fixers in specific deficiency symptoms on plant parts. Cover the compost with a polythene sheet or non legume crop. Bacteria belonging to

gunny bag and leave it for 3-4 days.thiobacillus spp and bacillius spp are phosphate Application of manure and fertilizersolubilizing bacteria and converts non available List of Microbial inoculantsThe bulky manure such as FYM compost and oil phosphate into soluble organic phosphate which

cakes should be spread in the entire field at least 7- Saprophytes - Trichodermavizis easily available to the plants.

10 days before seed sowing or transplanting of Legume inoculants - Rhizobium Mode of Bio-fertilizer Application seedlings. The entire amount of phospatic and

Plant associated - azospirillum, potassic fertilizer along with half amount of 1. Seed treatment: For each kilogram of seed Free living organism - Azotobactornitrogenous fertilizer should also be evenly prepare slurry by mixing 200g of bio

Blue green algae - Nastac, Anabaena spread in the field. After spreading the fertilizers, fertilizer culture in 200 ml water containing the field should be ploughed. It is desirable that Free water fern - Azolla50g gur or gum. Warm the slurry for 10-15 the remaining half amount of the nitrogen be Phosphorous solubilizer - Pseudomonas, minutes and stir it for proper mixing. Put seeds applied in two to three equal doses in an interval of aspergillus, bacillus in slurry and mix it well. Remove seeds from 20-25 days. Crops like tomato, chilli (okra), the slurry followed by drying the seeds in Ecotrophicmycorohizae - Basidiomycetes

Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing restaurant/ cafe) industry is dependent on local Amul butter holds 90% share in the Indian Federation, owner of the country's top dairy brands for cheese," he said. market whereas its fresh milk share is 40%-products brand Amul, plans to invest Rs 600 45%. Amul looks to increase its share in the Indian crore in a greenfield cheese plant in Palanpur, cheese market from 65% now. Its Palanpur plant Sodhi said the brand will continue to focus in the Gujarat, that will help it triple cheese output. would produce mozzarella and processed domestic dairy products market, which which is "We want to reach out to hotels and restaurants cheddar cheese to start with. growing in double digits. where we see serious growth in our revenues," Amul's value added products such as butter, GCMMF had posted turnover of Rs 20,730 RS Sodhi, managing director of GCMMF told curd, ice-cream and milk-based beverages have crore for the last fiscal ended March, up 14% ET over the phone. "Most of the HoReCa (hotel/ seen impressive growth over the past few years. from the previous year's Rs 18,143 crore.

Amul to build `600 crore cheese plant in Palanpur, Gujarat


Ethanol Blending Can Save $1.7 bn in Forex for India: ReportPTI sugarcane farmers. Cane arrears to uneconomical EBIDTA (earning contribute to foreign exchange

farmers are about Rs 14,500 crore, before interest, tax, depreciation savings, Goyal said the country India could save USD 1.7

could save USD 1.7 billion at present. and amortization) margins for the billion of foreign exchange

currently spent on imports by 10 last 3-5 years.“To balance supply-demand annually by 10 per cent

per cent ethanol blending with situation, 4-6 million tonnes of “Many sugar mills are distressed mandatory ethanol blending

petrol.surplus sugar need to be pulled out with low profitability and return with petrol, global consultancy

Sugar sector is facing a huge on equity and have defaulted on from the system through exports firm McKinsey...liquidity crunch as output has loans with significant arrears on or some other measures,” said

India could save USD 1.7 billion exceeded the domestic demand for payment to farmers,” McKinsey Avinash Goyal, Partner, Mckinsey of foreign exchange annually by the last five years. The trend is said.and Company in India.10 per cent mandatory ethanol expected to continue in the next

The consultant said that a Besides exports, the consultancy blending with petrol, global sugar marketing year (October-revitalised sugar industry in India f i rm sugges ted tha t cane consultancy firm McKinsey said September).could have the potential to production needs to be stabilised today while advocating promotion

Sugar production of India, the contribute significantly to the by giving the right price signals. It of the sugarcane bye-product to world's second largest producer economy.advocated revenue maximization boost revenues of the cash-starved and biggest consumer, is estimated of bye-products and setting up of sugar mills. Listing out the benefits of vibrant at a record 28.3 million tonnes in price stabilization fund by sugar sector, McKinsey said it Releasing a report on the Rs 2014-15 marketing year (October-increasing cess on domestic sales. would provide job security and a 80,000 crore Indian sugar September) as gainst the demand

stable income to more than 40 “ O p t i o n s c o u l d i n c l u d e industry, McKinsey said the sector of 25 million tonnes. The closing million people engaged in this considering removal of some is facing “worst-crisis in 30 years” stock of sugar is estimated at about industry including 30 million restrictions on bye-product, and suggested various short and 10 million tonnes.farmer households.increasing ethanol blending norms long term measures to bail-out

and setting up distilleries and co-millers such as boosting export It has the potential to enhance food generation units,” the report said.and raising production of cane and energy security as co-

bye-products including ethanol. generation could have the With excess supply of sugarcane potential to produce around 30 production, McKinsey said sugar The consultant also said that sugar billion units of power annually.prices have come down, which has mills currently owes about Rs

led to Indian millers operating at 65,000 crore to banks and Stating that the sector can

Cereals - Excluding Beer

Vegetable Oils

Meat

Sugar & Sweeteners

Starchy Roots

Milk - Excluding Butter

Vegetables

Fruits - Excluding Wine

Alcoholic Beverages

Pulses

Other

Members of Gaon, Garib and Gandhi, an organistion, fighting for farmers' rights in eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh organised "Kisan Snakalp Yatra' on 20th August 2015, in Varansai. Primary demand of the organisation is waiving off agriculture loans in the state.

Hanish Sinha stress. Based on the above conditions their cropping pattern to other cash Kharif pulses production is likely to we fell that the total Kharif crop crops. Thus, for the year 2015-16 Bajra decline by9.96 per cent over last year. National Bulk production scenario for the year 2015- area and production is expected to H a n d l i n g Oilseed production to go down16 would turn out to be as explained in decline by 20.28 per cent and 18.61 per C o r p o r a t i o n The oil seed sector is likely to see a the table given below. cent respectively. ( N B H C ) h a s decline of production by 8.33 per cent.

released first Rice and Maize production to decline Pulses production to fall considerably Maximum decline of 27.05 per cent in K h a r i f C ro p Rice is expected to show a marginal In the pulses sector, the moisture stress production is expected in case of Es t ima te fo r decline in area by 5.58 per cent and a dip situation in the pulses growing states of groundnut.

2015-16, report shows increased of 6.29 per cent in production over last Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra In this current monsoon season, the cash sowing area but forecasts decline in year owing to increased insect Pradesh and Telangana is likely to take crop section is likely to show a negative Kharif crop production. Draught to hit infestation and excessive heavy rains in its toll. We expect the area under Tur, growth in terms of production. In regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, major paddy growing areas. In Maize, Moong and Urad to decline by 10.56 per sugarcane, the production is likely to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh which is the other major cereal crop, the cent, 5.37 per cent and 2.29 per cent and decline marginally by 14.87 per cent and Telangana. area is expected to decline by 10.86 per likewise the production to decline by and in cotton the production is likely to With the Kharif sowing season almost cent and the production is expected to 12.10 per cent, 7.59 per cent and 9.48 decline by 9.34 per cent.on the verge of completion we at NBHC decline by 25.88 per cent to 6.54 million per cent respectively. Overall, the total are releasing our 1st Kharif Crop hectare and 13.02 million Estimate - 2015-16. As per our analysis MT respectively as major and industry's feedback on the sowing s t r e t c h o f m a i z e progress and the status of the current p r o d u c i n g a r e a s i n crop, the total Kharif Cereals production Maharashtra, Karnataka, is likely to decline by 8.98 per cent. For Andhra Pradesh and the current season the monsoon had Telangana are facing near arrived and spread all over India almost draught situation. Amidst a month ahead of the scheduled time, forecast of lesser rains and but with the backdrop of El Nino (one of dry weather for the the strongest since 1997) and unusual c o m i n g m o n t h warming of the Indian Ocean Dipole is (September) the other beginning to take its toll on the Indian cereals crops have also Kharif crops. So far the report of the first been affected. sowing of Kharif crops has been Jowar to improve, Bajra encouraging with 93.94 million to dip hectares against 92.94 million hectares

Maximum improvement reported in 2014-14 till 21st August is expected in Jowar 2015. The real concern in the monsoon whose production is development and crop progress lies in expected to expand by the coming days with forecasts of 14.83 per cent as the dry meteorological draught for the rest of weather is likely to monsoon months in regions of improve the yield for this Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, hardy crop. Lack of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. remunerative income has The crops sown in early June in these led Bajra farmers to shift areas are already experiencing moisture

El Nino and Warming of Indian Ocean Dipole to Hit Kharif Crops

Kharif Crop Estimate for 2015 - 16

Crops Area Production

2014-15* 2015-16** % Change

Rice

Jowar

Bajra

Maize

Total Cereals

Tur

Urad

Moong

Total Pulses

Groundnut

Soybean

Total Oilseeds

Cotton

Sugarcane

38.42

2.72

8.48

7.25

58.27

3.56

4.02

2.55

10.71

3.72

11.03

17.96

12.65

4.87

36.39

2.55

7.05

6.54

53.87

3.22

3.93

2.42

9.88

4.08

10.27

17.21

11.34

4.52

-5.58

-6.67

-20.28

-10.86

-8.17

-10.56

-2.29

-5.37

-8.40

8.82

-7.40

-4.36

-11.55

-7.74

90.86

2.01

9.05

16.39

120.68

2.78

1.27

0.85

5.63

5.07

10.53

18.33

35.47

359.33

85.51

2.36

7.63

14.48

110.74

2.48

1.16

0.79

5.12

4.62

9.89

16.92

32.44

312.82

-6.26

14.83

-18.61

-25.88

-8.98

-12.10

-9.48

-7.59

-9.96

-9.74

-6.47

-8.33

-9.34

-14.87

*Fourth Advanced Estimate (GoI) Area-Million Hectares Production-Million Tonnes

**NBHC's 1st Estimate Cotton Production-Million Bales of 170 Kgs Each

2014-15* 2015-16** % Change

NASA's goal is to eventually have for that to happen – people will need He tells Brownfield the Vegetable learning process.manned outposts on the moon and on access to fresh foods. “We need to Production System Program or

This is actually the second crop that Mars. Greg McCauley, executive understand space based agricultural VEGGIE is a plant growth facility on

was raised in space – after harvest of director of the Link Observatory says science,” he says. “Because that is the the International Space Station. “In a the first crop it was brought back so critical part of on very small space we were able to grow scientist could study it to ensure it was having an outpost on some red romaine lettuce under safe to eat.some other planet – we 'normal' circumstances – exposed to

need to grow our own On Wednesday Indiana State Fair the cabin of the International Space food.” attendees had the opportunity to learn Station and see how those edible

more about the VEGGIE program plants were able to grow in On August 10th – when the Kennedy Space Center microgravity,” he says.astronauts aboard the connected with The Glass Barn for a International Space

McCauley says this was just the first live chat with Trent Smith, VEGGIE S t a t i o n g r e w , step in space-based agriculture and program manager.harvested, and ate says more crops will be planted and fresh vegetables for

EIN Newsdeskharvested as part of an ongoing the first time.

Bringing Agriculture to Space


Union Agriculture Ministry & department is concerned about the like dams and embankments. fishing for commercial purposes Farmer Welfare recently proposed consistently declining population Hilsa's capacity to spawn in the and use of gill-netting and drag National Plan of Action for Hilsa of Hilsa. At some places, the rivers has significantly decreased nets. Adult Hilsa swims several Fishery (NPAHF) to save the Hilsa population has declined by 70% in over the past few years. Hilsa likes kms upstream to freshwater from fish. It has included West Bengal, las t two decades . Fac tors 25 feet deep water and strong the sea for spawning and returns to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in responsible gradual decline of upstream current, but it has saline water. The eggs hatch in its proposed plan. Odisha is not Hilsa population are change in stopped migrating to many rivers freshwater and the sub-adult Hilsa included yet but likely to be oceanic currents due to climate due to loss of navigability. But it flows back downstream, a process included sooner or later. Fisheries change and man-made structures has also been affected by over- spanning from June to August.

National Plan of Action for Hilsa Fishery (NPAHF) to Save Hilsa

National Research Centre on Integrated Farming Coming up in East Champaran in Bihar National Research Centre on development of location specific r e q u i r e m o r e w a t e r. T h e entrepreneurs, scientists and social Integrated Farming (ICAR- integrated farming system models f o u n d a t i o n s t o n e l a y i n g workers. Union Agriculture & NRCIF) is being set up in Pipra for diverse agro-ecological programme was attended by more Farmer Welfare Minister Radhey Kothi, East Champaran. The conditions specially flood and than 3000 farmers from East Mohan Singh was the chief guest.mandate of the institute will be to wetland situation with emphasis on Champaran and neighboring c o n d u c t r e s e a r c h o n t h e rice, sugarcane and banana which districts and a large numbers of

Crop Production Lower Than Last YearThe 4th Advance Estimates for production of 95.85 million tonnes million tonnes which is higher by suffered due to bad monsoon. 2014-15 released by government achieved during 2013-14. Total 7.19 million tonnes as compared to Unseasonal rains/hailstorm during showed that food grain production production of Coarse Cereals last year. Total production of cotton Feb-March 2015 had significant in the country has declined as estimated at 41.75 million tonnes is estimated at 35.48 million bales (of impact on production of Rabi compared to last year. It is also lower by 1.54 million tonnes 170 kgs each) is marginally lower crops. As a result of setback in estimated at 252.68 million tonnes than their production during 2013- than last year but higher by 3.01 kharif as well as Rabi seasons, the in 2014-15 while it was 265.04 14. Production of pulses is million bales than the average production of most of the crops in million tonnes last year. Total estimated at 17.20 million tonnes is production of last 5 years. the country has declined during production of rice is estimated at lower by 2.05 million tonnes than Production of Jute and Mesta is 2 0 1 4 - 1 5 . F o u r t h A d v a n c e 104.80 million tonnes which is their production during the last estimated at 11.45 million bales (of Estimates are released in July-lower by 1.85 million tonnes than year. With a decrease of 6.07 180 kg each) which is marginally August and considered to be the last year's record production of million tonnes over the last year, lower than their production during almost as good as Final Estimates 106.65 million tonnes. Production total production of oilseeds in the the last year. released in next February along of wheat is estimated at 88.94 country is estimated at 26.68 with Second Advance Estimates It may be noted that production of million tonnes is lower by 6.91 million tonnes. Production of for the subsequent agricultural kharif crops during 2014-15 million tonnes than the record sugarcane is estimated at 359.33 year.

Kharif Crop Sowing Crosses 890 Lakh Hectare So Far, Marginally Higher Than Last YearThe total sown area till mid August, as per reports received from States, is 890.82 lakh hectares as compared to 863.61 lakh hectare at this time last year. It is reported that rice plantation in 300.55 lakh ha, pulses in 97.44 lakh ha, coarse cereals in 163.75 lakh hectare, oilseeds in 163.78 lakh ha and cotton in 108.67 lakh ha. The details of the area covered so far and that covered during this time last year are given below: (Area given in lakh hectares)

Crop

Rice

Pulses

Coarse Cereals

Oilseeds

Sugarcane

Jute & Mesta

Cotton

Total

Area sown in 2015-16

300.55

97.44

163.75

163.78

48.84

7.79

108.67

890.82

Area sown in 2014-15

288.15

87.29

155.14

160.83

47.17

8.12

116.91

863.61

DuPont Pioneer announced the ration. They are applied to corn Rapid React aerobic stability and agronomic expertise and technology will be available in management services to provide l a u n c h o f N u t r i v a i l f e e d silage, haylage or grass silage at improved versions of Pioneer producers with tools to save time technology and Rapid React harvest.inoculants 11C33, 11G22 and and money and improve whole-aerobic stability technology. "Nutrivail feed technology 11B91. It boosts fermentation f a r m p e r f o r m a n c e a n d These two brands represent a increases the availability of efficiency, minimizes dry matter profitability.breakthrough in managing forages nutrients, giving cows more energy losses, reduces spoilage and High-yielding seed genetics are and advance Integrated Feed and value," Whitaker said. "These produces consistently palatable

complemented by revolutionary Solutions from Pioneer. products take us beyond the feed.new silage inoculant and feed traditional silage management "Nutrivail feed technology is a

"Rapid React aerobic stability technologies. Pioneer solutions approach to truly enhance feed revolutionary product line that will technology helps producers come with built-in support from quality and maximize the value of help improve nutrient availability dramatically change their feedout forage and livestock specialists, homegrown feed."for cattle," Kyle Whitaker, DuPont practices. Now, they will be able to providing unique, on-farm services Pioneer senior marketing manager, Pioneer brand inoculants, using feed new crop corn silage just that bridge the gap from agronomy said. "And Rapid React aerobic Rapid React aerobic stability seven days after harvest, instead of to nutrition.stability technology provides technology, contain a next- waiting 60 to 90 days," explained

Whitaker said. "Nutrivail feed stable feed in just seven days. Both generation L. buchneristrain that Whitaker. "This helps with technology and Rapid React will help producers maximize the creates stable feed in just seven potential inventory issues and may aerobic stability technology value of their forages." mean they can keep less silage on days and allows producers to represent the very best of our hand during the overlap period."access their most valuable feed Pioneer brand Nutrivail feed commitment to Integrated Feed

asset just one week after harvest. It technology helps improve fiber Integrated Feed Solutions from Solutions for dairy and beef goes in to action with remarkable digestibility, reducing the need for Pioneer brings its products producers."quickness.supplemental energy sources in the together with unmatched forage

DuPont Pioneer Launches Inoculants and Feed Technology Offerings for 2016

Farming Best Fitness Activity'IANS country is reverence in people, and e n t h u s i a s t s o r f i t n e s s a n d m a k e s u r e y o u f e e l

adherence to protocol, culture and professionals, to deliver to other comfortable doing it," said Jack, Indians are more concerned about who is also the Global Ambassador customs. There is an inherent joy people. their fitness now as they want to for ReebokONE - a global online and desire to laugh, fun and move. look and feel better, says David Its ultimate goal is to create fast c o m m u n i t y f o r f i t n e s s Every place I have visited in India, and efficient workouts that help Jack. But the global master trainer professionals to share knowledge, I have seen interest in dance. people to burn fat, gain lean muscle of the brand Reebok feels that tips, and inspiration. and improve their cardio-vascular Indian farmers do the best fitness "There were Cross Fit coaches who

fitness as well as overall physical The expert also feels that "anything activity that comprises naturally- were also Zumba instructors, wellness". we do as an activity to which we designed digging and dragging. strength and conditioning coaches

have to physically respond, has a who teach dance and yoga. That is And he feels that the concept will "In India, people now want to look metabolic effect physiologically in really interesting as you need to work well in India if performed better and feel better. There is a lot our body". balance your fitness activities. correctly. of passion and rising interest for

What I love is how open people are Any other fitness tips? fitness in India, being a nation "It is going to be a buzz word and here to multiple modes of which is young and rising by itself. people will be really interested in "Drink more water, drink less acquiring fitness," he said.

it. I think we still have to work on liquid calories and eat more of one-"I feel that the best fitness activity The global ambassador and how to deliver it safely, and ingredient food. You should sit less is what the farmers do here. They consultant was in India on a multi- enthusiasts in the country need to and move more... Also, just dig all day long, carry and drag city tour, introducing Reebok be very careful in how they walking more everyday will help things - which is the best fitness as trainers to the latest buzzword in integrate it in their lives. make a change. it's natural by design," Jack told fitness - metabolic training.

IANS during a visit to India. "Metabolic training has a higher "However, make sure you take out Sharing the concept of the training, benefit as a part of your fitness that time for yourself everyday - Jack also feels that nowadays he said: "Metabolic training is a profile, but also has a higher risk if whether it is 20 minutes or two "fitness is also a luxury and that's style of training which lives in the not performed correctly. If you are hours - and think of it as an where I see a lot of passion and umbrella of fitness. It has many going to make metabolic training a investment towards your overall interest". different methods under it which part of your fitness programme, do health and wellness, as well as

"The other thing I see in the we can use it as exercise it with care, choose the right coach, quality of life," he shared.

agri nation august 2015

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