AGRICULTURE MINISTRY INITIATES ANNUAL AWARDS FOR SMALL & MARGINAL FARMERS
In a move that could be seen as a response to recognize the contribution of marginal agriculturists in the country ' s agri-economy , the union agriculture and farmer ’ s welfare ministry has instituted annual Pt . Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya krishi puruskars for small land holding farmers
As part of the centenary celebrations being organized across the Nation to recognize the contributions made by Pandit Deendayal Upadhaya , the great philosopher and thinker who dedicated his life towards nation building and to improve the living status of the poorest of the poor , the Indian Council of Agricultural Research , under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare , has instituted Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Krishi Puruskar ( National and Zonal ) from this year ( 2016 ). The awards include one award at national level comprising Rs One lakh and 11 zonal awards comprising of Rs 50 thousand each along with a citation and certificate .
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare , Mr Radha Mohan Singh give away Antyodaya Krishi Puruskars at the birth place of Pandit Upadhyay in Mathura on September 26 , 2016 . The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has instituted one award at national level and 11 zonal awards across the nation .
IN 2016 , INDIA IS COMPLETING A CENTURY ON COCONUT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister , Mr Radha Mohan Singh has said that all round development of agricultural sector and improvement of the economic conditions of the farmer is one of the top priorities of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry . The Agriculture Minister said this at a national conference - “ Possibilities of coconut sector ” at ICAR – Central Plantation Crop Research Institute situated in Kayamkulam , Kerala today . The conference was organized as a part of the function related to centenary year of coconut research in India .
Mr Singh said that government is taking various measures to promote the farming of coconut in Kerala . A headquarter of Coconut Development Board has been established at Cochin . Under Coconut Technology Mission nearly 402 coconut processing units have been set up where every year 242 crore coconuts are processed . As a whole 61 coconut producing companies have been set up in the country so far . Out of them 29 are located in Kerala .
The Minister added that government has enhanced the Minimum Support Price of milling copra from Rs 5550 to Rs 5950 and the price of Bal copra has been increased Rs 5830 to Rs 6240 . In addition to this , the government has increased import duty related to oil palm to enhance the coconut related products , resulting in the price shoot up related to oil palm and increased demand of coconut oil . After having value additions in coconut , we can expect a prosperous scenario for the farmers .
BIOTECH KISAN : THE DBT ' S MISSION FOOD SECURITY
" Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network ( Biotech- KISAN )” will be implemented in 15 agroclimatic zones of India in a phased manner . The last date to submit proposal as a part of this initiative is November 15th
While the world faces enormous challenges with large populations , diminishing resources and the consequences of climate change , one very difficult challenge is sustainable food security for all . Over the years , agriculture productivity of the country has been severely affected in both quality and quantity . Scientist are eager to address these problems and find implementable solutions but need to develop a close connect with society for the best solutions to emerge .
Taking a major step in this direction , the Department of Biotechnology ( DBT ) has launched the Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network ( Biotech- KISAN ) that will be implemented in 15 agro-climatic zones of India in phased manner . This programme aims to work with small and marginal farmers especially the woman farmer for better agriculture productivity through scientific intervention and evolving best farming practices in the Indian context . The programme is currently open and the deadline is November 15 , 2016 . The researchers interested in being a part of this initiative can visit the DBT website to take a detailed look at the requirements .
LINKING AGRICULTURE & ENERGY MUST FOR CREATION OF SMART VILLAGES IN INDIA
With the right framework conditions in place , advances in the use of renewable energy solutions offer attractive and sustainable opportunities for rural communities to improve access to energy and add value to agriculture
The Smart Villages Initiative and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ( ICRISAT ), together with experts from across India and beyond , are calling for closer attention to the linkages between energy and agriculture . From 21-23 September 2016 , Smart Villages and ICRISAT co-organised a workshop “ Energy and Agriculture for Smart Villages in India ”, which aimed to bring more attention to the relationship between energy and agriculture , especially in the case of smallholder farmers across India .
“ The richest innovation happens at the intersection of disciplines and sectors so I am sure this will hold true for the Smart Villages in India workshop . Access to reliable energy will be a key catalyst to transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial enterprise , especially for youth ,” said Dr David Bergvinson , Director General , ICRISAT . agriculture
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