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40% rise in farmer suicides in Maharashtra

Ministry of Agriculture
09-December, 2016 19:37 IST
Infrastructure for Testing Quality of Fertilizers

There are 81 Fertiliser Quality Control Laboratories (FQCLs) in the country with annual analyzing capacity of 1.67 lakh samples. There is one fertiliser testing laboratory each in the States of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura. The annual analyzing capacity of laboratories in Assam and Tripura is of 500 samples each and in Mizoram is of 250 samples.

Under Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, financial assistance @ Rs.75 lakh per lab for setting up of new FQCLs and @ Rs.30 lakh per lab for strengthening of FQCLs is provided to States based on their requirement. Under the scheme, an amount of Rs.305.62 lakh for setting up of 6 new FQCLs and Rs.469.44 lakh for strengthening of 45 FQCLs has been released to States during 2014-15 to 2016-17 (till November, 2016).

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

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Ministry of Science & Technology
14-December, 2016 17:42 IST
Genetically Modified Crops

The policy for introduction of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops in the country is based on recommendations of the Task Force on Application of Biotechnology and Agriculture under the Chairmanship of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan and constituted by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India in May, 2003. The policy for introduction of GM Crops in the country is aimed at providing direction to research and development in relation to priorities based on national problems and needs of agriculture as well as devising a system for commercialization of transgenic/ GM products; and developing a clear policy on GM food and feed in the country. Introduction of GM crops in the country is also governed by Rules 1989 of Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 1986. The regulatory framework involves biosafety data generation on several parameters in laboratory and field following an elaborate food and environmental safety assessment by statutory bodies under the EPA-1986.

Biosafety Research field trials of GM crops are usually conducted in State Agricultural Universities under confined conditions in accordance with the permission obtained from Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee on case by case under Rules, 1989 of EPA-1986.

While the recommendations of the Task Force on Application of Biotechnology and Agriculture under the Chairmanship of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan in 2003 identified certain priorities, recently National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of National Agricultural Research System has submitted a detailed report to accelerate utilization of Genetic Engineering (GE) technology for food & nutrition security and improving farmers’ income.

This information was given by Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri Y.S.Chowdary in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Science & Technology
14-December, 2016 17:39 IST
Innovation by Department of Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) through R&D support to IIT-Kharagpur has developed the requisite technology on rice fortification with Iron for addressing the incidence of anaemia. This involves production of Iron fortified rice premix through extrusion process using broken rice kernels. This iron fortified rice kernel premix matches with the normal rice kernel in shape and size, and when mixed with normal rice in the ratio of 1:100 provides 50% of recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Iron. This technology can also be used to fortify rice with other micro nutrients, as well. The incremental cost of fortification has been estimated by IIT-Kharagpur to be upto 80 paise per kg of rice.

The steps taken by Government to take forward the rice fortification model to all parts of the country to deal with nutritional deficiency among the women and children is as follows:

A Pilot Scale Unit with a capacity of 100 kg/hr/shift has been commissioned at IIT-Kharagpur. The technology is ready for demonstration and transfer to prospective entrepreneurs. The same can be commercialised. However, for introduction in the Government programmes such as Mid-day Meal Scheme & ICDS to address micro nutrient deficiencies in children, DBT would be willing to set up pilot scale production unit in States who would be interested. Accordingly, an MoU could be executed between DBT and the respective State Government Departments. This technology was also deliberated in the “National Summit on Fortification of Food” which was an Inter Ministerial meeting convened by FSSAI on 16th and 17th October 2016, which was attended by State & Central Government Officials, Industry representatives and academia. Further, DBT’s proposal on the above issue has also been shortlisted in the Inter State Council Secretariat for the Eastern Zonal States – Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal under their social outreach programme.

This information was given by Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri Y.S.Chowdary in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Agriculture
15-December, 2016 16:52 IST
Centre is Committed to Promote Organic Farming: Radha Mohan Singh

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that in view of the importance of organic farming, with emphasis on sustainable production, food security and soil health, Central Government is committed to promote organic farming. Shri Singh was speaking on the inauguration of Krishi Mela based on Organic Farming in Ghaziabad today

The Minister of Agriculture said that the Government is promoting organic farming across the country through the dedicated scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Organic Value Chain Development for Northeast regions (OVCDNER under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).

Shri Singh said that Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana(PKVY) scheme is the first comprehensive plan based on a 20 hectare cluster whose implementation is done by the state governments. In a cluster maximum financial assistance of up to 1 hectare is provided to the farmers.Every farmer of a cluster will be provided financial assistance Rs.50,000 per hectare during the 3 years period. 10,000 organic clusters of 20 hectare will be developed to cover certified area by 2 lakh hectare during the 3 years.

The Minister also said that under PKVY scheme, the Annual Action Plan of 29 States and 1 Union Territory was approved with total outlay for Rs. 511.76 crore to develop 7186 clusters out of which Rs.226.00 crore has been released during 2015-16. To achieve the target 10,000 clusters, 2814 clusters to be prepared during the 2016-17 under centrally sponsored scheme Pramaparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in which Rs.297 crore has been allocated for the scheme during 2016-17.

Shri Singh further said that under PKVY scheme, during 2015-16 the Central Government has released Rs 2052.20 crore to the Uttar Pradesh Government but so far Uttar Pradesh government has utilized only Rs 1075.692 crore. During 2016-17 the Central Government has released 1270.64 crore to the State Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Agriculture Minister said that under Deen Dayal Unnat Krishi Siksha Yojna, 23 training centers are to be established in Uttar Pradesh. For the training centres those farmers will be selected who has during 2015-16 or before 2015-16 attended Unnat Bharat Abhiyan campaign held under natural farming or before the respective training course or the organic farming / natural farming / sustainable farming or farmers who have knowledge of own farming practices and organic farming practice may be aware of the basics and fundamental principles.

Shri Singh said that Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare have recently signed an agreement under which the Ganga from Uttarakhand to West Bengal under Namami Gange project, in 1657 Gram Panchayat, 1657 clusters will be developed under Pramaparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for the promotion of organic farming. Under this project, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare with the formation of clusters will also provide training on integrated nutrient management and micro-irrigation technology. Shri Singh urged farmers to adopt organic farming.

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Ministry of Agriculture
15-December, 2016 16:21 IST
Change in Environment is Key Factor for Emergence of New Races of Pathogen, Minor Diseases of Insect-Pests become Major Biotic Stresses: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Shri Radha Mohan Singh Chairs In- Session Meeting of the Consultative Committee on “Emerging Biotic Stresses as a Challenge under Changing Climate”

The Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh today chaired the In- Session meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on “Emerging biotic stresses as a challenge under changing climate” in New Delhi. The Minister in his opening remarks said that the Biotic stress refers to diseases, insect – pests and weeds which affects adversely the normal growth of living organisms (plant, animals, and human beings). Shri Singh informed that Biotic stress requires conducive interaction among the host, pest and environment. Such stresses can causes losses even up to 100 % in the year of epidemic and the most infamous example was epidemic of brown spot of rice in 1943 (Helminthosporium oryzae), causing the Great Bengal Famine, in States of West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. The historic devastation caused death due to starvation of about four million people. Pests and pathogens evolve continuously and rate of evolution speeds up if environment becomes congenial. Thus, change in environment is key factor for emergence of new races of pathogen, minor diseases of insect-pests become major biotic stresses. Elevated Co2, a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change, can increase levels of simple sugars in leaves and lower their nitrogen content. These can increase the damage caused by many insects, who will consume more leaves to meet their metabolic requirements of nitrogen. Thus, any attack will be more severe. Higher temperatures from global warming, mainly due to elevated CO2, will mean that more numbers of pests will survive the winter season.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that while there is clear evidence that climate change is altering the distribution of animal and plant pests and disease, the full effects are difficult to predict. Changes in temperature, moisture and atmospheric gases can fuel growth and generation rates of plants, fungi and insects, altering the interactions between pests, their natural enemies and their hosts. Changes in land covers, such as deforestation or desertification, can make remaining plants and animals increasingly vulnerable to pests and diseases. While new pests and diseases have regularly emerged throughout history, climate change has now resulted in emergence of large number of unknown biotic stress challenges in the environment.

1. Pests of Plant, continue to be one of the biggest constraints to food and agricultural production. They cause on an average an annual loss of more than 40 percent of the world’s food supply, thus posing a threat to our food security.

2. Climate change exercised impact resulted in either emergence of a new biotic stress, alteration of a minor stress as major challenge or domestication of an invasive pest into another country.

3. Climate change has posed a stiff challenge to sustainability of series of Sr genes in wheat governing resistance against Ug99 race of stem rust.

4. Elevated temperature and CO2 have also posed serious threat to wheat against acclimatisation of blast, virulent isolates of late blight disease of potato and important diseases of rice, namely blast and sheath blight.

5. Country has recently witnessed emergences and or acclimatisation of destructive invasive pests and diseases like South American pin worm on tomato; Western flower thrips on flowers; Tropical race of fusarium wilt on banana, spiraling whitefly in coconut, etc.

6. With change in temperatures and humidity levels, the population of insects like mosquitoes, midges, ticks, fleas and the viruses they carry may expand their geographic range, and expose animals and humans to diseases to which they do not possess natural immunity.

7. Increased drought may result in reduced water bodies that in turn will facilitate increased interaction between domesticated livestock and wildlife resulting in outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever, a highly fatal disease for cattle, since all wild beasts carry the fever virus.

8. Fishes are vulnerable to emerging climate-related diseases, particularly since their ecosystems are so fragile and water is an effective disease carrier.

9. Plant protection sciences and biosecurity awareness in India has advance significantly over the years. Recently India has effectively managed many such exigencies which otherwise could have resulted in national calamities.

10. To thwart any possibilities of biosecurity threat to Indian wheat due to emergence of stem rust race UG99 in Africa, India acted proactively to screen varieties against the pathogen in Kenya. As a result number of UG99 resistant varieties deployed in the country and prevented occurrence of epidemic.

11. During 2015-16, immediately after an invasive wheat blast disease destroyed large acreage of wheat in Bangladesh, India sent 40 wheat genotypes to CYMMIT for screening against blast in South American countries where the disease is prevalent.

12. Domestically DARE-ICAR, DAC, SAUs and State Agricultural Department are engaged in implementing protection technologies in complementarity to protect losses in crops, animals and fishes due to biotic stresses.

13. As a result of proactive efforts of NPPO, the imminent losses in cotton due to whitefly during 2016-17 was effectively managed, as a result production of cotton in North India is expected to surpass yields of last three years.

14. Very recently outbreak of invasive H5N8 strain of avian influenza in poultry birds was effectively managed in the country through adoption of proper biosafety and biocontainment measures.

15. Changing biotic stress scenario has highlighted the need for future studies on models which can predict the severity of important pathogens of major crops, animals and fishes in real-field conditions. Simultaneously, disease management strategies should be reoriented in changing conditions with amalgamation of new strategies for sustainable food production.


Shri Singh suggested that some immediate areas/ strategies to strengthen agricultural biosecurity and to ensure efficient management of biotic stresses are:


(a) Development of Biotic stress resilient crops/ breeds of animals using indigenous as well as wild resources.

(b) Enhanced use of cutting edge technologies and tools like MAS, transgenic and advanced molecular tools to accelerate the process of development of biotic stress resilient organisms.

(c) Strengthening of domestic and International quarantines to prevent movement of infected products to pest free areas/ counties.

(d) Organizing IPM approaches and strengthening effective system of delivery of biocontrol agents and label expansion of effective pesticides.

(e) Forging regional and global cooperation on issues related to biosafety and biosecurity.

(f) Global networking for ensuring availability of diagnostic tools/ vaccines to monitor invasion and spread of invasive pests pathogens and immunization.

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, DG, ICAR & Secretary DARE also gave presentation on the issue during the meeting.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh directed the officials to incorporates the suggestions given by the members on the issue and to speed up the research on pest control, pesticides etc.

Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat, the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the Members of Parliament, Smt. Kamala Devi Patle (Lok Sabha), Shri Manshankar Ninama (Lok Sabha), Shri Rodmal Nagar (Lok Sabha), Km. Shobha Karandlaje (Lok Sabha), Shri Kiranmay Nanda (Rajya Sabha) and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare were present in the meeting.
 
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27BM_Irrigation

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...n-for-irrigation-projects/article16946846.ece

The funds will also flow into projects that are under the scanner of Anti-Corruption Bureau
The Centre on Monday released the second and the biggest instalment of Rs. 756 crore to the Maharashtra government under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), to speed up construction of 26 dams. The State is set to receive a total of Rs. 3,730 crore as part of the AIBP until 2020.

The Devendra Fadnavis-led Bharatiya Janata Party government will look to score brownie points over the Congress-NCP, who were allegedly responsible for the dam scam during their tenure.

The AIBP envisages completing 149 projects across the country, of which 46 have received priority in the previous Union Budget. Maharashtra is home to maximum (13) of these shortlisted projects, said officials in the irrigation department. The projects in Maharashtra are likely to be completed by 2019-2020.

Of the total 99 incomplete irrigation projects across the country, Maharashtra is home to 26, including the shortlisted 13. The first instalment of Rs. 340 crore was received by the State in October. “The funds have been loaned by NABARD at as low as six per cent interest,” said an official.

Experts had earlier pointed out the irony of pumping in large amounts of funds into projects that are under the scanner of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and have been stuck for over a decade. Some of the controversial projects, which are receiving the AIBP funds, include Waghur dam project, projects at Lower Dudhna, Lower Wardha, Lower Panzara, Bawanthadi and Nandur-Madhmeshwar.

The Maharashtra irrigation scam involved the same projects which were approved with escalated costs, alterations in the approved plan, and opaque funding mechanisms leaving doors open for manipulations.
 
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Ministry of Agriculture
29-December, 2016 17:57 IST
No adverse effect of demonetization: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

2. SEED

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that if compare the data of 2016 with the data of sale of seed of Rabi 2015, we will find that in most of the states either the data has increased or it is equivalent. For example Madhya Pradesh State Seed Corporation sold 10.42 lakh quintal for sowing of Rabi 2015, it has increased to 11.93 lakh quintal this year. Similarly, Maharashtra State Seed Corporation sold 2.64 lakh quintal seeds during last year, this year it is 2.7 lakh quintal. Karnataka State Seed Corporation sold 1.36 lakh quintal seeds during previous year, this year it is 1.49 lakh quintal.

If study the data of National Seed Corporation then we will find that till 23rd December, 2015 5.51 lakh quintal seeds was sold by it. There is a slight decrease, it is 5.20 quintal this year. Similarly, in Telangana State the sale of seed was 1.55 lakh quintal in Rabi 2015 there is a slight decrease in it and it is 1.48 lakh quintal. In Uttarakhand also there is a slight decrease in it. It was 3.8 thousand quintal. In the year 2016 it is 3.7 thousand quintal.

3. NAFED
Shri Singh further, said that similarly, it is clear from the study of data of NAFED before demonetization on 8th November 2016, the average sale of NAFED was Rs. 2 lakh per day which has increased 1 and half times after demonetization and it has become Rs. 3.70 lakh per day. The main reason of this was the continuation of circulation of old Rs. 500 and 1000 notes on the cooperative shops. In December 2016 this income has stabilized at Rs. 2.31 lakh per day which is more than the data of sale before demonetization.

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Ministry of Agriculture
29-December, 2016 15:13 IST
Shri Radha Mohan Singh briefs Achievements & Initiatives taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare during last 30 months

During Kharif 2016, 366.64 lakh farmers have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana



Against a target of 2.53 crore soil samples collection upto March 2017, 2.33 crore soil samples have been collected



Against a target of 10,000 clusters, 9186 clusters made for promoting organic farming till Dec 2016



35,04,371.13 tonnes of agriculture produce worth Rs. 7,131.21 crore has been transacted on e-NAM platform



Annual Milk production increase by 6.3 % during 2015-16





Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh held a press conference to brief achievements and initiatives taken by his ministry during the last 30 months here today. On this occasion Shri Radha Mohan Singh has released a book of achievements with the title ¡°30 Months, New Steps-Progressive Steps¡±.



Following are the main highlights of the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 30 months:-



1. PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA:

About 309 lakh farmers of 23 states had been covered under Fasal Beema during previous Kharif Season 2015 in which 294 lakh farmers were lonee and 15 lakh farmers were non-lonee. During Kharif 2016, however, 366.64 lakh farmers have been covered out of which 264.04 lakh farmers are lonee and 102.60 lakh farmers are non-lonee. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana has been implemented by 21 states during Kharif 2016.


2. SOIL HEALTH CARD SCHEME:

Against a target of 2.53 crore soil samples collection upto March 2017, 2.33 crore soil samples have been collected till 27.12.2016, from which 12.82 crore soil health cards are being made. Out of these, 4.31 crore soil health cards have printed and 4.25 crore soil health cards have been distributed to the farmers and remainings are under process. During 2016-17, 0.20 crore samples are to be collected from which 1.10 crore soil heath cards will be prepared. During 2014-17, 460 Soil Testing Laboratories have been sanctioned while during 2013-14 only 15 Soil Testing Laboratories were sanctioned. In addition to 460 Soil Testing Labs, 4000 mini labs have also been sanctioned to the States.


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3. PARAMPARAGAT KRISHI VIKAS YOJANA:

The scheme was started in 2014 to promote organic farming with an allocation of Rs. 597 crore for three years and a target to set up 10,000 clusters. Till December, 2016, State Governments have made 9186 clusters.


4. NATIONAL AGRICULTURE MARKET (NAM):

Under this scheme, 250 mandis of 10 states have been integerated with e-NAM Portal. In principal approval has been to integrate 399 mandis with e NAM for which an amount of Rs. 93 crore has been released. As on 27.12.2016, 35,04,371.13 tonnes of agriculture produce worth Rs. 7,131.21 crore has been transacted on e-NAM platform. As on 27.12.2016, 9,49,112 Farmers, 59,742 Traders and 31,317 Commission Agents have been registered on the e-NAM platform.


5. PRADHAN MANTRI KRISHI SINCHAYEE YOJANA(PMKSY):

During 2013-14, an area of 4.3 lakh hectare was covered under micro irrigation. Whereas, during 2014-16, an area of 12.74 lakh hectare has been brought under micro irrigation under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana which is an increase of 200 %. PMKSY scheme is being implemented in mission mode with aim of completing 99 major and medium irrigation projects with the capacity of 76.03 lakh hectare in a phased manner by December, 2019 with command area development with an amount of Rs. 77,595 crore. During the year 2016-17, a sum of Rs. 12,517 crore will be incurred to implement 23 irrigation schemes under PMKSY Mission.


6. DEVELOPMENT OF BEEKEEPING :

Honey production has increased from 1,48,450 MT during 2012-14 to 2,63,930 MT during 2014-16 which is an increase of 78 %. An amount of Rs. 7.15 crores released to National Bee Board (NBB) during last two years (2014-15 & 2015-16) in comparison to an amount of Rs. 5.94 crores released during last three years (2011-12 to 2013-14). An amount of Rs. 12.00 crores has been approved for National Bee Board (NBB) for the year 2016-17.


7. FARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATION (FPO):

568 FPOs have been registered during 2014-16 ( 2 Years) against 223 FPOs were registered during 2011-14 (3 years) which is an increase of 155 %.


8. FINANCING OF JOINT LIABILITY GROUPS (JLGS):

Financing of 18.21 lakh Joint Liability Groups from 2014 to 2016 during just 2 ½ years as compared to 6.7 lakh JLGs during the 7 years from 2007 to 2014. In comparison to cumulative achievement of Rs. 6630 cr. During 7 years from 2007 to 2014, Rs. 18,005.79 cr. were made available to JLGs during just 2 ½ years from 2014 and September, 2016.



9. HORTICULTURE:

During last decade area under horticulture has increased about 2.7% per year and annual production has increased by 5.5%. In spite of two successive droughts during 2014-15 and 2015-16, the production of horticulture crops has increased.


10. COCONUT DEVELOPMENT:

From the beginning of this financial year 2016-17, India has started exporting Coconut Oil to Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka from where coconut oil was being imported from these countries in previous years. India became first in coconut production and productivity in the world. Coconut area, production and productivity reached 1.97 million ha, 20.439 billion nuts and 10345 nuts per ha respectively. 33% increase found in replanting and area rejuvenation of Coconut Development Board (CDB) during the year 2014-16 as compared to 2011-14.


11. STATE DISASTER RELIEF FUND:

For the years 2010-2015, a provision of Rs. 33580.93 crore was made for State Disaster Response Fund. The same has been increased to Rs. 61,220 crore for the period 2015-2020.


12. NATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND:

During 2010-14, States sought an assistance of Rs. 92044 cr. And were granted Rs. 12516 cr. whereas during, 2014-16, States sought an assistance of Rs. 94787 cr. and were granted Rs. 24556 cr.


13. NEEM COATED UREA:

In one year, Modi Government has made available 100% neem coated area in the country. Due to this diversion of unauthorized use of urea by Chemical Factories has been stopped. Now farmers are getting urea in adequate quantity. Besides this, the cost of production is being reduced by 10-15% with the use of neem coated urea. Productivity will also increase with the use of Neem Coated Urea.


14. AGROFORESTRY:

For the first time, Sub-Mission on Agroforestry has been initiated which will accelerate the programme ¡°Medh Par Ped¡±. In addition, trees would also be grown as strip and intermittent plantation on farm land along with crops/ cropping system and as block plantation in cultivable waste land. Implementation of the scheme only in the states having liberalized transit regulations for transport of timber and will be extended to other states as and when such relaxations are notified by them. So far, the scheme is being implemented in 8 states.


15. Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geo-Informatics (CHAMAN): The programme has the objective to develop and firm up methodology for estimation of area and production under horticulture crops using ¡°Remote Sensing Technology¡± and ¡°Sample Survey Methodology¡±. Launched during September, 2014; to be completed in 3 years.


16. INITIATION OF MOBILE APP FOR FARMERS:

Following mobile apps have been launched for the welfare of farmers: Kisan Suvidha, PUSA Agriculture, Agri Market, Crop Insurance and Crop Cutting Experiment (CCE) which can be downloaded from google play store as well as from www.mkisan.gov.in


17. NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY MISSION (NFSM) / STEPS TAKEN FOR PULSE PRODUCTION :

Ø Till 2013-14 only three crops were covered under National Food Security Mission namely – Rice, Wheat & Pulses. The coverage during Modi Government has been increased to seven crops namely – Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Jute, Sugarcane, Cotton & Coarse Cereals.

Ø Till the year 2013-14, 482 districts of 16 States were included in National Food Security Mission (NFSM). Now with the addition 8 North Eastern States, 3 Hilly States (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), Goa and Kerala, the Mission covers all 638 districts of 29 States in the country.

Ø Out of the total allocation of Rs.1700 crores under NFSM for 2016-17, Rs.1,100 crore (central share) was allocated for pulses which amounts to more than 60% of total allocation.

Ø For expansion of cultivation of new kinds of seeds, Rs.7.85 lakhs mini-kits are being distributed to farmers free of cost in the year 2016-17, through State Governments.


Ø In the year 2016-17, demonstrations of new techniques for pulse production are being carried out in 31,000 hectares by 534 Agriculture Science Centers through ICAR & State Agriculture Universities and Rs.25.29 crores were allocated for this purpose.

Ø Seed Hubs are being created through ICAR, State Agriculture Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for ensuring the availability of new kinds of seeds. For this purpose, Rs. 225.31 crore have been approved for establishment of 150 seed centers during 2016-17 to 2017-18, out of which Rs.131.74 crore is proposed for 2016-17. From these seed centers 1.50 lakh quintals of improved seeds will be ensured.

Ø The production target for pulses for the year 2016-17 is 20.75 million metric tonnes. The production of kharif pulses in 2016-17 is expected about 8.70 million tonnes (as per 1st Advance Estimates) against target of 7.25 million tonnes.


FARMER FIRST:

The Farmer FIRST aims at enriching Farmers –Scientist interface, technology assemblage, application and feedback, partnership and institutional building and content mobilization.It will provide a platform to farmers and scientists for creating linkages, capacity building, technology adaptation and application, on-site input management, feedback and institution building. The scientists from 100 ICAR Institutes/ Universities are proposed to work with one lakh farmers directly.

Ø STUDENT READY:

Introduction of Fellowship from 2016-17 @ Rs. 3,000 per month for all the students for a period of 6 months during Student Ready which was Rs. 1000 per month earlier. Components of this scheme are:

i. Experiential Learning (EL)

ii. Rural Agriculture Work Experience (RAWE)

iii. In Plant Training /Industrial Attachment/Internship

iv. Skill Development Training

v. Student Project

Ø Mera Gaon- Mera Gaurav programme has been initiated to effectively promote direct interface of scientists of ICAR Institutes and State Agricultural Universities with the farmers to hasten the lab to land process. For this, a group of four scientists each will adopt 5 villages. Thus, there will be nearly 5000 groups of scientists adopting 25000 villages. At present, agricultural scientists have started providing information on newer technologies to the farmers in 15000 villages.


28. CLIMATE RESILIENT VARITIES (DROUGHT RESISTANT AND FLOOR TOLERANT)

During 2014 to 2016, 127 varieties of food grains, 70 of pulses, 58 of oilseeds and 37 of others (total 292 new varieties) have been developed.


29. AGRICULTURE EDUCATION:

Ø Recognizing the enormous potential of North-East India, six new colleges were opened by Modi government under Central Agricultural University, Imphal. Due to this, the number of agricultural colleges in the Northeast region has increased by almost 85 percent in the last two years.


Ø Similarly, in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, 4 new colleges under Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi and conversion of Central Agriculture University have been completed.

Ø To make agriculture graduation courses income oriented, Government has approved the 5th Dean¡¯s Committee report recommendations of the committee. Dean¡¯s Committee report will be implemented in this educational session i.e. 2016-17. Through this new curriculum all agriculture based graduation courses will be altered into the professional ones which will be conducive to earn their livelihood in future.


30. SPECIAL INITIATIVES:

Ø Four new ICAR Awards in two years: ICAR Administrative award, Haldhar Organic Farmer Award, Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Krishi Puruskar and Pandit Deendayal Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puruskar.

Ø Pandit Deendayal Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana has been started in the year 2016 by way of 130 training programmes on organic farming/natural farming and cow based economy in 32 SAUs of the country.

Ø Rashtriya Krishi Shiksha Divas is being celebrated on 3rd December in remembrance of country¡¯s first Agriculture Minister Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Ø Jai Kisan-Jai Vigyan Week is being celebrated since the year 2015 across the entire country during 23rd to 29th December, on the occasion of birth anniversaries of Ch. Charan Singh and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.


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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...702-cr.-as-drought-relief/article16966018.ece

In the wake of crop failure on 36.35 lakh hectares following deficit monsoon, the Karnataka government on Friday sought a relief of ₹ 4,702.54 crore from the Centre under the National Disaster Response Fund to undertake drought relief measures.

An all-party delegation led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital and submitted the memorandum seeking funds as the State had lost standing crops worth ₹ 17,193 crore. The meeting assumed importance as the appointment with the Prime Minister had not been given to Mr. Siddaramaiah on two occasions earlier.

In the memorandum to Mr. Modi, Mr. Siddaramaiah said 139 of the 176 taluks in the State had been declared drought-hit, affecting 35 lakh farmers. The severe drought had adversely affected agriculture, power generation and farmers, he said.

The misery had been compounded by a monsoon deficit of 80 per cent during the rabi season. In 2015-16, too, 137 taluks had been declared drought hit, he said.

The delegation briefed the Prime Minister on crop losses in five northern districts owing to excess rain in September.

A memorandum seeking ₹ 386.44 crore for flood relief had been submitted to the Union Home Minister on October 28, 2016, the Chief Minister said.
 
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20-VJ-RARS


Special Chief Secretary (Agriculture) and ANGRAU Vice-Chancellor B. Rajasekhar inspects the working of a crop dusting drone at the Agricultural Technology Exhibition in Tirupati on Thursday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...000-Custom-Hiring-Centres/article17063579.ece

In a major step to promote farm mechanisation and improve farming community’s access to the latest machinery and implements, the State government would be introducing more than 1,000 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), said Special Chief Secretary (Agriculture) and Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) Vice-Chancellor B. Rajasekhar.

Interacting with the media at the ‘Agricultural Technology Exhibition’, organised as part of a two-day national seminar on ‘Trends in Farm Mechanisation and Engineering Interventions for Sustainable Agriculture’ at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) - Tirupati, on Thursday, Mr. Rajasekhar emphasised on the need for adopting the best management practices on farm mechanisation, being implemented by other States.

“We have achieved only 20% of farm mechanisation, except for groundnut crop which is 45%, whereas States like Punjab are leading with 50-60%. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has set a target of 60-70% farm mechanisation in Andhra Pradesh and hence the need for evaluating and adopting the best management practices,” he said.

Mr. Rajasekhar also stressed on the need for a behavioural and attitudinal change among those involved such as farmers, academicians, scientists etc., supplemented by concerted efforts to achieve the goal. He said the State government would be setting up 1,000 CHCs, with all the necessary implements and accessories (based on the crops cultivated in a region).

“The immediate need of the hour is customising the best management practices based on our requirements and build farmer participation in [the] new ecosystem i.e. the shift from traditional farming to technology/mechanised farming techniques,” he added.

Ola/Uber-ing of tractors and farm machinery

Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s (ICAR) Ex-Deputy Director General Prof. Gajendra Singh spoke on food security as an offshoot of water and energy security alongside developing agricultural models that are resilient to climate change. Prof. Singh also called for sharing of machinery among the members of the farming community on a common platform like taxi aggregators such as Uber and Ola.

“Another major challenge is the use of water in agriculture, particularly the quantity, quality, recycling and reusability factors. Besides this, animal husbandry should also be promoted as a co-activity to farming,” he said.

The ‘Agricultural Technology Exhibition’ was a huge draw with a wide range of equipment on display, right from those used in land preparation to post harvesting stages. Several companies like VST Shakti, Yanmar Coromandel Agrisolutions and others showcased their products, many of them aimed at small and marginal farmers.

The farmers had a barrage of questions reserved for drones used in agriculture. Chennai-based Sree Sai Aerotech Innovations organised a demonstration of crop dusting/aerial imagery drone which can be used for spraying pesticides, monitoring crop health, mapping irrigation, crop scouting and cycle assessments.

RARS Tirupati also displayed their products in a separate stall.
 
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HY30SUICIDE

Members of Women Farmers Rights Forum consoling the family members of Chatlapally Ramulu at Tirumalagiri in Siddipet district on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Mohd Arif
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...nasagar-project-ends-life/article17113625.ece

Dispossessed by the proposed Mallannasagar project, owner of half an acre land loses confidence and is pushed to take the extreme step
After surrendering his half an acre of land to Government for the Mallannasagar Project, marginal farmer Chatlapally Ramulu lost the only security he had and with that the confidence to earn enough to clear his debts.

Driven by insecurity, the marginal farmer, of Tirumulagiri under Etigaddakishtapur village in Toguta mandal, consumed pesticide on January 20 and breathed his last in a hospital on the Republic Day.

Source of livelihood

Ramulu had less than half-an-acre land with a borewell and used to go work as a labourer to meet his family expenses. One fine day a few months ago he became landless after surrendering his land to the Government under G.O. 123 for the proposed construction of Mallannasagar Reservoir, part of the larger Kaleswaram project. He received ₹2.36 lakh for the land, but lost the confidence along with land.

Two years ago Ramulu had performed marriage of his daughter and later his son incurring huge expenditure.

The poor farmer used the compensation from the Government to clear his dues and was still left with a debt of ₹2 lakh. He neither had land nor money to pay the debt.

Insecure future

The outstanding debt was weighing heavily on Ramulu. “‘I will not stay long. I will die’, my father used to repeat regularly for the past few months. He did what he told us. Now I have inherited the debt. The entire village will be submerged under Mallannasagar and we had already lost our farm to the government. Where can we go?” asked Venkatesh, Ramulu’s son.

“Unable to think of how to repay the remaining debt and live a life, my uncle committed suicide by consuming pesticide. He lost the confidence that a farmer has when he owns even a piece of cultivable land. The land gives a sense of security. Once dispossessed, a farmer is nothing but a labourer in the farms of others or labour at roadside adda,” commented Chatlapally Krishna, Ramulu’s relative.

Common worry

“Ramulu had land adjoining our fields. He was so poor that losing land he lost his confidence and took the extreme step. Many of the small farmers are facing similar stress after having been forced to sell their lands to the Government,” said Raju, another farmer from the same village, who also sold his land to the government under the GO 123.

“Ramulu’s death has made us afraid. It’s pathetic. Every family of small farmers is facing similar stress. We do not know what is in store for us,” commented M. Sujatha, member of Caring Citizens Collective and Women Farmers’ Rights Forum, who visited the house of Ramulu.
 
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Chikkamagaluru: February 03, 2017 23:01 IST
Updated: February 03, 2017 23:01 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Farmer-commits-suicide/article17182690.ece
A farmer committed suicide by hanging in his farm at Basavanahalli in Kadur taluk on Thursday.

The Singatagere police identified the deceased as Niranjana Murthy (44), a native of Channapura in Kadur taluk. He had moved to Basavanahalli after marrying B.S. Kalpana of Basavanahalli. He was looking after land belonging to his wife’s family.

Niranjana had taken a loan of ₹1.5 lakh from a cooperative bank and borrowed money from friends and relatives to the tune of ₹2.75 lakh to drill borewells on the land. He had recently drilled three borewells and all of them ran dry owing to decreased rainfall in the recent months.

The lack of water affected the yield on his coconut farm. Debt-ridden and with no means of income, Niranjanamurthy hanged himself in the pump house in the farm, his wife Kalpana said.

The Singatagere police have registered an unnatural death report.
 
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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
06-February, 2017 19:14 IST
Rs. 10000 crore Special Banking Arrangement made in Budget 2017 to clear Fertilizer Subsidy dues: Shri Ananth Kumar

Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister addresses media on Budget 2017 allocations and achievements of the Ministry in last three years





Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar addressed the media here today and appraised the gathering about the achievements of Department of Chemicals, Fertilizers and Pharmaceuticals during the last three years. Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Shri Mansukh Lal Mandaviya was also present on the occasion.


Speaking on budget allocations for the Fertilizer sector, the Minister said that the overall budget allocation for the Department of Fertilizer for the year 2017-18 is 74,235 crores. He added that Fertilizers, along with Power, has been the torchbearer of achievement of this Government. It has been one of the fastest growing sectors in the last quarter. Further, to reduce the burden of fertilizer subsidy backlogs, a Special Banking Arrangement of Rs. 10000 crores has been approved in this Budget to clear fertilizer subsidy dues, the Minister informed.


Shri Ananthkumar stated that the Government has taken key measures to make the country self-sufficient in urea and other fertilizers like promoting energy efficiency in urea production, maximizing indigenous urea production, timely import of urea and other fertilizers, prepositioning of fertilizers with the States during lean season to ensure adequate supply in the season and rationalizing the subsidy. Such steps have resulted in highest ever production of 245 LMT of urea previous year, without adding additional capacity. Indigenous urea as well as imported urea have been neem coated. This has resulted in an increase in farm yield with less urea required and helped check black marketing and hoarding of urea, he added.


Regarding the revival of the Gorakhpur, Sindri units of FCIL and Baruni unit of HFCL, the Minister informed that approval of the Cabinet has been obtained to revive the three units. Cabinet approval has also been obtained for setting up of new ammonia urea complex at Namrup within existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited. Further, the Talcher plant will be the first ever unit to be revived based on the coal gasification technology, he added.



Keeping in pace with the international market, the Department has engaged fertilizers companies to reduce the prices of DAP, MOP and complex fertilizers by Rs. 125, 250 & 50 respectively per 50 gm bag from June, 2016. Prices of DAP has again been reduced by Rs. 65 per 50gm during December, 2016.



Informing about the implementation of policy of promotion of city compost, Shri Ananthkumar said that the Government of India approved policy on promotion of city compost in which Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) of Rs. 1500/MT has been provided for scaling of production and consumption of city compost. A budget provision of Rs. 15 crores has been made for releasing the MDA during 2017-18 on sale of city compost.



Speaking about the Direct Benefit Transfer in fertilizer subsidy payment it was informed by the Hon’ble Minister that a decision to implement the DBT in fertilizer sector was announced during the budget speech of 2016-17 with a view to improve service delivery to farmers. The proposed DBT model in fertilizers is different from conventional system of continue to receive urea at statutory price and P&K fertilizers at subsidized prices in the market. The fertilizers companies used to receive subsidy on receipt of fertilizes at the district, will now get subsidy after the fertilizers are sold to farmers/ beneficiaries by the retailers to point of sale (POS) machines through biometric authentication.



In the Pharmaceutical sector, the Minister informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) over 760 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are functioning across the country. With the Government’s target to achieve 3000 JAKs, every tehsil would have one JAK soon. Currently over 450 medicines and 150 health supplements are available at around one-third the price of branded drugs at the JAKs. Further, the Minister that Medical devices parks are coming up at four locations including Vishakhapatnam, Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and others in Gujarat and Telangana. Shri Kumar also informed about the coming up of National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), the latest been set up at Jhalawar, Rajasthan. These institutes would lead to path breaking research in pharma sector and give a boost to creating a strong force of pharma scientists in the country.


Talking about achievements in Chemicals & Petrochemicals sector, Shri Kumar informed about the focus of the government on establishing Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) and Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs) and plastic parks to give a boost to the Make in India mission. This step would lead to the generation of over 39 lakh employments opportunities in times to come, he added. Answering a question on strategic sales of Fertilizer PSUs, Shri Kumar informed that strategic sale is a method of utilizing the excess land resources available with loss making fertilizer PSUs to mitigate all liabilities and aid in the revival of the plant in turn. This would have no effect on the availability of affordable medicines in the market, he added.


Other dignitaries present at the occasion were Shri Anuj Kumar Bishnoi, Secretary Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Shri Jai Priye Prakash, Secretary, Pharmaceuticals, Smt. Bharathi Sihag, Secretary, Fertilizers, along with other senior officers of the Ministry.


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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-ends-life-debts-HT-cable/article17321789.ece

In a tragic incident, a debt-ridden farmer committed suicide by holding to a high tension power cable in Chikkamsihosur village of Hangal taluk in Haveri district on Friday.

The name of the deceased was given as Chamansab Arisinaguppi (58), a resident of Shirakod village in the taluk. He was deeply depressed due to crop failure for two years and alleged harassment by moneylenders seeking repayment. He reportedly sat on the transformer by holding to high tension cable for more than two hours till power supply was resumed. The incident sent shock waves in the area and a large number of people gathered near the spot.

According to sources Chamansab Arisinaguppi left his house at 5 a.m. and walked nearly one kilometre to reach the spot. He climbed onto the transformer on the outskirts of the village. But there was no power supply at that time. He, however, was aware that power supply will resume at 8 a.m. and sat there till power supply resumed. People rushed to the spot only when they heard a loud sound and saw fire emanating from the transformer. But it was too late. Chamansab Arisinaguppi owned three acres of agricultural land and had taken about ₹ 4 lakh loan from banks and other sources for farming, they said.
 
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The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan unveiling the plaque to inaugurate the Additive Manufacturing Facility 3D Printer unit developed by the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), in Karaikudi, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu on February 25, 2017.
s2017022599307.jpg

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan witnessing the functioning of the Additive Manufacturing Facility 3D Printer unit developed by the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), in Karaikudi, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu on February 25, 2017.
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The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan launching the handheld soil testing kit for farmers developed by the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), in Karaikudi, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu on February 25, 2017.
s2017022599303.jpg



The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan at the launch of the handheld soil testing kit for farmers developed by the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), in Karaikudi, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu on February 25, 2017.
s2017022599304.jpg


The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan being briefed about the handheld soil testing kit for farmers developed by the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), in Karaikudi, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu on February 25, 2017.
s2017022599305.jpg

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing at the launch of the handheld soil testing kit for farmers developed by the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), in Karaikudi, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu on February 25, 2017.
s2017022599306.jpg
 
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
27-February, 2017 17:57 IST
Three Forest Research Institutes Develop High-Yielding Varieties of Plant Species

Three institutes of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, have developed 20 high-yielding varieties of plant species. The Variety Releasing Committee (VRC) of ICFRE, granted approval for the release of these varieties of plant species, at a meeting held here today.

Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, has worked, for more than a decade, on ten improved varieties of Melia dubia and three clones of Eucalyptus tereticornis, the timber of which is in high demand in the industry. The released cultivars of Melia, popularly known as Dreake, or Malabar Neem, not only have a high productivity per unit area, with an average of 34.57 cubic metre per hectare per annum, but also have an excellent bole form, which is a desirable characteristic for plywood industry. Similarly, the average productivity of the released varieties of Eucalyptus has been recorded as 19.44 cubic meter per hectare per annum, against the present productivity level of 5-7 cubic meter per hectare per annum. These clones have also been found to be resistant to pink disease and wall gasp. Research at Institute of Forest Genetic and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, has resulted in the development of five inter-specific hybrids of Casuarina equisetifolia X Casuarina junghuhniana for use as timber. Similarly, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, developed two varieties of medicinal plant Rauvolfia serpentina.

The developed varieties have to go through stringent long field trials and testing before release. The VRC meeting that released the varieties was held under the chairmanship of Director General, Forest and Special Secretary, Dr. S.S Negi granted approval for the release of these varieties. The three institutes that have developed the varieties are – Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore and Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur. Director General, ICFRE and Co-Chair of VRC, Dr. Shashi Kumar, Director, TFRI, Dr. Prakasham, Director, FRI, Dr. Savita, Director, IFGRB, Dr. Prashanth and two experts of the subject matter, Dr. D.K Khurana, Dr. Vishnu Bhatt, Shri Omkar Singh PCCF (HoFF), AGMUT and Dr. Amrinder Kaur, PCCF (HoFF), Haryana, were also present at the VRC meeting.

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun established as an autonomous organisation under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, carries out the holistic research on forestry species. The nine Institutes under ICFRE are actively engaged in improvement of plantation tree species to improve yield, quality and productivity to meet the demand for domestic consumption by industries.

In its earlier efforts, ICFRE released 27 high-yielding clones in 2010, 2011 and 2014 of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus Hybrid, Casuarina equisetifolia, Casuarina junghuhniana and Dalbergia sissoo and are in commercial production now. Of these, 27 varieties have been released in the past. Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, developed 25 varieties and remaining two varieties of Dalbergia sissoo and Eucalyptus Hybrid were developed by Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...fe-following-crop-failure/article17437326.ece

Two farmers have committed suicide in the Tekkalakota police station limits in Sirguppa taluk.

The police have identified the deceased as Krishnamraju (52) of Yerkal Camp and Ganganna (36) of Nittur village. Both the farmers, who were cultivating land taken on lease, resorted to the extreme step after their crops failed due to shortage of water. Krishnamraju consumed poison, while Ganganna hanged himself to death.


On getting information, Tahsildar Sunita, Circle Inspector of Police Golasangi and Assistant Director of Agriculture Sirguppa visited the spot.
 
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THJC-POTATOFARMERS



Pushed to penury: Potato farmers left in lurch as prices have fallen sharple due to high production.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ts-suicide-in-west-bengal/article17669142.ece

Potato prices drop after a high yield
Despite West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s announcement that her government would buy the potato required for social security schemes from the farmers hit by falling prices, yet another potato farmer allegedly committed suicide in Bardhaman district after sustaining heavy losses.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) alleged that with the latest case, at least four potato farmers had committed suicide in the State in the last one-and-a-half months. Speaking to The Hindu, State’s Agriculture Minister Purnendu Basu, however, said he was not unaware of any potato farmer committing suicide due to losses. “Being a potato farmer is not the only reason behind someone committing suicide,” he said.

On Friday, potato farmer Chandan Paul (40) died after he consumed pesticide in the Memari area of Bardhaman district, following heavy losses. According to the district CPI(M) leaders, Paul was under severe pressure as he had incurred a debt of nearly ₹50,000 for cultivating potato on 2.80 acres of land.

Last week, another potato farmer, Swapan Hajra (45), allegedly committed suicide in the Anandapur area of Paschim Medinipur district’s Keshpur block .

Two other farmers committed suicide in Paschim Medinipur district.

Potato farmers are facing severe financial crisis this year as its prices have fallen due to high production.
 
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