1. Harvesting Progress: National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign- 2023
Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, inaugurated the National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2023-24 in New Delhi. The conference aimed to evaluate crop performance in previous seasons and establish crop-specific targets for the upcoming Kharif season in collaboration with State Governments. The key objectives included ensuring the availability of essential inputs, promoting the use of innovative technologies, and increasing crop production and productivity.
2. Mapping the Future: Union Agriculture Minister Launches Krishi Mapper, the Ultimate Geospatial App for Agriculture
At the National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2023-24, the Union Agriculture Minister unveiled the Krishi Mapper App. This app enables monitoring of various land-intervention-based schemes and programs, including Digital Crop Survey, Natural Farming, Seed Production and Distribution, NFSM Horticulture, Agroforestry, and other related initiatives.
3. Cotton Crops Forecast Revised: CAI Estimates 29.8 Million Bales for 2022-23 Season
The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has revised its cotton crop estimate for the 2022-23 season, lowering it by 465,000 bales to a total of 29.8 million bales. This downward adjustment is primarily due to anticipated production declines in Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. The current estimate represents the lowest cotton crop figure since the 2008-09 season, which recorded 29.0 million bales.
4. Pure and Pesticide-Free: FSSAI Sets Residue Cap for Five Pesticides in Tea Plantation
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has implemented the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for five pesticides commonly used for tea plantations. These pesticides include Emamectin Benzoate, Fenpyroximate, Hexaconazole, Propiconazole, and Quinalphos. The MRL aims to regulate and ensure the safe levels of these pesticides in tea production.
5. Growing Together: Nationwide AHDF KCC Campaign for 2023-24
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, along with the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Financial Services, has launched the “Nationwide AHDF KCC Campaign.” This initiative aims to extend the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card to eligible animal husbandry, dairy, and fishery farmers across the country. The campaign will be held from 1st May 2023 to 31st March 2024.
6. Saving Lives on Hooves: MP CM Initiates 406 Veterinary Ambulances
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh, has launched 406 veterinary ambulances primarily dedicated to treating cows in an event held in Bhopal. These ambulances will be deployed in urban areas and all development blocks across the state. The move highlights the government’s commitment to taking stringent measures against cattle smuggling and ensuring the welfare of cows.
7. Fertilizing Growth: Cabinet Approves Revised Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Rates for RABI Season, 2022-23
The Union Cabinet has recently approved the proposal by the Department of Fertilizers to revise the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and sulphur for the Rabi Season 2022-23. This move aims to provide 25 grades of Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices. To fulfill its commitment to offering quality and subsidized P&K fertilizers to farmers, the government will provide a subsidy of Rs. 38,000 crores for the Kharif 2023 season. This decision will ensure the availability of affordable DAP and other P&K fertilizers to farmers and rationalize subsidies on P&K fertilizers.
8. Harvesting Success: Shri Narendra Singh Tomar Unveils Third Advance Estimates of Production for Major Crops
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has recently released the Third Advance Estimate of major crop production for the agricultural year 2022-23. According to the estimates, the current agricultural year is expected to yield a foodgrain production of 3305.34 Lakh Tonnes. These estimates are based on feedback from states and validated with information from various sources. Further revisions will be made based on feedback, alternative sources, and other factors in successive estimates.
9. Organic Delights: Araku Valley Coffee and Black Pepper Earns Prestigious Organic Certificate in Andhra Pradesh
In a notable accomplishment, the Girijan Co-operative Corporation (GCC) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has received organic certification from APEDA for its esteemed Araku coffee and black pepper crops. This certification is anticipated to enhance the market value of these products. With its exceptional flavor and sustainable farming practices, Araku Coffee is set to make a significant impression in the global coffee market, establishing itself as a premium and coveted choice for coffee aficionados worldwide.
10. Swimming in Success: India Achieves Record-breaking Fish Production of 162.48 Lakh Tons in 2021-22
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has recently announced the remarkable growth of fish production in India. Starting from 7.5 lakh tons in 1950-51, India’s total fish production has soared to a record-breaking 162.48 lakh tons per annum in 2021-22. This represents a 10.34% increase in fish production compared to the previous year. India now ranks as the 3rd largest fish-producing country globally, with an 8% share in global fish production. Additionally, India stands 2nd in aquaculture production and is recognized as a leading nation in cultured shrimp production. The growth in inland fish production, mainly driven by aquaculture, has been particularly impressive, escalating from 28.23 lakh tons per annum in 2000-01.
11. Buzzing for a Cause: Celebrating World Bee Day with Enthusiasm
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, commemorated World Bee Day on May 20th, 2023, at Raja Bhoj Agriculture College in Waraseoni Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. The theme for this year’s World Bee Day was “Engaging in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Production.” The event aimed to promote the significance of pollinators and encourage agricultural practices that support their well-being.
12. Centre Signs Agreement with 6 States to Start Digital Crop Survey
The Union Government has recently signed an agreement with six states, namely Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, to initiate a digital crop survey. The agreement was formalized during a workshop organized by the Union agriculture ministry to discuss the implementation plan for the digital crop survey. To support this endeavour, a manual for a web portal and mobile application dedicated to the digital crop survey was unveiled.
13. Babul Seed Oil Identified as Environment-Friendly Alternative for Farm Pest Control
Researchers from Thailand and India have conducted a study suggesting that babul seed oil could serve as an eco-friendly substitute for chemicals in the control of major farm pests. The study, published in the journal Heliyon in April 2023, highlights the potential of babul seed oil in effectively managing pests like Aphis fabae (black bean aphid) and Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (cotton seed bug). This research offers promising insights into sustainable pest control methods in agriculture.
