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Environment, Interaction, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

Case IH will be exhibiting a range of exciting new products, including the first public showings of the AFS Connect versions of the Quadtrac and Optum tractors

Leading farm equipment manufacturer Case IH has announced plans to attend major European agricultural shows during the remainder of 2021 and 2022 as part of the company’s programme to reconnect with customers. This will be done with the highest possible attention to safety for both customers and Case IH employees, strictly observing safety measures prevailing in each location. 

 

Case IH will be exhibiting a range of exciting new products, including the first public showings of the AFS Connect versions of the Quadtrac and Optum tractors, the latest versions of the popular Puma 150-175 and 185-240 models, together with the Axial-Flow 9250 AFS Harvest Command combine and LB436 HD baler. An expanded range of the innovative AGXTEND precision farming technologies will also be shown. 

The company’s exhibition programme, which remains subject to change depending on prevailing COVID-19 legislation, will start with Innov-Agri in France from September 7-9, 2021, where Case IH will be launching the latest version of its highly successful Optum CVXDrive model. With 160ha of field demonstrations, Innov-Agri will take place at Outarville, South-West of Paris. 

 

Agribex is the other major event Case IH will attend this year. Belgium’s largest indoor international trade fair for agriculture and the green sector will be held at Brussels Expo from December 7 to 12. 

 

For 2022, Case IH has confirmed its attendance at five major shows, although others may be added to the company’s schedule. 

 

The calendar will start with FIMA 2022 from February 8-12, 2022. A major showcase for the agricultural sector in Southern Europe, the 42nd International Fair of Agricultural Machinery will take place in Zaragoza, Spain. 

 

The Case IH team will then head to Hannover in Germany for Agritechnica, where the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery will be held from February 27 to March 5. 

 

Later in the year, Case IH will exhibit at SIMA 2022. Marking the 100th anniversary of the SIMA show, the event will take place at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte, Paris, from November 6 to 10. In November, the company will also attend EIMA International 2022, the 45th International Agricultural Machinery Exhibition, in Bologna, Italy.  

 

The final date in the Case IH events diary for next year will be Agraria 2022 at Wels in central Austria from November 23 to 26. 

 

Case IH will be exhibiting a range

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Environment

ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala initiates massive demonstration of farming of seaweeds in nine inhabited Islands of Lakshadweep

The Lakshadweep Administration has prioritised seaweed farming as the next major development driver of the Islands. To achieve it, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala has launched a massive demonstration of farming of seaweeds in nine inhabited Islands of Lakshadweep.

 

The island has immense potential for producing quality seaweeds in the serene and pollution-free lagoons of Lakshadweep for high-end utilisation like pharmaceuticals, food and nutraceuticals.

 

Being farmed in nearly 2,500 bamboo rafts, the indigenous red algae, Gracilaria edulis and Acanthophora spicifera are the species that benefits 100 families belonging to 10 women self-help groups in the different islands. Known for its unique tuna fisheries and myriads of beautiful corals, reef fishes and other creatures; now, the marine sphere of the islands are more likely to be known as the Seaweed Farming Hub of India soon.

 

The demonstration focuses on popularising seaweed farming in the islands, capacity building of stakeholders & pre-feasibility and impact assessment for planned development of seaweed farming enterprise in the islands.

 

Under the programme, nearly 400 rafts seeded with G edulis seed strains grown in the Islands by the ICAR-CMFRI and the seed sourced from Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu have been deployed. The additional units to reach the target of 2,500 rafts are being added as the seed materials are developed in subsequent farming cycles of 45 days.

 

The institute’s recent studies revealed an unprecedented growth performance of indigenous seaweed species in the various lagoons of Lakshadweep with nearly 60-folds growth in 45 days for the species Gracilaria edulis.

 

Now, the Lakshadweep administration has joined hands with the institute for multi-locational trial farming and capacity building of stakeholders. Thus, experimental-scale trial farming was conducted in the Islands of Kiltan, Chetlah, Kadmath, Agatti and Kavaratti during 2020-21 with promising results.

 

The studies revealed the Island Territory’s potential of producing nearly 30,000 tonnes of dry seaweed per year worth Rs 75 crores by farming only 1 per cent (200 ha) of its 21,290 ha of lagoon area (Inhabited Islands only) at the rate of a modest 150 tonnes per hectare.

 

The sea being the major sink of carbon and the seaweeds well known for its carbon sequestration properties, the farming of seaweed at such a scale would sequester nearly 6,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide per day adding a huge carbon credit to the nation while providing a climate-resilient livelihood to the islanders.

 

ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala

AgroPolicy, Agrotech

A webinar on tomato processing and Value Addition under ’One District, One Product’ was also organised by the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology at Damoh

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is observing ‘Food Processing Week’ till September 12, 2021, under which, the Ministry is organising various programmes. The ministry launched the ‘Food Processing Week’ through an official video on social media platforms. The success story of the beneficiary of the PMFME scheme, Radhika Kamat was published on the ministry’s website in the ‘Atmanirbhar Enterprises’ series.

 

A webinar on tomato processing and Value Addition under ’One District, One Product’ was also organised by the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology at Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. An amount of Rs.3.16 crore seed capital amount has been transferred to Gram Panchayat Level Federations for 811 SHG Members. 

 

The Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Prahlad Singh Patel, inaugurated the Food Processing Unit of Vibhuti Mart at Food Park Maneri, District Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, under the CEFPPC scheme of Central Sector Scheme – Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.

 

The minister of state appreciated the promoters of the food processing unit for developing a state-of-the-art processing facility. He added that this unit would provide processing opportunities to farmers, self-help groups, and micro-entrepreneurs and create more employment opportunities in the surrounding areas.

 

This unit has been set up at a project cost of Rs 12.90 crore and a grant-in-aid of Rs 4.65 crores from the ministry. The total capacity (output) of this unit is 4000 litres per hour. The unit will also provide direct and indirect employment to 260 people and benefit farmers who will get better prices for their agro-products.

A webinar on tomato processing and Value

Supply Chain, Types

In last year same period, 764.39 LMT of paddy was purchased

In the ongoing season of Kharif 2020-21, the purchase of 889.62 LMTs of paddy (includes Kharif Crop 718.09 LMT and Rabi Crop 171.53 LMT) up to 05.09.2021 has been done against last year corresponding purchase of 764.39 LMT. This has benefitted about 130.47 Lakh farmers from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with an MSP value of Rs. 1,67,960.77 Crore. Paddy procurement has reached an all-time high level, surpassing the previous high of 773.45 LMT in KMS 2019-20.

Marketing Season RMS 2021-22 has concluded in wheat procuring states and till now (up to 18.08.2021) a quantity of 433.44 LMT of wheat has been procured (which is an all-time high, as it has exceeded the previous high 389.93 LMT of RMS 2020-21) against the last year corresponding purchase of 389.93 LMT.

About 49.20 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing RMS procurement operations with an MSP value of Rs. 85603.57 Crore.

For the cropping year, 2020-21 which includes Kharif 2020-21, Rabi 2021 and Summer 2021 seasons, the government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 11,99,713.15 MT of pulses and oilseeds having an MSP value of Rs 6,742.51 crores benefitting 7,02,368 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Odisha and Rajasthan up to 05.09.2021.

Fresh crop arrivals of Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2021-22 season is expected to arrive soon. Based on the proposal received from Karnataka State, approval was accorded for procurement of 40,000 MT of Pulses under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) during KMS 2021-22. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for the procurement of pulses, oilseeds and copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the Kharif Marketing Season 2021-22 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies as done during previous years.

For the season 2021-22, sanction for procurement of 51000 MT of Copra from Tamil Nadu has been given, against which 8.30 MT having an MSP value of Rs. 0.09 crores have been procured benefitting 36 farmers in Tamil Nadu, up to 05.09.2021.

The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for the commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective states based on the arrivals of KMS 2021-22 of pulses and oilseeds crops.

In last year same period, 764.39 LMT

AgroPolicy, Animal Health, Dairy, Live Stock

Launches portal for National Livestock Mission

A national-level meeting with all State Animal Husbandry/Veterinary Ministers was convened through virtual mode under the chairmanship of Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The national-level consultation with state ministers was held after a gap of more than five years. 

 

The Union Minister highlighted the special livestock sector package to all state ministers which has been recently announced by the Government of India for the next five years with an outlay of Rs 9800 crore leveraging a total investment of Rs 54,618 crore.

 

The meeting was graced by Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Dr L Murugan, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and other dignitaries.

 

Rupala apprised all state animal husbandry/veterinary ministers about various changes brought under the schemes of the Government of India in this regard, their implications and the role of states in the implementation of the revised and realigned schemes of the department. He underscored that states/UTs are the key stakeholders for the implementation of the schemes. A healthy interaction between centres and states will enhance cooperation and strengthen cooperative federalism for the fruitful accomplishment of scheme goals.

 

Dr Balyan laid emphasis on livestock health and disease control. He also stressed strengthening veterinary infrastructure.

 

Dr Murugan said, “The livestock sector in our country has been growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.15 per cent from 2014-15 to 2019-20. This CAGR is higher than many other sectors of the economy. This only shows the huge potential of this sector.” 

 

During the meeting, Union Minister also launched the portal for the National Livestock Mission (NLM), which was developed by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to increase the effectiveness and transparency in the scheme implementation. The online portal will enable a customised workflow between State Implementing Agency (SIA), Lenders and Ministry as required under the Scheme.

 

Union Minister also released the report ’Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics- 2020.’ The report contains tabulated data sets giving production estimates for major livestock products like milk, eggs, meat and wool.

 

During the meeting, success stories of livestock farmers were also shown to all state animal husbandry/veterinary ministers.

Launches portal for National Livestock MissionA national-level

Agro Universities, R&D

The patent (No. 376260) has been granted for a period of 20 years in accordance with the provisions of the Patent’s Act

The Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana has been granted an Indian patent on ’Fermentation Process For Enhanced Glucose Production From Sweet Sorghum Bagasse Using Acidothermophilic Fungal Cellulases’ by the Indian Patent Office, Government of India, New Delhi. The patent (No. 376260) has been granted for a period of 20 years in accordance with the provisions of the Patent’s Act. This is the 15th Indian patent granted to PAU and second to the scientist, Dr S Kocher, Principal Microbiologist. The team also includes his doctorate student Ritika from the Department of Microbiology, PAU, Ludhiana and Dr HS Oberoi, Scientist, CIPHET, Ludhiana.

 

According to Dr Kocher, the present invention relates to a fermentation process for enhanced glucose production from sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) using an acido-thermophilic cellulase consortium produced by Aspergillus fumigatus. Since the process uses thermophilic fungus, refrigeration during enzyme production and/ or hydrolysis is not needed which results in energy as well as cost-efficiency. Further, Dr Kocher stated that this invention is in line with the Biofuel Policy, 2018 of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, GoI, whereby higher emphasis has been laid on agricultural lignocellulosic residues as substrate (2G) for bioethanol production as more funding and incentives to startups have been provided.

 

Anirudh Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, Dr NS Bains, Director of Research, Dr Jaskaran Singh Mahal, Director of Extension Education and Dean Post Graduate Studies, Dr Shammi Kapoor, Dean College of Basic Sciences, all ADRs; Dr AS Dhatt, Dr Gursahib Singh, Dr GS Mangat and Dr PPS Pannu congratulated Dr Kocher and his team for the noteworthy achievement. 

The patent (No. 376260) has been granted

AgroPolicy, Supply Chain

According to the minister, agriculture will be modernised for the benefit of farmers

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar emphasised that the Central government and state governments must work together for agriculture to give a boost to the economy. Tomar was speaking at the Chief Ministers’ conference on initiatives and schemes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

 

The minister urged all states to study the Karnataka model which was presented during the conference. He told the states to create a database for the State using the federated farmer database prepared by the Government of India and allow linkage to state land record database. He said that MoAFW has created a database of 5.5 crore farmers and it will be increased to 8 crore farmers by December 2021 with the help of state governments. The minister said that with the establishment of agriculture infrastructure funds, FPOs, PACS, Mandis and start-ups will get loans easily. Talking about the oil palm mission the Minister said that ICAR has conducted a study on the areas in which oil palm cultivation can be expanded.

 

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs and Textiles Piyush Goyal said in his address that with an increase in agriculture exports, India is emerging as a trusted export partner and there is further scope for improvement of agri-exports. He emphasised that the infrastructure needs to be strengthened for storage and warehousing. 

 

The objectives of the conference were to highlight the salient features of AatmanirbharKrishi and to enable states to enhance farmers’ income. It was also an occasion to share innovative initiatives undertaken by the states. 

 

The discussion with the states centered around the agriculture infrastructure fund set up to drive infrastructure investment. The recent modifications in the scheme were explained – the eligibility has been extended to APMSs/state agencies/ National and state federations of cooperatives/ FPOs and SHGs. The eligible activities were explained like community farming, assets, post-harvest management projects and primary processing. The need to make India self-reliant in edible oils and palms was stressed and the role of the States was discussed. Digital agriculture and the use of emerging technology for smart agriculture was also discussed. 

 

 There was discussion on the export of agriculture products and the role of APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) in increasing agriculture exports. APEDA will facilitate cluster centric capacity building exercises for state officials, FPOs, farmers, start-ups etc. 

 

The first day of the two-day conference saw the participation of chief ministers and agriculture ministers of around a dozen states.

 

Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary gave the vote of thanks. Secretary, MoAFW, Sanjay Agarwal gave the welcome address and moderated the conference. MoSMs. ShobhaKarandlaje, Secretary MoF&PD, Sudhanshu Pandey were also present. Additional Secretary, MoAFW Vivek Agarwal gave a presentation on the agenda points of the conference. Chairman, APEDA gave a presentation on agri exports. Other senior officials from Central and state governments also participated in the conference. 

 

According to the minister, agriculture will be

E-commerce, IT

Announces Krish-e Champion Awards – Rabi 2021 Edition

Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector has announced the winners of the second edition of the Krish-e Champion Awards. The Rabi 2021 edition of the award celebrated farmers and institutions who adopted Krish-e practices in the last Rabi season, showcasing visible impact in their farmlands and their lives, thereby improving their income per acre. 

 

A biannual event, aligned with the Kharif and Rabi seasons, the Krish-e Champion Awards recognises and felicitates individual farmers as well as institutions who have risen above the ordinary, by accepting no limits, thinking alternatively and driving positive change on their RISE journey in the agriculture sector. 11 national awards were presented to the winners under five categories, with farmers from 45 Krish-e centres across India participating in the Rabi 2021 edition of the award.

 

Winners among participating farmers in the regional round have been nominated for the national awards in the categories of Takneek Champion, Mahika Kisan Champion, Yuva Kisan Champion and Rental partner Champion. 

 

Charri Devi from Ranchi received the Mahila Kisan Award, Rahul Verma from Chhindwara bagged the Yuva Kisan Award, Amreek Singh from Gurdaspur, Markandey Kumar from Bihar Sharif, Pardeep Kumar from Jwalapur, Kailash Dattatrya More from Aurangabad, Danda Venkatranga Reddy from Miryalguda bagged the Takneek Champion Kisan Award. 

 

Gurviryam Jodhsinghwala from Tarn Taran, Nageswara Rao from Tadepalligudam, Sohan Mahdole from Chhindwara received the Rental Partner Champion Award and Amardeep Singh from Sultanpur Lodhi, Nakodhar have received the Rental B2B Partner Champion Award.

 

Ramesh Ramachandran, Senior Vice President, FES Strategy & FaaS, M&M, “We are proud to announce the winners of the 2021 Rabi edition of the Krish-e Champion Awards. Through these awards, we aim to recognise farmers and agripreneurs who have showcased an increase in ‘income per acre’, by adopting modern farming practices including new agronomy techniques and mechanised solutions. These Krish-e champions will be proud ambassadors of progressive farming inspiring fellow farmers in their vicinity to follow in their footsteps. This is the catalytic effect we seek to create.” 

 

Carrying the tag line – ‘Expert Takneek. Naye Upay. Parinaam Dikhaye’ – Krish-e is Mahindra’s Farming as a Service (FaaS) business vertical, for technology-driven services that are progressive, affordable and accessible to farmers. It aims to increase a farmer’s income through digitally-enabled services, across the complete crop cycle, with agronomy advisory, access to advanced farm equipment rentals and new-age precision farming solutions, all focused on bringing down overall farming cost and improving crop output, thereby a farmer’s income.

Announces Krish-e Champion Awards – Rabi 2021

AgroPolicy, Agrotech

Training will be imparted in education and other knowledge-based activities

The ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, Maharashtra (A Grant-in-Aid Institution under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agricultural & Farmers’ Welfare.

Dr Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM and Dr Hema Yadav, Director, VAMNICOM signed the MoU on the behalf of their organisations.


Dr Rao and Dr Yadav stated that the MoU will create opportunities to develop the programmes for cooperation in training, education and other knowledge-based activities based on reciprocity and mutual benefits.

Dr G Venkateshwarlu, Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM outlined that the MoU provides an overarching framework for collaboration in various areas like training programmes, education, research and projects, exchange of information and expertise of mutual interests.

Training will be imparted in education and

Agrotech, China

Origin will play a vital role in China’s massive initiative to modernise its agricultural industry

Origin Agritech, an agriculture technology company headquartered in Beijing, has retained PCG Advisory, as its investor relations firm of record.

 

Dr Gengchen Han, Origin Agritech’s Chairman, said, “We are pleased to announce our engagement with PCG Advisory, a top tier investor relations firm based in NYC. Their strong relationships with the investment community in addition to their senior-level strategic advisors are clear differentiators that we plan on leveraging to enhance our overall investor marketing. China is embarking on a massive initiative to modernise its agricultural industry, in which we believe Origin will play a vital role and makes this an opportune time to expand our investment community marketing and tell our story to a wider investor audience.”

 

Jeff Ramson, Founder and CEO, PCG Advisory, added, “The Origin story is extremely compelling, and we are excited to introduce the company to our active open market investors. We believe the investment thesis will resonate well with both agriculture technology as well as growth investors are given the sector attractiveness and value proposition. We look forward to leveraging our team’s expertise to build upon Origin’s standing with key stakeholders and executing a successful investor relations programme for them.”

 

 

 

 

Origin will play a vital role in

Agro Universities, R&D

Authors hope the emerging insights into chickpea’s DRR defence mechanisms will pave way for future research towards the development of management strategies

Researchers at ICRISAT have recently zeroed in on a few promising sets of genes that play a key role against dry root rot (DRR) of chickpea, a fungal disease in India. The team led by Dr Mamta Sharma, have explained the phenomenon at the molecular level. The team has found the involvement of endochitinase and PR-3-type chitinase (CHI III) genes in delaying the progression of DRR.

 

DRR is caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola, a soil-borne fungus that kills plant tissues and uses the dead matter to sustain itself. Such pathogens are termed necrotrophic. R bataticola is known to infect a wide range of plant species. While Fusarium wilt in chickpea has traditionally been the concern of plant health experts, DRR has emerged over the past decade as a major threat in the heart of India’s chickpea producing regions – the central and southern states.

 

If the climate supports it, DRR can cause up to 75 per cent yield loss in chickpeas. Its incidence in Madhya Pradesh, India’s biggest chickpea producing state, ranges from 5 per cent to 35 per cent. 

 

“Changing climatic conditions bring changes to plant-pathogen interactions, which may either work in the plant’s favour or work against it. We are seeing that with rising average temperature and changes to the rainfall patterns, DRR has emerged as a major concern for chickpea farming in India,” Dr Sharma, a Principal Scientist who leads the Precision Phenotyping Cluster at ICRISAT, said while explaining the rationale behind the long-term study being conducted in collaboration with the research institutions of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). 

 

Dr Sharma is the coordinator of the Center of Excellence on Climate Change Research for Plant Protection at ICRISAT where the study is being done.

 

In the most recent experiment, the findings of which were published in Frontiers in Plant Science, researchers underscored the importance of testing responses to multiple stresses in tandem. DRR susceptibility was studied in two cultivars (BG 212 and JG 11) in high soil moisture and low-temperature conditions as well as in low soil moisture and high-temperature conditions. The disease susceptibility was higher in the second set of conditions. Later differential gene expression was studied for several stress-responsive genes in chickpea.

 

“The significant overexpression of genes encoding for the enzymes endochitinase and PR-3-type chitinase implicated the role in the plant’s defence mechanism. We found these genes very active in the early stages of the disease, particularly under low soil moisture conditions, and have concluded that they contribute to delaying the progression,” said the study’s first author Sharath Chandran, a Senior Research Fellow at ICRISAT.

 

The authors hope the emerging insights into chickpea’s DRR defence mechanisms will pave way for future research towards the development of management strategies that prevent this disease from assuming epidemic proportions.

 

For now, the findings of the study make a strong case for irrigating chickpea fields during the crucial flowering and pod development stages to arrest the progress of DRR post-infection to mitigate severity and crop loss.

Authors hope the emerging insights into chickpea’s

Cold Storage, Logistics, Warehousing

The upgraded warehouse will play a key role in UK food distribution

Lineage Logistics, provider of innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions, has announced the completion of the expansion of its Heywood Northern Superhub, making Manchester home to the UK’s most advanced cold storage facility. The upgraded warehouse will play a key role in UK food distribution and consume 75 per cent less energy than the European average as it features the latest technologies that maximise warehouse space utilisation.

The cold storage facility will provide storage for major food manufacturing, service and retail brands, cementing Manchester’s role as a distribution hub for food products in the UK. Following the 12-month expansion, the facility will boast 425,000 sq ft of space and a total of 78,000 pallets across the site on Hareshill Road. This is part of the three-phase expansion of Lineage’s original facility into a Northern Superhub, with prior phases adding 100,000 sq ft of space and 28,000 pallets. The expanded facility became operational during the summer.

The Heywood site links an innovative single-skin cold store to the traditional ‘box-in-box’ design, ensuring the integrity of the minus 30-degree temperature while maximising the internal area and pallet space capacity. State-of-the-art materials and mechanical systems ensure that strict carbon reduction targets are met. With energy management systems in place, the new facility will provide Lineage with 75 per cent operational energy cost savings compared to the average energy consumption of similar facilities in Europe.

Lineage focusses on temperature-controlled loading areas, insulation, fast-closing door seals and the management of construction work alongside the existing operational chamber.

The upgraded warehouse will play a key

AgroPolicy, Environment

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Prasad inaugurates the latest upgraded state-of-the-art doppler weather radar

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the latest upgraded state-of-the-art Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) & Indigenous GPS-based Pilot Sonde at Indian Meteorological Office in Jammu.

 

Dr Singh said the X-Band Doppler Weather Radar installed will help in providing real-time monitoring and reporting of weather events affecting the Jammu region and will help provide weather forecasts in different sectors including agriculture and tourism forecast especially for the pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi.

 

Besides providing real-time monitoring, the X-Band Doppler Weather Radar stationed at Jammu will provide improved weather services to the people of J&K and input to numerical weather prediction models for generating better weather forecasts, the minister added.

 

Dr M Mohapatra, DG Meteorology, IMD, Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, Science & Technology, UT of J&K, RaghavLangar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Charan Singh, Head, Regional Meteorological Centre, Delhi and KC Saikrishnan, Head Upper Instruments Division, IMD were also present during the inauguration.

 

 

 

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science

Agro Universities, Dairy

Discussions were held on the adoption of goatery under the integrated farming model

The Directorate of Extension Education, PAU, Ludhiana in collaboration with NABARD and under the guidance of Dr Jaskarn Singh Mahal, Director, Extension Education, organised a three-day training programme on dairy farming activities for farmers of various FPOs.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head, Department of Extension Education highlighted the importance of the training for farmers who by adopting subsidiary occupations like dairy farming etc and aligning with FPOs can reap better profits. 

 

Dr TS Riar, Additional Director, Communication, stressed the importance of Farmers Producers Organisations and their role in increasing farmers income in the current agricultural scenario. Dr Manoj Sharma shared important techniques related to dairy farming along with nutritious feed for cattle. Dr Madhu Shelly discussed the common diseases of cattle on milk, the treatment and the need for adopting goatery as an allied agricultural activity. Dr Jaspreet Kaur discussed the various food products that can be obtained from milk.

 

Dr Rohit Gupta shed light on the adoption of goatery under the integrated farming model, Dr S.S. Walia spoke about the various aspects of integrated farming, Dr Khushdeep Dharni emphasized the role of agri entrepreneurship in today’s time, Dr Sukhdeep Kaur shared various food items that can be prepared from fruits and vegetables and Dr Ramandeep Singh informed about marketing and branding technicalities. The training course included visits to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Noormahal as well as an integrated farming model farm.

 

 Dr Lavlish Garg proposed the vote of thanks and urged the trainees to apply the skills learnt at the training into their agricultural practices. He also shared the forthcoming training to be conducted by the Skill Development Centre.

Discussions were held on the adoption of