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Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Live Stock, R&D

ICAR-NBFGR signs MoU with the Fisheries Department of UP to facilitate stocking of Clown knife fish

ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow signed an MoU with the Fisheries Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to facilitate stocking of State-fish of Uttar Pradesh ‘Chitala chitala’ (Clown knife fish) in rivers and Ompok bimaculatus (Pabda/Butter catfish) as candidate species for farming in the state.

ICAR-NBFGR will provide technical support and guidance and facilitate the supply of fingerlings of Chitala to the Fisheries Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, for regular ranching in the state’s rivers.

Dr U. K. Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, and Prasant Sharma, IAS, Director, Fisheries Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, signed the MoU for their respective organisations.

Dr Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Dr Rajneesh Dube, IAS Additional Chief Secretary, Fisheries Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh; and Ramakant Nishad, Chairperson, Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Development Corporation were present during the ceremony.

Chitala was categorised as ‘Near Threatened’ according to the IUCN List 2010. It’s vital to conserve the population of Chitala in the rivers of Uttar Pradesh by way of regular ranching. The Fisheries Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, plans to carry out river ranching of Chitala in Uttar Pradesh for the next ten years.

ICAR-NBFGR signs MoU with the Fisheries Department

AgroPolicy, Finance, Foodgrains, India, Schemes - Govt

The expected margin to farmers over their cost of production are estimated to be highest in case of bajra (82 per cent) followed by tur (58 per cent), soybean (52 per cent) and urad (51 per cent).

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24.

Government has increased the MSP of Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24, to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce and to encourage crop diversification.

The increase in MSP for Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24 is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average Cost of Production, aiming at reasonably fair remuneration for the farmers. The expected margin to farmers over their cost of production are estimated to be highest in case of bajra (82 per cent) followed by tur (58 per cent), soybean (52 per cent) and urad (51 per cent). For rest of the crops, margin to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be at least 50 per cent.

In the recent years, Government has been promoting the cultivation of crops, other than cereals such as pulses, oilseeds, and Nutri-cereals/ Shree Anna, by offering a higher MSP for these crops.  Additionally, government has also launched various schemes and initiatives, such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), to encourage farmers to diversify their crops.

As per Third Advance Estimates for 2022-23, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at record 330.5 million tonnes which is higher by14.9 million tonnes as compared to the previous year 2021-22. This is the highest increase in the last 5 year.

The expected margin to farmers over their

Agrotech, Company News, Foodgrains, R&D, Sustainability, World

The collaboration includes the development of a field crop ‘living lab’ demonstration with Rosengren Farms, an Avena grower

HIPPEAS is piloting a cutting-edge regenerative agriculture pilot program with Canadian speciality pulse and oat miller Avena Foods Limited. The collaboration includes the development of a field crop ‘living lab’ demonstration with Rosengren Farms, an Avena grower. Rosengren has over a decade of experience in the innovative practice of growing multiple crops (grains and pulses) in combination, which is also referred to as intercropping. This important sustainability project, with the support of Saskatchewan’s South East Research Farm, will evaluate the intercropping practice for climate impacts through scientific modelling.

Intercropping is based on the principle that different crops have different nutrient requirements, growth patterns, and ecological niches, which can be complementary when grown together. Intercropping can enhance soil fertility, reduce pest and disease pressure, increase yield, and diversify farm income. Despite these benefits, it has not yet been widely adopted as it requires careful planning, management, and monitoring to avoid competition, shading, and allelopathy between the crops. That’s where pilot programs and ‘living labs” come in, as they can create a blueprint for farmers and suppliers to reap the benefits and ultimately reduce climate impact.

“We have been working with Avena as a supplier of our pulses and are so excited to be taking our partnership to new heights with our collaborative regenerative agriculture pilot program,” Julia Hecht, stated HIPPEAS CMO. “Yellow pea is the #1 ingredient in our HIPPEAS Veggie Straws and is also used in our Chickpea Tortilla Chips and Chickpea Puffs, so we’re proud to source regeneratively grown yellow peas from Avena. HIPPEAS has always aligned with suppliers who are trying to make a difference in sustainable agriculture and Avena’s commitment is incomparable — we are thrilled to be a part of this impactful pilot program and look forward to sharing our findings and other exciting news later this year,” she continued. 

“Our partnership with HIPPEAS harnesses the expertise of farmers and food scientists,” explained Gord Flaten Avena CEO. “We want to field-test ideas for improving the environmental footprint of food production. Our focus is on innovations that are good for people and also for the planet.”

The collaboration includes the development of a

Agrotech, Company News, R&D, Sustainability, World

leveraging Ginkgo’s ultra-high throughput encapsulated screening capabilities, AgBiome aims to unlock the even higher performance of its microbial strain pipeline

AgBiome and Ginkgo Bioworks, announced a partnership to optimise the performance of products in AgBiome’s pipeline of agricultural biologicals. Organisations developing next-generation agricultural inputs can access Ginkgo’s platform to accelerate the discovery and deployment of new products. By leveraging Ginkgo’s ultra-high throughput encapsulated screening capabilities, AgBiome aims to provide growers with new and improved live microbial strain products.

The biological crop protection market has significantly grown in recent years as growers have increasingly sought effective and sustainable alternatives to synthetic pest control products. By leveraging Ginkgo’s suite of advanced biology tools, AgBiome aims to enhance the breadth and efficacy of novel biological products.

“We believe we can identify improved variants at a massive scale, which can help deliver more potent agricultural biologicals and bring the next generation of products to market,” said Magalie Guilhabert, Head of Ag Biologicals, Ginkgo Bioworkas. “We are thrilled to work with an industry leader like AgBiome as we seek to optimize live microbial strain products in their pipeline and provide even better solutions to growers around the world.”

“AgBiome is committed to creating the most effective crop protection products, and we are always looking for new technologies to enable better performance,” said Scott Uknes, Co-founder and Co-CEO of AgBiome. “We are excited to utilise Ginkgo’s capabilities in ultra-high-throughput assay development to evolve the next generation of biologicals as we continue to provide growers with improved product efficacy.”

AgBiome’s crop protection products, discovered using its proprietary Genesis platform, are based on natural microbial strains that have undergone extensive testing and evaluation to ensure consistent performance. Ginkgo’s ultra-high throughput encapsulated screening technology makes it possible to search through up to 1 million strain variants in a single run and select the best-performing candidates for further development. Built on nanoliter encapsulation technology, Ginkgo’s screening capabilities provide nanoscale growth and assay compartments and make it possible to greatly reduce the screening time for large libraries.

leveraging Ginkgo's ultra-high throughput encapsulated screening capabilities,

Animal Health, Dairy, Live Stock, R&D, World

The new Igenity BeefXDairy test provides producers with insight into key traits such as carcass quality, average daily gain, and the Igenity Terminal Index

Neogen Corporation announced that it has launched Igenity BeefXDairy, a new and novel leading genomic test for beef-on-dairy calves.

Genetic testing is critical to the efficient management and marketing of beef-on-dairy cattle, and the new Igenity BeefXDairy test provides producers with insight into key traits such as carcass quality, average daily gain, and the Igenity Terminal Index, which can then be used to market the calf’s growth potential to buyers. The test will also allow buyers to receive breed composition data (e.g., percentage beef vs. percentage dairy) to help them best manage those cattle for optimal health and maximum growth.

“Neogen is excited to be the first to offer up a commercial genomic tool for this growth cattle market,” said Shelby Smith, Bovine Genomics Product Manager at Neogen. “This product offering is a massive step forward in helping to characterize beef-on-dairy animals and allowing dairy producers, cattle buyers, and, ultimately, consumers of beef products to benefit. With increased DNA testing, we can enable improved quality, efficiency, and sustainability within beef production systems.”

Neogen Genomics constantly provides high-quality data to assist with herd improvement and improve cattle operations, and the new Igenity BeefXDairy test is another tool allowing producers to glean valuable data they need to advance and grow their operations efficiently and sustainably.

The new Igenity BeefXDairy test provides producers

Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Company News, Environment, India, Live Stock, Sustainability

This state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is poised to meet the growing demands of Asia Pacific and Africa

Sistema bio unveiled the world’s largest manufacturing facility for biogas plants in Chakan, Pune on World Environment Day. Spanning an expansive area of 130,000 square feet. The advanced facility boasts an outstanding annual production capacity of 100,000 prefabricated biogas plants. With a staggering investment of 150 million INR ($1.8 million), this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is poised to meet the growing demands of Asia Pacific and Africa.

During the inauguration event, Alexander Eaton, Sistema.bio’s Co-founder and CEO, expressed his pride and appreciation for the facility, stating, “This facility is an example for the world of innovative technology and efficient business operations, creating a global impact. For every smart biogas unit that comes out of this facility, we can measure outcomes in farmers’ lives impacted, better human health, and better climate health.”

Presently, the factory operates at a daily capacity of 360 units, with future plans to double this output through automation. In comparison to the previous facility’s production capacity of 30,000 units, the new factory exhibits an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. This colossal manufacturing facility will produce biogas plants at a scale like no other in India and has been certified under ISO 9001, demonstrating the delivery of high-quality products with strict quality standards and efficient production. Sistema.bio’s revolutionary biogas technology is patented in India for biogas reactors and membrane templates. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of the Government of India has officially recognised and approved Sistema.bio’s modern and innovative biogas technology in December 2022.

Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the factory efficiently produces modern biogas plants, biogas booster pumps, H2S scrubbers, and assembles a full suite of biogas plants including biodigester and cookstoves. Over the next five years, Sistema.bio India aims to implement automation to significantly increase its capacity, enabling the company to extend its reach to hundreds of thousands of farmers across the country. Furthermore, Sistema.bio has set a goal to install one million biogas plants in India by 2030.

Sistema.bio works with multiple partners in India spanning from foundations, NGOs, co-operative & private dairy, and rural development organisations to reach lakhs of farmers every year. Its innovative Carbon financing model ensures farmers receive modern biogas technology at extremely affordable rates.

Piyush Sohani, the Country Director at Sistema.bio India said, “With the launch of the world’s largest manufacturing facility for biogas plants, we are celebrating a significant milestone in the sustainable energy landscape. This state-of-the-art facility will revolutionise the biogas industry, enabling us to meet the increasing demand for clean energy solutions in India and beyond. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship is unwavering, and this facility represents our dedication to impacting millions of lives in India and creating a greener and more sustainable future.”

This state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is poised to

Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy, Finance, India, Schemes - Govt

The Cabinet has approved Rs 70,000 crore subsidy for urea and Rs 38,000 crore for DAP and other fertilisers for Kharif Season 2023-24.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1.08 lakh crore for the fertiliser subsidy for the 2023-24 Kharif season, to ensure the availability of fertilisers to farmers at subsidised, affordable, and reasonable prices.

“The Cabinet has approved Rs 70,000 crore subsidy for urea and Rs 38,000 crore for DAP and other fertilisers. A total of Rs 1.08 lakh crore will be spent on fertiliser subsidy for the Kharif season (April-September”, said Mansukh Mandaviya Union Fertiliser Minister.

Currently, the price of urea is Rs 276 per bag and the price of DAP is Rs 1,350 per bag. The subsidy is likely to benefit around 12 crore farmers.

In a press release, the government said that the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilisers for revision in Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for various nutrients i.e., Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S) for Rabi Season 2022-23 and approved NBS rates for Kharif Season, 2023 for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers.

The Subsidy on P&K fertilisers is governed by NBS Scheme. The government has approved a revision in the NBS rates for Rabi 2022-2023 effective from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023, and approved the NBS rates for Kharif, 2023 (from April 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023) to make available 25 grades of Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers to farmers at subsidised prices, the statement added.

The Cabinet has approved Rs 70,000 crore

Company News, Environment, India, Seeds, Sustainability

The objective of this centre is to promote sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices and improve soil health and fertility through natural methods

DRI, the flagship company of Pahwa Group, inaugurates the DRI Sustainable Agriculture Resource Centre at Dadhikar village in Alwar, Rajasthan, in partnership with the Sapna NGO. With an aim to provide benefits to the farmers, the centre was inaugurated on the occasion of World Environment Day Anandita Pahwa, Head-CSR Initiatives, Pahwa Group, in the presence of Jagdish Prasad Sharma, Assistant Agriculture Officer, Alwar; Sudhir Pratap Singh, General Secretary and Prof. Ranvir Singh, Secretary, Sapna NGO. Many of the farmers from the Dadhikar village were also present for the inauguration.
The objective of this centre is to promote sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices and improve soil health and fertility through natural methods. Benefiting more than 150 farmers in the area, this project will lead to increased access to organic, healthy and chemical-free food for the local community, along with providing training and support to farmers & villagers transitioning to organic farming methods. Initially, four types of organic khad will be made and distributed to the villagers from the new centre, namely Neemastra, Jivamrit, Vermi Compost and Rapid Compost.

This centre is aimed at generating awareness about organic farming and increasing the productivity of the crop. The long-term impact of this project will be to eliminate the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, genetically modified seeds and breeds, preservatives, additives and irradiation. These will be replaced by site-specific management practices that maintain and increase long-term soil fertility and prevent pests and diseases.

The Center will also be used as a Farmer Training and Capacity Building centre, where the company plans to conduct workshops and training sessions on organic farming techniques. It will also provide education on soil management, composting, natural pest control, and crop rotation, and demonstrate different organic techniques suitable for the local conditions.

The objective of this centre is to

Agro Universities, India

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) released the ranking of around 8,686 Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) which participated in the ranking exercise.

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute, popularly known as the Pusa Institute and the harbinger of Green Revolution, scales to the pinnacle of the crest of the ranking by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for the year 2023 under the category of Agriculture and Allied sectors. The eighth edition of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was announced by Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Government of India on June 5, 2023. NIRF released the ranking of around 8,686 Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) which participated in the ranking exercise. Earlier there were four categories and seven subject domains. Agriculture and allied sector have been added as a subject domain for the first time.

IARI continues its commitment for excellence in agricultural research, education and extension.  The institute has already embarked upon the path to evolve as a global university. It has started undergraduate programmes in 4 disciplines of agriculture, community science, B. Tech (Engineering) and B. Tech (Biotechnology). Aligning with New Education Policy 2020; plans afoot to initiate several diploma and certificate courses to lay emphasis upon vocational education.

Besides the hard work and brilliance of the faculty of IARI; the planning and guidance of the Director and the Vice -Chancellor of the of the institute, Dr Ashok Kumar Singh; and the dedicated efforts of the Dean & Joint Director, Education, Dr Anupma Singh and Assoc Dean Dr Atul Kumar have gone a long way in securing the first position. The institute sincerely acknowledges the motivation, support and guidance of the honourable Secretary DARE and DG ICAR, Dr Himanshu Pathak as well as the DDG (Education), Dr RC Agrawal and DDG (Crops), Dr. T.R. Sharma.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) released the

Agrotech, Environment, India, Sustainability

Experts from agriculture sector discussed about in new approaches towards climate-resilient agriculture during the panel discussion on Climate-resilient Agriculture Technologies and Approaches in Asia’ during the launch event of B2B portal AgroSpectrum Asia organised by AgroSpectrum.

The application of precision agriculture and genomics technology is important for climate-resilient agricultural practices in India, said Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson, of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPVFRA)). He was speaking in a panel discussion on Climate-resilient Agriculture Technologies and Approaches in Asia on the occasion of launch event of agrospectrumasia.com portal organised by Agrospectrum.

Ashok Dalwai, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority, Govt of India, Smita Sirohi, Joint Secretary – G20/BRICS & SCO, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Govt of India, Pawan Agarwal, CEO Food Future Foundation, Dr C D Mayee, Former Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, Govt of India was moderate the panel discussion. Ravi Boratkar AgroSpectrum Publisher and Managing Editor and Milind Kokje Chief Editor of AgroSpectrum were present on the stage.

Dr C D Mayee, moderator of the panel discussion emphasised that though the impact of climate changes is not seen at large scale, but small holder farmers are suffering badly due to the impact of climate changes. In such a scenario, climate resilient technologies for agriculture will help in mitigating the challenges of agriculture sector on large scale.

Dr Mohapatra emphasised that mainstreaming of GM crops (genetically modified) will be beneficial for farmers.

Ashok Dalwai, CEO of, the National Rainfed Area Authority, said, “We need to restructure and reorient the Indian agricultural sector. We should adopt a new approach to the country’s agriculture for climate-resilient agriculture.   

Smita Sirohi addressed the awareness approach in climate-resilient agricultural practices. She said, “We have to have a very systematic approach in agriculture. We are less prepared for climate-resilient agriculture, most countries are working on climate-resilient agriculture.”

Pawan Agarwal suggested that India must focus on climate-resilient agricultural practices.   

Ravi Boratkar explained the present scenario of agriculture sector in Asia and role of the agrospectrumasia website in bridging the gap between the Indian agri industry and the Asian agri market.

Boratkar also added that the AgroSpectrum Asia portal provides information about Asian agriculture market, latest trends in agri industry and also highlights the major activities in R& D agriculture sector and analysis of agriculture markets in APAC region.

Experts from agriculture sector discussed about in

Agrotech, Company News, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

 Swaraj Target facilitates horticulture mechanization, a fast-growing segment in Indian agriculture.

Swaraj Tractors, a rapidly growing tractor brand in the country and a part of the Mahindra Group, launched a Compact Light Weight tractor range called the ‘Swaraj Target’. The new range from Swaraj is expected to set a new benchmark in the Compact Light Weight tractor category, for unmatched performance, first-in-class features, and state-of-the-art technology.

The name “Swaraj Target” reflects the purposeful design of the new tractor range, aimed at fulfilling the unique needs of Indian farmers and assisting them in achieving their farm productivity targets by adopting specialized mechanization solutions.

Developed specifically for progressive and aspirational farmers who are eager to embrace latest agricultural practices and technology, the new range seamlessly combines power and advanced technology features, providing exceptional efficiency in spraying, interculture operations, and various other applications.

By adopting advanced technology, the new range provides enhanced operator comfort through unique technology features like a synchromesh gear box for smooth gear shifts, reminiscent of a car-like experience, while enabling the operator to control multiple implements through just the touch of a button. Its narrowest track width and low turning radius allow farmers to navigate tight spaces effortlessly, significantly increasing productivity and minimizing crop damage.

Swaraj Tractors will initially debut two models in the 20-30 HP (14.91 – 22.37kW) category under the Swaraj Target range. The Swaraj Target 630 model will first be available through Swaraj’s extensive dealer network in Maharashtra and Karnataka, with attractive price starting from Rs 5.35 lakhs ex-showroom.  The Swaraj Target 625 will be introduced in due course.

Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating, “Introduction of Swaraj Target opens a new segment for growth of Swaraj Tractors and facilitates horticulture mechanization, a fast-growing segment in Indian agriculture. This new addition to Swaraj’s portfolio is completely in-line with our Farm Equipment sector’s purpose of Transform Farming and Enrich Lives making us future ready.’’

Harish Chavan, CEO – Swaraj Division, M&M Ltd, emphasizes that the Swaraj Target represents a significant milestone in their mission to provide farmers with the most advanced technology tractors. He further stated, “Swaraj Tractors are renowned for their higher power and reliability, and with this new platform, we are offering advanced technology that will assist farmers in achieving their targets in farm productivity by adopting modern agricultural practices and high value crops.”

 Swaraj Target facilitates horticulture mechanization, a fast-growing

Agrotech, Company News, Europe, Seeds

Novel seed treatment contains best-in-class PLINAZOLIN® technology that protects the crop right from the start of its life.

Switzerland based Syngenta Crop Protection’s Seedcare business introduced EQUENTO®, a novel seed treatment that provides outstanding control of various soil pests while helping farmers increase the sustainability of their farming operations.

EQUENTO®, based on Syngenta’s cutting-edge PLINAZOLIN® technology, is applied onto seeds, protecting the crop right from the start of its life. Based on a new mode of action (IRAC Group 30), it breaks the critical rise in insect resistance, while offering precise control of a broad variety of soil pests – including difficult-to-control pests such as the wireworm and the red legged earth mite. The seed treatment can be applied across multiple crops including cereals and canola.

Among the key benefits EQUENTO® brings is its ability to increase the sustainability of a farm’s operations. Safe for both the seed and plant, this seed treatment is highly effective at very low dose rates and is not easily soluble or mobile in soil. This provides precise and effective pest control in the area immediately surrounding a plant’s roots and ensures healthier roots that contribute to better soil health and biodiversity.

This innovative seed treatment also offers farmers greater flexibility in farming decisions – ranging from application timings, dose rates to choices of mixtures with other insecticides and fungicides. It is effective even in low soil temperatures, controlling pests that either ingest or come in contact with the plant, and reducing pest populations in the soil. In addition, EQUENTO® features exceptional target specificity, which enables farmers to precisely tailor their dose rates to meet particular pest challenges.

“EQUENTO®’s combination of a novel mode of action, broad spectrum pest control, as well as superior seed and crop safety reflects Syngenta’s commitment to innovation,” said Jonathan Brown, Global Head of Syngenta Seedcare. “It transforms the ability of farmers to manage wireworms and other hard to control pests, establish a healthy young crop crucial for good yields, while protecting soil health, bio-diversity and the planet.”

Insects and soil pests pose significant challenges to farmers, threatening both yields as well as the quality of the harvests by harming the crop as well as opening pathways for disease. Their ability to constantly evolve, coupled with the impact of climate change that has propelled shifts in the insect pressure and spectrum farmers face, have increased the urgency for innovative solutions that protect the farmers ability to grow productively and sustainably. An estimated 600 species of insects are already deemed resistant to at least one insecticide. 

Syngenta will mark its global launch of EQUENTO® in Australia later this year, under the trademark EQUENTO® Extreme. Further registrations are expected to follow in other markets worldwide. 

Novel seed treatment contains best-in-class PLINAZOLIN® technology

Company News, Environment, India

Urging villagers in Sacholi village of Nandgaon block to plant more trees and build a healthy and green earth.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial Force Trust and PepsiCo Foundation organized a tree plantation drive in Sacholi village of Nandgaon block.

Commenting on the occasion, Chief Guest, Nardev Chaudhary, Cabinet Minister said, “It is everyone’s responsibility to save the environment and driving public awareness is the most effective way to bring this much-needed change. The villagers of the countryside must make a valuable contribution in planting trees and stop cutting down the trees to ensure that our earth is green and full of trees. Planting trees is the most necessary action one can take to make the vision of green earth a reality. People can offer Mother Earth the gift of greenery by inculcating the habit of tree plantation into our traditions.”

Garima Singh, Chief Government Affairs and Communications Officer, PepsiCo India, said, “As we celebrate World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving and protecting the planet in accordance with our philosophy of ‘Winning with pep+’. We encourage communities to join hands and make the sustainable protection of our environment a top priority, enabling us to achieve this goal.”

Also present at the event, Rajkumar Pathak, Range Officer, Forest Department, urged citizens to take a pledge to plant trees every year and Vijay Kumar Agarwal, BDO of Nandgaon Block, educated the attendees on the importance of saving the environment, driving awareness among communities on protecting trees and plants. 

During the program, poster-making competition and flower-pot painting was conducted along with a rally to educate the villagers on the changing effects of the environment. Workers from Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial Force Trust also contributed to the various activities held on-ground to celebrate World Environment Day.

Urging villagers in Sacholi village of Nandgaon

AgroPolicy, Environment, Nature, Sustainability

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare highlighted the importance of Life Style for the Environment and stressed chemical-free farming

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organised an event on Mission LiFE on the occasion of ‘World Environment Day’ at Dr C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Pusa, New Delhi.  The program began with tree plantation activity on the premises of the venue by Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with other dignitaries. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary DA&FW, Additional Secretaries and Joint Secretaries of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare were present at the event along with a staff of ICAR and DA&FW, FPOs, Agri-start-ups, Students, Scientists, Officers and Farmers from various States. This was followed by the inauguration of an exhibition on Natural and Organic Farming showcasing and creating awareness of the sustainable agricultural practices symbolising Mission LiFE.

The program was inaugurated by Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, by lighting the lamp.  In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of Life Style for the Environment and stressed chemical-free farming as one important option for sustaining the resources for future generations. He emphasised the adoption of Mission LiFE in agriculture to address the adverse impact of climate change. Quoting the example of Rajasthan, he mentioned that the state is having pre-monsoon showers more frequently than in earlier years. Untimely and heavy rains are causing distress to the farming community. Farmers are highly vulnerable to climate change. Keeping this in mind ICAR developed 1750 climate-resilient varieties after 2016 and these have the potential to give normal yields under adverse conditions in vulnerable areas. He also stressed upon recycling of wastes in agriculture as it is the best example of the circular economy. He emphasised that we should all take care in day-to-day life to save resources. Then, he administered the pledge on Mission LiFE with all the audience present at the event.

In his address, Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, DA&FW briefed on the global temperatures rise from the pre-industrial era and its direct and indirect impacts on agriculture and allied sectors. Maintenance of soil health through natural and organic practices having a beneficial effect on soil flora and fauna is leading to better availability of nutrients in the soil. He also mentioned the saving of water through the adoption of Per Drop More Crop as India consumes more water for irrigation compared to other countries. There is a need to adopt all the 7 principles of MissionLiFE in day-to-day agricultural practices besides making policy towards sustainable agriculture.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers