Connect with:
Saturday / December 21. 2024

logo
mobile-logo
HomePosts Tagged "Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare"
AgroPolicy, Finance, India, Schemes - NABARD, Start ups

Under this Blended Capital Fund, an equal contribution of Rs 250 crores each will be provided by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and NABARD

The Government is poised to launch the ‘Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE) to support start-ups and agripreneurs through investments in sector-specific, sector-agnostic, and debt Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), as well as direct equity support to start-ups working in Agriculture and allied sectors This initiative aims to foster innovation and sustainability in India’s agricultural sector through the establishment of a Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). The fund will offer both equity and debt support, specifically targeting high-risk, high- impact activities in the agriculture value chain.

The announcement was made at the Pre-Launch Stakeholder meet held at NABARD Headquarters in Mumbai. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including financial institutions, investors, AIF managers, and agri-startups. Distinguished guests included Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary, DA&FW; Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD; Govardhan Singh Rawat, DMD, NABARD; and Dr Ajay Kumar Sood, DMD, NABARD.

In his address, Ajeet Kumar Sahu highlighted the fund’s potential to create an ecosystem that enhances financing for the agriculture sector through innovative approaches, benefiting small and marginal farmers. Shri Shaji K.V. emphasized the need for public and private sector collaboration to drive the next level of growth in agriculture through technological innovations.

While explaining the features of the fund CEO NABVENTURES briefed that the fund will be set up with an initial corpus of ₹750 Crore with 250 crores each from NABARD and the Ministry of Agriculture, and 250 crores from other institutions. The fund will focus on innovation in agriculture, enhancing the farm produce value chain, creating rural infrastructure, generating employment, and supporting Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs). The fund will also encourage IT-based solutions and machinery rental services for farmers. NABVENTURES, a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD, will be the Fund manager of AgriSURE. The fund is designed to operate for 10 years, extendable by two or more years.

Underscoring its commitment to fostering innovation, NABARD also launched the AgriSURE Greenathon 2024. The hackathon aims to address three key problem statements: “Smart Agriculture on a Budget,” which tackles the high cost of advanced agriculture technologies that hinder small and marginal farmers; “Turning Agri-Waste into Profitable Business Opportunities,” focusing on transforming agricultural waste into profitable ventures; and “Tech Solutions Making Regenerative Agriculture Remunerative,” which aims to overcome economic hurdles in adopting regenerative agriculture practices.

NABARD called upon participation from young innovative minds to contribute to the journey of our country towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ with their innovative solutions to alleviate the flailing issues of the agriculture.

Under this Blended Capital Fund, an equal

AgroPolicy, Floriculture, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Vegetables

The production of fruits is expected to reach 112.63 million tonnes in 2023-24, mainly due to increases in production of Banana, Lime/Lemon, Mango, Guava and Grapes.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the Second Advance Estimates of 2023-24 of Area and Production of various Horticultural Crops compiled on the basis of information received from States/ UTs and other Governmental source agencies.

Highlights of 2023-24 (Second Advance Estimates): 

The horticulture production in the country in 2023-24 (Second Advance Estimates) is estimated to be about 352.23 million Tonnes, decrease of about 32.51 Lakh Tonnes (0.91 per cent) over 2022-23 (Final Estimates).

Increase in production of Fruits, Honey, Flowers, Plantation Crops, Spices and Aromatics & Medicinal Plants is seen over 2023-24 (Final Estimates) whereas decrease in Vegetables.

The production of Fruits is expected to reach 112.63 million Tonnes, mainly due to increases in production of Banana, Lime/Lemon, Mango, Guava and Grapes. On the other hand, production of Apple and Pomegranate are expected to decrease as compared to 2022-23

Production of Vegetables is envisaged to be around 204.96 million Tonnes. Increase is expected in production of Bottlegourd, Bittergourd, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Carrot and Tomato, whereas, decrease in production is envisaged in Onion, Potato, Brinjal and Other Vegetables.

Production of Onion is expected to be at 242.12 Lakh Tonne in 2023-24 (Second Advance Estimates) compared to 302.08 Lakh Tonne last year, a decrease by about 60 Lakh Tonne.

Potato production in the country is expected to around 567.62 Lakh Tonne in 2023-24 (Second Advance Estimates) that is, a decrease by about 34 Lakh Tonne, mainly due to decrease in production reported in Bihar and West Bengal.

Production of Tomato is expected to be around 212.38 Lakh Tonne in 2023-24 (Second Advance Estimates) compared to around 204.25 Lakh Tonne last year, an increase by 3.98 per cent Lakh Tonne.

The production of fruits is expected to

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India

The exhibit delves into the many superpowers of millets, showcasing their diverse varieties, cultivation methods, and culinary uses.

In collaboration with India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Google Arts & Culture launched a new digital exhibit, “Millets: Seeds of Change,” celebrating the rich history and growing international importance of millets, of which India is the world’s largest producer. The digital exhibition highlights the history of millets from ancient grains to modern-day superfoods, as well as their nutritional benefits, contribution to global climate resilience, and potential to address global food security challenges.

The exhibit delves into the many superpowers of millets, showcasing their diverse varieties, cultivation methods, and culinary uses. It features simple and delicious millet recipes from celebrated chefs like award-winner Chef Thomas Zacharias, who is leading a millet revival movement. Interactive elements like quizzes and crosswords allow visitors to test their knowledge and engage with the content in a fun and informative way.

Launching the exhibit at Krishi Bhavan, Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated: “When India spearheaded the UNGA resolution to declare 2023 the International Year of Millets, we did so with the objective of sharing our agricultural practices and experiences with the world. We were gratified to see ‘Shree Anna’, which holds immense potential for multiplier impact – including offering India’s small farmers a doorway to prosperity – receiving interest during the global G20 Summit. Our hope and ambition are that the conversations that have been generated over the past year translate into the advantages of millets spreading farther and wider. I thank Google Arts & Culture for supporting us in this endeavour with a dedicated digital exhibit.”

Amit Sood, Director, Google Arts & Culture remarked on the collaboration: “Google Arts & Culture is dedicated to leveraging technology, offering global audiences an interactive way to engage with cultural and historical treasures that shape our world. We are proud to have worked with India’s Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to celebrate one such prime example from the ancient world that is capable of transformative impact – for the world of today and of tomorrow. Given its long-standing versatility in addressing multiple nutritional and sustainability challenges, it is little surprise that millets are witnessing a global resurgence. We are glad to lend our technology and platform to support the growing popularity of this food group.”

The exhibit delves into the many superpowers

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India, Oilseeds, Pulses

Total estimated food grain production in 2022-23 is higher by 140.71 Lakh tonnes than the production of food grains of 3156.16 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22.

The Final Estimates of production of major crops for the year 2022-23 have been released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. As per Final Estimates for 2022-23, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at record 3296.87 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 140.71 Lakh tonnes than the production of food grains of 3156.16 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22. Further, the production during 2022-23 is higher by 308.69 Lakh tonnes than the previous five years’ (2017-18 to 2021-22) average production of food grains.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said on the record production of food grains that our farmer brothers and sisters are continuously working hard, while agricultural scientists and institutions are also doing very good work, along with this Under the leadership of  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Agriculture is smoothly implementing  the schemes and programs, thus everyone’s efforts are reflecting better results in the agriculture sector including record food grains production.

As per Final Estimates, the estimated production of major crops during 2022-23 is as under:

Foodgrains  –  3296.87 Lakh tonnes.

Rice  –  1357.55 Lakh tonnes.

Wheat  –  1105.54 Lakh tonnes.

Nutri / Coarse Cereals  –  573.19 Lakh tonnes.

Maize  –  380.85 Lakh tonnes.

Pulses  –  260.58 Lakh tonnes.

Tur  –  33.12 Lakh tonnes.

Gram – 122.67 Lakh tonnes.

Oilseeds  –  413.55 Lakh tonnes.

Groundnut  –  102.97 Lakh tonnes.

Soyabean  –  149.85 Lakh tonnes.

Rapeseed and Mustard – 126.43 Lakh tonnes.

Sugarcane – 4905.33 Lakh tonnes.

Cotton  –  336.60 Lakh bales (of 170 kg each)

Jute  & Mesta – 93.92 Lakh bales (of 180 kg each)

Total production of Rice during 2022-23 is estimated at record 1357.55 Lakh tonnes. It is higher by 62.84 Lakh tonnes than previous year’s Rice production of 1294.71 Lakh tonnes and by 153.65 Lakh tonnes than the last five years’ average production of 1203.90 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Wheat during 2022-23 is estimated at record 1105.54 Lakh tonnes. It is higher by 28.12 Lakh tonnes than previous year’s wheat production of 1077.42 Lakh tonnes and by 48.23 Lakh tonnes than the average wheat production of 1057.31 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Nutri / Coarse Cereals estimated at 573.19 Lakh tonnes, which is higher by 62.18 Lakh tonnes than the production of 511.01 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22. Further, it is also higher by 92.79 Lakh tonnes than the average production. Production of Shree Anna is estimated at 173.20 Lakh tonnes.

Total Pulses production during 2022-23 is estimated at 260.58 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 14.02 Lakh tonnes than the last five years’ average pulses production of 246.56 Lakh tonnes. Total Oilseeds production in the country during 2022-23 is estimated at record 413.55 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 33.92 Lakh tonnes than the oilseed production during 2021-22. Further, the production of oilseeds during 2022-23 is higher by 73.33 Lakh tonnes than the average oilseeds production of 340.22 Lakh tonnes.

Total production of Sugarcane in the country during 2022-23 is estimated at 4905.33 Lakh tonnes. The production of sugarcane during 2022-23 is higher by 511.08 Lakh tonnes than the previous year sugarcane production of 4394.25 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Cotton is estimated at 336.60 Lakh bales (of 170 kg each) is higher by 25.42 Lakh bales than the previous year’s cotton production.  Production of Jute & Mesta is estimated at 93.92 Lakh bales (of 180 kg each).  

Total estimated food grain production in 2022-23

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Foodgrains, India

Agriculture sector is growing at a fast pace, and we need to have frameworks to strengthen the eco-system in the agriculture sector.

“The government is devising a model for development of the agriculture sector under the PPP mode. It will allow the private sector to work with the government for the benefit of the farmers. Due to the increasing demand coming in the maize sector in coming years, we would require a quantum jump in our production to the level of 40-45 million tons in the next 4-5 years. We also need to systematically understand the wastage and losses in the entire value chain and solve it,” said Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India. Ahuja was addressing the 9th edition of ‘India Maize Summit 2023’, organized by FICCI in New Delhi.

 Ahuja also emphasized that agriculture sector is growing at a fast pace, and we need to have frameworks to strengthen the eco-system in the agriculture sector. We need to have workable frameworks in which we can work together in a collaborative and easy manner. It will bring more ease of doing business, certainty, clarity and transparency while working with the government,” he added.

 Abdul Sattar, Minister of Agriculture, Govt of Maharashtra said that Maharashtra government is committed to support the industry coming forward to support the welfare of farmers and agricultural sector. “The state government will provide all necessary support to the industry along with providing financial support and connecting with the farmers. Through this process we can also increase farmers income by increasing the maize production,” he stated.

The Minister further added that Maize is a safe and secure crop since it is less perishable as compared to other crops. “We must work to motivate farmers to move towards maize production,” he emphasized.  Sattar also highlighted the need to work together to create a system for maize storage and stocking. The role of industry, government and other agencies will be key in this, he noted.

Mr TR Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President, TAFE said that we must look at establishing Centre of Excellence for mechanization in agriculture sector which will be crucial for India.

 Anuja Kadian, Government & Industry Affairs Director, Asia Pacific, Corteva Agriscience said that a sustainable roadmap to strengthen maize value chain needs a holistic approach and is need of the hour. Adoption of new seed technologies by farmers will take Indian maize to next level. She also highlighted that multi-stakeholder approach with the coming together of policymakers, research institutions and the private sector to develop strong foundation to meet future demand of maize is imperative.

 Sunjay Vuppuluri, Head-Food & Agribusiness Strategic Advisory & Research segment, YES BANK shared the insights on FICCI- YES BANK knowledge report. He highlighted that for India to meet the growing demand for maize and remain competitive in the global market, it is essential to promote innovative technologies and practices across the maize ecosystem.

Agriculture sector is growing at a fast

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited in New Delhi to boost the initiative visioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote Millets towards celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023.

DA&FW and NAFED will collaborate in key areas like facilitating advisory support to manufacturers/processors of millet-based products to develop value-added millet-based commodities; on-boarding of start-ups, inclusive of start-ups empaneled with Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR); formation of FPOs specifically for developing a range of millet-based products; promote and market millet-based products through the network of NAFED Bazaar Stores and other institutions linked with NAFED as well as installation of Millet based Vending Machines at various locations across Delhi-NCR; and dispensing millet-based products that shall assist in establishing the focus on millet-based commodities.

Both organizations will work together for the promotion and marketing of millet-based products, keeping in view the initiative of “International Year of Millets (IYOM)-2023” proposed by the Government of India to the United Nations, which is to be celebrated across the world. As India is gearing up to bring millet back on the global map, they will build support and organize, promote, market, and forge effective market linkages for millet-based products to maximize the value capture and millet-based commodities across the country.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between