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Award, India, Sustainability

Honouring Patra’s 33-year dedicated career in Soil Science Research and Education

Ashok Kumar Patra, former Director of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research-Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR-IISS), Bhopal received  the Glinka World Soil Prize 2022 for his 33-year dedicated career in Soil Science Research and Education. The Glinka World Soil Prize is named after Konstantin Glinka, an eminent Russian soil scientist known for his work on the geographical distribution of soils. The prize honours distinguished individuals or organisations that promote sustainable soil management and the protection of soil resources, which have a direct impact on people’s well-being. This year’s seventh Glinka Prize is awarded to Ashok Kumar Patra, described as ‘an outstanding soil scientist and a strong advocate of sustainable soil management in India and worldwide’. Throughout his career spanning thirty-three years of research, education, and extension, he has contributed to over 350 publications and participated in various national and international events. He has made significant contributions to the improvement of food and nutritional security through integrated nutrient management and has addressed the emerging challenges of soil resource, sustainable management and biodiversity while uplifting the research standards of the Institute (ICAR-IISS) to the global level.

Patra comes from a farming family and has dedicated much of his career to improving soil nutrient management in his home country, India.He was instrumental in developing the Mridaparikshak Mini Soil Laboratory, which has provided soil testing and fertiliser recommendations to millions of Indian farmers. His research has been critical in understanding nutrient cycling, the effect of long-term fertiliser applications on India’s major soils thus leading to improved nitrogen management and reduced inputs, with a clear focus on sustainable fertiliser management.

In his capacity as Director of ICAR-IISS, a Member of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (FAO/GSP), President of Indian Society of Soil Science and Fellow of national academies, he has contributed to the development of numerous documents, guidelines and standard operating procedures at national and international levels. In addition, he has worked to generate public interest in soil science through awareness campaigns, demonstrations and exhibitions of soil technologies, presentations on radio and television programs, and writing blogs and journal articles. Under his leadership, ICAR-IISS received the King Bhumibol World Soil Day award in 2020.

Patra has a distinguished record of leadership, having led numerous projects to advance sustainable soil management. These include the development of rapid composting techniques, GIS-based soil fertility maps, and the use of soil spectroscopy to generate large databases of soil information needed for decision making. During his term as Director of ICAR – IISS, he expanded the network by opening new cooperating centres in various projects, and guided hundreds of students, research scholars, young scientists and large farming community. In all his work and engagements, Patra’s continuously strives to identify and remove barriers and create favourable socio-economic and institutional conditions to promote sustainable soil management.    

The Glinka World Soil Prize, launched in 2016, rewards eligible candidates who contribute to raise awareness and bring possible solutions to confront acute problems of soil degradation. It encourages and recognises field-oriented work directly contributing to preserve soils and increase food security. 

Former winners of the Glinka World Soil Prize include Instituto Geografico Augustin kingCodazzi (IGAC from Colombia) in 2016, Argentine No Till Farmers Association (Aapresid from Argentina) in 2017, Rattan Lal (USA) in 2018, Xu Minggang (China) in 2019, in 2020 Luca Montanarella (JRC/European Commission), and in 2021 Lydie-Stella Koutika (The Republic of the Congo).

Honouring Patra’s 33-year dedicated career in Soil

Agrotech, India

Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, urges farmers, stakeholders, beneficiaries to take maximum benefit of all technologies developed by the Institute.

ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur participated in the 13th Edition of AGROVISION – 2022, Central India’s largest Agri-summit held in Nagpur recently.

Inaugurating the Agri Exhibition, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh stresses the need for innovation and viable technologies in Agriculture to enhance the farmer’s income. The Government and Investors should work hand-in-hand for the prosperity of the farmers, he adds.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Chief patron of the Mega event, puts emphasis that the farmers should adopt science and technology based solutions to their problems and also take the initiative in the production of bio-fuels and turn themselves from food suppliers to energy providers.

During the special workshop on citrus, Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, urged the farmers, stakeholders, beneficiaries to take maximum benefit of all the technologies developed by the Institute.

Citrus technologies, fruit samples and extension publications were exhibited and displayed in ICAR-CCRI stall. The exhibition witnessed a massive gathering of farmers, entrepreneurs, students etc. across the country who appreciated the Institutes exhibits and their displays. The exhibition gave a wider platform for commercialisation of the technologies and services and communicating to the key customers.

Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, urges farmers, stakeholders,

Acquaculture, Environment, India

Aqua-farmers of Sundarban will get information on the technologies developed by ICAR-CIBA

Bankim Chandra Hazra, Minister of Sundarban Affairs, Government of West Bengal inaugurated the Kiosk and Fish waste Processing unit at Kakdwip Research Centre of ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculturt, Chennai.

The minister appreciated the endeavour taken by CIBA for opening a Kiosk for the people of Sundarban. He also said it is a unique idea to establish the Fish-waste processing unit for converting fish-waste to wealth. Hazra later participated in the tree plantation programme.

Kuldeep K Lal, Director, CIBA briefed about the purpose of the Kiosk. He said aqua-farmers of Sundarban will get information on the technologies developed by ICAR-CIBA and other ICAR institutes for their betterment and local villagers may also get fresh farm produce of KRC with reasonable cost. 

Debasis De, Officer-in-Charge, KRC-CIBA elaborated on the purpose of establishing a Fish-waste processing unit and highlighted that it will not only help to convert the fish-waste to value added products i.e., Plankton Plus and Horti Plus for generating income of farmers of Sundarban but also will help to keep the environment of fish market clean.

Aqua-farmers of Sundarban will get information on

Acquaculture, India

Seed distribution event was held at the Coastal Marine Biodiversity Centre of the Mangrove Foundation, Airoli

The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow has established a hatchery facility for marine ornamental fishes at Airoli, Thane, Navi Mumbai in collaboration with the Mangrove foundation, Government of Maharashtra. Ten different species of clownfishes from Indian waters were stocked, broodstock has been developed and captive propagation achieved for seven species, adopting indigenous Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).

The production of three species, Amphiprion percula, A. ocellaris and A. frenatus were up scaled and continuous supply of juveniles / seeds to the beneficiaries for further rearing and marketing was undertaken. 320 people from five coastal districts of Maharashtra underwent training on various aspects of ‘Clownfish Aquaculture’, 93 beneficiaries from 12 coastal villages of two districts (Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri) were adopted the technology and 13 cluster mode clownfish rearing units are under operational and getting consistent income.

A seed distribution event was arranged at the Coastal Marine Biodiversity Centre of the Mangrove Foundation, Airoli.

Dr Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director, ICAR – NBFGR handed over 500 nos. of 1.5cm size A. percula and A. ocellaris to the beneficiaries of Sindhudurg district for further rearing.

Dr Sarkar exhorted that the Institute will continue the support and more rearing units will be established in the coastal districts of Maharashtra with the collaboration of Mangrove foundation.

Seed distribution event was held at

India

To focus on insect taxonomy, semiochemicals, pollinators and biological control

ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya , Palampur for promoting students’ collaborative research in the areas of insect taxonomy, semiochemicals, pollinators and biological control.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr TR Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences), Dr Harinder Kumar Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor, CSKHPKV, Palampur and Dr SN Sushil, Director, ICAR-NBAIR.

Dr T R Sharma, lauded the huge insect collections housed at the National Insect Museum at ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru. He also emphasised on the need for the culturing of bumble bees and the potential scope for utilising them in polyhouse pollination.

Dr Harinder Kumar Chaudhary emphasised upon the sharing of the expertise and facilities for research of PG students for effective utilisation of resources. He also stressed on collaboration with the Bureau to address the emerging /new insects pests in the hill grown crops in Himachal Pradesh.

Dr SN Sushil, briefed the Bureau’s taxonomic expertise across different insect orders, conservation of Apis/non-Apis bees, biological control of invasive insects, semiochemical based insect management strategy, slow-release nano pheromone formulations and molecular characterisation and DNA barcoding of insects and insect whole genome sequencing.

A Brain Storming session for future collaboration with ICAR Institutes was also organised. 

To focus on insect taxonomy, semiochemicals, pollinators

Acquaculture, Company News, Environment, India, Sustainability

Several fish vaccine candidates are currently being evaluated by IIL for commercialisation

Indian Immunologicals Limited, a leading vaccine manufacturer, has announced partnership with Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institute for the commercial development of vaccine against common bacterial diseases in freshwater fishes. IIL has forayed into Aqua business in October 2022 by launching products for aquaculture health market dealing with pond management and fish or shrimp gut management.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, “IIL has introduced several innovative veterinary vaccines first to the world, like Porcine Cysticercosis vaccine, FMD+HS+BQ combination vaccine and Theileria vaccine. IIL is again the first in India to get to fish vaccines. We are committed to introducing more and more products for the aquaculture market and help shrimp and fish growers to increase their productivity and protect fish schools from various diseases”.

IIL strive to explore solutions for the prevailing challenges faced by Indian fish farmers in their farm production system. CIFE will provide technology for two inactivated bacterial vaccines, one for Columnaris Disease, a serious condition affecting numerous freshwater fish species, and other for Edwardsiellosis that cause high degree of mortality, leading to severe economic losses. Both the diseases are extremely common in freshwater fishes and is generally considered to be ubiquitous.

Dr Priyabrata Pattnaik, Deputy Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited added “IIL is planning to introduce vaccines and immunostimulants with tech transfer from various fisheries institutes under ICAR. Several fish vaccine candidates are currently being evaluated by IIL for commercialisation. Launch of such vaccines may have a positive impact on reducing indiscriminate use of chemical or antibiotic based treatment methods, helping reduce antimicrobial resistance by fish farmers practicing environmentally sustainable ways of pond and fish health management”.

Dr CN Ravishankar, Director and Vice Chancellor of ICAR-CIFE said “In support to India’s Blue Revolution, I am glad that CIFE and IIL have come together to partner in developing India’s fist bacterial fish vaccine”.

Several fish vaccine candidates are currently being

India

To encompass all aspects of training, setting up of seed production/nursery facilities and devising appropriate location-specific farming methods

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Chennai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh as a knowledge partner for providing technical services in marine fisheries and mariculture.

As part of the agreement, the Institute would provide technical backstopping on various aspects of seaweed farming to identified fisherfolk and entrepreneurs as an alternate enterprise. The technical assistance would encompass all aspects of training, setting up of seed production/nursery facilities and devising appropriate location-specific farming methods.

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy graced the occasion.

To encompass all aspects of training, setting

Acquaculture, India

By this farming technology, the feed cost is reduced without compromising production and productivity

ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai recently conducted a front-line demonstration of novel aquamimicry based shrimp Penaeus vannamei farming model under the scheduled caste sub plan (SCSP) program.

A harvest mela was also organised to exhibit the relative advantage and production potential of the new system in a farm at Pattippulam village near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

This innovative system strives to simulate the natural estuarine condition in the pond by creating zooplankton biomass primarily copepods. By this farming technology, the feed cost is reduced without compromising production and productivity.

Dr Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA stressed the importance of innovative shrimp farming technology in the context of current declining trend in market price of farmed shrimp. Further, he emphasised that aquamimicry based shrimp farming not only reduces the feed cost but also reduces the duration of culture without compromising the production.

By this farming technology, the feed cost

Acquaculture, India

To focus on gender issues in aquaculture and fisheries sector pertaining to rights of equality of women

The 8th Global Conference on ‘Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF8)’, jointly organised by ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi; Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries Section of the Asian Fisheries Society and the Society of Fisheries Technologists (India) (SOFTI) was officially inaugurated by the Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammed Khan.

In his inaugural address, he emphasised that the GAF8 will be discussing the intertwined gender issues in aquaculture and fisheries sector pertaining to the rights of equality of the unsung majority of women as compared to their male counterparts. Lamenting on the poor socio-economic status of the fisher women with respect to gender inequality and inequity, he said that in spite of the large-scale contributions of women in the several areas in the fishing industry, their services for the sectoral development have not been duly acknowledged. So, he urged the delegates to find out potential solutions to resolve these issues through fruitful deliberations on this global platform.  

The conference which is being held at Kochi, is the eighth in the global series, themed on ‘Shaping the Future: Gender Justice for Sustainable Aquaculture & Fisheries’ through various sub-themes pertaining to gender issues and related policies in the fisheries sector. The conference aims to bring forward gender issues in the aquaculture and fisheries sector on a common global platform for gaining new insights and establishing networks of stakeholders associated with fisheries and discuss potential solutions through the gendered lens.

The conference has brought together over 300 scientists, academicians, gender experts, policymakers and students from India and abroad. Delegates from 20 countries will present papers in GAF8. Besides six focal themes, there are 10 Special Sessions have been arranged by international and national organisations, including the FAO, Pacific Community, BOBP, ICSF etc. In addition, two special events are being hosted along with GAF8. 

To focus on gender issues in aquaculture

India, Schemes - NABARD

Project to benefit Goan farmers, agriculture and landscape

P S Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, has launched a research project for Rejuvenation of Khazan lands (coastal saline soils) of Goa being implemented by ICAR-CCARI, Goa. The programme was organised by the Agriculture and Food Processing Committee of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

In his address, the Governor congratulated the ICAR-CCARI team for initiating the project and NABARD for funding the project and also pointed out that if the project is successfully implemented in the Khazan lands, then a government policy can be made for using the Khazan lands by adopting models best suitable for the state of Goa.

After the launch of the project, Dr Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI briefed the Chief Guest about the benefits of the project to Goan farmers and Goan agriculture and landscape.

On this occasion, Governor also released a book “The Khazans of Goa” authored by Sandeep T Nadkarni, Ex-Chief Engineer, Water Resource Department, Goa.

Orlando Rodrigues, Chairman, Agriculture and Food Processing Committee, GCCI stressed upon the need for the implementation of the project to convert the Khazan lands of Goa into more productive lands with viable interventions and improve the livelihood of the Khazan land farmers.

Project to benefit Goan farmers, agriculture and

India, Organic, Seeds

Cultivation of these crops will be assessed through demonstration of 14 different varieties of eight seed spices.

ICAR-National Research Center on Seed Spices, Ajmer an apex organisation involved in research and development of seed spices. Institute has developed various technologies via production technologies, organic cultivation and post-harvest technologies in seed spice.

Koraput, Odisha which is a tribal and aspirational district has great possibilities for cultivation of seed spices due to favourable climatic conditions.

In the first phase of the project feasibility for cultivation of these crops will be assessed through demonstration of 14 different varieties of eight seed spices.

In next phases, demonstration & training will be given to tribal farmers on various technologies developed by ICAR-NRCSS via organic cultivation, post-harvest value additions and seed production of seed spices and linked them for marketing agencies, so that entrepreneurship skill will be developed among them.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with of ICAR- ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Regional Station, Koraput; AICRP Spices; Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology and Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society.

Cultivation of these crops will be assessed

Agro Universities, India

Emphasis given on the need for processing of agro-based products 

The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib organised two-day Kisan Mela-2022. Zoramthanga, Chief Minister of Mizoram and Chief Guest of the event emphasised on the need for processing of agro-based products as the state is blessed with good climate and land suitable for varieties of crops and animals. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of coordination in product, transportation, processing and marketing for the state to prosper and for which the farmers need guidance from the experts.

Zoramthanga also laid the foundation stone of Type II residential quarters. Four books, one technical bulletin and two leaflets were released by the dignitaries. Input distribution of one turmeric grinding machine, two water pumps, one knapsack sprayer, one jalkund and 40 numbers of Vanaraja chicks were distributed among the selected TSP farmers.

The inaugural function was followed an Interface meeting of different departmental officials from ICAR and Agricultural and allied state Government officials.

In the mela Government organisations and self-help and farmers’ group displayed their products and technologies/innovations in 21 different stalls. About 400 farmers from different parts of Kolasib district participated in the Mela.

Emphasis given on the need for processing

Agro Universities, India, Start ups

MoA to provide co-incubation, technical support, networking, value added services, and co-networking opportunities

The Association for Innovation Development of Entrepreneurship in Agriculture (a-IDEA) hosted by the ICAR- National Academy of Agricultural Research Management  has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with NACL Industries Limited, Konda Laxma Reddy Telangana State Horticultural University , Hyderabad, ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute , Coimbatore and ICAR- National Research Centre on Grapes, Pune to support the startup incubated at a-IDEA in particular and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in general.

The MoA proposed to provide facilities like Co-incubation, technical support, mentoring, lab facilities, networking, value added services, and co-networking opportunities.

Dr G Venkateshwarlu, Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM highlighted the  strong need of collaborations  among organisations to strengthen agri-startups.

MoA to provide co-incubation, technical support, networking,

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agro Universities, Agrotech, India

1000+ farmers participated in demonstration programmes

ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack held a series of demonstrations on Drone Technology in different villages of Cuttack district covering 108 acres of rice crop area in 9 villages belonging to 4 blocks of Cuttack district, Odisha. More than 1000 farmers participated in demonstration programmes and farmers were briefed on usefulness and mechanism operation of drone technology especially in crops like rice considering its wetland nature and amount of pesticides being applied.

Department of Agriculture and Farmers welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India has sanctioned central assistance to ICAR for demonstrating Drone Technology for implementation of Component number 1 under Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM). 

Under this mission, it has been directed to conduct large scale demonstrations to promote use of Drone Technology in agriculture.

1000+ farmers participated in demonstration programmesICAR-National Rice