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Award, Company News, India, Supply Chain

The CII Food Safety Award is a respected industry platform benchmarking food safety best practices in manufacturing across the supply chain

Cargill, a leading global food and agriculture company, has been conferred with two recognitions for ‘Significant Achievement in Food Safety’ at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Food Safety Awards 2023, for its commitment towards best-in-class food safety practices in India.

The 14th edition of the CII Food Safety Award ceremony took place on 31 January 2024, where Cargill’s food safety initiatives were recognised in two award categories: 

Large Manufacturing Food Businesses: Fats and Oils – Kurkumbh plant, Maharashtra

Large Manufacturing Food Business: Sweeteners – Davangere plant, Karnataka

The CII Food Safety Award is a respected industry platform benchmarking food safety best practices in manufacturing across the supply chain. The evaluation criteria for the award cover company performance on stringent domestic food safety standards, and leadership initiatives, besides social and statutory compliances. Winners are selected following a rigorous assessment process that also includes onsite evaluation of food safety practices by a team of experts. 

Simon George, president of Cargill India, and managing director, of Food Solutions South Asia, said, “At Cargill, we are committed to providing safe and quality products. We invest in advanced manufacturing and refining equipment and processes, to ensure compliance with the highest standards of food safety regulations in the country. Our customers and consumers count on us to ensure the safety and quality of our products. This award is a great validation of the progress we have made in our food safety performance over recent years. As we move ahead, we continue to set a higher benchmark for ourselves in this important area.” 

The CII Food Safety Award is a

Horticulture, India, R&D

The Association of People with Disability, Bosch and the Department of Women and Child Development, Govt of Karnataka have jointly collaborated on the project

An Inclusive Sustainable Horticulture Centre was inaugurated for the residents of the Correctional Institutions Complex, Bengaluru. A facility that houses individuals with diverse abandonment, forced labour, and similar unfortunate circumstances, the Correctional Institutions Complex has seven homes in total and over 400 residents.

The horticulture project is the result of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between The Association of People with Disability (APD), the Department of Women and Child Development, the Government of Karnataka and Bosch Global Software Technologies in March this year. Situated inside the Government Institutions Complex, Dept. of Women and Child Development, near KIDWAI Hospital, the centre aims to provide a holistic multidimensional program through the project that includes setting up of an inclusive and sustainable horticulture centre which would assist in providing skill training, therapy, environmental education and wet waste management services to all residents.

As a strategic partner and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donor for the co-creation of the Inclusive Sustainable Horticulture Centre, Bosch provided inputs for the expansion of the project scope to include eco-therapy services for People with Intellectual Disabilities, an environmental education program for children and an in-campus wet-waste management

The Association of People with Disability will execute the initiative, providing essential professional skills, personnel, technical resources and expertise on the ground.

The Association of People with Disability, Bosch

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum fungicide with prophylactic, curative, and eradicative action. Tricolor’s triple-action protectant fungicide significantly improves crop health, ensuring quality and abundant yields for farmers

Best Agrolife, a leading name in the agricultural industry, and Sudarshan Farm Chemicals jointly organised a successful North Karnataka dealer’s meet at Sindhanur. The event held recently saw an impressive turnout of approximately 700 dedicated dealers across the region.

During the meeting, Best Agrolife proudly unveiled an extensive range of innovative products targetting crop segments in the Karnataka region.

The event’s highlight was the official launch of Best Agrolife’s blockbuster product, Tricolor. Harnessing the combined power of Trifloxystrobin, Difenoconazole and sulphur, Tricolor represents a revolutionary approach to crop protection. This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum fungicide with prophylactic, curative, and eradicative action. Tricolor’s triple-action protectant fungicide significantly improves crop health, ensuring quality and abundant yields for farmers.

“As a company rooted in agriculture, we prioritize sustainability and affordability in all our offerings. We aim to empower farming communities with cutting-edge solutions that enhance crop health and promote bountiful harvests. We believe in fostering agricultural practices that lead to economic growth and food security,” said Sara Narsaih, National Marketing Manager of Best Agrolife Ltd.

Addressing the gathering, SBVR Prasad, Executive Director, Best Agrolife Ltd., shared insights into Best Agrolife’s present and future product portfolio. He emphasised the value of indigenous technology in delivering cost-effective solutions to farmers compared to multinational companies, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Satish Kumar Malhotra, Director of Sudarshan Farm Chemicals, highlighted their commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. He emphasised that the company is proud to introduce a range of ternary products that offer both cost-effectiveness and substantial benefits to the farming community, contributing to the nation’s self-reliance in agriculture.

Aiyanath Reddy, Vice President of the Karnataka State Dealer Association, expressed his satisfaction with the widespread acceptance of Best Agrolife products at the farmer level. He attributed this success to the company’s diverse product range, uncompromising quality, and continuous innovation in the form of tri-combination products.

This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum

Agrotech, Company News, India

Zuari FarmHub initiated trials of the CropX system at Zuari Agri Innovation Centre in Solapur as well as select farmer fields across Karnataka & Maharashtra

Zuari FarmHub, a leading agritech company in India, announced its partnership with CropX Technologies, a global agri-tech company specializing in digital agronomic solutions. The collaboration aims to revolutionise farming practices by introducing real-time monitoring technology that empowers farmers with data-driven insights for enhanced productivity and sustainability.

Zuari FarmHub initiated trials of the CropX system at Zuari Agri Innovation Centre in Solapur as well as select farmer fields across Karnataka & Maharashtra. CropX offers a state-of-the-art hardware-enabled system that monitors critical agronomic parameters in real-time. These smart devices collect predictive soil data, combining it with additional data sources in and around the farm, and agronomic knowledge to generate recommendations on irrigation and nutrient management. This helps farmers to optimise resources and improve crop growth.

“We at Zuari FarmHub are thrilled to partner with a pioneering agri-tech company like CropX Technologies, that shares our vision of revolutionising agriculture through cutting-edge technology,” said Madan Pandey, MD & CEO of Zuari FarmHub. “By providing farmers with real-time data and precise recommendations, we are empowering them to maximize yields, reduce resource wastage, and ensure sustainable farming practices.”

“The collaboration with Zuari FarmHub represents an exciting opportunity to extend the reach of our innovative solutions to Indian farmers,” said Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX Technologies. “By combining our agri-tech expertise with Zuari FarmHub’s deep understanding of the Indian agricultural landscape, we aim to re-vitalize industry practices.”

The collaboration between Zuari FarmHub and CropX Technologies signifies a major milestone in advancing precision agriculture in India. As the pilot progresses, Zuari FarmHub will appropriately roll out the CropX system in other regions of India.

Zuari FarmHub initiated trials of the CropX

AgroPolicy, India, Sustainability, Trade

Turmeric exports from India expected to rise to $1 billion by 2030

The Government of India notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board. The National Turmeric Board will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.

The National Turmeric Board will provide leadership on turmeric-related matters, augment the efforts, and facilitate greater coordination with the Spices Board and other Government agencies in the development and growth of the turmeric sector.

There is significant potential and interest worldwide in the health and wellness benefits of turmeric, which the Board will leverage to further increase awareness and consumption, develop new markets internationally to increase exports, promote research and development into new products, and develop our traditional knowledge for value-added turmeric products. It will especially focus on capacity building and skill development of turmeric growers for harnessing greater benefits out of value addition. The Board will also promote quality and food safety standards and adherence to such standards. The Board will also take steps to further safeguard and usefully exploit turmeric’s full potential for humanity.

The activities of the Board will contribute towards greater well-being and prosperity of the turmeric growers through their focussed and dedicated attention to the sector and the larger value addition closer to the farms, which would provide better realisation to the growers for their produce. The Board’s activities in research, market development, increasing consumption, and value addition will also ensure that our growers and processors continue to maintain their pre-eminent position in the global markets as exporters of high-quality turmeric and turmeric products.

The Board shall have a Chairperson to be appointed by the Central Government, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government, senior State Government representatives from three states (on a rotation basis), select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and have a Secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. In the year 2022-23, an area of 3.24 lakh ha was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes (over 75 per cent of global turmeric production). More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country. The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

India has more than 62 per cent share of world trade in turmeric. During 2022-23, 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at $207.45 million were exported by more than 380 exporters The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia. With the focused activities of the Board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach $1 Billion by 2030.

Turmeric exports from India expected to rise

Floriculture, India, Nature, Sustainability

In June, the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) collaborated with the civic body to launch a project called Happy Happy Sulthan Bathery

Every year, numerous tourists from the northern districts of the State travel through Wayanad to Karnataka to relish the allure of flower gardens located on the Kerala-Karnataka border. Nonetheless, this year, civic bodies, farmers groups, and other organisations have established their own gardens in the district to capitalise on the tourism potential during the Onam holidays. 

An innovative project by the Sulthan Bathery Municipality to attract tourists to the town opened. The project focuses on floriculture and showcases the town’s cleanliness.

In June, the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) collaborated with the civic body to launch a project called Happy Happy Sulthan Bathery. The goal of this initiative is to spread the positive and happy culture of the civic body throughout the state.

The members of HKS have planted marigolds, sunflowers, and gomphrena on two acres of land near Sulthan Bathery town, according to T.K. Ramesh, chairman of Sulthan Bathery Municipality.

The civic body spent Rs.3 lakh on the project, with organizers expecting to recoup the amount in a few weeks.

A tribe of women in Panappady, found in Noolpuzha grama panchayat, have established a garden roughly 100 meters from Kozhikode-Kollegal National Highway 766. The garden, which occupies half an acre of leased land, showcases 5,000 marigold plants in hues of yellow and orange, offering a pleasant spectacle for anyone visiting.

The pilot project was launched with financial aid from the Tribal Development Department as part of the Haritarashmi project, which is being implemented by the Centre for Management Development (CMD). 

In June, the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS)

AgroPolicy, Biofuel industry, India

Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20 per cent DME

Methanol is a low-carbon, hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas. It is the best pathway for meeting India’s commitment to COP 21.

NITI Aayog’s ‘Methanol Economy’ programme is aimed at reducing India’s oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol. 

Although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel, methanol can replace both these fuels in the transport sector (road, rail and marine), energy sector (comprising DG sets, boilers, process heating modules, tractors and commercial vehicles) and retail cooking (replacing LPG [partially], kerosene and wood charcoal). The blending of 15 per cent methanol in gasoline can result in at least a 15 per cent reduction in the import of gasoline/crude oil. In addition, this would bring down GHG emissions by 20 per cent in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, thereby improving the urban air quality.

The methanol Economy will also create close to 5 million jobs through methanol production/application and distribution services. Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20 per cent DME (Di-methyl Ether, a derivative of methanol) in LPG. This will help the consumer in saving between Rs 50-100 per cylinder.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified 20 per cent DME blending with LPG, and a notification for M-15, M-85 and M-100 blends has been issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. Test standards and plans for the M-15 blend are being evolved in consultation with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, the Automotive Research Association of India and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. In the railway sector, RDSO is working towards blending methanol in the range of 5-20 per cent through direct fuel injection in locomotives.

On 5 October 2018, Assam Petrochemicals launched Asia’s first canister-based methanol cooking fuel programme. This initiative is an extension of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of reducing the import of crude oil and striving towards the provision of a clean, cost-effective and pollution-free cooking medium. Methanol stoves can result in at least 20% savings for households. After the success of the pilot, the methanol cooking programme was scaled up to 1,00,000 households in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Manipur.

Five methanol plants based on high ash coal, five DME plants, and one natural gas-based methanol production plant with a capacity of 20 MMT/annum, in a joint venture with Israel, have been planned to be set up. Three boats and seven cargo vessels are being built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Inland Waterways Authority of India to use methanol as a marine fuel.

Thermax Ltd has successfully developed a 5 KW methanol-based reformer on a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). This module is being tested to replace DG sets in mobile towers. For direct electricity generation, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd has converted a 5 KW generator set to run on 100% methanol. Kirloskar is working towards converting generator sets of 150-300 KVA/KW capacity, in collaboration with Dor Chemicals, Israel.

Under R&D, work is in progress to set up coal-to-methanol plants in the country using indigenous technology, which is being developed by BHEL (Hyderabad and Trichy), Thermax, and IIT Delhi. Thermax and IIT Delhi are working on a TPD demonstration plant, while BHEL Hyderabad and Trichy are working on 1 TPD and 40 TPD demonstration plants, respectively. 

An R&D project has also been sanctioned by the Department of Biotechnology to IISc Bengaluru and Praj Industries Pune for the production of methanol from biomass. Phase-I of the production of syngas from biomass was demonstrated in January 2019.

Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, Supply Chain, Trade

The government is taking steps to control inflation and meet the demand and check the prices of tomatoes in India

Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Minister (FM) informed the Parliament that the government is importing tomatoes from Nepal due to a record-high spike in prices in the country.

The minister said that the government is taking steps to control inflation and meet the demand and check the prices of tomatoes in India, it has decided to import them from its neighbour, Nepal. Sitharaman was participating in a debate on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. As per her, the government has removed import restrictions and the first lot of tomatoes from Nepal will reach Varanasi, Kanpur, Lucknow this week.

Sitharaman also said that through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and other cooperative societies, the government has been procuring tomatoes from Maharashtra and Karnataka. These tomatoes are then distributed in Delhi-NCR, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan at subsidised rates. The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd. has distributed 8.84 lakh kg of tomatoes in the aforementioned states. The finance minister added that the wholesale prices of tomatoes in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are already coming down.

Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Tamil Nadu are the major tomato-producing states in the country. These states account for 91 per cent of the total production of the country, said FM.

The government is taking steps to control

AgroPolicy, India, Oilseeds, Schemes - Govt

State Governments along with Oil Palm processing companies are participating in Mega Plantation Drive for Oil Palm Cultivation to cover an area of roughly 7750 hectares

To increase the oil palm production area to 10 lakh hectares and boost the Crude Palm Oil production to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26, the Government of India launched National Mission for Edible Oils- Oil Palm in August 2021. In addition to the marked growth in the production of edible oils, the Mission is also successfully leading India towards an ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ by reducing the import burden. Under the Mission, the State Governments along with Oil Palm processing companies have initiated a Mega Oil Palm Plantation drive from 25th July 2023 to further increase oil palm cultivation in the country. Three major oil palm processing companies, namely, Patanjali Food Pvt. Ltd., Godrej Agrovet, and 3F are actively promoting and participating with the farmers in their respective states for record area expansion.

The Mega plantation drive commenced on 25th July 2023 and will continue till 12th August 2023. The major oil palm growing states, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh will be participating in this initiative.

The drive started on the 25th of July 2023 in the Rest of India (RoI) states i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamilnadu, Odisha, Goa and Karnataka, and will continue till the 08th of August and will cover an area of almost 7000 hectares area out of which more than 6500 hectares is targeted to be covered by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

State Governments along with Oil Palm processing

AgroPolicy, Supply Chain, Vegetables

Tomato to be distributed at discounted prices to consumers in places of concern including the Delhi-NCR region

The Department of Consumer Affairs has directed National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) to immediately procure Tomatoes from Mandis in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra for simultaneous distribution in major consumption centres where retail prices have recorded maximum increase in the last one month. The stocks of Tomatoes will be distributed through retail outlets at discounted prices to the consumers in Delhi-NCR region by Friday, this week.

The targeted centres for release have been identified on the basis of the absolute increase in retail prices over the past month in centres where prevailing prices are above the All-India average. Key consumption centres in states having a higher concentration of the identified centres are further selected for the intervention.

Tomato is produced almost in all the states in India, though in varying quantities. Maximum production is in southern and western regions of India, contributing 56 per cent-58 per cent of all India production. Southern and Western regions being surplus states feed to other markets depending on production seasons. The production seasons are also different across regions. The peak harvesting season occurs from December to February. The periods during July-August and October-November are generally the lean production months for tomatoes. July coinciding with the monsoon season adds to further challenges related to distribution and increased transit losses adding to price rise. The cycle of planting and harvesting seasons and variation across regions are primarily responsible for price seasonality in Tomato. Apart from the normal price seasonality, temporary supply chain disruptions and crop damage due to adverse weather conditions often lead to sudden price spikes.

Currently, the supplies coming to markets in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and some other states are mostly from Maharashtra especially Satara, Narayangaon, and Nashik which is expected to last till this month end. Madanapalle (Chittoor) in Andhra Pradesh also has continued arrivals in reasonable quantities. Delhi-NCR arrivals are mainly from Himachal Pradesh, and some quantity comes from Kolar in Karnataka.

New crop arrivals are expected soon from the Nashik district. Furthermore, in August, additional supply is expected to come from Narayangaon and Aurangabad belt. Madhya Pradesh arrivals are also expected to start. Prices are anticipated to cool down in the near future, accordingly.

Tomato to be distributed at discounted prices

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Environment, India, People, Sustainability

The main objectives of Sagar Parikrama are to disseminate information on various fisheries-related schemes and programs being implemented by the government

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, starts the Sagar Parikrama Phase-III from Hazira Port, Gujarat, and proceeds towards the coastal line of Maharashtra at Satpati, Vasai, Versova, and Parikrama will end at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.

The main objectives of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ are to facilitate interaction with fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders so as to disseminate information on various fisheries-related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government; demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, to promote responsible fisheries with focus on the sustainable balance between the utilisation of marine fisheries resources for food security of nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and protection of marine ecosystems.

The journey of Sagar Parikrama focuses on the sustainable balance between the utilisation of marine fisheries resources for the food security of the nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and the protection of marine ecosystems, to bridge the gaps of fisher communities, and their expectations, development of fishing villages, upgradation and creation of infrastructure such as fishing harbours & landing centres to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.

The Sagar Parikrama program is celebrated in all coastal States/UTs through a pre-decided sea route down right from Gujarat, Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands to have interaction program with fishermen, fisher communities and stakeholders in these locations to know the problems of Coastal Fisher folk. A holistic approach has been adopted to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of fishers and fishermen in rural areas and create more livelihood opportunities.

The main objectives of Sagar Parikrama are

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Horticulture, India, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Transportation, Vegetables

During the current year, Railways have disbursed Rs 4 crores as a subsidy.

Indian Railways have operated around 2,359 Kisan Rail services till January 2023. Kisan railway transported approximately 7.9 lakh tonnes of agricultural goods from one state to another. The Kisan railway was launched in August 2020 from Devlali Maharashtra to Danapur Bihar.  

This information was given by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

The railways have operated 116 Kisan Rail services in Andhra Pradesh, 62 in Gujarat, 46 in Karnataka, 1,838 in Maharashtra, 74 in Madhya Pradesh, 15 in Punjab, 5 in Rajasthan, 76 in Uttar Pradesh, 59 in West Bengal, and 66 in Telangana. The national transporter has operated one Kisan Rail train in Assam and Tripura.

Railways have been continuing with the subsidy, at a rate of Rs45 per cent and this subsidy is applicable till 31 March 23. Up to 31 March 2022, a 50 per cent subsidy in freight was granted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) for the transportation of fruits and vegetables by Kisan rail, which was not continued further. During 2020-21, Railways disbursed Rs27.79 crores as a subsidy which MoFPI reimbursed.  During 2021-22, Railways disbursed Rs121.86 crores as a subsidy, out of which MoFPI reimbursed only Rs50 crores.  During the current year, Railways have disbursed Rs4 crores as a subsidy.

During the current year, Railways have disbursed

AgroPolicy, Oilseeds

Brings all states/UTs under Single Central Order on stock limits for edible oils and oil seeds

The government has notified a Central Order on March 30, 2022, amending the removal of licensing requirements, stock limits and movement restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs Order, 2016 and its Central Order dated February 3, 2022, by extending the stock limits for all edible oils and oil seeds put together for a period up to December 31, 2022, for all States/Union Territories. This order is effective from April 1, 2022, up to December 31, 2022.

Six states viz Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Bihar that had issued their control order in pursuance of the

Central Order dated October 8, 2022, have also been brought under the purview of the latest order with effect from April 1, 2022. With the issue of this Central Order, all States/UTs have been brought under one single order. It is mentioned that the six states mentioned above were earlier exempted from the Central Order dated February 3, 2022, as they had issued their Central Orders.

Eight central teams have been deputed by the Government of India, Department of Food & Public Distribution till April 30, 2022, for strict compliance/ enforcement of the above Central Order. The surprise inspections are presently underway in selected districts of eight States for checking the stocks of edible oils and oilseeds at ground level i.e with the retailers, wholesalers, big chain retailers and processors. These states are Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi. Strict action in accordance with the provisions in the EC Act will be initiated against the entities if found to be violating the Act.

The above Stock Limit Order notified by the government empowers the Union Government and all states/UTs to regulate the storage and distribution of edible oils and oilseeds. This step coupled with surprise inspections seeks to help the Government in checking the hoarding of edible oils and oilseeds in the country and ensure that the prices of edible oils, which are a basic necessity, do not go out of reach of the common man.

Brings all states/UTs under Single Central Order

Agro Universities, People

Amai Mahalinga Naik’s farm has become a model farmland and has over 1,000 visitors a Year including foreign tourists

Amai Mahalinga Naik, age 77 years, an innovative farmer from Adyanadka village of Coastal Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka has been conferred with the Padma Shri Award – 2022 for transforming an arid sloping hill into a fertile farm through the Innovative Zero-Energy Micro-Irrigation System.

Naik single-handedly dug six tunnels of 315 Ft length to bring over water to his farm. He also constructed 300 percolation trenches alone in the hills surrounding the farm with around 5,000 large laterite stones that he carried himself to his farm. Naik built two revetments (15-Ft long, 30-Ft wide and 5-Ft high) and a tank of 12,000 Litres capacity to fill up the revetments. He turned a deserted and barren plot of land into a lush oasis comprising 300 areca nut palms, 75 coconut trees, 150 cashew trees, 200 banana saplings and pepper nines.

In addition to this, he also keeps bees and produces Azolla for his cows as a dietary supplement. For all his efforts, he is also known as the ‘One-Man Army’ and ‘Tunnel Man’ in his surrounding areas. Naik’s farm has become model farmland and has over 1,000 visitors a year including foreign tourists.

Amai Mahalinga Naik's farm has become a