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HomePosts Tagged "Uttar Pradesh"
Farm Mechanisation

In Uttar Pradesh, the increasing presence of tractors in the fields reflects not just changing agricultural practices but also a growing sense of optimism and prosperity among farmers

In the heartland of India, tractors have become more than just machines — they are now symbols of progress, pride, and prosperity. In Uttar Pradesh, the hum of engines in the fields is steadily replacing the once-familiar sight of bullocks ploughing the land, signaling a dramatic transformation in the state’s agricultural landscape.

Once a measure of status was how many bullocks stood outside a farmer’s home. Today, it’s the horsepower parked beside the barn. This mechanisation is not only changing how agriculture is done but also lifting the morale of the farming community. Tractors are helping farmers move away from back-breaking manual labor and toward a more efficient, productive future.

According to officials from the state agriculture department, tractor ownership in Uttar Pradesh has surged by over 62 per cent in the last eight years. In 2016–17, the number of tractors in the state stood at 88,000. By 2024–25, that figure had climbed to 1,42,200, reflecting a rising appetite for modern farming tools among the rural population.

With its nine agro-climatic zones, fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, plentiful water resources, and large agricultural workforce, Uttar Pradesh is being positioned as the “food basket of the country.”

To realise this vision, the government is encouraging a fusion of traditional agricultural wisdom with modern scientific techniques. Through platforms like Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Million Farmers’ School programme, farmers are being educated about new technologies, climate-resilient practices, and efficient use of inputs.

Several long-pending irrigation projects—including the Bansagar, National Saryu Canal, and Arjun Sahayak projects—have been completed, significantly increasing irrigation coverage and making farming more reliable. Additionally, procurement systems for wheat and paddy have become more transparent, with assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments and inclusion of more crops such as millets under the MSP framework.

Sugarcane farmers—nearly 50 lakh in number—have particularly benefited from timely payments, modernisation and expansion of sugar mills, and the implementation of central schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. Access to quality seeds and fertilizers has also improved, contributing to record output in pulses, oilseeds, and other key crops.

With rising farm incomes, the demand for tractors has naturally followed. But tractors today are no longer just for tilling. They are being used to level fields, spray pesticides, sow seeds, plant and harvest potatoes, and even manage crop residue. The state government has bolstered this trend by offering up to 50 per cent subsidy on various tractor-powered implements, lowering the cost of modernisation for small and marginal farmers.

This mechanisation has helped reduce labour costs and increased operational efficiency during critical farming stages — from land preparation and sowing to harvesting and threshing.

The trend isn’t unique to Uttar Pradesh. Across India, tractor sales are poised for a record-breaking year, with 10 lakh units expected to be sold in FY 2025 — the highest ever. This follows the 2023 record of 939,713 units and 867,597 units sold in FY 2024. Experts attribute this expected surge to a strong Rabi harvest, favorable monsoon forecasts, and stable commodity prices, which have renewed farmer confidence nationwide.

In the fields of Uttar Pradesh, this shift is visible and audible — a hum of change, as more farmers trade wooden ploughs for powerful engines and age-old anxieties for a newfound sense of empowerment.

In Uttar Pradesh, the increasing presence of

R&D

Workshop underscores role of GM and Gene-Edited crops in sustainable farming; FSII & BCIL advocate for State-Level policy support

As Uttar Pradesh ramps up efforts to boost agricultural productivity, technological innovation is being positioned as a key catalyst for growth. At a state-level workshop titled ‘Biotechnology Applications for Crop Improvement’, held at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Dr. K V Raju, Advisor to the Chief Minister, laid out an ambitious roadmap for agricultural modernization anchored in science and advanced technologies.

Uttar Pradesh has witnessed significant economic growth over the past eight years, with the state’s GDP reaching nearly Rs 30 lakh crore and growing at an annual rate of 14%, said Dr. K V Raju, Advisor to the Chief Minister. “Agriculture remains a cornerstone of this progress. However, stagnant productivity in key crops such as rice and wheat is a growing concern. We must harness the combined scientific expertise of both public and private sectors to drive the next transformative wave in agriculture,” he noted.

Speaking at Uttar Pradesh’s first-ever state-level workshop on biotechnology applications in agriculture, held at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Dr. Raju outlined the government’s vision to modernize agriculture using cutting-edge science and technology. The event was organized by Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), in partnership with ANDUAT and supported by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).

Dr. Raju emphasized the need to increase crop yields, promote diversification—encouraging farmers to shift from sugarcane to crops like maize and potato—and employ biotechnological tools to close yield gaps and improve farmer incomes. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with major international research organizations and announced plans for a 200-acre state-of-the-art seed park, stating, “Uttar Pradesh’s potential in agricultural biotechnology is unmatched, and the government is fully committed to these initiatives.”

Despite contributing nearly 20 per cent of India’s total foodgrain production, Uttar Pradesh faces significant productivity challenges. Rice yields hover between 1.7 and 2.4 tonnes per hectare, lagging far behind Punjab’s 6.5 tonnes. Pulse productivity also remains low despite widespread cultivation. Experts at the workshop pointed out that rising pest and disease pressures are increasingly limiting the effectiveness of traditional breeding methods.

Similar workshops are being held across various Indian states to promote awareness of biotech innovations, including genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited crops. This event marked a milestone for Uttar Pradesh’s formal engagement in the biotechnology sector.

Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director of FSII, stressed the urgency of embracing scientific innovation. “Delays are not an option. We must adopt technologies that help address climate change challenges. The focus goes beyond production — it’s about sustainability,” he said. Sampathkumar highlighted that precision biotechnology can optimize input usage and ultimately strengthen farmer livelihoods.

Participants called for enhanced capacity building among state agriculture officials, universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to equip them with the scientific knowledge and communication skills necessary for responsible biotech implementation. While the central government has paved the way for certain biotech crops, state-level acceptance remains crucial, making such workshops vital.

Dr. Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager at BCIL, noted, “While regulatory challenges surrounding GM crops are being addressed, our goal is to fast-track biotechnology adoption through active engagement. Significant research is underway in Indian labs, and it’s time to translate this into tangible benefits at the farm level.” She pointed to the recent release of two gene-edited rice varieties by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan as a positive step forward.

Highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent, Dr. Bijendra Singh, Vice Chancellor of ANDUAT, stated, “Empowering students and researchers with advanced knowledge is key to positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in agricultural biotechnology.”

Workshop underscores role of GM and Gene-Edited

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Foodgrains, India, Seeds, Sustainability

Workshops to offer live demonstrations, agronomic training, and insights into DEKALB hybrids.

Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in healthcare and agriculture, is organising a series of farmer workshops across key districts in Uttar Pradesh to highlight the importance of corn as a vital crop for food, feed, and sustainable fuel. These farmer-centric roadshows, already underway, will cover Marehara, Kamalganj, Chhibramau and other key locations, reinforcing Bayer’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers in improving their yields and incomes.

The corn sector in India plays a crucial role in the economy, generating over 1,000 million man-days of employment and contributing Rs 400 billion to the national GDP. With rising demand both domestically and globally, Bayer is driving improvements in corn yields through cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions to support India’s goal of self-sufficiency in corn production.

The roadshows, which began on January 27 will go on till February 14 in the state. These interactive workshops will provide farmers with comprehensive insights into advanced crop management techniques to ensure maximum productivity. The sessions will feature live demonstrations of agronomic best practices, allowing farmers to see innovative techniques in action. They will also hear success stories from fellow farmers who have achieved better yields using DEKALB hybrids. Experts will provide guidance on sustainable farming techniques, equipping farmers with the knowledge to enhance productivity while maintaining soil health. Additionally, engagement activities, including a QR code-based reward system via the FarmRise app, will offer farmers opportunities to earn incentives and stay connected with Bayer’s agricultural network.

Speaking on this initiative, Mohan Babu, Cluster Commercial Lead, CropScience Division of Bayer in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, said, “Bayer is committed to helping corn farmers enhance their productivity and income by equipping them with the right tools, knowledge, and support. These workshops are a crucial step in enabling farmers to adopt innovative practices, improve their yields, and meet the evolving demands of the corn market. Uttar Pradesh plays a vital role in India’s corn ecosystem, with its vast agricultural landscape and growing contribution to national production. By strengthening corn cultivation, we aim to support India’s journey toward self-sufficiency in corn for food, feed, and sustainable fuel, ensuring long-term economic growth and resilience for smallholder farmers.”

At the workshops, farmers will also learn about DEKALB’s Spring hybrids, known for their adaptability to diverse sowing conditions, superior standability, stay-green traits, and high-quality grains. These hybrids are designed to help farmers optimize their output while ensuring long-term sustainability. DEKALB Spring Hybrids possess a high starch content of 80-85% which is highly congenial for the distilleries to produce high-quality ETHANOL from these Hybrids. DEKALB hybrids are highly adaptable for SILAGE cultivation also.

Workshops to offer live demonstrations, agronomic training,

Collaborations, R&D, Sustainability, Trade

The session outlined a roadmap for transforming the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring it is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future while providing farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed

The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC 2024) concluded with a dynamic plenary session centered on strategies to enhance Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector. Moderated by Dr. Vikram Patil, Agricultural Economics Scientist at IRRI, the session brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—from government officials and academic leaders to industry experts—to discuss actionable strategies that can improve seed quality, infrastructure, and market access in the state. The overarching goal was to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector to better serve the needs of farmers and foster sustainable agriculture.

A distinguished panel of speakers led the session, including Prof. Panjab Singh, Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi; Dr. K.V. Raju, Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. A.K. Singh, Former Director and Vice Chancellor of IARI, New Delhi; Dr. J.S. Tomar, Director of Agriculture, UP; Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of ISARC; Dr. Sanjay Singh, Director General of Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research; Mr. Pankaj Tripathi, Managing Director of Beeja Vikas Nigam, UP; and Prof. Sanjeet Kumar, Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at ANDUAT, Ayodhya.

The session delved into several critical areas for strengthening the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on fostering innovation, improving infrastructure, and ensuring accessibility for farmers.

A key focus was enhancing seed quality and certification. Panelists emphasized the need for expanding seed testing and quality control facilities across the state. Simplifying the certification process, especially for small-scale producers, was also highlighted as a vital step. By offering training and financial incentives, the state can help local seed producers meet national and international standards, ensuring high-quality seeds are readily available to farmers.

Infrastructure development emerged as another critical area of focus. Experts underscored the importance of investing in cold storage units, warehouses, and transportation systems to preserve seed quality and ensure timely delivery to farmers. This infrastructure would not only support seed producers but also ensure that farmers have consistent access to the seeds they need, particularly during crucial planting seasons.

In today’s digital age, digital solutions were highlighted as a means of enhancing transparency and efficiency in the seed supply chain. Panelists called for the development of mobile applications and digital platforms that connect seed producers, suppliers, and farmers. These platforms can provide real-time information on seed varieties, market prices, and weather updates, ensuring farmers can make informed decisions and access the best available seeds.

Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was also seen as essential for empowering farmers. These organizations can serve as valuable intermediaries, providing farmers with access to new seed varieties, training on best practices, and resources to improve their farming techniques. The session also focused on the promotion of bio-fortified and climate-resilient seeds, with a strong push for developing drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties. Implementing pricing mechanisms and offering incentives for cultivating nutrient-rich varieties could improve both food security and farmers’ economic viability.

An important point of discussion was the conservation of indigenous landraces. The creation of a Landrace Conservation Committee was proposed to catalog and promote indigenous seed varieties, ensuring they are preserved for future generations. Additionally, the establishment of a digital repository to document the traits and benefits of these varieties was recommended as a way to support their continued use in modern agriculture. To foster the growth of organic seed production, the session advocated for financial incentives and simplified certification processes, making it easier for farmers to produce and access organic seeds. This would help meet the growing demand for organic produce and encourage environmentally friendly farming practices.

In addition, capacity building was emphasized as a key pillar of the seed sector’s growth. Training programs for farmers, seed inspectors, and extension agents will ensure that all stakeholders are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to implement innovative practices effectively. Collaboration between public institutions and private companies was also encouraged to drive research and innovation in seed production.

Finally, the session highlighted the importance of market linkages and expanding export potential. Strengthening connections between seed producers and agro-processing industries could help improve the economic viability of the seed sector. Establishing export systems for high-quality seeds would not only boost competitiveness in global markets but also support the state’s economic growth by tapping into international demand.

The session concluded with a clear call to action: all stakeholders—government bodies, research institutions, the private sector, and farmer organizations—must collaborate to implement these strategies and drive the growth of Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector. By investing in infrastructure, embracing digital innovations, and fostering public-private partnerships, Uttar Pradesh has the potential to position itself as a leader in India’s seed industry, supporting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods. With these actionable recommendations, the session outlined a roadmap for transforming the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring it is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future while providing farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

The session outlined a roadmap for transforming

Climate, Collaborations, Funding, India, Institutions, Investments, Organic, Schemes - Govt, Sustainability

The project seeks to attract private investment worth $15 million to bolster these efforts

Through increased agricultural productivity, the adoption of digital and climate-resilient practices, and improved market connections, the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project, a $325.10 million initiative, has received approval from the World Bank. As a way to encourage these initiatives, the project also seeks to garner $15 million in private investment.

Uttar Pradesh, which stands first in wheat production, second in rice production, and third in agricultural exports, has become an important player in Indian agriculture over the last ten years. Nevertheless these advancements, low productivity, constrained access to cutting-edge technology, and sufficient post-harvest infrastructure remained issues for small-scale farmers. The UP-AGREES Project aims to address these barriers, benefiting one million producers, particularly in the Eastern UP and Bundelkhand regions.

Strengthening agricultural value chains, boosting opportunities for value addition, and enabling better access to inexpensive credit through leading-edge financial instruments like the eKisan Credit Card (eKCC) are important project components. In order to lessen agriculture’s environmental impact, the project will also encourage environmentally friendly farming techniques like employing low-methane rice types, turning rice waste into biogas, and using fertilizer with as much effectiveness as necessary.

The World Bank’s Country Director for India, Auguste Tano Kouame, highlighted the project’s emphasis on climate adaptation. “This project will increase productivity while lessening the climatic effect of agriculture. He announced the founding of a specialized instruction facility to teach farmers and government representatives climate-resilient approaches.”

Additionally, the project would fortify the agricultural digital and financial ecosystem, encouraging private sector involvement to provide market-driven solutions. Producers, agribusinesses, and government agencies will be connected by the creation of geographic clusters for important commodities and fisheries. To strengthen ties to international markets, the project will also assist in the setting up of an Integrated Agri-Export Hub close to Jewar Airport in Greater Noida.

Through the use of cutting-edge technologies, better infrastructure, and enhanced local and international market ties, special attention will be paid to empowering women farmers and business owners. Task team leaders Andrew Goodland, Harsh Jhanjaria, and Vinayak Ghatate emphasized the project’s potential to boost wages, create jobs, and increase productivity.

The Gates Foundation, Israel, France, and other parties will provide funding. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) granted the $325.10 million loan, which has a 33.5-year maturity with a six-year grace period.

The project seeks to attract private

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Horticulture, India

The partnership aims to support potato farmers in enhancing crop productivity and quality to gain acceptance for produce in the market.

Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, has signed an MoU with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The MoU was signed by Vinaya Kumar Sharma, Head Commercial, Yara India, at the 2nd International Conference and Buyer-Seller Meet in Agra on February 04, 2024. The strategic partnership aims to support potato farmers in enhancing crop productivity and quality to gain acceptance for produce in the market. The primary objective is to introduce them to emerging digital technologies and building their capacity for higher efficiency and sustainability in farming practices.

Following the MoU signing, Dr Atul Kumar Singh, Director- Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Uttar Pradesh, visited Yara’s Knowledge Grows Centre (YKGC) in Agra, which serves as a centre of excellence, fostering development and enhancing the best farming practices. During the visit, officials from the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the leadership team of Yara India interacted with potato farmers and toured four demo potato plots, which showcased the efforts Yara has made to enhance crop productivity and contribute to farmers’ livelihood.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said, “We are excited to partner with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, on this transformative journey towards enhancing the productivity and profitability of potato farmers in the region. Our collaboration is focused on building an ecosystem that supports and uplifts the livelihoods of our farmers, while also revolutionising food systems for a healthier and more resilient future. We are committed to working closely with other value chain players, from seed to final output companies, along with our team of Yara Agronomists, to introduce digital innovations such as our newly revamped FarmCare app and improve food quality.”

Dr Atul Kumar Singh, Director- Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Uttar Pradesh, said, “Yara India’s partnership with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, is a significant step towards empowering potato farmers in the region. This partnership will introduce farmers to cutting-edge digital technologies and innovative solutions that will significantly enhance crop productivity and quality, thereby contributing to the overall prosperity of the farmers and their families. The Yara Knowledge Grow Center in Agra is an excellent platform for developing and enhancing the best farming practices, and we are confident that our farmers will benefit greatly from the knowledge and expertise shared by Yara’s team of agronomists.”

Yara Knowledge Grow Center (YKGC) in Agra is a center of excellence for developing and enhancing the best farming practices. The YKGC serves as a platform for conducting physical meetings and actively engages with the local community by conducting regular training programs for farmers.

The partnership aims to support potato farmers

Company News, Dairy, India

This initiative has been taken in a bid to capitalise on the growing demand for milk and dairy products in the state of Uttar Pradesh

Gyan Dairy, one of the leading fresh milk and dairy products manufacturers and a unit of CP Milk & Products Limited, has increased its milk production capacity to 15 lakh litres per day from 11 lakh litres per day. This initiative has been taken in a bid to capitalise on the growing demand for milk and dairy products in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which is further bolstered by the conducive business-friendly policies of the state government.

The company has set up a state-of-the-art plant in GIDA Phase II, in Gorakhpur with a capacity of five lakh litres per day, at a cost of approximately 120 crores. The plant is spread over an area of 20067 square meters. With the establishment of this plant, over 1800 direct and indirect employment have been generated and over 1 lakh cattle rearing families will benefit.

 “We started our journey in 2007 with just two products in our portfolio, namely Gyan Skimmed Milk Powder and Gyan Desi Ghee. Milk was procured from the market and transported to our plant. The income from the sale of milk had gone to middlemen, depriving dairy farmers of fair compensation for their produce”, said Jai Agarwal, Managing Director, Managing Director, C.P. Milk & Food Prod. Pvt. Ltd.

This initiative has been taken in a

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Live Stock

10 foreign missions from different countries along with various International organisations attend the conference

On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, the Dept. of Fisheries, GoI is organising a Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 which began at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying inaugurated the Special Pavilion and main Exhibition of Global Fisheries Conference India 2023. Minister of States for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Dr Sanjeev K. Balyan, and Dr L Murugan, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Ministers of various states, Ambassador of various countries, other dignitaries and heads of various organisations and fisheries research institutes were present in the event.

Parshottam Rupala released the “State Fishes of India Booklet” to encourage each state in India to adopt a fish and conserve its biodiversity. The booklet contains details of 21 fish species adopted as State Fish and declared as State Aquatic Animals. The other key publication released was “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics year 2022” which aims at providing key data points and performance indicators for the Fisheries sector making accurate and reliable fisheries data available to all.

Further, Rupala distributed Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) claim cheques (Rs 5 lakhs each) to beneficiaries /legal heirs from the states of Odisha and Puducherry, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to eligible beneficiaries with the loan amount of Rs 35 thousand to Rs 3 lakhs for beneficiaries from Gujarat, Green Fuel conversion kit for sustainable development of fisheries sector that included beneficiaries from Kerala and transponders for beneficiaries from Gujarat.

Sagar Mehra Joint Secretary for DoF, highlighted that the Department of Fisheries organised an event of this scale and magnitude for the first time. He said it is a moment of pride for DoF (MoFAH&D, GoI) to host 10 foreign missions from the countries of France, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Russia, Spain, Zimbabwe, Angola, Brazil and Greece along with International organisations namely Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN-FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bay of Bengal Program (BoBP), Marine Stewardship Council India (MSC), Ministers from the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa and Andhra Pradesh.

The delegation interacted with the exhibitors in the special pavilion that included a demonstration of aquariums, Artificial reefs, Seaweed Cultivation, capture fisheries, marine cage culture, bio floc, RAS, fish feed, LPG converter kits, pearl extraction and nucleus implantation, model of Setcom satellite terminals communication system, eco-friendly movable kiosks, multi-species hatchery etc.

10 foreign missions from different countries along

Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade

The initial shipment was sent from Ghazipur to the UAE and was flagged off virtually by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Abhishek Dev

Purvanchal, located in eastern Uttar Pradesh, has made its first-ever export of banana plant derivatives to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Along with fruits and vegetables, the leaves and flowers of the plant were also exported. The initial shipment was sent from Ghazipur to the UAE and was flagged off virtually by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Abhishek Dev from the Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport in Babatpur, Varanasi.

The export of banana fruits, flowers, and leaves is mainly dominated by South India. However, Purvanchal farmers are now also making a name for themselves in the international market for this agricultural product. In August this year, there was a 10 metric ton increase in exports compared to the same month last year. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) attributes this success to the supportive policies of the Yogi government and the hard work of the farmers. Purvanchal banana leaves and flowers are now gaining acceptance in foreign countries.

APEDA’s Varanasi Regional Office announced that with the support of the Yogi government, fruits and vegetables from India are now available in foreign markets. In particular, bananas from Ghazipur will be exported with their leaves and flowers, marking the first time all three are being exported together.

 Apart from this, Amda, Karonda, Bhindi and Parwal have also been exported to the UAE in recent times.

In August 2022, 81 metric tons of vegetables and fruits were exported from Varanasi airport, while last month, the export was increased to 91 metric tons.

The initial shipment was sent from Ghazipur

Animal Health, Company News, Live Stock, Poultry

The poultry feed plant has come up at an investment of Rs 160 crore.

Smriti Irani Union Minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art Poultry Feed plant and Hatchery unit set up by IB Group at Amethi, Uttar Pradesh with an investment of Rs 160 crore.

Spread across 12 acres, the newly commissioned plant of IB Group has come up at Jagdishpur in Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh, which has the capacity to produce 600 tonnes of Poultry feed per day and 3 lakh broiler chicks per day.

With the inauguration of the new plant, the group which posted a turnover of Rs 7782 crores in FY22, now has 5 poultry feed plants having a total capacity to produce 5800 tons of poultry feed per day. Besides, the group has 6 hatcheries, and a presence across 26 Indian states for its poultry, livestock feed, and edible oil businesses. IB Group is among the top 3 largest poultry players in Asia and a market leader in fish feed in India and edible oil in Central India.

Speaking on the occasion, Smriti Irani said, “I would like to thank IB Group for setting up the largest poultry feed plant of Uttar Pradesh in Amethi, which is far from Chattisgarh. For the growth of the country’s GDP, it is imperative to strengthen the poultry industry. I am hopeful that with technical support to young and talented farmers here, the plant will make its own mark very soon.

Commenting on the commissioning of the new plant, Bahadur Ali company’s founder said, “IB Group is aligned with prioritisation of development at grassroots level. We are privileged to set up the biggest poultry feed plant and hatchery unit of UP which has immense potential to generate local employment. The new plant will also benefit maize and soya-growing farmers of this region.  My confidence in the growth of the poultry industry in UP has gone up manifold after interacting with the promising young farmers today. IB Group is committed to offering business opportunities and technology support to young and new poultry farmers in UP thereby improving their livelihood and making Uttar Pradesh a developed and an Atmanirbhar state in the region.”

The poultry feed plant has come up

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, Climate, Nature, Sustainability

Inter-Ministerial Meeting on issues of Management of Crop Residue Burning held

A high-level inter-Ministerial meeting was held under the co-chairmanship of Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to review the preparedness of the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi in preventing paddy stubble burning in the current season.

The high-level meeting was attended by Surya Pratap Shahi Agriculture Minister, Govt. of UP, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Agriculture Minister of Punjab, Jai Prakash Dalal, Agriculture Minister of Haryana and Gopal Rai, Environment Minister of NCT of Delhi. Senior officers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Govt. of India and from the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, NCT of Delhi and ICAR were also present.

During the meeting, the States presented the action plan and strategies for preventing stubble burning in the current season. The States were advised to utilise the funds provided for crop residue management, make Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery available well before harvesting season and carry out Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities in collaboration with ICAR and other stakeholders to bring awareness amongst farmers against paddy stubble burning.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister for Environment stated that efforts to prevent paddy stubble burning for the last five years are bearing good results. Due to the concerted efforts of agencies like the Commission for Air Quality Management, burning instances in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi have come down.  There is a need to encourage ex-situ management of paddy straw which will provide raw materials to the user industries like Power, biomass etc.

Inter-Ministerial Meeting on issues of Management of

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Start ups

The initiative targets to support sectors like seeds, fertilisers, warehousing, soil nutrients, harvest/post-harvest crop management, and food processing units

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a plan to enhance the state’s agricultural value by investing approximately Rs 3,800 crore in agricultural start-ups.

The initiative targets to support sectors like seeds, fertilisers, warehousing, soil nutrients, harvest/post-harvest crop management, and food processing units. The scheme covers agricultural and horticultural crops along with allied farm activities such as pisciculture, sericulture, and food processing.

The state intends to approve a minimum of five agricultural ventures and start-ups each month in all 75 districts. By streamlining the loan process, the government hopes to extend the benefits of the scheme to over 3,000 agricultural entrepreneurs and young farmers.

The funding for this endeavour will be sourced from the Centre’s Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme, which focuses on investing in medium- and long-term community agricultural assets at the local level. To be eligible for a credit line from designated commercial banks, the project must have a value exceeding Rs 1 crore.

The initiative targets to support sectors like