Scanty and erratic rainfall, limited availability of irrigation and low productivity of crops are among the major constraints in agricultural growth in the state, a study carried out by the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics has revealed.
The findings were part of the statistical analysis of the agricultural sector over the past four decades in the state. Shrikant Kalamkar, who carried out the research at the institute, said, "The agriculture sector has undergone a lot of changes in the past few years. The sector exhibits wide fluctuations and there are no signs of sustained progress. The recent suicides by farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada have once again highlighted the regional disparity in the state."
The study revealed that the share of primary sector (agriculture and allied activities) in the state has been steeply declining over the decades, as compared at the nation. It accounted for 31 per cent of the GDP in 1960-61 and steeply declined to 11.7 per cent in 2008-09. "The slow growth of agriculture as compared to other sectors is a serious issue from the point of view of rural employment and poverty, both of which are heavily dependent on agricultural growth," Kalamkar said.
Explaining how rainfall has also been one of the major hurdles in agricultural growth of the state, Kalamkar said, "Though the average rainfall in the state is relatively high when compared to many other states of India, the fact is that it spreads over many months and is inconstant. Over the years, some regions have been getting more rain than others, further affecting areas bereft of water resources."
Nearly one-third of Maharashtra falls in the rain-shadow region, where rains are scanty and erratic. About one-fourth of India’s drought-prone districts are in Maharashtra, with 73 per cent of its geographical area classified as semi-arid. Moreover, the Central Water Commission has identified 45 talukas from nine districts in the state as drought-prone.
According to this study, the limited availability of irrigation is another constraint that affects the growth of agriculture in the state. "About 82 per cent of the cultivated area is rain-fed. Due to lack of irrigation facilities, not only are low-value crops being cultivated here, but, also, the productivity of most of the crops is much lower as compared to the national average," Kalamkar added.
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
India Government Initiatives
Government Initiatives
In the Union Budget 2010-11, the Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has made the following announcements for the agriculture sector:
* Provision of US$ 86.9 million to extend the green revolution to the eastern region of the country comprising Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa
* Provision of US$ 65.2 million to organise 60,000 pulses and oil-seed villages in rain-fed areas in 2010-11 and to provide an integrated intervention for water harvesting, watershed management and soil health to improve productivity of the dry land farming areas
* Provision of US$ 43.4 million for sustaining the gains already made in the green revolution areas through conservation farming, which involves concurrent attention to soil health, water conservation and preservation of biodiversity
* Banks have been consistently meeting the targets set for agricultural credit flow in the past few years. For the year 2010-11, the agricultural credit flow target has been set at US$ 81.5 billion
* Under the Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme (2008), time frame for the repayment of the loan has been extended till June 30, 2010 from six months up to December 31, 2009 in the previous year
* In addition to the 10 mega food park projects already being set up, the government has decided to set up five more such parks
* External commercial borrowings are to be available for cold storage or cold room facility, including for farm level pre-cooling, for preservation or storage of agricultural and allied products, marine products and meat
A number of other initiatives are already in place for the agriculture sector, which include
* The National Food Security Mission was launched in 2007-08, with an outlay of US$ 1.24 billion during the 11th Five Year Plan (2007–2012). It aims at enhancing the production of rice, wheat and pulses by 10 million tonnes (MT), 8 MT and 2 MT respectively, by the year 2011-12
* The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) was operationalised with effect from August 2007 with an outlay of US$ 5.3 billion during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12). The RKVY scheme aims at incentivising states to increase outlays for agriculture and allied sectors in order to achieve 4 per cent growth in the sector in the current five-year plan. RKVY has encouraged states to step up allocations to this sector. Allocation to agriculture and allied sectors was 5.11 per cent of total State Plan Expenditure in 2006-07 and this has gone up to 5.84 per cent in 2008-09, according to the Annual Report 2009-10 of the Ministry of Agriculture
* The government has allocated US$ 1.43 billion this fiscal to the states under RKVY, 87 per cent more than in 2009-10 at US$ 763.3 million
In the Union Budget 2010-11, the Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has made the following announcements for the agriculture sector:
* Provision of US$ 86.9 million to extend the green revolution to the eastern region of the country comprising Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa
* Provision of US$ 65.2 million to organise 60,000 pulses and oil-seed villages in rain-fed areas in 2010-11 and to provide an integrated intervention for water harvesting, watershed management and soil health to improve productivity of the dry land farming areas
* Provision of US$ 43.4 million for sustaining the gains already made in the green revolution areas through conservation farming, which involves concurrent attention to soil health, water conservation and preservation of biodiversity
* Banks have been consistently meeting the targets set for agricultural credit flow in the past few years. For the year 2010-11, the agricultural credit flow target has been set at US$ 81.5 billion
* Under the Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme (2008), time frame for the repayment of the loan has been extended till June 30, 2010 from six months up to December 31, 2009 in the previous year
* In addition to the 10 mega food park projects already being set up, the government has decided to set up five more such parks
* External commercial borrowings are to be available for cold storage or cold room facility, including for farm level pre-cooling, for preservation or storage of agricultural and allied products, marine products and meat
A number of other initiatives are already in place for the agriculture sector, which include
* The National Food Security Mission was launched in 2007-08, with an outlay of US$ 1.24 billion during the 11th Five Year Plan (2007–2012). It aims at enhancing the production of rice, wheat and pulses by 10 million tonnes (MT), 8 MT and 2 MT respectively, by the year 2011-12
* The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) was operationalised with effect from August 2007 with an outlay of US$ 5.3 billion during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12). The RKVY scheme aims at incentivising states to increase outlays for agriculture and allied sectors in order to achieve 4 per cent growth in the sector in the current five-year plan. RKVY has encouraged states to step up allocations to this sector. Allocation to agriculture and allied sectors was 5.11 per cent of total State Plan Expenditure in 2006-07 and this has gone up to 5.84 per cent in 2008-09, according to the Annual Report 2009-10 of the Ministry of Agriculture
* The government has allocated US$ 1.43 billion this fiscal to the states under RKVY, 87 per cent more than in 2009-10 at US$ 763.3 million
Agricultural Development Afghanistan
USAID is seeking experienced professionals in the agriculture sciences to work with us to support the people of Afghanistan.
This announcement is being used to consider internal Merit Promotion and external candidates. You will be considered under all categories for which you are eligible.
DUTIES:(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)
The full performance level of this position is at the FS-02 level.
Agricultural Development Officers (ADOs) will be based in Afghanistan and assigned to one of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), District Support Teams (DSTs), Regional Command Centers, and in some cases Kabul itself (See General Background section). ADOs will live and work with other members of the PRT, often in rustic and challenging conditions (See physical requirements section in this announcement). ADOs will support agriculture and rural development assistance programs in various locations in Afghanistan by developing strategies, analytical models, and methodologies; analyzing data; and providing assistance and advice on agriculture and rural development issues.
Strategic Planning: For country, regional, or provincial programming, performs strategic analysis of trends, and future areas of opportunity and problems, as input to Agency strategic planning. Develops or contributes to strategic planning documents, country assistance strategies, sector strategies, and similar planning exercises. Employs analytical tools and insight to provide guidance to managers for decisions about allocation of resources to agriculture and rural development programs, and as input to cross-cutting issues such as environment or gender.
Program Analysis: Serves as a technical resource and advisor, providing analyses of agriculture and rural development sector trends in Afghanistan to inform management and program managers of relevant factors that may affect the U.S. assistance program. Participates on technical evaluation committees for agriculture and rural development project proposals, and oversees contracted technical assistance and commodity interventions to agricultural programs. Ensures statistical soundness of data used to track program performance, and proposes statistical indicators of program success. Communicates results of analysis both verbally and in writing to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Develops criteria for project and program evaluation statements of work and briefs evaluation teams regarding agricultural background and conditions within which USAID programs operate.
Agriculture Policy Guidance: Analyzes agriculture policies currently in effect in Afghanistan and briefs and advises senior USAID, military, and other USG management regarding agriculture policy issues relevant to successful achievement of USG assistance objectives. Develops professional contacts with agriculture and other officials in the Afghan government, resident missions of the international financial institutions, bilateral donors, embassies, as well as within the local academic and business communities. Ensures coordination with all USG activities in the agriculture sector.
This announcement is being used to consider internal Merit Promotion and external candidates. You will be considered under all categories for which you are eligible.
DUTIES:(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)
The full performance level of this position is at the FS-02 level.
Agricultural Development Officers (ADOs) will be based in Afghanistan and assigned to one of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), District Support Teams (DSTs), Regional Command Centers, and in some cases Kabul itself (See General Background section). ADOs will live and work with other members of the PRT, often in rustic and challenging conditions (See physical requirements section in this announcement). ADOs will support agriculture and rural development assistance programs in various locations in Afghanistan by developing strategies, analytical models, and methodologies; analyzing data; and providing assistance and advice on agriculture and rural development issues.
Strategic Planning: For country, regional, or provincial programming, performs strategic analysis of trends, and future areas of opportunity and problems, as input to Agency strategic planning. Develops or contributes to strategic planning documents, country assistance strategies, sector strategies, and similar planning exercises. Employs analytical tools and insight to provide guidance to managers for decisions about allocation of resources to agriculture and rural development programs, and as input to cross-cutting issues such as environment or gender.
Program Analysis: Serves as a technical resource and advisor, providing analyses of agriculture and rural development sector trends in Afghanistan to inform management and program managers of relevant factors that may affect the U.S. assistance program. Participates on technical evaluation committees for agriculture and rural development project proposals, and oversees contracted technical assistance and commodity interventions to agricultural programs. Ensures statistical soundness of data used to track program performance, and proposes statistical indicators of program success. Communicates results of analysis both verbally and in writing to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Develops criteria for project and program evaluation statements of work and briefs evaluation teams regarding agricultural background and conditions within which USAID programs operate.
Agriculture Policy Guidance: Analyzes agriculture policies currently in effect in Afghanistan and briefs and advises senior USAID, military, and other USG management regarding agriculture policy issues relevant to successful achievement of USG assistance objectives. Develops professional contacts with agriculture and other officials in the Afghan government, resident missions of the international financial institutions, bilateral donors, embassies, as well as within the local academic and business communities. Ensures coordination with all USG activities in the agriculture sector.
Newyork agri
Stonyfield Farms' environmental mission is the core of the company's activities, and continues to be a key differentiator among its competitors. The company was among the first to go "carbon-neutral" in the mid-1990s, produces 100% organic products, and gives 10% of its company profits to organizations that "help protect and restore the environment."
The latest of these projects is Climate Counts, an initiative aimed at empowering consumers to achieve no less a task than saving the world. With Climate Counts, Stonyfield President and "CE-Yo" Gary Hirshberg has gone beyond the corporate arena, using his experience and knowledge to launch a new non-profit that directly addresses the environmental concern he considers the most-pressing issue of our time. Add that to continued operational successes at the facility level, and you've got a company that is looking, and moving, forward into manufacturing's green future.
addressing energy efficiency:
Hirshberg: Efficiency gains at our facility and CO2 reductions have come from many initiatives, including designing processes to incorporate heat recovery, installing energy efficient motors and lighting, implementing energy efficient building practices, refrigeration system changes and fuel switching.
From 1995 to 2005 Stonyfield Farm reduced facility energy use and the associated CO2 emissions per pound of product by one third, saving over $1.7 million and 46 million kWh -- enough energy to power 4,500 homes for a year -- and prevented over 14,000 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
evaluated renewable purchase or production:
Hirshberg: In 2005, Stonyfield Farm installed a 50 kW solar photovoltaic array on its yogurt making facility in Londonderry, New Hampshire, the largest array in New Hampshire and the fifth largest in New England.
Stonyfield Farm also designed and constructed an anaerobic pre-treatment system that generates energy from its yogurt processing wastes. This treatment system uses 80% less energy and generates 90% less waste than conventional dairy treatment systems.
The latest of these projects is Climate Counts, an initiative aimed at empowering consumers to achieve no less a task than saving the world. With Climate Counts, Stonyfield President and "CE-Yo" Gary Hirshberg has gone beyond the corporate arena, using his experience and knowledge to launch a new non-profit that directly addresses the environmental concern he considers the most-pressing issue of our time. Add that to continued operational successes at the facility level, and you've got a company that is looking, and moving, forward into manufacturing's green future.
addressing energy efficiency:
Hirshberg: Efficiency gains at our facility and CO2 reductions have come from many initiatives, including designing processes to incorporate heat recovery, installing energy efficient motors and lighting, implementing energy efficient building practices, refrigeration system changes and fuel switching.
From 1995 to 2005 Stonyfield Farm reduced facility energy use and the associated CO2 emissions per pound of product by one third, saving over $1.7 million and 46 million kWh -- enough energy to power 4,500 homes for a year -- and prevented over 14,000 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
evaluated renewable purchase or production:
Hirshberg: In 2005, Stonyfield Farm installed a 50 kW solar photovoltaic array on its yogurt making facility in Londonderry, New Hampshire, the largest array in New Hampshire and the fifth largest in New England.
Stonyfield Farm also designed and constructed an anaerobic pre-treatment system that generates energy from its yogurt processing wastes. This treatment system uses 80% less energy and generates 90% less waste than conventional dairy treatment systems.
Journal of Tropical Agriculture
The Journal of Tropical Agriculture is a peer-reviewed international journal that publishes scientific articles concerned with all aspects of crop science, agroecosystem management and conservation, and in particular the application of biological, engineering, ecological, and social knowledge to the management of agricultural crops in the tropics including plantation and horticultural crops. The journal has been published since 1961—initially as the “Agricultural Research Journal of Kerala,” and renamed in 1993 to reflect the changing needs and relevance of the contents.
Journal of Tropical Agriculture is indexed and/or abstracted in CAB Abstracts International, Cababstractsplus, EMBiology, SCOPUS, DOAJ, pkp.sfu.ca/harvester2, Google.scholar, Open J-Gate, CeRA, Animal Science Database, AgBiotechNet, TropHort.com, EBSCO, SCIRUS, Indian Science Abstracts, Chinese Electronic Periodical Services, and Zoological Record.
Welcome to JTROPAG.IN, the online submission and editorial system of the Journal of Tropical Agriculture. This Online Manuscript Submission, Review, Tracking, and Retrieval System uses the “Open Journal Systems” and is supported by a grant from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi under the “Technology Information Facilitation Programme (TIF).”
To submit an article go to Online submissions.
Journal of Tropical Agriculture is indexed and/or abstracted in CAB Abstracts International, Cababstractsplus, EMBiology, SCOPUS, DOAJ, pkp.sfu.ca/harvester2, Google.scholar, Open J-Gate, CeRA, Animal Science Database, AgBiotechNet, TropHort.com, EBSCO, SCIRUS, Indian Science Abstracts, Chinese Electronic Periodical Services, and Zoological Record.
Welcome to JTROPAG.IN, the online submission and editorial system of the Journal of Tropical Agriculture. This Online Manuscript Submission, Review, Tracking, and Retrieval System uses the “Open Journal Systems” and is supported by a grant from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi under the “Technology Information Facilitation Programme (TIF).”
To submit an article go to Online submissions.
Sharing agricultural knowledge
Over the course of 100 years, UC Davis has helped to transform entire industries and economies by providing agriculture education and innovation to students, farmers, scientists and policymakers worldwide.
From the early days, UC Davis agricultural engineers invented or improved devices that increased farm efficiency such as grain dryers, pest-spraying equipment, seed-planting machines and harvest mechanization for crops.
During the first half of the 20th century, UC Davis researchers developed improved irrigation and crop-nutrition techniques that extended the world’s ability to cultivate arid fields and improve yield. Later, UC Davis research informed the design of the 444-mile-long California Aqueduct that today serves 23 million Californians and 755,000 acres of farmland. Not only have these innovations helped increase and stabilize food supplies, they also have increased scientific rigor in agricultural research.
By sharing its vast accumulation of agricultural knowledge and innovation with the world, UC Davis has helped to do such things as modernize Chile’s agricultural industry, revitalize Afghanistan’s agricultural system and improve maternal nutrition in Africa.
Photo illustration of agricultural workers and food
Additional impacts
Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable farming may be trendy now, but give much of the credit to decades of research and education by UC Davis-based programs such as Sustainable Agriculture Farming Systems and the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. From fertilizer use and pest control to water conservation and living conditions for farmworkers, UC Davis shares information that preserves our natural resources for future generations, while helping farms and farmers thrive.
Viticulture and enology
California enjoys recognition as one of the world’s premier wine regions, thanks in large part to UC Davis contributions. Early research identified the grape varieties best suited to the state’s microclimates and, later, genetic advances enabled scientists to develop wine grapevines and rootstocks resistant to vineyard pests and diseases. UC Davis research has also identified potential health benefits of drinking wine.
Food safety
From the early days, UC Davis agricultural engineers invented or improved devices that increased farm efficiency such as grain dryers, pest-spraying equipment, seed-planting machines and harvest mechanization for crops.
During the first half of the 20th century, UC Davis researchers developed improved irrigation and crop-nutrition techniques that extended the world’s ability to cultivate arid fields and improve yield. Later, UC Davis research informed the design of the 444-mile-long California Aqueduct that today serves 23 million Californians and 755,000 acres of farmland. Not only have these innovations helped increase and stabilize food supplies, they also have increased scientific rigor in agricultural research.
By sharing its vast accumulation of agricultural knowledge and innovation with the world, UC Davis has helped to do such things as modernize Chile’s agricultural industry, revitalize Afghanistan’s agricultural system and improve maternal nutrition in Africa.
Photo illustration of agricultural workers and food
Additional impacts
Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable farming may be trendy now, but give much of the credit to decades of research and education by UC Davis-based programs such as Sustainable Agriculture Farming Systems and the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. From fertilizer use and pest control to water conservation and living conditions for farmworkers, UC Davis shares information that preserves our natural resources for future generations, while helping farms and farmers thrive.
Viticulture and enology
California enjoys recognition as one of the world’s premier wine regions, thanks in large part to UC Davis contributions. Early research identified the grape varieties best suited to the state’s microclimates and, later, genetic advances enabled scientists to develop wine grapevines and rootstocks resistant to vineyard pests and diseases. UC Davis research has also identified potential health benefits of drinking wine.
Food safety
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Biofuels
Biofuel is fuel produced from renewable resources, especially plant biomass, vegetable oils, or treated municipal and industrial wastes. Biofuels are considered neutral with respect to the emission of carbon dioxide because the carbon dioxide given off by burning them is balanced by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants that are grown to produce them. The use of biofuels as an additive to petroleum-based fuels can also result in cleaner burning with less emission of carbon monoxide and particulates.
Biotechnology is one of the most effective and innovative tools available to attain European targets for biofuel use, while reducing adverse environmental impacts of transport, and limiting the impact of the increased cultivated land area.
The BioFuels Taskforce
The task force represents biotechnology-based biofuels and related companies at the European level. Its mission is to advocate coherently favorable policies, strategies, regulations and their implementation for research, finance, and market access of biofuels. The two key topics on the agenda are innovation and policy. The task force is also represented in the Steering Committee of the European Biofuels Technology Platform.
Fact sheets - English
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Advanced biofuels
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Environmental sustainability criteria for biofuels
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Biotechnology: Making biofuels sustainable
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Biofuels and land use
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Biofuels and food
Biotechnology is one of the most effective and innovative tools available to attain European targets for biofuel use, while reducing adverse environmental impacts of transport, and limiting the impact of the increased cultivated land area.
The BioFuels Taskforce
The task force represents biotechnology-based biofuels and related companies at the European level. Its mission is to advocate coherently favorable policies, strategies, regulations and their implementation for research, finance, and market access of biofuels. The two key topics on the agenda are innovation and policy. The task force is also represented in the Steering Committee of the European Biofuels Technology Platform.
Fact sheets - English
*
Advanced biofuels
*
Environmental sustainability criteria for biofuels
*
Biotechnology: Making biofuels sustainable
*
Biofuels and land use
*
Biofuels and food
ISAP Activities
ISAP conducts FACs in Rajasthan
Under project SHARE, Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals (ISAP) has carried out 335 Farmers� Awareness Camps / kisan Goshtis in last six months. These awareness camps and goshtis were held at Amravati (Maharashtra), Adilabad (Andhra Pradesh), Bundi and Bhilwara (Rajasthan). A team of senior officials from Monsanto and ISAP also participated in two such awareness campaigns held at Bundi and Bhilwara region on April 7-8, 2010. This team of senior officials includes Ms Jyotsna Bhatnagar (Lead CSR, Monsanto) and Dr Jatinder Manan (Manager, TED, Monsanto), Dr Satish Chandra (Director Technical, ISAP) and Mr Ved Prakash Sharma (Sr. Project Manager, ISAP). First awareness camp, this team attended, was organized at Gothda village in Bundi district, where Scientists & Staff from KVK, State level Agriculture Research Centre and Department of Agriculture, govt of Rajasthan shared their knowledge, views and experiences with a modest gathering of 200 farmers from the surrounding villages. It proved to be a highly interactive event. Similar event was held on April 08th, 2010 at Jahazpur (Bhilwara District). Besides scientists, 2 AAOs and some farmers from Banswara shared their experiences and observations of their exposure visit which was held for the last rabi makka crop with hybrid varieties in Banswara district in March. Ms Jyotsna Bhatnagar also spoke elaborately about the project objectives to the farmers and appealed especially to the women farmers to join this project. Dr Satish Chandra, Dr Swalka (Head, KVK Bundi) and Dr Jatinder Manan provided technical guidance to the farmers.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Reffarels
“After more than a decade of agricultural flying in Africa and in the United States, most of it in turbine aircraft and a few years of mosquito control operations, also in turbine agricultural aircraft, I was amazed at how much I learned in the simulator. I knew there was always more to learn when it comes to flying but I really thought I had the engine handling down pat. Well it didn’t take Andy long to expose some glaring gaps in my knowledge of the PT-6 engine and it didn’t take him long to bring me up to par. There are many situations that can or should only be replicated in a simulator, ranging from loss of oil pressure and hung starts to being caught in a thunderstorm. Experiencing these events in the simulator gave me much more confidence and peace of mind in my daily operations knowing I could handle emergencies and situations I would have been totally unprepared for before my simulator course. I went on the refresher course a year after my initial to bring me back up to speed and I again found that very worthwhile. You don’t want to be scratching your head trying to remember the procedure for an air start while the altimeter is unwinding. Take the course, I’m glad I did.”
Giovanni (Johnny) Falzoi, (Florida, USA)
“I have been flying turbine ag-aircraft since 1981 starting first with a 510 Turbo Thrush and PT6-34AG engine. In 2007 and 2008 I attended a flight simulator course in Orlando Fl, to satisfy a local aviation authority requirement. The course was on an Air Tractor 502 simulator. I always enjoy learning and adding to my knowledge and this course did not disappoint. Much time was spent on engine management, engine failures, air-starts, FCU override practice, along with flying situations such as upset recovery and dead stick landings. After thirty-six plus years flying it was great to be able to simulate all the situations and know the proper procedures to follow. The instructor, Andy Montague, along with being very personable, has many years experience as an aerial applicator. He has a wealth of information to offer, and is also open to student input. I recommend this course to pilots in the Ag business whether for initial transition to turbine aircraft or for seasoned pilots like myself who wish to hone their skills. Currently in my career I fly 550 Turbo Thrushes spraying(PT6-60AG) and AT-802 's (PT6-67AG) in both spraying and fire bombing roles and consider this course a definite plus”.
Giovanni (Johnny) Falzoi, (Florida, USA)
“I have been flying turbine ag-aircraft since 1981 starting first with a 510 Turbo Thrush and PT6-34AG engine. In 2007 and 2008 I attended a flight simulator course in Orlando Fl, to satisfy a local aviation authority requirement. The course was on an Air Tractor 502 simulator. I always enjoy learning and adding to my knowledge and this course did not disappoint. Much time was spent on engine management, engine failures, air-starts, FCU override practice, along with flying situations such as upset recovery and dead stick landings. After thirty-six plus years flying it was great to be able to simulate all the situations and know the proper procedures to follow. The instructor, Andy Montague, along with being very personable, has many years experience as an aerial applicator. He has a wealth of information to offer, and is also open to student input. I recommend this course to pilots in the Ag business whether for initial transition to turbine aircraft or for seasoned pilots like myself who wish to hone their skills. Currently in my career I fly 550 Turbo Thrushes spraying(PT6-60AG) and AT-802 's (PT6-67AG) in both spraying and fire bombing roles and consider this course a definite plus”.
Causes of Food Insecurity
Dairy co-operative in Pondicherry
Dairy co-operative in Pondicherry © Peter ArmstrongAcross the country 75% of farms cover less than two hectares; in Bihar this figure rises to over 95%. Over 60% of crops are rain-fed. The rural investment necessary to support this profile of agriculture - efficient transport and communications, reliable microfinance and cooperative management structures – has not been forthcoming and middlemen hold the upper hand.
Regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) which force Indian farmers to compete on an unlevel playing field have undermined the sector. Agricultural imports have increased four times since the WTO came into effect in 1995. It can be no surprise that India's insistence on special protection for its farmers was a vital factor in the collapse of the Doha round of WTO negotiations.
Dairy co-operative in Pondicherry © Peter ArmstrongAcross the country 75% of farms cover less than two hectares; in Bihar this figure rises to over 95%. Over 60% of crops are rain-fed. The rural investment necessary to support this profile of agriculture - efficient transport and communications, reliable microfinance and cooperative management structures – has not been forthcoming and middlemen hold the upper hand.
Regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) which force Indian farmers to compete on an unlevel playing field have undermined the sector. Agricultural imports have increased four times since the WTO came into effect in 1995. It can be no surprise that India's insistence on special protection for its farmers was a vital factor in the collapse of the Doha round of WTO negotiations.
Food Security in India
Chronic food insecurity is the most prominent symptom of poverty in India. According to UNICEF, 42.5% of all young children were underweight in 2008, many of them in the more serious categories of wasting and stunting. Any improvement in this indicator since 1990 has been far too slow to satisfy the MDG target of halving hunger.
Poor standards of nutrition undermine all health indicators. Almost half of all Indian babies are born underweight and 5% die within a year of birth. The risk of haemorrhage in childbirth is aggravated by anaemia, a diet-related condition which affects almost all pregnant women in India.
Per capita consumption of the crucial protein in pulses has declined to about 20% of recommended intake. Less food is available to rural households than in the 1950s. This is a worrying platform on which to build food security strategies for 2050 by which time India’s population is projected to grow from 1.2 billion to 1.7 billion.
Poor standards of nutrition undermine all health indicators. Almost half of all Indian babies are born underweight and 5% die within a year of birth. The risk of haemorrhage in childbirth is aggravated by anaemia, a diet-related condition which affects almost all pregnant women in India.
Per capita consumption of the crucial protein in pulses has declined to about 20% of recommended intake. Less food is available to rural households than in the 1950s. This is a worrying platform on which to build food security strategies for 2050 by which time India’s population is projected to grow from 1.2 billion to 1.7 billion.
Standard agriculture
In today's high-tech world, even the most conventional areas of human activities get a digital flair. Modern farms and agricultural companies actively use the Internet to sell their products and offer services, not to mention the fact that the process of managing a large farm or an agricultural complex these days requires efficient computer-based tools, such as ERP and CRM systems. These tools solve a wide range of problems associated with agricultural activities and assists owners both in managing their resources and maintaining connections with external suppliers, distributors and authorities. If you are a developer working on a complex solution for the agricultural industry, or a relatively small Intranet application, or a website of an agricultural company, you will need to reflect the essence of the business in your design for better navigation and improved usability. If drawing calves and farmers is not exactly what you do best of all, entrust this into the hands of professionals and take a closer look at Standard Agriculture Icons!Standard Agriculture Icons is a comprehensive set of professionally-drawn icons related to everything agricultural - farming, animals, cattle, breeding, trading, medical care, measurements, production, accounting, agricultural infrastructure, transportation and more. Each of these icons was created with great attention to detail and will satisfy the needs of the most demanding users. Each icon is available in a variety of sizes - 16x16, 20x20, 24x24, 32x32, 48x48, 128x128 and 256x256 pixels - and colors - 256 and True Color versions are available. All this makes it possible to use the icons anywhere in your application - from a splash screen to menu items. The images in the set are provided in ICO, PNG, GIF and BMP formats, which saves you the trouble of having to convert them on your own. And if you still want to add your own touch to any of the icons, use the included vector source files in the Adobe Illustrator format!
Standard Agriculture Icons 2008.1 Icons and Cursors software developed by Aha-soft. The license of this icons and cursors software is demo, the price is $99.95, you can free download and get a free trial before you buy a registration or license. Do not use warez version, crack, serial numbers, registration codes, pirate key for this icons and cursors software Standard Agriculture Icons. If you want to get a full and unlimited version of Standard Agriculture Icons, you should buy from original publisher Aha-soft.
Standard Agriculture Icons 2008.1 Icons and Cursors software developed by Aha-soft. The license of this icons and cursors software is demo, the price is $99.95, you can free download and get a free trial before you buy a registration or license. Do not use warez version, crack, serial numbers, registration codes, pirate key for this icons and cursors software Standard Agriculture Icons. If you want to get a full and unlimited version of Standard Agriculture Icons, you should buy from original publisher Aha-soft.
Migao Corp and Hanfeng Evergreen
Hanfeng is a leading developer and producer of slow and controlled release (S&CR) fertilizer in China and South East Asia. Hanfeng derives its revenues from the sale of these fertilizers products. Its main expenses are linked to the acquisition of raw materials, labour and ongoing operations. Hanfeng’s key assets include its production plants, inventories and cash. Its liabilities include loans, as well as unearned revenues. Migao operates fertilizer production plants across China to produce specialty potash fertilizers, namely potassium nitrate and potassium sulphate. Migao derives its revenues from the sale of these fertilizers. Its main expenses include the acquisition of raw materials, labour, maintenance and SG&A. Migao’s key assets include inventory, accounts receivable, prepaid deposits, and production plants. Its liabilities include bank loans and accounts payable. Both Hanfeng and Migao operate fertilizer businesses in China and their business models are comparable. The growth of both the companies is tied to the growth of agriculture in China. With 20% of the world’s population and only 7% of the world’s arable lands, the use of fertilizers to increase crop yields is on the rise in China.
Central guidelines for watershed mgmt
w Delhi/ Dehra Dun: The Centre has issued new guidelines to boost productivity under the watershed management development programmes (WMDPs) in India with special focus on proper utilisation of heavy funds.
Watershed management has emerged as an effective tool to enhance the productivity of agriculture, horticulture, fishery and other livelihood-oriented sectors, which in turn boost the economy of a particular area. But despite heavy funding from the centre and other international donor agencies like the World Bank, the watershed programme has not made much headway in the country.
Through the new plan, each ministry at the centre would set up a central nodal agency comprising experts to ensure smooth flow of funds to district watershed development units (DWDUs) and allocate budgetary outlay among the states by adopting criteria evolved in the guidelines. The nodal agency would ensure suitable system of monitoring, social auditing and impact assessment and support capacity-building programmes.
The Dehra-Dun-based Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI) has been made the nodal organisation for capacity building of the watershed programmes, its Director V N Sharda said. “Our main role will be for capacity building and develop new model villages under the watershed programme,” Sharda added. After developing several model villages, some of which have been working successfully for over 35 years, CSWCRTI is developing a new model village in Chakrata region of Dehra Dun district.
The national rainfed area authority (NRAA) has also been given the task to develop strategic plans for watershed development projects and prepare state-specific manuals. The NRAA will also provide technical input and expertise and organize conferences and workshops.
A national level data centre and national portal are also being set up under the NRAA for preparing country-wide data and archival data for programmes. A state level nodal agency (SLNA) has also been proposed. The central funding will be directly transferred to SLNA and not through state departments.
Watershed management has emerged as an effective tool to enhance the productivity of agriculture, horticulture, fishery and other livelihood-oriented sectors, which in turn boost the economy of a particular area. But despite heavy funding from the centre and other international donor agencies like the World Bank, the watershed programme has not made much headway in the country.
Through the new plan, each ministry at the centre would set up a central nodal agency comprising experts to ensure smooth flow of funds to district watershed development units (DWDUs) and allocate budgetary outlay among the states by adopting criteria evolved in the guidelines. The nodal agency would ensure suitable system of monitoring, social auditing and impact assessment and support capacity-building programmes.
The Dehra-Dun-based Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI) has been made the nodal organisation for capacity building of the watershed programmes, its Director V N Sharda said. “Our main role will be for capacity building and develop new model villages under the watershed programme,” Sharda added. After developing several model villages, some of which have been working successfully for over 35 years, CSWCRTI is developing a new model village in Chakrata region of Dehra Dun district.
The national rainfed area authority (NRAA) has also been given the task to develop strategic plans for watershed development projects and prepare state-specific manuals. The NRAA will also provide technical input and expertise and organize conferences and workshops.
A national level data centre and national portal are also being set up under the NRAA for preparing country-wide data and archival data for programmes. A state level nodal agency (SLNA) has also been proposed. The central funding will be directly transferred to SLNA and not through state departments.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
AGRICULTURE IN CUBA TODAY
Cuba is now one of the world leaders in biofertilisers, with a highly impressive production of organic food. This agricultural approach has breathed new life into rural communities and done a great deal to stem rural migration to urban areas. It is the envy of international organizations promoting organic farming and sustainable development. Cuban farmers and researchers are applying traditional and alternative technologies to food production and forging ahead towards their ultimate goal of total sustainability.
cuba urban agricultureAnother area in which an innovative approach has been applied is that of urban agriculture. Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean, housing 20% of Cuba’s population. Food shortages and the lack of fuel for distribution had a catastrophic effect on the city in the early nineties so the establishment of private gardens, state-owned research gardens and popular gardens employing around 25,000 urban farmers has been of inestimable value in maintaining the capital’s food supplies. The popular gardens range in size from a few square metres to large plots of land which are cultivated by individuals or community groups. They yield important food supplies to local communities in addition to the medicinal plants prescribed for all manner of ailments by local yerberos.
In 2006 one cannot yet declare that everything in the Cuban garden’s lovely, but it would be churlish to deny the agricultural achievements of recent years:
By 1999, there were gains in yields for 16 of 18 major crops, potato, cabbage, malanga, bean and pepper yields having higher yields than Central America and being above the average yields in the world.
By the end of 2000, food availability in Cuba reached daily levels of 2600 calories and more than 68 grams of protein (the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation considers 2400 calories and 72 grams of protein per day to be sufficient).
By 2002, 35,000 acres of urban gardens produced 3.4 million tons of food. In Havana, 90% of the city's fresh produce came from local urban farms and gardens, all organic. In 2003, more than 200,000 Cubans worked in the expanding urban agriculture sector.
In 2003, the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture was using less than 50% of the diesel fuel it used in 1989, less than 10% of the chemical fertilisers and less than 7% of the synthetic insecticides. A chain of 220 bio-pesticide centres provided safe alternatives for pest control.
The ongoing National Program for Soil Improvement and Preservation benefited 475,000 hectares of land in 2004, up 23,000 hectares in 2003. The annual production of 5 million tonnes of composted soil by a network of worm farms is part of this process.
AGRICULTURE IN CUBA TODAY
cuba urban agricultureAnother area in which an innovative approach has been applied is that of urban agriculture. Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean, housing 20% of Cuba’s population. Food shortages and the lack of fuel for distribution had a catastrophic effect on the city in the early nineties so the establishment of private gardens, state-owned research gardens and popular gardens employing around 25,000 urban farmers has been of inestimable value in maintaining the capital’s food supplies. The popular gardens range in size from a few square metres to large plots of land which are cultivated by individuals or community groups. They yield important food supplies to local communities in addition to the medicinal plants prescribed for all manner of ailments by local yerberos.
In 2006 one cannot yet declare that everything in the Cuban garden’s lovely, but it would be churlish to deny the agricultural achievements of recent years:
By 1999, there were gains in yields for 16 of 18 major crops, potato, cabbage, malanga, bean and pepper yields having higher yields than Central America and being above the average yields in the world.
By the end of 2000, food availability in Cuba reached daily levels of 2600 calories and more than 68 grams of protein (the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation considers 2400 calories and 72 grams of protein per day to be sufficient).
By 2002, 35,000 acres of urban gardens produced 3.4 million tons of food. In Havana, 90% of the city's fresh produce came from local urban farms and gardens, all organic. In 2003, more than 200,000 Cubans worked in the expanding urban agriculture sector.
In 2003, the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture was using less than 50% of the diesel fuel it used in 1989, less than 10% of the chemical fertilisers and less than 7% of the synthetic insecticides. A chain of 220 bio-pesticide centres provided safe alternatives for pest control.
The ongoing National Program for Soil Improvement and Preservation benefited 475,000 hectares of land in 2004, up 23,000 hectares in 2003. The annual production of 5 million tonnes of composted soil by a network of worm farms is part of this process.
AGRICULTURE IN CUBA TODAY
Promoting agro ventures in Orissa
In 1996, the government adopted a bold and unique agriculture policy for the first time in the country to increase investment in agriculture, bring in a shift from subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture and accorded status of industry to agriculture. An exclusive organisation, The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Orissa Limited (APICOL) was set up in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, with the objective of translating the above objectives into reality through undertaking various promotional roles such as providing counselling and escort services, entrepreneurship building, extending consultancy services, disseminating information amongst entrepreneurs and above all act as a single window channelizing agency for various incentives under agriculture policy.
Activities
APICOL is a promotional organization, which promotes commercial agriculture including agro based and food processing industries. It also provides handholding supports to entrepreneurs including counselling and escort service. The organisation also channelises various enterprises under different schemes in favour of such incentives.
Speaking about the various activities of APICOL, Dr. AK Behera, managing director, says, “APICOL also undertakes entrepreneurship building programmes, awareness workshops and seminars. It has been a continuous effort of APICOL to source technologies from R&D institutions, identify the scope and potential of various enterprises in a particular location/region and thereafter prepare bankable project reports and identify suitable entrepreneurs to carry it forward,” adding, “We also commission various feasibility studies before considering the need of various enterprises. APICOL provides almost one-stop solution to agri entrepreneurs.”
Apart from above, APICOL acts as the nodal agency for Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, acts as virtual office of APEDA under Ministry of Commerce, Government of India an organization to facilitate export of agricultural produces and processed foods in the country. “APICOL also channalizes assistance from APEDA for participation in international trade fairs. Some portion of travel expenditure, participation fee, stall charges if any, preparation brochures etc are part of assistance provided,” informs Dr. Behera. APICOL also runs the NCJD’s Jute Services Centre under Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to build awareness on various jute diversified products. “This organization also works as think tank for the agriculture department of government of Orissa. It facilitates various policy initiatives taken by the government from time to time,” he adds.
Activities
APICOL is a promotional organization, which promotes commercial agriculture including agro based and food processing industries. It also provides handholding supports to entrepreneurs including counselling and escort service. The organisation also channelises various enterprises under different schemes in favour of such incentives.
Speaking about the various activities of APICOL, Dr. AK Behera, managing director, says, “APICOL also undertakes entrepreneurship building programmes, awareness workshops and seminars. It has been a continuous effort of APICOL to source technologies from R&D institutions, identify the scope and potential of various enterprises in a particular location/region and thereafter prepare bankable project reports and identify suitable entrepreneurs to carry it forward,” adding, “We also commission various feasibility studies before considering the need of various enterprises. APICOL provides almost one-stop solution to agri entrepreneurs.”
Apart from above, APICOL acts as the nodal agency for Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, acts as virtual office of APEDA under Ministry of Commerce, Government of India an organization to facilitate export of agricultural produces and processed foods in the country. “APICOL also channalizes assistance from APEDA for participation in international trade fairs. Some portion of travel expenditure, participation fee, stall charges if any, preparation brochures etc are part of assistance provided,” informs Dr. Behera. APICOL also runs the NCJD’s Jute Services Centre under Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to build awareness on various jute diversified products. “This organization also works as think tank for the agriculture department of government of Orissa. It facilitates various policy initiatives taken by the government from time to time,” he adds.
agri Resources
Much of the information for the descriptions of farmland conservation tools is taken from materials published by the American Farmland Trust [www.farmlandinfo.org] and its publication, Saving American Farmland: What Works; Holding Our Common Ground – Protecting America’s Countryside, by Tom Daniels and Deborah Bowers [Island Press, 1997]; The Purchase of Development Rights, Agricultural Preservation and Other Land Use Policy Tools – The Pennsylvania Experience, by Tom Daniels ndation.org/1998NPPEC/daniels.pdf]. In Florida, information on planning tools to conserve farmland and on Florida’s agricultural industries is available from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services [www.doacs.state.fl.us]; 1000 Friends of Florida [www.1000fof.org]; the Conservation Trust for Florida [www.conserveflorida.org]; the Florida office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources and Conservation Service [www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov], which has field offices throughout the state; and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences [www.ifas.ufl.edu] Agricultural Extension offices.
Agricultural Research
Research related to agriculture and rural issues can play an important role in an overall program to retain and enhance agriculture. Research may be conducted by public and private individuals and institutions, often through grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or other governmental entities. Research can be used to discover methods and strategies that make local agriculture operations more competitive. Research can also be used to document and quantify the economic, community, or environmental contributions of agriculture. In Florida, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida is the primary source of agricultural research. IFAS is a federal-state-county partnership throughout Florida dedicated to improving life by developing and providing knowledge in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences.
Agricultural Zoning
Agricultural zoning is a specialized form of zoning where the type and intensity of land use and land development are compatible and consistent with food and fiber production. Agricultural zones are typically adopted in areas interested in protecting, stabilizing, or preserving the agricultural land base and, at the same time, keeping individuals employed in the production of food and fiber crops. There are two general types of agricultural zoning: exclusive and nonexclusive. The more widely used and less restrictive is nonexclusive agricultural zoning, which recognizes agriculture production as the preferred use in certain areas but does not prohibit other land uses in the agriculturally zoned area. Nonexclusive agriculture zones typically allow non-farm uses of land if approved by a local zoning agency. Nonagricultural land uses must be compatible with agriculture production (for example, livestock feed stores, farm implement dealers, retail nurseries, and greenhouses), and limit population density by requiring large lot sizes for residential units (usually in the range of one dwelling unit per 20 acres or greater). The intent is that the larger lot sizes represent the minimum size land base needed for sustainable agriculture production. Exclusive agricultural zoning is more restrictive. Non-farm residences, non-agriculture activities, and retail businesses are usually prohibited. Allowable uses might be roadside farm sales from producing farms or nursery retail sales from producing nurseries within the agricultural zone. Other uses, which can be placed on lower quality land but which also provide services to the agricultural uses, may be allowed in exclusive agricultural zones. Examples of these uses include cemeteries, landfills, schools, churches, and animal hospitals.
Acquisition in Fee
Fee simple is the most basic type of ownership, wherein the owner has the right to use and dispose of the property at will. Fee simple acquisition for land conservation might involve a local government or agency or land trust purchasing farms outright from willing sellers. The farms are then deed-restricted to permanently preserve them for agricultural use and can be leased or sold to a buyer interested in farming. Purchase criteria might include percentage of high quality soils; percentage of tillable acres; suitable boundaries and buffers, such as other adjacent preserved farms and open space; the local commitment to agriculture (e.g., right to farm ordinances, financial support); size of the farm; agricultural density of the area; and imminence of development. Fee simple acquisition for conservation can boost an area’s agricultural industry by providing other farmers with opportunities to purchase farmland at affordable prices that reflect only farm value, not development value.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
nuziveeduseeds(p)L
Mr.Venkataramaiah, father of the present chairman and managing director, Mr. M. Prabhakar Rao. The company was established in 1973 and it is a closely held family owned company. The company specializes in hybrid seeds. “Mr. Venkataramaiah being a post graduate in agricultural sciences was inspired by revolution created by hybrid cotton. He then decided to undertake R & D and production to make high quality seeds available to farmers at affordable prices,” avers Mr. Sayoji Rao, DGM (marketing coordination). The company is headquartered in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
The main hybrid seeds the company is developing, producing, and marketing are cotton, maize, jowar, bajra, sunflower, paddy, castor, mustard and fodder jowar also varietal seed of paddy, wheat, castor, mustard, redgram hybrid cotton seeds.
R & D lab
NSPL’s R&D facilities are located at Hyderabad and it has research farms all over India. NSPL undertakes research both in conventional breeding and biotechnology. The research involves collection of germplasm, crossing, evaluation and agronomy development for each product. “Through biotechnology research, we add value by trait incorporation, molecular assistant selection in breeding and quality control,” explains Mr. Rao.
He further adds, “Development of cotton hybrids having high yield potential with long staple (above 30 mm) fiber quality, for which the company has received “best in house research award” in 2002 from DSIR under Ministry of Science and Technology, government of India, has been our best research till date.”
The main hybrid seeds the company is developing, producing, and marketing are cotton, maize, jowar, bajra, sunflower, paddy, castor, mustard and fodder jowar also varietal seed of paddy, wheat, castor, mustard, redgram hybrid cotton seeds.
R & D lab
NSPL’s R&D facilities are located at Hyderabad and it has research farms all over India. NSPL undertakes research both in conventional breeding and biotechnology. The research involves collection of germplasm, crossing, evaluation and agronomy development for each product. “Through biotechnology research, we add value by trait incorporation, molecular assistant selection in breeding and quality control,” explains Mr. Rao.
He further adds, “Development of cotton hybrids having high yield potential with long staple (above 30 mm) fiber quality, for which the company has received “best in house research award” in 2002 from DSIR under Ministry of Science and Technology, government of India, has been our best research till date.”
Anti-gm movement:india
Hundreds of farmers in long, faded cotton sarongs swarmed outside an auditorium at Bangalore University on February 6th. They were waiting for India’s Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh. This was the last of his public consultations on the commercial release of Bt Brinjal, a genetically modified (GM) aubergine, created by Mahyco, an Indian hybrid-seed company, and Monsanto, an American biotech giant. Waving placards and appetising images of aubergines, known in India as brinjal, they shouted themselves hoarse praising the transgenic vegetable.
But most of these men, registered at the consultation as farmers, were in fact landless labourers with no aubergine experience. Mr Ramesh was the first to call their bluff. The companies, he said, without naming any, had bussed farmers from rural districts, to play the pro-GM crowd at the hearing that day.
The tactic failed miserably. On February 10th Mr Ramesh announced that he would not allow Bt Brinjal to be grown or consumed in India until independent studies could show that it would have no adverse impact on human health, the environment or biodiversity. This overruled the recommendation last October by India’s Genetically Engineered Approvals Committee (GEAC) that Bt Brinjal was safe, in spite of being modified with a gene from the soil bacterium, bacillus thuringiensis.
But most of these men, registered at the consultation as farmers, were in fact landless labourers with no aubergine experience. Mr Ramesh was the first to call their bluff. The companies, he said, without naming any, had bussed farmers from rural districts, to play the pro-GM crowd at the hearing that day.
The tactic failed miserably. On February 10th Mr Ramesh announced that he would not allow Bt Brinjal to be grown or consumed in India until independent studies could show that it would have no adverse impact on human health, the environment or biodiversity. This overruled the recommendation last October by India’s Genetically Engineered Approvals Committee (GEAC) that Bt Brinjal was safe, in spite of being modified with a gene from the soil bacterium, bacillus thuringiensis.
sustainable socities
While globally the production of food is increasing and prices are decreasing, in some poor regions and communities the exact opposite is occurring. Less advantaged groups, often located in rural areas (75% of the poor worldwide) must cope with international economic changes, increasing market competition and severe natural resource degradation. As trade barriers are reduced, smaller producers face increasing competition from industrialized producers without their former support services and subsidies. This crisis of the rural poor requires a solution that alleviates poverty and achieves food security while ensuring the sustainable use and management of natural resources.
Controlling yields
Agriculture is the human manipulation of ecosystems to produce or raise organic matter (crops or livestock). Some forms of this manipulation serve to increase production (e.g. fertilisers, irrigation and genetic modification), while others (e.g. insecticides, herbicides and fences) reduce the loss of crops to pests and weeds.
The purpose of agriculture has traditionally and primarily been to meet the demand for food as well as to answer the call for raw materials that can be made into fibres. In the past decades, however, the ways and means in which these demands are met have changed considerably.
Changes have resulted from a variety of factors: agricultural product consumption, food distribution and processing, genetic and other technological development, progressive globalisation of agricultural markets and national and international agricultural policies.
Agriculture is the human manipulation of ecosystems to produce or raise organic matter (crops or livestock). Some forms of this manipulation serve to increase production (e.g. fertilisers, irrigation and genetic modification), while others (e.g. insecticides, herbicides and fences) reduce the loss of crops to pests and weeds.
The purpose of agriculture has traditionally and primarily been to meet the demand for food as well as to answer the call for raw materials that can be made into fibres. In the past decades, however, the ways and means in which these demands are met have changed considerably.
Changes have resulted from a variety of factors: agricultural product consumption, food distribution and processing, genetic and other technological development, progressive globalisation of agricultural markets and national and international agricultural policies.
The purpose of agriculture has traditionally and primarily been to meet the demand for food as well as to answer the call for raw materials that can be made into fibres. In the past decades, however, the ways and means in which these demands are met have changed considerably.
Changes have resulted from a variety of factors: agricultural product consumption, food distribution and processing, genetic and other technological development, progressive globalisation of agricultural markets and national and international agricultural policies.
Agriculture is the human manipulation of ecosystems to produce or raise organic matter (crops or livestock). Some forms of this manipulation serve to increase production (e.g. fertilisers, irrigation and genetic modification), while others (e.g. insecticides, herbicides and fences) reduce the loss of crops to pests and weeds.
The purpose of agriculture has traditionally and primarily been to meet the demand for food as well as to answer the call for raw materials that can be made into fibres. In the past decades, however, the ways and means in which these demands are met have changed considerably.
Changes have resulted from a variety of factors: agricultural product consumption, food distribution and processing, genetic and other technological development, progressive globalisation of agricultural markets and national and international agricultural policies.
Farmers reap millions by raising pomegranate
PUNE: Farmers in some of Maharashtra’s driest districts boast of more than Rs 1 crore in their bank accounts, thanks to the pomegranate. Twenty years ago, people in Atpadi taluka in Maharashtra’s drought-prone Sangli district, could earn their livelihoods only by migrating to cities.
Then they learnt how to grow pomegranate, an arid area crop that needs little or no water. Today, a significant number are millionaires. Similarly, Aran village in Solapur district has no irrigation and meagre rainfall. Ten years ago, the villagers — most of them labourers — used to protest if the government discontinued a job guarantee scheme. With 1,000 acres under pomegranate, the village is now short of labour.
Similar stories abound in Sangole in Solapur district, Satana and Malegaon in Nashik district and Atpadi, Jat, Kavathemahankal in Sangli district, which produce India’s best quality pomegranate. The plant grows in over one lakh hectares in the state, or 85% of India’s total.
APEDA data shows exports have risen from 7 tonnes in 1999 to more than 35,000 tonnes in 2007-08 as European consumers have developed a taste for the premium Bhagva variety.
The minimum income per acre even without any special care is Rs 2 lakh, that beats profits from sugarcane and grapes. With proper farm management, it can touch Rs 15 lakh per acre. “I know three farmers in Atpadi who have only a 7-8-acre orchard. But due to good farm management practices, they deposit more than Rs 1 crore annually in the bank,” said an official in the state’s agriculture department.
“People are ready to pay Rs 200 per kg for it,” said Prabhakar Chandane, president of the All India Pomegranate Growers Association. Prices overseas are often twice higher, especially for Bhagva.
“Supply from Iran and Spain to Europe has been declining. Israel is trying to increase its area but has geographical restrictions,” said DN Kulkarni, who heads a division to promote sustainable agriculture at Jain Irrigation Systems.
Farmers say the biggest threat is from diseases such as bacterial blight and wilt disease. “I have uprooted the Bhagva variety on four acres of my farm as I could not control the wilt disease despite help from the National Research Centre on Pomegranates,” said a Sangole farmer.
Then they learnt how to grow pomegranate, an arid area crop that needs little or no water. Today, a significant number are millionaires. Similarly, Aran village in Solapur district has no irrigation and meagre rainfall. Ten years ago, the villagers — most of them labourers — used to protest if the government discontinued a job guarantee scheme. With 1,000 acres under pomegranate, the village is now short of labour.
Similar stories abound in Sangole in Solapur district, Satana and Malegaon in Nashik district and Atpadi, Jat, Kavathemahankal in Sangli district, which produce India’s best quality pomegranate. The plant grows in over one lakh hectares in the state, or 85% of India’s total.
APEDA data shows exports have risen from 7 tonnes in 1999 to more than 35,000 tonnes in 2007-08 as European consumers have developed a taste for the premium Bhagva variety.
The minimum income per acre even without any special care is Rs 2 lakh, that beats profits from sugarcane and grapes. With proper farm management, it can touch Rs 15 lakh per acre. “I know three farmers in Atpadi who have only a 7-8-acre orchard. But due to good farm management practices, they deposit more than Rs 1 crore annually in the bank,” said an official in the state’s agriculture department.
“People are ready to pay Rs 200 per kg for it,” said Prabhakar Chandane, president of the All India Pomegranate Growers Association. Prices overseas are often twice higher, especially for Bhagva.
“Supply from Iran and Spain to Europe has been declining. Israel is trying to increase its area but has geographical restrictions,” said DN Kulkarni, who heads a division to promote sustainable agriculture at Jain Irrigation Systems.
Farmers say the biggest threat is from diseases such as bacterial blight and wilt disease. “I have uprooted the Bhagva variety on four acres of my farm as I could not control the wilt disease despite help from the National Research Centre on Pomegranates,” said a Sangole farmer.
AP mango production
Mangoes have started coming in the local market but the arrivals have not yet picked up. The prices have been ruling on the higher side from the beginning of the season.
Usually, arrivals gain momentum from the second week of April, but this season due to late flowering the arrivals have been delayed by a few weeks.
Mango is cultivated in 65,000 hectares in Krishna district and it is sent to the upcountry markets from Nuzvidu railway station and also by trucks to different parts of the State. This season, due to low night temperatures and unfavourable climatic conditions, flowering was delayed and there was also an attack of various pests such as thrips, mango hopper and fruit borer. The average yield is 8-10 tonnes per hectare.
The overall production may be down 20 per cent or so compared with last year, according to sources in the Agriculture Department. This factor, coupled with delayed arrivals, has pushed up prices from the beginning. The retail and wholesale prices are high.
Banganapalli variety
Banganapalli is the fancied variety sent to the upcountry markets and exported to other countries on a limited scale. Currently, it is fetching well above Rs 25,000 a tonne in wholesale market and in the retail outlet it is selling at Rs 300-350 a dozen. However, as the arrivals increase in the last week of April and in May, there may be some slump, but not a drastic one, according to sources. Only one rake has been despatched from the Nuzvidu railway station to the upcountry markets this season so far.
The other varieties – Totapuri and Rasalu – are consumed within the State and they are also fetching good prices. The wholesale prices of Totapuri are in the range of Rs 13,000-14,000 a tonne and Rasalu is fetching Rs 15,000 or above a tonne.
Export target
The Horticulture Department has set itself a target of facilitating export of 300 tonnes this year as against only 80 tonnes last year and 120 tonnes the year before.
In spite of the best efforts of the AP Horticulture Department, the direct exports from this region have never really picked up. The upcountry merchants, who purchase from here, export the fruit to other countries from the North.
A heat vapour treatment plant has been established at Nuzvidu to facilitate exports to Japan. However, these steps have not really resulted in the desired spurt in exports. There is a view that instead of exporting raw fruit to other countries, the Government should encourage the private sector to set up processing facilities to maximise returns to farmers.
Usually, arrivals gain momentum from the second week of April, but this season due to late flowering the arrivals have been delayed by a few weeks.
Mango is cultivated in 65,000 hectares in Krishna district and it is sent to the upcountry markets from Nuzvidu railway station and also by trucks to different parts of the State. This season, due to low night temperatures and unfavourable climatic conditions, flowering was delayed and there was also an attack of various pests such as thrips, mango hopper and fruit borer. The average yield is 8-10 tonnes per hectare.
The overall production may be down 20 per cent or so compared with last year, according to sources in the Agriculture Department. This factor, coupled with delayed arrivals, has pushed up prices from the beginning. The retail and wholesale prices are high.
Banganapalli variety
Banganapalli is the fancied variety sent to the upcountry markets and exported to other countries on a limited scale. Currently, it is fetching well above Rs 25,000 a tonne in wholesale market and in the retail outlet it is selling at Rs 300-350 a dozen. However, as the arrivals increase in the last week of April and in May, there may be some slump, but not a drastic one, according to sources. Only one rake has been despatched from the Nuzvidu railway station to the upcountry markets this season so far.
The other varieties – Totapuri and Rasalu – are consumed within the State and they are also fetching good prices. The wholesale prices of Totapuri are in the range of Rs 13,000-14,000 a tonne and Rasalu is fetching Rs 15,000 or above a tonne.
Export target
The Horticulture Department has set itself a target of facilitating export of 300 tonnes this year as against only 80 tonnes last year and 120 tonnes the year before.
In spite of the best efforts of the AP Horticulture Department, the direct exports from this region have never really picked up. The upcountry merchants, who purchase from here, export the fruit to other countries from the North.
A heat vapour treatment plant has been established at Nuzvidu to facilitate exports to Japan. However, these steps have not really resulted in the desired spurt in exports. There is a view that instead of exporting raw fruit to other countries, the Government should encourage the private sector to set up processing facilities to maximise returns to farmers.
sustainable agriculture
Tea is grown in a semi-tropical, mountainous climate in rural, sometimes remote, areas around the world. Tea is grown in some of the most beautiful environments on earth, but the conditions under which tea is grown are often difficult. We’ve come to recognize that a balance is needed between organic, natural, “rational,” and conventional growing practices.
Modern organic farming is only about 20 years old but is coming along rapidly. It is based on using organic manures, and plant-based fertilizers and pest repellents, as well as intensive hand-work. The yield of tea per acre is 20 – 40% less than conventional farming.
Although western markets have driven the demand for organic tea, most tea farmers themselves prefer organic practices, understanding that these practices are better for the land, as well as their health and the health of their families. Despite this, organically-grown tea remains a tiny, but growing, percentage of the world market for tea. To be certified organic requires five years of chemical-free farming, buffer zones between the organic farm and neighboring property, laboratory testing of the soil and the plant, and inspections of the tea processing factory. This typically costs around $10,000. There are several third-party businesses which certify organic growing—each with a slightly different set of standards. A tea grower is faced with getting organically certified in whichever countries they export to, meaning that a farmer could end up having to pay for multiple certifications.
Natural farming is what Strand Tea calls tea growing by farmers who use organic practices, but cannot afford the official certification[s] of organic. These are often small family farms without investors or corporate resources.
Rational farming. We first came across this in the pristine foothills of Darjeeling. While embracing the practices and ideas of organic farming as a whole, occasionally a farmer will decide to isolate a small section of a tea garden which has become infested or nitrogen-poor, and use chemically-based methods to control the specific situation. The goal is to prevent the pest invasion from overtaking the entire tea garden. The harvest from the isolated section is destroyed while the plants are rehabilitated.
Conventional farming. The important thing to distinguish here is commercial grown teas versus premium grown teas. Commercial grown teas are by far the major part of teas sold on the world market. They typically are grown at lower elevations, on flatter land in a homogeneous planting environment. They are treated with routine applications of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides, and are machine-picked. The purpose is to increase crop yields. Does this mean that these teas are unsafe? Most importing countries have strict regulations regarding the amount of chemical residue and other contaminants in tea. In the US the US Dept of Agriculture is charged with inspecting and ensuring the safety of tea. We consider commercially grown teas to be generally safe.
Modern organic farming is only about 20 years old but is coming along rapidly. It is based on using organic manures, and plant-based fertilizers and pest repellents, as well as intensive hand-work. The yield of tea per acre is 20 – 40% less than conventional farming.
Although western markets have driven the demand for organic tea, most tea farmers themselves prefer organic practices, understanding that these practices are better for the land, as well as their health and the health of their families. Despite this, organically-grown tea remains a tiny, but growing, percentage of the world market for tea. To be certified organic requires five years of chemical-free farming, buffer zones between the organic farm and neighboring property, laboratory testing of the soil and the plant, and inspections of the tea processing factory. This typically costs around $10,000. There are several third-party businesses which certify organic growing—each with a slightly different set of standards. A tea grower is faced with getting organically certified in whichever countries they export to, meaning that a farmer could end up having to pay for multiple certifications.
Natural farming is what Strand Tea calls tea growing by farmers who use organic practices, but cannot afford the official certification[s] of organic. These are often small family farms without investors or corporate resources.
Rational farming. We first came across this in the pristine foothills of Darjeeling. While embracing the practices and ideas of organic farming as a whole, occasionally a farmer will decide to isolate a small section of a tea garden which has become infested or nitrogen-poor, and use chemically-based methods to control the specific situation. The goal is to prevent the pest invasion from overtaking the entire tea garden. The harvest from the isolated section is destroyed while the plants are rehabilitated.
Conventional farming. The important thing to distinguish here is commercial grown teas versus premium grown teas. Commercial grown teas are by far the major part of teas sold on the world market. They typically are grown at lower elevations, on flatter land in a homogeneous planting environment. They are treated with routine applications of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides, and are machine-picked. The purpose is to increase crop yields. Does this mean that these teas are unsafe? Most importing countries have strict regulations regarding the amount of chemical residue and other contaminants in tea. In the US the US Dept of Agriculture is charged with inspecting and ensuring the safety of tea. We consider commercially grown teas to be generally safe.
Central guidelines for watershed mgmt
New Delhi/ Dehra Dun: The Centre has issued new guidelines to boost productivity under the watershed management development programmes (WMDPs) in India with special focus on proper utilisation of heavy funds.
Watershed management has emerged as an effective tool to enhance the productivity of agriculture, horticulture, fishery and other livelihood-oriented sectors, which in turn boost the economy of a particular area. But despite heavy funding from the centre and other international donor agencies like the World Bank, the watershed programme has not made much headway in the country.
Through the new plan, each ministry at the centre would set up a central nodal agency comprising experts to ensure smooth flow of funds to district watershed development units (DWDUs) and allocate budgetary outlay among the states by adopting criteria evolved in the guidelines. The nodal agency would ensure suitable system of monitoring, social auditing and impact assessment and support capacity-building programmes.
Watershed management has emerged as an effective tool to enhance the productivity of agriculture, horticulture, fishery and other livelihood-oriented sectors, which in turn boost the economy of a particular area. But despite heavy funding from the centre and other international donor agencies like the World Bank, the watershed programme has not made much headway in the country.
Through the new plan, each ministry at the centre would set up a central nodal agency comprising experts to ensure smooth flow of funds to district watershed development units (DWDUs) and allocate budgetary outlay among the states by adopting criteria evolved in the guidelines. The nodal agency would ensure suitable system of monitoring, social auditing and impact assessment and support capacity-building programmes.
Friday, June 25, 2010
TIme to review load reform laws
In Karnataka now there is a raging controversy over the State government’s allotment of about nearly 1,000 acres of prime agricultural lands on the outskirts of Bangalore for the IT major, Infosys. Mr.Deve Gowda, the former Prime Minister, had raised this issue on the ground the allotment to one company, against others not asking or getting allotted agriculture lands under the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board is seen by the former PM as a clear political favour. Did the farmers get the market price for the lands alienated? It is not clear. If the farmers didn’t get the prevailing market price for their lands, then, it is clearly a gross act of injustice. In West Bengal too, there is a raging controversy over the allotment of largest chunks of prime agricultural land, as large as 5,000 acres for an industrial township by the CPI (M) government headed by the most qualified Marxist Chief Minister in the country!
In Karnataka itself there was recently the discussion in the Forum for Land Rights. It was found about nine lakh acres of land were in unauthorized cultivation. There were also about ten lakh applications for regularization of the unauthorized cultivation of agriculture lands. What does this mean?
What these two current developments in the Indian agricultural policy scenario highlight, they highlight an unprecedented ideological changes in our socio-economic thinking are not yet fully openly debated. There is a conspiracy of silence on the part of serious politicians. Let us leave out the gullible politicians. The latter will say and do anything to keep themselves in power and thereby leaving their States to remaining poverty and backwardness. There is any number of these politicians today in almost all the States. They are in a large number in Kerala. Where land reforms had been the fundamentalist belief of the CPI(M)/CIP fraternity. So, Kerala, as pointed by many experts remains in a paradoxical stage of development. Kerala model was commended for long by progressive economists like Prof. Amartya Sen. Now, Sen is nowhere in this debate and he is intriguingly silent where West Bengal is fighting its ideological battle to move forward in the development league.
In Karnataka itself there was recently the discussion in the Forum for Land Rights. It was found about nine lakh acres of land were in unauthorized cultivation. There were also about ten lakh applications for regularization of the unauthorized cultivation of agriculture lands. What does this mean?
What these two current developments in the Indian agricultural policy scenario highlight, they highlight an unprecedented ideological changes in our socio-economic thinking are not yet fully openly debated. There is a conspiracy of silence on the part of serious politicians. Let us leave out the gullible politicians. The latter will say and do anything to keep themselves in power and thereby leaving their States to remaining poverty and backwardness. There is any number of these politicians today in almost all the States. They are in a large number in Kerala. Where land reforms had been the fundamentalist belief of the CPI(M)/CIP fraternity. So, Kerala, as pointed by many experts remains in a paradoxical stage of development. Kerala model was commended for long by progressive economists like Prof. Amartya Sen. Now, Sen is nowhere in this debate and he is intriguingly silent where West Bengal is fighting its ideological battle to move forward in the development league.
Activities
APICOL is a promotional organization, which promotes commercial agriculture including agro based and food processing industries. It also provides handholding supports to entrepreneurs including counselling and escort service. The organisation also channelises various enterprises under different schemes in favour of such incentives.
Speaking about the various activities of APICOL, Dr. AK Behera, managing director, says, “APICOL also undertakes entrepreneurship building programmes, awareness workshops and seminars. It has been a continuous effort of APICOL to source technologies from R&D institutions, identify the scope and potential of various enterprises in a particular location/region and thereafter prepare bankable project reports and identify suitable entrepreneurs to carry it forward,” adding, “We also commission various feasibility studies before considering the need of various enterprises. APICOL provides almost one-stop solution to agri entrepreneurs.”
Apart from above, APICOL acts as the nodal agency for Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, acts as virtual office of APEDA under Ministry of Commerce, Government of India an organization to facilitate export of agricultural produces and processed foods in the country. “APICOL also channalizes assistance from APEDA for participation in international trade fairs. Some portion of travel expenditure, participation fee, stall charges if any, preparation brochures etc are part of assistance provided,” informs Dr. Behera. APICOL also runs the NCJD’s Jute Services Centre under Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to build awareness on various jute diversified products. “This organization also works as think tank for the agriculture department of government of Orissa. It facilitates various policy initiatives taken by the government from time to time,” he adds.
Speaking about the various activities of APICOL, Dr. AK Behera, managing director, says, “APICOL also undertakes entrepreneurship building programmes, awareness workshops and seminars. It has been a continuous effort of APICOL to source technologies from R&D institutions, identify the scope and potential of various enterprises in a particular location/region and thereafter prepare bankable project reports and identify suitable entrepreneurs to carry it forward,” adding, “We also commission various feasibility studies before considering the need of various enterprises. APICOL provides almost one-stop solution to agri entrepreneurs.”
Apart from above, APICOL acts as the nodal agency for Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, acts as virtual office of APEDA under Ministry of Commerce, Government of India an organization to facilitate export of agricultural produces and processed foods in the country. “APICOL also channalizes assistance from APEDA for participation in international trade fairs. Some portion of travel expenditure, participation fee, stall charges if any, preparation brochures etc are part of assistance provided,” informs Dr. Behera. APICOL also runs the NCJD’s Jute Services Centre under Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to build awareness on various jute diversified products. “This organization also works as think tank for the agriculture department of government of Orissa. It facilitates various policy initiatives taken by the government from time to time,” he adds.
DOJ Starts New Agriculture Task Force
The Justice and Agriculture Departments have launched a new task force to consider how to promote competition in the agriculture industry, Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney said at a conference on competition in the dairy business in Madison, Wis. on Friday.
The task force will review enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, according to Varney’s prepared remarks. That law regulates the livestock and dairy industries and prohibits them from engaging in unfair practices. The law is administered by the Department of Agriculture.
Today’s workshop is the latest installment in a series of town-hall meetings on competition issues in agriculture. The DOJ heard from poultry farmers in Alabama last month and discussed the seed industry in March in Iowa.
The Wisconsin workshop focused on the state’s $26 billion dairy industry, where farmers are unhappy about the low prices they are paid for raw milk.
Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), who urged Varney to include the state in her agriculture itinerary and was on hand at the conference, said retail prices for dairy products have not kept pace with the sharp declines in farm milk prices. That discrepancy, he said, according to prepared remarks, has lead him to question whether consolidation in the industry had given some firms too much power in the market.
The task force will review enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, according to Varney’s prepared remarks. That law regulates the livestock and dairy industries and prohibits them from engaging in unfair practices. The law is administered by the Department of Agriculture.
Today’s workshop is the latest installment in a series of town-hall meetings on competition issues in agriculture. The DOJ heard from poultry farmers in Alabama last month and discussed the seed industry in March in Iowa.
The Wisconsin workshop focused on the state’s $26 billion dairy industry, where farmers are unhappy about the low prices they are paid for raw milk.
Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), who urged Varney to include the state in her agriculture itinerary and was on hand at the conference, said retail prices for dairy products have not kept pace with the sharp declines in farm milk prices. That discrepancy, he said, according to prepared remarks, has lead him to question whether consolidation in the industry had given some firms too much power in the market.
Acquisition in Fee
Fee simple is the most basic type of ownership, wherein the owner has the right to use and dispose of the property at will. Fee simple acquisition for land conservation might involve a local government or agency or land trust purchasing farms outright from willing sellers. The farms are then deed-restricted to permanently preserve them for agricultural use and can be leased or sold to a buyer interested in farming. Purchase criteria might include percentage of high quality soils; percentage of tillable acres; suitable boundaries and buffers, such as other adjacent preserved farms and open space; the local commitment to agriculture (e.g., right to farm ordinances, financial support); size of the farm; agricultural density of the area; and imminence of development. Fee simple acquisition for conservation can boost an area’s agricultural industry by providing other farmers with opportunities to purchase farmland at affordable prices that reflect only farm value, not development value.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Business Ethics, Science and Technology (Elective Course)
Instructor: Tim Fort (No longer at Michigan; now at George Washington University)
“This course will provide a normative foundation for analyzing the ethical issues arising from thecommercialization of advances in science and technology. The course will begin with a typologicalframework assessing how ethical analysis can critique, follow, stand separate from or be integratedwith scientific knowledge and technological advances. The course will then focus on topical issues.The specific issue will vary from offering to offering as new cases arise, but the cases will be drawnfrom life sciences issues (such as Genetically Modified foods and application of Human Genomeknowledge), ecological issues (such as distribution of water resources and environmentalstewardship), Internet and computer-related issues (such as the difficulties in applying moral andlegal rules in borderless environments), chemistry-rooted issues (such as artificial intelligence and thecommercialization of outerspace).”
“This course will provide a normative foundation for analyzing the ethical issues arising from thecommercialization of advances in science and technology. The course will begin with a typologicalframework assessing how ethical analysis can critique, follow, stand separate from or be integratedwith scientific knowledge and technological advances. The course will then focus on topical issues.The specific issue will vary from offering to offering as new cases arise, but the cases will be drawnfrom life sciences issues (such as Genetically Modified foods and application of Human Genomeknowledge), ecological issues (such as distribution of water resources and environmentalstewardship), Internet and computer-related issues (such as the difficulties in applying moral andlegal rules in borderless environments), chemistry-rooted issues (such as artificial intelligence and thecommercialization of outerspace).”
Fertilizers
The fertilizer industry in India has grown tremendously in the last 30 years. The Government is keen to see that fertilizer reaches the farmers in the remote and hilly areas. It has been decided to decontrol the prices, distribution and movement of phosphatic and potassic fertilizers. Steps have been taken to ensure an increase in the supply of non-chemical fertilizers at reasonable prices. There are 53 fertilizer quality control laboratories in the country. Since bio--fertilisers are regarded as an effective, cheap and renewable supplement to chemical fertilizers, the Government is implementing a National Project on Development and Use of Bio-fertilisers. Under this scheme, one national and six regional centers for organizing training, demonstrating programs and quality testing of o-fertilisers has been taken up.
It was a challenging decision of the Government to take Bombay High gas through a 1,700-km pipeline to feed fertilizer plants located in the consumption centers of North India. However, the major policy which has ensured the growth of the fertilizer industry is the thrust on accelerating fertilizer consumption by fixing, on the one hand, low and uniform price for fertilizers, and on the other hand providing the manufacturers adequate compensation through the retention price and subsidy scheme. As expected, fertilizer nutrient demand has gone up from 0.29 million tons in 1960-61 to 13.9 million tons at the end of 1995-96, compared to 12.15MT during 1992-93.
It was a challenging decision of the Government to take Bombay High gas through a 1,700-km pipeline to feed fertilizer plants located in the consumption centers of North India. However, the major policy which has ensured the growth of the fertilizer industry is the thrust on accelerating fertilizer consumption by fixing, on the one hand, low and uniform price for fertilizers, and on the other hand providing the manufacturers adequate compensation through the retention price and subsidy scheme. As expected, fertilizer nutrient demand has gone up from 0.29 million tons in 1960-61 to 13.9 million tons at the end of 1995-96, compared to 12.15MT during 1992-93.
agrind
On industry realities and related business concerns: “Modern production agriculture applies a tremendous amount of mechanical, information, and biological technology. Many sectors have consolidated rapidly and are dominated by a relative few very large organizations. People outside the industry think American Gothic, while those in the industry put the advances in genetic engineering, global positioning systems,and sensor technology to work. Of course, there is a growing demand for a ‘lower input’ agriculture organic, natural, etc. But, ‘lower input’ does not mean less management in most cases and even manyfirms in this area are growing quickly to meet a growing demand.”
Agricultural-History
Indian agriculture began by 900 BC as a result of early cultivation of plants, and domestication of crops and animals. Settled life soon followed with implements and techniques being developed for agriculture. Double monsoons led to two harvests being reaped in one year. Indian products soon reached the world via existing trading networks and foreign crops were introduced to India. Plants and animals—considered essential to their survival by the Indians—came to be worshiped and venerated.
The middle ages saw irrigation channels reach a new level of sophistication in India and Indian crops affecting the economies of other regions of the world under Islamic patronage. Land and water management systems were developed with an aim of providing uniform growth. some stagnation during the later modern era the independent Republic of India was able to develop a comprehensive agricultural program.
The middle ages saw irrigation channels reach a new level of sophistication in India and Indian crops affecting the economies of other regions of the world under Islamic patronage. Land and water management systems were developed with an aim of providing uniform growth. some stagnation during the later modern era the independent Republic of India was able to develop a comprehensive agricultural program.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
INITIATIVES
The required level of investment for the development of marketing, storage and cold storage infrastructure is estimated to be huge. The government has not been able to implement various schemes to raise investment in marketing infrastructure. Among these schemes are Construction of Rural Go downs, Market Research and Information Network, and Development / Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization.[6]
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), established in 1905, was responsible for the research leading to the "Indian Green Revolution" of the 1970s. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body in agriculture and related allied fields, including research and education.[7] The Union Minister of Agriculture is the President of the ICAR. The Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute develops new techniques for the design of agricultural experiments, analyses data in agriculture, and specializes in statistical techniques for animal and plant breeding.
Recently Government of India has set up Farmers Commission to completely evaluate the agriculture program.[8]. However the recommendations have had a mixed reception.
1. mixed farming
In August 2001 India's Parliament passed the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers' Rights Act, a sui generis legislation. Being a WTO member, India had to comply with TRIPS and include PVP. However, farmers' rights are of particular importance in India and thus the Act also allows for farmers to save, sow and sell seeds as they always have, even if it is of a protected variety. This not only saves the livlihoods of many farmers, it also provides an environment for the continuing development and use of landraces, says Suman Sahai. The way it always was
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), established in 1905, was responsible for the research leading to the "Indian Green Revolution" of the 1970s. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body in agriculture and related allied fields, including research and education.[7] The Union Minister of Agriculture is the President of the ICAR. The Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute develops new techniques for the design of agricultural experiments, analyses data in agriculture, and specializes in statistical techniques for animal and plant breeding.
Recently Government of India has set up Farmers Commission to completely evaluate the agriculture program.[8]. However the recommendations have had a mixed reception.
1. mixed farming
In August 2001 India's Parliament passed the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers' Rights Act, a sui generis legislation. Being a WTO member, India had to comply with TRIPS and include PVP. However, farmers' rights are of particular importance in India and thus the Act also allows for farmers to save, sow and sell seeds as they always have, even if it is of a protected variety. This not only saves the livlihoods of many farmers, it also provides an environment for the continuing development and use of landraces, says Suman Sahai. The way it always was
Monday, June 21, 2010
chemical food
Every Saturday, I open my email inbox to find a mail with a form that I have to fill out and send by Tuesday. The form has a list of vegetables along with their prices. I fill and email the form at my convenience, and on Wednesday, I get my order delivered at home. Not only that, but the vegetables - and other produce like rice, pickles, panner - is 100 per cent organic. This initiative of providing organic vegetables to consumers at their doorstep is a venture of the Gomukh Centre for Rural Sustainability, known also as GORUS. Located about 40 kms from Pune, Gorus is an innovative idea that marries convenience for consumers, assured market for farmers and a quest for sustainable farming.
It began as a small in-house pilot project of the Gomukh Trust that works on issues of sustainable agricultural development for marginal farmers, irrigation management with equitable distribution of water and rural development through Integrated Watershed Management approach in the Kolwan valley near Pune. They started organic cultivation of vegetables on one of their own demonstration farms and established a marketing relationship with 5-6 families. In about six months, this experiment attracted the attention of many neighbouring farmers, who expressed interest in joining it.
In operation now for more than two years, Gorus has a network of about 50 committed families as consumers and 25 farmers as suppliers, and growing steadily. The small numbers are a result of deliberate strategy, a part of the Gorus philosophy and vision. Moreover, as Ashwin Paranjpe, the Principal Coordinator of Gorus, points out, the work of Gorus is very human resource intensive.
It began as a small in-house pilot project of the Gomukh Trust that works on issues of sustainable agricultural development for marginal farmers, irrigation management with equitable distribution of water and rural development through Integrated Watershed Management approach in the Kolwan valley near Pune. They started organic cultivation of vegetables on one of their own demonstration farms and established a marketing relationship with 5-6 families. In about six months, this experiment attracted the attention of many neighbouring farmers, who expressed interest in joining it.
In operation now for more than two years, Gorus has a network of about 50 committed families as consumers and 25 farmers as suppliers, and growing steadily. The small numbers are a result of deliberate strategy, a part of the Gorus philosophy and vision. Moreover, as Ashwin Paranjpe, the Principal Coordinator of Gorus, points out, the work of Gorus is very human resource intensive.
agri for ploticks of packages
Farmers across the land will doubtless be ecstatic on learning there is now one more committee - to look into debt relief. Gee, another committee. Just what we needed. Who knows, it might even do something, like form a sub-committee. But the joy might be hard to sustain. It's all part of a 'package.' That too is not a new thing. Governments in this country have handled more packages than FedEx. My all-time favourite is the Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput or KBK package, which has outlasted four Prime Ministers and seen more variations than Rubik's Cube.
Every imaginable programme for which funds already exist has been merged or purged from the KBK development package at some point. A Rs.4,750 crore package swelled to Rs.6,500 crore over a decade. Of which only Rs.360 crore actually showed up till 2004. Even from that paltry sum, money was diverted for the total literacy programme.
The 'package' declared at the end of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's trip to Vidarbha will have little or no impact on the crisis there. Neither in the short run nor in the long term. The visit's political fallout is another matter. No one can now deny a major agrarian crisis exists. Dr. Singh's journey thoroughly exposed the Maharashtra Government and the Union Agriculture Ministry. It also brought - if for a week - some media focus on the crisis. Well on the farm suicides, at least.
Every imaginable programme for which funds already exist has been merged or purged from the KBK development package at some point. A Rs.4,750 crore package swelled to Rs.6,500 crore over a decade. Of which only Rs.360 crore actually showed up till 2004. Even from that paltry sum, money was diverted for the total literacy programme.
The 'package' declared at the end of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's trip to Vidarbha will have little or no impact on the crisis there. Neither in the short run nor in the long term. The visit's political fallout is another matter. No one can now deny a major agrarian crisis exists. Dr. Singh's journey thoroughly exposed the Maharashtra Government and the Union Agriculture Ministry. It also brought - if for a week - some media focus on the crisis. Well on the farm suicides, at least.
agriculture production
India has become the world's largest producer across a range of commodities due to its favourable agro-climatic conditions and rich natural resource base.
India is the largest producer of coconuts, mangoes, bananas, milk and dairy products, cashew nuts, pulses, ginger, turmeric and black pepper. It is also the second largest producer of rice, wheat, sugar, cotton, fruits and vegetables.
According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), crop production is expected to rise by 1.7 per cent during FY 10 and foodgrain production is expected to increase by 1.1 per cent and wheat production is projected to remain at the same level of 80 million tonnes as estimated for FY 09 while rice production is projected to increase by 1.1 per cent to 98.8 million tonnes. Production of coarse cereals and pulses is also expected to rise in FY 10.
According to government data, wheat acreage has gone up marginally to 27.75 million hectares by February 4, 2010, compared to 27.58 million hectares in the same period last year. The acreage under pulses (gram, lentil, urad, moong) has gone up to 13.74 million hectares, compared to 12.95 million hectares in the same period last year.
Cotton production in India, the world's second-largest producer, may rise 10 per cent to about 32 million bales (one bale is equal to 170 kg) in the 2009-10 season (October-September), on the back high support price and more sowing of high-yielding Bt seeds.
India's coffee output is pegged at 310,000 tonnes in 2009-2010, 4.4 per cent higher compared to 2008-09, according to the post-blossom estimates released by the Coffee Board. If the actual output in 2009-10 matches estimates, India is likely to climb up in the ranking list of top 10 coffee-producing countries in the world. According to the International Coffee Organisation (ICO), India has a bright chance of becoming the fifth largest coffee producer in the world, replacing Mexico. Currently, it is placed in the sixth position
India is the largest producer of coconuts, mangoes, bananas, milk and dairy products, cashew nuts, pulses, ginger, turmeric and black pepper. It is also the second largest producer of rice, wheat, sugar, cotton, fruits and vegetables.
According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), crop production is expected to rise by 1.7 per cent during FY 10 and foodgrain production is expected to increase by 1.1 per cent and wheat production is projected to remain at the same level of 80 million tonnes as estimated for FY 09 while rice production is projected to increase by 1.1 per cent to 98.8 million tonnes. Production of coarse cereals and pulses is also expected to rise in FY 10.
According to government data, wheat acreage has gone up marginally to 27.75 million hectares by February 4, 2010, compared to 27.58 million hectares in the same period last year. The acreage under pulses (gram, lentil, urad, moong) has gone up to 13.74 million hectares, compared to 12.95 million hectares in the same period last year.
Cotton production in India, the world's second-largest producer, may rise 10 per cent to about 32 million bales (one bale is equal to 170 kg) in the 2009-10 season (October-September), on the back high support price and more sowing of high-yielding Bt seeds.
India's coffee output is pegged at 310,000 tonnes in 2009-2010, 4.4 per cent higher compared to 2008-09, according to the post-blossom estimates released by the Coffee Board. If the actual output in 2009-10 matches estimates, India is likely to climb up in the ranking list of top 10 coffee-producing countries in the world. According to the International Coffee Organisation (ICO), India has a bright chance of becoming the fifth largest coffee producer in the world, replacing Mexico. Currently, it is placed in the sixth position
export
According to the government's agri-trade promotion body, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India's exports of agricultural and floricultural products, fruits and vegetables, animal products and processed food products was worth US$ 7.98 billion in 2008-09, an increase of 13.88 per cent from US$ 7.01 billion in 2007-08.
India's agri-export turnover is expected to double in the next five years, according to APEDA. Agri-export turnover is set to rise to nearly US$ 18 billion by 2014.
At present, around 70 per cent of the country's agricultural and processed food exports are to developing countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America.
Indian seed companies, such as J K Seeds, Namdhari Seeds, Nuziveedu Seeds, Nath Seeds, Rasi and Vibha Seeds, are eyeing the export markets in SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and African countries with a host of hybrid seeds and best farm practices. The seed producers, who are seeking to expand their horizons, are cashing in on the poor market infrastructure in East and West African countries and the appetite for hybrid seeds in the SAARC region.
India's agri-export turnover is expected to double in the next five years, according to APEDA. Agri-export turnover is set to rise to nearly US$ 18 billion by 2014.
At present, around 70 per cent of the country's agricultural and processed food exports are to developing countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America.
Indian seed companies, such as J K Seeds, Namdhari Seeds, Nuziveedu Seeds, Nath Seeds, Rasi and Vibha Seeds, are eyeing the export markets in SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and African countries with a host of hybrid seeds and best farm practices. The seed producers, who are seeking to expand their horizons, are cashing in on the poor market infrastructure in East and West African countries and the appetite for hybrid seeds in the SAARC region.
a closer atagri education
INTRODUCTION:
For many, the term “agriculture” conjures Jeffersonian imagery of the tranquil family farm. In contrast,
genetically modified food and agriculture biotechnology endeavors provoke passionate debate about
consumer safety and global hunger. While the agriculture sector has dramatically changed over the years
in developed countries, it continues to have an enormous impact on the global economy.1
The Aspen Institute’s Beyond Grey Pinstripes data reveal a number of interesting points regarding MBA
programs and the integration of agriculture issues. First off, very few full-time MBA programs address
this business sector explicitly. Not surprisingly, those within the United States that do broach the topic of
agriculture tend to be land-grant institutions.2 Next, the courses available tend to come from three distinct
angles: a sustainable development outlook, an ethical perspective (particularly as related to
biotechnology), and from a public policy standpoint. An example of these notable courses can be found
below. Perhaps more common than integration of agriculture concepts into MBA curriculum are joint
degree programs, such as the University of Alberta’s joint MBA/MAg (Master of Agriculture) degree.3
While agriculture may seem like an esoteric topic to some in the world of business education, this Closer
Look aims to highlight the coursework and programs of BGP-participating schools that are excelling in
the field.INTRODUCTION:
For many, the term “agriculture” conjures Jeffersonian imagery of the tranquil family farm. In contrast,
genetically modified food and agriculture biotechnology endeavors provoke passionate debate about
consumer safety and global hunger. While the agriculture sector has dramatically changed over the years
in developed countries, it continues to have an enormous impact on the global economy.1
The Aspen Institute’s Beyond Grey Pinstripes data reveal a number of interesting points regarding MBA
programs and the integration of agriculture issues. First off, very few full-time MBA programs address
this business sector explicitly. Not surprisingly, those within the United States that do broach the topic of
agriculture tend to be land-grant institutions.2 Next, the courses available tend to come from three distinct
angles: a sustainable development outlook, an ethical perspective (particularly as related to
biotechnology), and from a public policy standpoint. An example of these notable courses can be found
below. Perhaps more common than integration of agriculture concepts into MBA curriculum are joint
degree programs, such as the University of Alberta’s joint MBA/MAg (Master of Agriculture) degree.3
While agriculture may seem like an esoteric topic to some in the world of business education, this Closer
Look aims to highlight the coursework and programs of BGP-participating schools that are excelling in
the field.INTRODUCTION:
Sunday, June 20, 2010
(GDP)
Agriculture provides the principal means of livelihood for over 58.4% of India's population. It contributes approximately one-fifth of total gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture accounts for about 10 per cent of the total export earnings and provides raw material to a large number of industries. Low and volatile growth rates and the recent escalation of agrarian crisis in several parts of the Indian countryside, however, are a threat not only to national food security, but also to the economic well-being of the nation as a whole.
In this section important links are given regarding the policies and plans made by Government and numerous other things which may be of a great help to the farming community and a lot of other people dependent on agriculture in one way or the other.
In this section important links are given regarding the policies and plans made by Government and numerous other things which may be of a great help to the farming community and a lot of other people dependent on agriculture in one way or the other.
A FACULTY POINT OF VIEW:
A FACULTY POINT OF VIEW:
Dr. Jay Akridge is the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue
University and Director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business and the Purdue-Kelley MSMBA
in Food and Agricultural Business. His research has examined the buying behavior of commercial
agricultural producers, applications of customer lifetime value in agribusiness, adoption of precision
agricultural technologies, and the role of e-commerce in the agribusiness industries. In 2003, he was
awarded the USDA Food and Ag Science Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. Jay Akridge is the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue
University and Director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business and the Purdue-Kelley MSMBA
in Food and Agricultural Business. His research has examined the buying behavior of commercial
agricultural producers, applications of customer lifetime value in agribusiness, adoption of precision
agricultural technologies, and the role of e-commerce in the agribusiness industries. In 2003, he was
awarded the USDA Food and Ag Science Excellence in Teaching Award.
agriculture
The required level of investment for the development of marketing, storage and cold storage infrastructure is estimated to be huge. The government has not been able to implement various schemes to raise investment in marketing infrastructure. Among these schemes are Construction of Rural Go downs, Market Research and Information Network, and Development / Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization.[6]
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), established in 1905, was responsible for the research leading to the "Indian Green Revolution" of the 1970s. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body in agriculture and related allied fields, including research and education.[7] The Union Minister of Agriculture is the President of the ICAR. The Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute develops new techniques for the design of agricultural experiments, analyses data in agriculture, and specializes in statistical techniques for animal and plant breeding.
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), established in 1905, was responsible for the research leading to the "Indian Green Revolution" of the 1970s. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex body in agriculture and related allied fields, including research and education.[7] The Union Minister of Agriculture is the President of the ICAR. The Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute develops new techniques for the design of agricultural experiments, analyses data in agriculture, and specializes in statistical techniques for animal and plant breeding.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
AgricultureInformation
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Agriculture & Rural Developments Irrigation, Food Processing, Fertilizers & Fisheries
A SAGA OF SUCCESS
From a nation dependent on food imports to feed its population, India today is not only self--sufficient in grain production, but also has a substantial reserve. The progress made by agriculture in the last four decades has been one of the biggest success stories of free India. Agriculture and allied activities constitute the single largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product, almost 33% of it. Agriculture is the means of livelihood of about two--thirds of the work force in the country.
This increase in agricultural production has been brought about by bringing additional area under cultivation, extension of irrigation facilities, the use of improved high yielding variety of seeds, better techniques evolved through agricultural research, water management, and plant protection through judicious use of fertilizers, pesticides and cropping practices.
Crops
The 1970s saw a multi-fold increase in wheat production that heralded the Green Revolution. In the next decade rice production rose significantly; in 1995-96, rice production was 79.6 million tons. Total grain production crossed 191 million tons in 1994-95, a big leap from 51 million tons in 1950-5 1. During the Seventh Plan, the average grain production was 155 million tons, 17 million tons more than the Sixth Plan average.
To carry improved technologies to farmers, a National Pulse Development Program, covering 13 states, was launched in 1986. The Special Food Production Program augmented efforts to boost pulse production further. In 1995-96, pulse production was 13.2 million tons. With some States offering more than the statutory minimum price, sugarcane production also received a boost, in 1995-96 a record 283.0 million tons was registered.
From a nation dependent on food imports to feed its population, India today is not only self--sufficient in grain production, but also has a substantial reserve. The progress made by agriculture in the last four decades has been one of the biggest success stories of free India. Agriculture and allied activities constitute the single largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product, almost 33% of it. Agriculture is the means of livelihood of about two--thirds of the work force in the country.
This increase in agricultural production has been brought about by bringing additional area under cultivation, extension of irrigation facilities, the use of improved high yielding variety of seeds, better techniques evolved through agricultural research, water management, and plant protection through judicious use of fertilizers, pesticides and cropping practices.
Crops
The 1970s saw a multi-fold increase in wheat production that heralded the Green Revolution. In the next decade rice production rose significantly; in 1995-96, rice production was 79.6 million tons. Total grain production crossed 191 million tons in 1994-95, a big leap from 51 million tons in 1950-5 1. During the Seventh Plan, the average grain production was 155 million tons, 17 million tons more than the Sixth Plan average.
To carry improved technologies to farmers, a National Pulse Development Program, covering 13 states, was launched in 1986. The Special Food Production Program augmented efforts to boost pulse production further. In 1995-96, pulse production was 13.2 million tons. With some States offering more than the statutory minimum price, sugarcane production also received a boost, in 1995-96 a record 283.0 million tons was registered.
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