Want to know what is going on in the agricultural sector of India? Here’s a round-up of the top 10 news.
1. NITI Aayog – UN WFP Agreement On Food Basket Diversification
Aiming at a more diversified food basket under its free food distribution program, NITI Aayog has entered into an agreement with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). Under the statement of intent signed between them, the focus will be on mainstreaming millets and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture for enhanced food and nutrition security in India. Numerous steps have been taken to promote millets including the establishment of a center for excellence, integration of Nutri-cereals in the National Food Security Act, and establishment of Millet Mission. Read more here.
2. Agri Tech Firm AgNext To Assess Lakadong Turmeric
Agri tech firm AgNext Technologies, in partnership with the Spices Board of India, has deployed its innovative curcumin testing technology for the assessment of Lakadong turmeric, which is grown in the Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. This is the first time in Meghalaya that AI-based technology is being used for the rapid quality assessment of Lakadong turmeric. Additionally, the Spices Board and turmeric farmers will also have access to an AI-enabled SaaS platform. Read more here.
3. PM Modi Asks Corporates To Invest In Agriculture
In a meeting with top business leaders and CEOs on 20th Dec, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the corporate sector invest more in areas such as agriculture and food processing. PM also mentioned the shifting focus on natural farming. He also took suggestions from top business leaders for the upcoming Budget 2022-23. The leading chief executives present were of about 20 companies across industries, including banking, infrastructure, steel, automobiles, telecom, consumer goods, textiles, renewables, hospitality, tech, healthcare, space and electronics. Read more here.
4. India’s Spice Production Up By 60%, Exports Increased Multifold Since 2014-15: Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar attended the launch of the book Spice Statistics at a Glance- 2021 on 22nd Dec. At the event, he said that the annual production of spices has gone up by 60 per cent to record production of 107 lakh tonnes since 2014-15. Among spices, the output of jeera, garlic, ginger, saunf, coriander, fenugreek, red chilli, and turmeric has increased. Read more here.
5. Guidelines To Use Drones In Agriculture Issued By Agricultural Ministry
The Agricultural Ministry has issued guidelines for the use of drone technology. These Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were issued on 21st Dec. Drones have been used for some time in the sector, especially during the recent locust attacks in various states. The SOPs cover aspects like statutory provisions, flying permissions, area distance restrictions, weight classification, overcrowded areas restriction, drone registration, safety insurance, piloting certification, operation plan, air flight zones, weather conditions etc. Read more here.
6. Cabinet Committee Approves MSP For Copra For 2022 Season
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Modi has approved Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for copra for the 2022 season. The MSP has been increased from Rs.10,335/- per quintal in 2021 to Rs10,590/- per quintal for the 2022 season. Similarly, the MSP for ball copra has been increased from Rs.10,600/- per quintal in 2021 to Rs.11,000/- per quintal for the 2022 season. This increase in MSP for copra for the 2022 season is in line with the announcement made by the Government in the Budget 2018-19. Read more here.
7. SEBI Puts A Ban On Derivative Trading Of 7 Agriculture Commodities
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has banned the derivative trade of seven agriculture commodities for a year with immediate effect. These commodities are chana, wheat, paddy (non-basmati), soyabean, mustard seed, crude palm oil and moong. It is being said that this decision was taken to cool off food inflation. Read more here.
8. Increase 10 per cent UG, PG Seats In Agricultural Universities, Recommends IAUA
The Indian Agricultural Universities Association (IAUA) has made a recommendation to increase seats for undergraduate and postgraduate courses annually by 10% in all agricultural universities. This will also increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the higher educational institutions of agriculture and allied disciplines. Read more here.
9. First AgriTech Cohort BY AIM, NITI Aayog & UNCDF
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have rolled out their first Agritech challenge – Cohort. The event was held on 21st Dec. This program was organised for innovative agritech that aim to help small farmers across Asia and Africa. Read more here.
10. Mandi Accounting Got Easier With Account Import Feature in ChargeERP!
ChargeERP, the easiest, fastest, and most secure mandi accounting software from Bijak has recently introduced another feature i.e., Account Import. Using account import feature, a user can upload their old records to their ChargeERP account. This helps them in keeping all the record of their customer and supplier at one place. They can download a sample report and make the changes to their current format accordingly. Mentioning business name, account type, opening balance, debit/credit are mandatory. They also have option to overwrite existing account (in case of duplicate account name) or purge all previous data and create new account.
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