Everything for CULTIVATION....

Details of Indian Rice Varieties

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Rice breeding programme in India was started by Dr. G. P. Hector, the then Economic Botanist during 1911 in undivided Bengal with headquarters at Dacca (now in Bangladesh). Subsequently, in 1912, a crop specialist was appointed exclusively for rice in Madras Province. Prior to the establishment of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1929, Bengal and Madras were the only provinces which had specialist exclusively for rice crop. After the establishment of ICAR, it initiated rice research projects in various states of the country and by 1950, 82 research stations in 14 states of the country were established, fully devoted for rice research projects. These research stations, mainly by the pure line method of selection, released 445 improved varieties. These varieties were of various kind such as -

1. Earliness
2. Deep water and flood resistant
3. Lodging resistant
4. Drought resistant
5. Non-shredding of grains
6. Dormancy of seed
7. Control of wild rice
8. Disease resistant
9. Higher response to heavy mannuring.

Thus, during the pure line period of selection from 1911-1949, the advantage of natural selection have been fully exploited and there have been varieties available for every rice ecology. During the early period of breeding research programme, varieties were developed suitable for specific stress situation or for resistant to particular disease. When, after World War II, synthetic fertilizers became popular, efforts were made to identify varieties which respond to heavy fertilization.

After the establishment of the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) at Cuttak in 1946 by the Govt. of India, rice research and training received an added impetus. There had been a systematic screening of exotic types from the genetic stocks. Besides, for the purpose of direct introduction in the country, many Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese and Russian types were also tested. The Chinese types, which were first, prior to 1947, tested in Kashmir Valley, found fairly successful and the Japanese and Russian types were found unsuitable under Indian conditions due to poor yield, unacceptable grain qualities and susceptibility to blast.

Inter-racial hybridization programme between japonicas and indicas was initiated during 1950-54. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations with a view of improving production of cereal on an international basis after the end of World-War II, launched a collaborative project japonica X indica hybridization in South-East Asian countries. The object of these project was to transfer the high yielding capacity and response to use higher dose of fertilizers into local indica varieties from japonica varieties. Indica varieties were already well adapted to the local conditions and had tolerance to diseases and pests of the region. A parallel project of japonica X indica hybridization was also started by ICAR with the same objectives. These projects could achieve very limited success. Only four varieties, viz. - Malinja and Mashuri in Malaysia, ADT-27 in Tamil Nadu, India and Circna in Australia were released from more than 700 hybrid combinations.

The almond tree resembles peach

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which it is closely related. It grows to 25 feet, but under cultivation is usually held to under 20 feet by pruning. The leaves are simple, lanceolate and glabrous. The nuts are enclosed in a fleshy husk which becomes dry and fibrous and splits open allowing the nuts to drop out or be easily separated at maturity. The shell is porous to woody, and encloses the oblong, flattened kernel. The latter is up to over an inch long and half as wide. Almonds are marketed both in the shell and as shelled kernels.

Akarkara (Spilanthes acmella Murr.)

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Characters	Spilanthes acmella syn. S. paniculata	Spilanthes calva
Plant	Annual erect or ascending stout herbs, 20-50 cm high.	Annual erect or ascending herbs, 15-40 cm high.
Leaves	Opposite, petiolate, broadly ovate, narrowed at base, acute or obtuse at apex.	opposite, petioled, ovate, acute, subcrenate at margins.
Heads	In axillary and terminal panicles; Involucral bracts 2-seriate; Ray florets few, in conspicuous; Disc florets companulate, Achenes dorsally compressed, black.	Ovoid, usually solitary; Involucral bracts ovate, acute; Ray florets absent; Disc-florets yellow; Achenes dark brown.
Flowering and Fruits	March-April.	November to December.

POMEGRANATE Punica granatum L. Cultivation

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An attractive shrub or small tree, to 20 or 30 ft (6 or 10 m) high, the pomegranate is much-branched, more or less spiny, and extremely long-lived, some specimens at Versailles known to have survived two centuries. It has a strong tendency to sucker from the base. The leaves are evergreen or deciduous, opposite or in whorls of 5 or 6, short-stemmed, oblong-lanceolate, 3/8 to 4 in (1-10 cm) long, leathery. Showy flowers are home on the branch tips singly or as many as 5 in a cluster. They are 1 1/4 in (3 cm) wide and characterized by the thick, tubular, red calyx having 5 to 8 fleshy, pointed sepals forming a vase from which emerge the 3 to 7 crinkled, red, white or variegated petals enclosing the numerous stamens. Nearly round, but crowned at the base by the prominent calyx, the fruit, 2 1/2 to 5 in (6.25-12.5 cm) wide, has a tough, leathery skin or rind, basically yellow more or less overlaid with light or deep pink or rich red. The interior is separated by membranous walls and white spongy tissue (rag) into compartments packed with transparent sacs filled with tart, flavorful, fleshy, juicy, red, pink or whitish pulp (technically the aril). In each sac, there is one white or red, angular, soft or hard seed. The seeds represent about 52% of the weight of the whole fruit.

Cultivars

There is little information available on the types grown in the Near East, except that the cultivars 'Ahmar', 'Aswad', 'Halwa' are important in Iraq, and 'Mangulati' in Saudi Arabia. 'Wonderful' and 'Red Loufani' are often grown in the Jewish sector of Israel, while the sweeter, less tangy 'Malissi' and 'Ras el Baghl', are favored in the Arab sector.

In India there are several named cultivars. Preference is usually given those with fleshy, juicy pulp around the seeds. Types with relatively soft seeds are often classed as "seedless". Among the best are 'Bedana' and 'Kandhari'. 'Bedana' is medium to large, with brownish or whitish rind, pulp pinkish-white, sweet, seeds soft. 'Kandhari' is large, deep-red, with deep-pink or blood-red, subacid pulp and hard seeds. Others include:

'Alandi' ('Vadki')–medium-sized, with fleshy red or pink, subacid pulp, very hard seeds.

'Dholka'–large, yellow-red, with patches of dark-pink and purple at base, or all-over greenish-white; thick rind, fleshy, purplish-white or white, sweet, pulp; hard seeds. The plant is evergreen, non-suckering, desirable for commercial purposes in Delhi.

'Kabul'–large, with dark-red and pale-yellow rind; fleshy, dark-red, sweet, slightly bitter pulp.

'Muscat Red'–small to medium, with thin or fairly thick rind, fleshy, juicy, medium-sweet pulp, soft or medium-hard seeds. The plant is a moderately prolific bearer.

'Paper Shell'–round, medium to large, pale-yellow blushed with pink; with very thin rind, fleshy, reddish or pink, sweet, very juicy pulp and soft seeds. Bears heavily.

'Poona'–large, with dark-red, gray or grayish-green rind, sometimes spotted, and orange-red or pink-and-red pulp.

'Spanish Ruby'–round, small to medium or large; bright-red, with thin rind, fleshy, rose-colored, sweet, aromatic pulp, and small to medium, fairly soft seeds. Considered medium in quality.

'Vellodu'–medium to large, with medium-thick rind, fleshy, juicy pulp and medium-hard seeds.

'Muscat White'–large, creamy-white tinged with pink; thin rind; fleshy, cream-colored, sweet pulp; seeds medium-hard. Bears well. Desirable for commercial planting in Delhi.

'Wonderful'–originated as a cutting in Florida and propagated in California in 1896. The fruit is oblate, very large, dark purple-red, with medium-thick rind; deep-red, juicy, winey pulp; medium-hard seeds. Plant is vigorous and productive.

In California, 'Spanish Ruby' and 'Sweet Fruited' were the leading cultivars in the past century, but were superseded by 'Wonderful'. In recent years 'Wonderful' is losing ground to the more colorful 'Grenada'.

Mexicans take especial pride in the pomegranates of Tehuacan, Puebla. Many cultivars are grown, including 'Granada de China' and 'Granada Agria'.

The Japanese dwarf pomegranate, P. granatum var. nana, is especially hardy and widely grown as an ornamental in pots. The flowers are scarlet, the fruit only 2 in (5 cm) wide but borne abundantly. Among other ornamental cultivars are 'Multiplex' with double, creamy white blooms; 'Chico', double, orange-red; 'Pleniflora', double, red; 'Rubra Plena', double, red; 'Mme. Legrelle' and 'Variegata', double, scarlet bordered and streaked with yellowish-white.

Pollination

The pomegranate is both self-pollinated and cross-pollinated by insects. There is very little wind dispersal of pollen. Self-pollination of bagged flowers has resulted in 45% fruit set. Cross-pollination has increased yield to 68%. In hermaphrodite flowers, 6 to 20% of the pollen may be infertile; in male, 14 to 28%. The size and fertility of the pollen vary with the cultivar and season.

Climate

The species is primarily mild-temperate to subtropical and naturally adapted to regions with cool winters and hot summers, but certain types are grown in home dooryards in tropical areas, such as various islands of the Bahamas and West Indies. In southern Florida, fruit development is enhanced after a cold winter. Elsewhere in the United States, the pomegranate can be grown outdoors as far north as Washington County, Utah, and Washington, D.C., though it doesn't fruit in the latter locations. It can be severely injured by temperatures below 12º F (-11.11º C). The plant favors a semi-arid climate and is extremely drought -tolerant.

Soil

The pomegranate thrives on calcareous, alkaline soil and on deep, acidic loam and a wide range of soils in between these extremes. In northern India, it is spontaneous on rockstrewn gravel.

Propagation

Pomegranate seeds germinate readily even when merely thrown onto the surface of loose soil and the seedlings spring up with vigor. However, to avoid seedling variation, selected cultivars are usually reproduced by means of hardwood cuttings 10 to 20 in (25-50 cm) long. Treatment with 50 ppm. indole-butyric acid and planting at a moisture level of 15.95% greatly enhances root development and survival. The cuttings are set in beds with 1 or 2 buds above the soil for 1 year, and then transplanted to the field. Grafting has never been successful but branches may be air-layered and suckers from a parent plant can be taken up and transplanted.

Culture

Rooted cuttings or seedlings are set out in pre-fertilized pits 2 ft (60 cm) deep and wide and are spaced 12 to 18 ft (3.5-5.5 m) apart, depending on the fertility of the soil. Initially, the plants are cut back to 24 to 30 in (60-75 cm) in height and after they branch out the lower branches are pruned to provide a clear main stem. Inasmuch as fruits are borne only at the tips of new growth, it is recommended that, for the first 3 years, the branches be judiciously shortened annually to encourage the maximum number of new shoots on all sides, prevent straggly development, and achieve a strong, well-framed plant. After the 3rd year, only suckers and dead branches are removed.

For good fruit production, the plant must be irrigated. In Israel, brackish water is utilized with no adverse effect. In California, irrigation water is supplied by overhead sprinklers which also provide frost protection during cold spells. The pomegranate may begin to bear in 1 year after planting out, but 2 1/2 to 3 years is more common.

Harvesting and Yield

The fruits ripen 6 to 7 months after flowering. In Israel, cultivar 'Wonderful' is deemed ready for harvest when the soluble solids (SSC) reach 15%. In California, maturity has been equated with 1.8% titratable acidity (TA) and SSC of 17% or more. The fruit cannot be ripened off the tree even with ethylene treatment. Growers generally consider the fruit ready for harvest if it makes a metallic sound when tapped. The fruit must be picked before over maturity when it tends to crack open if rained upon or under certain conditions of atmospheric humidity, dehydration by winds, or insufficient irrigation. Of course, one might assume that ultimate splitting is the natural means of seed release and dispersal.

The fruits should not be pulled off but clipped close to the base so as to leave no stem to cause damage in handling and shipping. Appearance is important, especially in the United States where pomegranates may be purchased primarily to enhance table arrangements and other fall (harvest-time) decorations. Too much sun exposure causes sunscald–brown, russeted blemishes and roughening of the rind.

The fruit ships well, cushioned with paper or straw, in wooden crates or, for nearby markets, in baskets. Commercial California growers grade the fruits into 8 sizes, pack in layers, unwrapped but topped with shredded plastic, in covered wood boxes, precool rapidly, and ship in refrigerated trucks.

Keeping Quality and Storage

The pomegranate is equal to the apple in having a long storage life. It is best maintained at a temperature of 32º to 41º F (0º-5º C). The fruits improve in storage, become juicier and more flavorful; may be kept for a period of 7 months within this temperature range and at 80 to 85% relative humidity, without shrinking or spoiling. At 95% relative humidity, the fruit can be kept only 2 months at 41º F (5º C); for longer periods at 50º F (10º C). After prolonged storage, internal breakdown is evidenced by faded, streaky pulp of flat flavor. 'Wonderful' pomegranates, stored in Israel for Christmas shipment to Europe, are subject to superficial browning ("husk scald"). Control has been achieved by delaying harvest and storing in 2% O2 at 35.6º F (2º C). Subsequent transfer to 68º F (20º C) dispels off-flavor from ethanol accumulation.

Pests and Diseases

The pomegranate butterfly, Virachola isocrates, lays eggs on flower-buds and the calyx of developing fruits; in a few days the caterpillars enter the fruit by way of the calyx. These fruit borers may cause loss of an entire crop unless the flowers are sprayed 2 times 30 days apart. A stem borer sometimes makes holes right through the branches. Twig dieback may be caused by either Pleuroplaconema or Ceuthospora Phyllosticta. Discoloration of fruits and seeds results from infestation by Aspergillus castaneus. The fruits may be sometimes disfigured by Sphaceloma punicae. Dry rot from Phomopsis sp. or Zythia versoniana may destroy as much as 80% of the crop unless these organisms are controlled by appropriate spraying measures. Excessive rain during the ripening season may induce soft rot. A post-harvest rot caused by Alternaria solani was observed in India in 1974. It is particularly prevalent in cracked fruits.

Minor problems are leaf and fruit spot caused by Cercospora, Gloeosporium and Pestalotia sp.; also foliar damage by whitefly, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects; and defoliation by Euproctis spp. and Archyophora dentula. Termites may infest the trunk. In India, paper or plastic bags or other covers may be put over the fruits to protect them from borers, birds, bats and squirrels.

Food Uses

For enjoying out-of-hand or at the table, the fruit is deeply scored several times vertically and then broken apart; then the clusters of juice sacs can be lifted out of the rind and eaten. Italians and other pomegranate fanciers consider this not a laborious handicap but a social, family or group activity, prolonging the pleasure of dining.

In some countries, such as Iran, the juice is a very popular beverage. Most simply, the juice sacs are removed from the fruit and put through a basket press. Otherwise, the fruits are quartered and crushed, or the whole fruits may be pressed and the juice strained out. In Iran, the cut-open fruits may be stomped by a person wearing special shoes in a clay tub and the juice runs through outlets into clay troughs. Hydraulic extraction of juice should be at a pressure of less than 100 psi to avoid undue yield of tannin. The juice from crushed whole fruits contains excess tannin from the rind (as much as .175%) and this is precipitated out by a gelatin process. After filtering, the juice may be preserved by adding sodium benzoate or it may be pasteurized for 30 minutes, allowed to settle for 2 days, then strained and bottled. For beverage purposes, it is usually sweetened. Housewives in South Carolina make pomegranate jelly by adding 7 1/2 cups of sugar and 1 bottle of liquid pectin for every 4 cups of juice. In Saudi Arabia, the juice sacs may be frozen intact or the extracted juice may be concentrated and frozen, for future use. Pomegranate juice is widely made into grenadine for use in mixed drinks. In the Asiatic countries it may be made into a thick sirup for use as a sauce. It is also often converted into wine.

Vyas committee report

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Another recent report is on “Flow of Credit to Agriculture and Related Activities from the Banking System.” It suggests a two-stage reorganization of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to consolidate their functioning. This will help them scale up their operations, utilize manpower optimally, have greater autonomy and infuse professionalism while retaining their rural focus.

Insurance schemes for farmer’s problem

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The farmer’s problem is rooted in his exposure to risk – yield as well as price shocks. Insurance schemes may be devised to mitigate these. This can be done in three possible ways. Credit insurance can look into the credit default. A fund with contribution from the creditor, the debtor and the Government may be created for this. Appropriate mechanisms to look into its modus operandi should be devised. Crop insurance will be linked with yield risk. Implementation of this should be village and if possible plot of land specific. Theft of crop and loss due to fire or other calamities should be taken into consideration while administering this. The earlier mentioned information bureau could also help in this endeavour. Income insurance will address the poor returns, particularly for marginal and small farmers and also tenants. The poor returns could be because of poor prices, low yields or high transaction costs arising out of low quantity of produce.

Farmers of Junagadh district in India's western state of Gujarat have incurred losses as heavy rains

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"The first rainfall was good for the crop. We sprayed fertilisers in the field. We even took loans from the bank to grow crop but the rains ruined it completely. Now we are left with nothing, we are almost unemployed now," said Vinod Parmar, a farmer.
Now, the farmers are praying gods to be generous and further seek help from the government.
"In field cultivation, there are quite a lot of crops of groundnuts and sugarcane, which has damaged that, will have an effect on the farmers' income. Hopefully, if the rain gods are generous enough, they (farmers) might make good with the current season of the groundnuts. But what about the losses? I pray somebody takes care of that," said Jerey Fernandez, another farmer.
The monsoons this year have been particularly heavy across India, causing floods in many areas and devastation of property worth hundreds of millions of rupees.
India is basically an agriculture economy and about 600 million of the billion-plus population depends on agriculture for their livelihood

Water management Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) and the RIDF

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In the selected districts where agriculture is largely rainfall dependent, strategies to increase irrigation potential (particularly, through watershed development), should be devised so as to provide scope to increase value addition. The Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme (MEGS), the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) and the RIDF can be used for this. Expedite the completion of already initiated irrigation projects. For completed projects take measures that ensures utilization is up to potential, and there is better utilization of water through drip/sprinkler.

Distribution of Methods of Committing Suicides

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Distribution of methods of committing suicide by sex across districts/divisions of Maharashta for 2001-4 is given in Table 3.1h in Annexure 5. The distribution for Maharashtra is as follows. For male suicide deaths: 34 per cent were by consuming insecticides, 8 per cent were by consuming other poison, 10 per cent were by drowning, 7 per cent were by self-immolation and the remaining 8 per cent were by other methods. For female suicide deaths, 30 per cent were by consuming insecticides, 8 per cent were by consuming other poison, 18 per cent were by hanging, 15 per cent were by drowning, 26 per cent were by self-immolation and the remaining 3 per cent were by other methods. This shows that across gender there are some differences.
The maximum proportion of suicide deaths are by insecticide consumption for both males and females. The second most common method was hanging by males whereas it was self-immolation by females. In fact, hanging by males has the maximum proportion in the divisions of Konkan and Pune and self-immolation by females has the maximum proportion in the divisions of Konkan, Nagpur and Pune. Across division, the proportion of suicide deaths by drowning is relatively much higher in Nagpur for both males and females. The involvement of females in household work brings them in close proximity to fire in the kitchen and the well for fetching water. Spur of the moment decisions might lead them to using these methods. Suicide death through burns and to some extent drowning could conceal homicide, which mostly arises out of domestic violence (see Kumar, 2003). Some of these are dowry deaths.25
In the selected districts of Washim and Yavatmal the proportion committing suicide by consuming insecticide is much higher than the state average: 59 per cent for males and 51 per cent for females in Washim and 76 per cent for males and 68 per cent for females in Yavatmal. In Wardha, the proportion committing suicide by consuming other poison (22 per cent for males and 23 per cent for females) is much higher than the state average and together with consumption of insecticide it accounts for 61 per cent of male and 53 per cent of female suicides.
Insecticide/pesticide is most commonly available in farming households (particularly, those cultivating Cotton). Thus, suicide deaths by consumption of insecticides would largely be individuals in these households. Spur of the moment decision will lead to use of this fatal method because of its easy availability. We have mentioned earlier that cotton cultivation uses nearly 90 per cent of the total pesticides used across five major crops in Maharashtra (section 2.4). Restrictions on its easy availability can help reduce incidences of suicide with such a fatal method. In this regard, important policy lessons can be taken from Sri Lanka’s experience (see references in Gunnell and Eddleston, 2003).

Education-wise and Marital Status wise Suicide Mortality Rates in Maharashtra

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Education wise and marital status wise average SMRs per annum across districts/divisions by sex in Mahrarashtra for the period 2001-4 are given in Table 3.1e and 3.1f in Annexure 5. Education wise SMRs in Maharashtra are as follows. For males it is 8.4 for ‘no education’, 28.9 for primary education completed, 42.7 for middle school completed, 31.5 for matriculates and 11.1 for higher secondary and above whereas for females it is 4.7 for ‘no education’, 17.6 for primary education completed, 31.9 for middle school completed, 23.7 for matriculates and 8.2 for higher secondary and above.
The patterns are similar in the divisions indicating that the peak SMR is among the middle school education category. The exception is maximum SMR for matriculates among education group in Amravati division for both males and females. In the selected districts, including Washim and Yavatmal from Amravati division, the pattern is similar to that for Maharashtra. This is so because in Akola, Amravati and Buldhana districts SMR is the highest for matriculates across education groups. In all the districts of Amravati division middle school and matriculates either have the maximum or the second highest SMR across education groups. This means that those with 7-10 years of schooling have relatively greater risk.
AsAs in age-specific subgroups, education wise subgroups in Amravati and Nagpur divisions as well as in the three selected districts have by and large greater SMRs than the subgroup average for Maharashtra state. The exceptions are ‘no education’ male and female SMRs and ‘middle school’ female SMR in Nagpur division, and ‘no education’ male SMR in Wardha districts.
Marital status wise SMRs in Maharashtra are – not married: 8.7 males, 6.8 females; married: 30.6 males, 15.4 females; widowed: 38.7 males, 7.0 females; and divorced/separated: 135.9 males, 30.3 females. Across marital status category, SMR is the maximum for divorced/separated for both male`s and females. This pattern holds across all divisions with the exception being for females in Aurangabad and Pune divisions where the maximum SMR across marital status categories is among married.
The marital status subgroups in Amravati and Nagpur divisions and the selected districts also have SMRs higher than that for the subgroup average for Maharashtra state. The exceptions are ‘divorced/separated’ male SMR in Amravati division, male and female SMRs in Washim and Yavatmal districts and ‘widowed’ male SMR in Wardha district. This means that, compared to the state average for that subgroup, never married and married males in Amravati division have a greater disadvantage.

Age-specific Suicide Mortality Rates

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For ease of analysis, we divide the data into two periods 1998-2000 and 2001-2004. As indicated earlier, the latter period is identified with higher male SMR in some regions.In 2001-4, Maharashtra’s age-specific SMRs are as follows. For males it is 0.9 for 5-14 years, 19.9 for 15-29 years, 34.4 for 30-44 years, 35.0 for 45-59 years and 20.5 for 60+ years whereas for females it is 1.0 for 5-14 years, 20.2 for 15-29 years, 15.1 for 30-44 years, 10.8 for 45-59 years and 5.8 for 60+ years. Across divisions, Amravati and Nagpur seem to have relatively higher SMRs and also the ones where the absolute increase in male SMRs was relatively higher. In these two divisions, excluding age group of 5-14 years, male SMRs increased in all other age groups and the increases are particularly notable in Amravati division.
In the three selected districts, age adjusted SMR increased in Wardha by 9.5 points (from 38.1 to 47.6), in Washim by 6.7 points (from 26.5 to 33.2) and in Yavatmal by 8.3 points (from 38.3 to 46.0). Notable increase in age-specific male SMRs are in the age groups of 15-29 years (by 25.3 points, from 29.9 to 55.3) and 30-44 years (by 11.1 points, from 65.0 to 76.1) in Wardha, in the age groups 45-59 years (by 30.4 points, from 36.6 to 67.0) and 60+ years (by 29.8 points, from 7.7 to 37.5) in Washim and in the age groups of 15-29 years (by 10.3 points, from 40.9 to 51.2), 30-44 years (by 13.9 points, from 62.8 to 76.7) and 45-59 years (by 13.0 points, from 67.1 to 80.1) in Yavatmal. Across age groups, SMR for males in Maharashtra was the maximum in the early middle age group of 30-44 years in 1998-2000 and shifted to the late middle age group of 45-59 years in 2001-4. This pattern seems to have been the case in the divisions of Amravati, Aurangabad, Konkan and Nagpur and also in the selected districts of Washim and Yavatmal whereas in Wardha district the shift was reversed with maximum male SMRs for 45-59 years in 1998-2000 and 30-44 years in 2001-4.
The former pattern (shift in maximum SMR from early middle age to late middle age) explains that people those who are now entering into a stage of getting their children married and are in the process of training them the tricks of the trade.The latter pattern (shift in maximum SMR from early middle age to late middle age) would indicate greater years of life lost. If he is a cultivator then his is likely to be one with less years of experience in farming. He may be willing to take greater risks expecting higher returns, but a failure can be catastrophic.
In both the time periods, SMR for females, as is the case at the all India level, is the maximum in the youth age group of 15-29 years. An exception to this is in our study district Wardha where maximum female SMR is in 30-44 years. An important feature of age-specific SMR is that among children (5-14 years) and youth (15-29 years) female SMR is greater than male SMR. This along with the fact that SMR for females is the maximum among youth (15-29 years) indicates that years of life lost among females will be proportionately more than their proportion of total suicide deaths. It is said that higher SMR for females in this age group could be an outcome of domestic conflict such as dowry harassment.23 Or, they could be because of other forms of female victimization such as suspected illicit relationship, not having children, cancellation/non-settlement of marriage, physical abuse, illegitimate pregnancy and divorce. Some of the reported female suicides could even be homicides in the guise of suicide or accident.

The trends over the years show that male SMR seems to have increased

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The trends over the years show that male SMR seems to have increased with jumps: by 7.8 points in Amravati division in 2001, by 5.6 points in 2000 in Nagpur division, and by 2.7 points in Pune division in 2000. Trends in female SMR seem to be declining in all the divisions. Male-female SMR ratio has been increasing in all the years (exceptions are Konkan in 1999 and 2002, Nagpur in 2003, Nashik in 2004 and Pune in 1999) and in 2004 male SMR is more than double that of female SMR in Amravati, Nagpur and Pune divisions. For the three selected districts, SMRs in Yavatmal seems to be greater and Washim lower than that for Amravati division and Wardha is higher than that for Nagpur division. SMRs in Wardha are closer and for some years higher than that in Yavatmal. The trends, as in the case for their respective divisions, show that there is a jump to higher age-adjusted male SMR in Wardha in 2000 and in Washim and Yavatmal in 2001. Between 2001 and 2004, age-adjusted male SMR was the highest in 2002 and age-adjusted female SMR in 2001 in all the three districts. Male SMR is double that of female SMR in Wardha and Yavatmal districts in 2004.

Recent Suicide Trends and Patterns in Maharashtra Trends in Suicide Mortality Rate

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The trends in age-adjusted SMRs in Maharashtra from 1995 to 2004 are given in Table 3.1 (for trends in age undadjusted SMR see Table 3.1a in Annexure 5).21 Further, suicide is a social phenomenon that differs across gender groups and it is appropriate to discuss about patterns in males and females separately. Age adjusted SMR for males increased from 17.4 in 1995 to 20.3 in 2004 and that for females decreased from 13.6 in 1995 to 10.8 in 2004. Absolute numbers of male suicides decreased in 1996, but thereafter it has been increasing for the whole period. For females, absolute number of suicides decreased in 1996 and then increased in the next two years, but has been declining since 1999. Age-adjusted SMR for males has not always been increasing indicating that the increase in number of suicides has not been commensurate with the increase in population. In fact, between 2001 and 2004 age-adjusted SMR for males has been in the range of 20-21. Decline in absolute female suicides when population has been increasing explains the declining age-adjusted SMR for females.

Suicide Scenario in Maharashtra

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Suicide data in Maharashtra, as also in India, is compiled through police records.19 In 2001, Maharashtra constituted about 9.4 per cent of the all India population but accounted for 13.5 per cent of the total suicide deaths in the country. Suicides accounted for 2 per cent of the total deaths in the state whereas at the all India level suicides accounted for 1.3 per cent of the total deaths.20 What is the reason for the relatively higher suicide deaths in Maharashtra? In this chapter we analyse some recent trends and patterns in attempting to answer this question.

Maharashtra’s gross value addition from agriculture

2011-02-05T21:50:00.001-08:00

In recent years, Maharashtra’s gross value addition from agriculture is relatively more from Fruits & Vegetables and Sugarcane – together these two Vegetables account for less than 8 per cent of the area under cultivation, but nearly 53 per cent of the gross value added in agriculture. These crops are largely not grown in the selected districts of Wardha, Washim and Yavatmal. The cash crops in the selected districts are Cotton and more recently Soyabean. Over the years, profitability from Cotton has declined. Some of the reasons are as follows: high subsidies by the USA leading to distortions in the international prices, low import tariff by India, failure of the MCPS in Maharashtra. At the same time, the state has been withdrawing, as is evident from, declining public investment in agriculture, poor agricultural extension, diminishing role of formal sources of credit and relatively lower public intervention programmes under MEGS in the selected districts. The farmer, now, depends on the input supplier for advice leading to supplier-induced demand and on informal sources for credit with higher interest rate thereby increasing his repayment burden. To add to these, 2004 happened to be a rain deficient year in the selected districts, but this year was one when the macro supply scenario of Cotton was good. The farmers from our selected districts were exposed to both yield as well as price shocks. To sum up, there seems to be a larger socio-economic and agrarian crisis. In the next chapter, we discuss the suicide scenario in Maharashtra.

Public Interventions: The Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme

2011-02-05T21:49:00.000-08:00

One of the important social welfare measures in the state is the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme (MEGS), which has been in operation since 1970s. We would like to see the interventions in our selected districts in recent years. All our selected districts are from National Sample Survey (NSS) Inland Eastern region.16 In this region, the proportion of poor in total rural population was 32 per cent in 1999-2000. This constitutes about 23 per cent of the state’s rural poor whereas this regions share of state’s rural population is 17 per cent. The regions share of expenditure under MEGS is, however, lower than even their share of rural population and it has been declining

Credit Scenario in Rural Maharashtra

2011-02-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

From 1995 to 2004, rural branches of all scheduled commercial banks declined from 2320 to 2241. In the study districts the absolute number of branches remained more or less the same (44 in Wardha, 87 in undivided Akola, and decreased from 70 to 66 in Yavatmal), but as proportion of total branches in the districts it showed a decline. Between triennium ending (TE) 1996-7 and TE 2003-4, rural deposits as a proportion of total deposits in the district decreased by 1 percentage point (from 26.4 per cent to 25.3 per cent) in Wardha, increased by 3.4 percentage point (from 17.3 per cent to 20.7 per cent) in undivided Akola and remained around 22 per cent in Yavatmal. Agricultural credit as per cent of total credit disbursed as per utilization has been declining from TE 1996-7 to TE 2003-4. An exception is Wardha where it first increased in TE 2000-1 and then decreased. The latter decrease could be because of an increase in credit to industry during TE 2003-4. This increase in credit to industry also explains the large increase in credit-deposit ratio during TE 2003-4 in Wardha. The credit deposit ratio for all scheduled commercial banks in the three study districts seems to have first decreased and then increased. The increase in recent years has been due to an increase in credit towards personal loans.

International and Domestic Policies Impact on Cotton Prices in India

2011-02-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Excess international supply at a lower price is also because of direct and indirect subsidesleading to dumping by the United States of America (USA). During the period 1998 to2003 Cotton export prices from USA were lower than their cost of production by morethan 50 per cent on average and had reached a maximum of 65 per cent in 2002 (Murphy,Lilliston and Lake, 2005). As against this, domestic policies in India have led to removalof quantitative restrictions and subsequently reduction of import tariff from 35 per cent in2001-2 to 5 per cent in 2002-3. All these exposed the domestic prices of Cotton to thevolatility of international prices. This has been adversely affecting the Cotton farmer.Similarly, excessive Cotton exports leading to an increase in yarn prices can adverselyaffect the handloom and power loom weavers. Thus, variable import and export tariffsthat guard movements in domestic prices against volatility in international prices could beof help to both producers and consumers (Ghosh, 2005).

Agricultural Production Wardha, Washim (or undivided Akola) and Yavtatmal and the state of Maharashtra

2011-02-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

We analyse some recent changes in the agrarian scenario in the districts of Wardha, Washim (or undivided Akola) and Yavtatmal and the state of Maharashtra. Using three year moving average trends from 1990-1 to 2002-3, we give growth rates of production for selected crops
In the selected districts, the linear trend growth rate for production of Cereals was negative. This is largely explained by a negative area effect mostly for Jowar and Paddy. For these two crops, except for Paddy in Yavatmal, the yield effect has also been negative indicating that the shifts in cropping pattern are likely to be from lands with greater yield. The linear trend growth rate for Wheat was positive and this can be explained by positive area as well as yield effects. An exception is Yavatmal, where yield effect was negative. For Maharashtra state, the results are somewhat similar – linear trend growth rate for production of Cereals is negative. The share of area/production in the selected districts to total area/production for Cereals (particularly, Jowar and Paddy) in Maharashtra has declined. The share of production, particularly for Jowar, has been higher than the share of area indicating that the yield for Jowar in the study district is higher than the average for the state. Despite this, area has been declining and its share has come down. This can be explained by the fact that the share of gross value added relative to share of area under cultivation is the lowest for Jowar Linear trend growth rate for Sugarcane production has been positive and this is largely explained by a positive area effect. In Wardha, there has been a positive yield effect also. In undivided Akola, Yavatmal as well as for Maharashtra the yield effect has been negative. This negative yield effect is stronger than the area effect in Yavatmal and in this district there has been a secular decline in production in the last three years. The increase in area under Sugarcane in the selected districts despite the fact that yield of Sugarcane is lower than the state’s average is because of its advantage from gross value addition. The share of area/production under Sugarcane in the selected districts to the total area under Sugarcane in Maharashtra has increased in Wardha, but not in the other two districts.

Objectives of the Study Maharashtra farmers.

2011-02-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

The objectives of the study are as follows:
• To analyze the agrarian scenario in Maharashtra with emphasis on the selected districts.
• To look into the trends and patterns of the recent suicide scenario in Maharashtra.
• To study the nature and extent of indebtedness among deceased farmers.
• To identify and examine other socio-economic factors leading to suicidal death by the deceased farmers.
• To compare the suicide (case) with non-suicide (control) households.
• To suggest policy measures.

Farmers’ suicides Issues

2011-02-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

Farmers’ suicides have been receiving a lot of media attention, more so by the vernacular local dailies, in recent years. There has also been some scholarly attention.3 Over the years, agriculture’s contribution to the gross domestic produce in India has reduced from 56 per cent in 1950-1 to 25 per cent in 2001-2 whereas as per the 2001 census 58 per cent of the total workers are still dependent on agriculture either as cultivators or agricultural labourers. This suggests that rural non-farm employment opportunities are limited. Between 1960-1 and 1995-6, the number of agricultural operational holdings in India increased by 2.36 times from 48.9 million to 115.6 million, but when one looks at the composition it is only the marginal (0-1 hectares) and small (1-2 hectares) size-class of farmers that increased from 51 per cent to 62 per cent. In absolute numbers, the large size-class (10 hectares & above) started declining since the 1970s and the medium size-class (4-10 hectares) since the 1980s. This suggests that dependence on agriculture is largely among the ranks of marginal and small farmers and agricultural labourers. The small and marginal farmers also bear the brunt of unavailability of water and its associated yield uncertainty. Linking of the national market with international markets has also increased the price uncertainty particularly in crops like cotton. The small and marginal farmer is, however, thinking big and willing to experiment and take risks. However, the farmer is not able to visualise that a bad monsoon leading to crop failure or a glut in the market can put him into a quagmire of indebtedness and crashing of dreams. The farmer cannot get his daughter/sister married, he cannot send his children to college for higher education or he cannot meet health expenses for the family members to mention a few of his responsibilities. This brings about a feeling of dejection and failure among some farmers who in their moments of despair think that life is not worth living any more and they end up committing suicide.

NFBSFARA , The Indian National Agricultural Research System (NARS)

2011-01-30T08:34:00.001-08:00

NARS has to find solutions to the immediate problems of farming as well as keep its competence in technology development in the forefront to meet all continuously emerging anticipated and unanticipated problems. For this continuous strengthening of basic and strategic research and, applied research in the frontier areas of agricultural sciences is required. Fully realising this need, the Government of India decided to establish a national fund for supporting basic and strategic research under the ICAR with the objective to build capacity for basic and strategic research of national and long-term importance to break yield and quality barriers and make India a global leader in research for development, through the partnership of all research organizations who can contribute towards this objective.

The Fund strongly encourages collaborative and multi-institutional research based on innovative ideas of scientists for solving advanced scientific and technological problems in agriculture. Scientists from all research institutions universities and private sector with proven research capacity and located in India are eligible to participate.

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE, BAPATLA

2011-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

a. Name of the College	College of Agricultural Engineering
b. Postal Address	College of Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla – 522 101, Guntur District
c. Telegraphic Address
d. Telephone No. with STD	08643 - 224068
e. Fax No.	08643 - 224068
f. E-mail	caebpt@gmail.com
2.	Year of Establishment of the College	1990 The B.Tech (Agril.Engg.) Programme was started in 1983
3.	Objectives	Present day agriculture needs technological interventions to make rain fed, irrigated and dry land Agriculture more productive, sustainable and remunerative to farmers and to fulfill the objectives of several governmental schemes. The next green revolution has to be achieved only through adoption of agricultural engineering principles and practices for the development and sustainability of agriculture. Some states in India and many states in advanced countries like USA and Germany have a strong base of “Agricultural Engineering” profession in Governmental Departments and in Universities to support the technological interventions for the Development and sustainability of Agriculture. Hence, there is a need to develop trained manpower in agricultural engineering in the country to cater to the following needs of agriculture in general and the farmers in particular.
	Mandate	1. Mechanization of Agriculture to reduce cost of cultivation and to perform all field operations including harvesting and threshing in time to increase net income to farmers. 2. Natural resources Management Technologies to cope up with water scarcity, water excess and salinity problems with efficient water management, micro irrigation and drainage systems to sustain agriculture 3. Value addition to agricultural products by efficient storage, handling and processing technologies to make agriculture more remunerative to farmer.
	Objectives	1. To design efficient irrigation water management methods with surface and micro-irrigation methods to overcome water scarcity and inequitable water distribution situation to improve water use efficiency. 2. To reclaim waste lands and problematic lands to increase land productivity by adopting suitable drainage and water technologies 3. To design and manufacture suitable agricultural machinery and implements requited for different soils and crops in the state to reduce the labour requirement and the total cost of cultivation for the farmers and to perform all field operations in time according to the need. 4. To design and develop suitable post-harvest equipment and processed to give value addition to agricultural and horticultural produce to get more price 5. To design process equipment for milk and food products to meet the market requirements 6. To design soil and water conservation, irrigation and drainage structures to preserve the precious natural resources.To design the energy conserving technologies for applications in agriculture using solar, wind and other non-conventional energy sources
4.	Programmes Offered	1. Post graduate –M.Tech. (Agril.Engg.) (2 years) - November, 2006 2. Undergraduate –B.Tech (Agril. Engg.) (4 years) - August, 1983
5.	Name of the Associate Dean	Dr. T.V. SATYANARAYANA

Aquaculture: (Freshwater, Brackishwater, Mariculture & Coldwater)

2011-01-30T08:30:00.001-08:00

Developing sustainable technologies for mariculture, open sea culture.
Diversification in aquaculture by bringing more potential fin/ shellfish species and varied culture systems in fresh and brackishwater farming.
Breeding and culture of high value fin-fish and shell-fishes.
Organic aqua-farming
Fish health management, immuno-prophylaxis and therapeutic against common diseases.
Ornamental fish breeding and farming
Up-scaling of breeding and culture technologies for potential coldwater fish species.
Technology development for aquaculture inland saline water areas.
Up-scaling pen and cage culture technology in reservoirs and wetlands.
Fish nutrition, feed development and technology for live feed organisms.
Water budgeting in inland aquaculture
Development of water re-circulating units for different aquaculture systems.
Genetic improvement in existing finfish and shellfish species for growth and disease resistance.

Capture Fisheries (Marine & Inland)

2011-01-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Species-wise biological database of commercially exploited marine fish stock and estimate of existing fish yield.
Meeting the challenges of responsible fisheries.
Computer based models for fishery management in open waters.
Developing marine and estuarine biodiversity database, formulating conservation and management action plan on GIS platform
Using remote sensing technology, mapping potential inland fishery resources in the country incorporating information on production, dominant catch trends, species composition and ecological status.
Impact of river linking on fish stocks, aquatic biodiversity and estimating environmental flows in river systems to sustain ecosystem properties and production.
Generating long term data base on ecosystem ecology, responses of fish behaviour including physiology to climate extreme changes in inland and marine environments.
Develop climate change action plan ensuring to minimize negative impacts and exploit new opportunities.
Environmental impact assessment and bio-remediation of stressed aquatic ecosystems
Assessment and action plan for hill fishery resource management.
Pilot-scale testing of appropriate management models for improving fisheries in reservoirs, lakes and floodplain wetlands.
Addressing the issues related to safety at sea for fishers both in terms of policy and support.

SOIL-FORMING MATERIALS

2011-01-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

Rocks are the chief sources for the parent materials over which soils are developed. There are three main kinds of rocks:
(i)igneous rocks,
(ii)sedimentary rocks, and
(iii)metamorphic rocks.

Igneous rocks. They are formed by the cooling, hardening and crystallizing of various kinds of lavas and differ widely in their chemical composition. They chiefly contain feldspars, maphic minerals and quartz. Rocks containing a high proportion of quartz (60-75%) are classified as acidic, whereas those containing less than 50% quartz are classified as basic. The common igneous rocks found in India are the granites(acidic) and basalts or the Deccan Trap (basic)

Sedimentary rocks. They are derived from igneous rocks and are formed by the consolidation of fragmentary rock materials and the products of their decomposition deposited by water. The common sedimentary rocks are conglomerate, sandstone, shale and limestone. Alluvial, glacial and aeolian deposits form the unconsolidated sedimentary rocks.

Metamorphic rocks. They are formed from the igneous or sedimentary rocks by the action of intense heat and high pressure or both resulting in considerable change in the texture and mineral composition. The common metamorphic rocks are gneis from granite, quartzite from quartz or sandstone, marble from limestone and slate from shale.

Soil-Water Conservation

2011-01-30T08:22:00.002-08:00

Wind erosion also has been responsible for destroying the valuable top soil in many areas. Halting the march of desert in Rajasthan is one of the vital and outstanding problems facing the country today. An extreme example of sand movement from the coast is to be seen in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat where the once-flourishing ports are now covered with advancing sand-dunes.

In addition to the erosion of the cultivated fields, neglected pastures and wastelands, considerable roadside erosion also takes place owing to the defective highway engineering. Defective drainage and water-logging throw appreciable areas out of cultivation every year and indirectly increase the erosion hazards.

Extent of soil erosion. In India, there is very little area free from the hazard of soil erosion. It is estimated that out of 305.9 million hectares of reported area, 145 million hectares is in need of conservation measures.

Severe erosion occurs in the sub-humid and per-humid areas due to high rainfall and improper management of land and water.

Agricultural land in the major part of the country suffers from erosion. Apart from reducing the yields through the loss of nutrients, erosion destroys the soil resources itself every year. For example, in Maharashtra over 70 per cent of the cultivated land has been affected by erosion in varying degrees and 32 per cent of the land having been highly eroded is no longer cultivable. In the Sholapur district, nearly 17 per cent of the land of medium depth (more than 45 cm) has deteriorated into shallow soils (less than 45 cm) in 75 years from 1870 to 1945. Similarly, in Akola, Buldana and Yeotmal districts, the number of fields with less than 37.5 cm soil depth increased during the same period by 54, 16 and 8 per cent respectively. As much as 2.3 million ha is already under ravines scattered all over India. The ravines apart from ruining the soil resources for ever are a constant threat to the adjoining fertile cultivated lands.

OPIUM POPPY (papaver somniferum Linn)

2011-01-30T08:22:00.001-08:00

Poppy is a native of the western Mediterranean region,introduced into India in the early sixteenth century.India produces about 70 per cent of the world's production and 90 per cent of it is exported annually.The crop can be grown under a licence issued by the Excise Department and, as such, its cultivation is restricted to about 24,000 hectares in the districts of Neemuch,Mandsaur and Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh ; in Faizabad,Bara Banki,Bareilly and Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh,and in Chittoor,Jhalawar and Kota in Rajasthan.

ISABGOL (plantago ovata Forks.)

2011-01-30T08:21:00.002-08:00

It is an annual stem-less herb, a native of Persia, now grows as a cash crop on about 16,000 ha in the Mehsana, Palampur and Banaskantha districts of Northern Gujrat, India is the largest producer of isabgol and exports seed and huskworth Rs 25 million annually. The husk is the rosey-white membranous covering of the seed which constitutes the drug and is given as a safe laxative, particularly beneficial in habitual constipation, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.

C.succirubra Pavon

2011-01-30T08:21:00.001-08:00

C.succirubra Pavon is a hardy tree which grows between elevations of 1,200 and 2,000 m in some parts of Annamalais and attain a heught of 18-20 meters. This species possess a remarkable ability to withstand both high humidity and drought. Its main alkaloid is cinchonidine. The total Alkolid in the root ,stem and bark is 7.6,5.5 and 3.3 per cent respectively. Out of these amounts, quinine constitutes 0.76-1.42, 1.1-1.74 and 0.8-1.76 per cent respectively in the root, stem and bark.

CINCHONA (cinchona ledgeriana Linn.and allied spp.).

2011-01-30T08:20:00.000-08:00

Sixty-five species distributed in the Andes at elevations of 800 to 2,800 m, occur mainly in Peru, Bolivia, Columbia and Ecuador. Commercial supplies of the bank are obtained from C.ledgeriana, c.officinalis, C.calisaya, C.succirubra and their numerous hybrids. The cinchona bark yields quinine which is used as a treatment against malaria. Quinine salts are now increasingly used in soft drinks as bittters and quinidine sulphate is use in the treatment of heart troubles, such as auricular fibrillation and venticular trachycardia. Cinchona plantations cover about 1,600 ha in the Nilgiris and the Annamalais Hills(Tamil Nadu). India, Indonesia and Zaire(the Congo) are major suppliers of quinine products to the world market ; the Indian export of quinine salts earns about Rs 10 million annually.

Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU)

2011-01-30T08:17:00.001-08:00

Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU)
Email: rau@bih.nic.in

Pusa
Samastipur
Bihar PIN 848125

06274-74255,
74266

OILSEED CROPS Groundnut Arachis hypogaea L.

2011-01-30T08:16:00.001-08:00

GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)is believed to be the native of Brazil to Peru, Argentina and Ghana, from where it was introduced into Jamaica, Cuba and other West Indies islands. The plant was introduced by Portuguese into Africa from where it was introduced into North America. It was introduced into India during the first half of the sixteenth century from one of the Pacific islands of China, where it was introduced earlier from either central America or South America.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE. The oil content of the seed varies from 44 to 50 per cent, depending on the varieties and agronomic conditions. Groundnut oil is an edible oil. It finds extensive use as a cooking medium both as refined oil and Vanaspati Ghee. It is also used in soap making, and manufactoring cosmectics and lubricants, olein stearin and their salts. Kernels are also eaten raw, roasted or sweetened. They are rich in protein and vitamins A, B and some members of B2 group. Their calorific value is 349 per 100 grammes. The H.P.S. type of groundnut kernels are exported to foreign contries. The residual oilcake contains 7 to 8 per cent of N, 1.5 per cent of P 2O5 and 1.2 per cent of K2O and is used as a fertilizer. It is an important protein suppliment in cattle and poultry rations. It is also consumed as confectionary product. The cake can be used for manufacturing artificial fibre. The haulms (plant stalks) are fed ( green, dried or silaged) to livestock. Groundnut shell is used as fuel for manufacturing coarse boards, corksubstitutes etc. Groundnut is also of value as rotation crop. Being a legume with root nodules, it can synthesise atmospheric nitrogen and therefore improve soil fertility.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION. Groundnut (Archis hypogaea L.) is a member of sub-family, Papilionaceae of the family Leguminosae. Archis hypogaea L. consists of two subspecies each containing two botanical varieties.

Jatropha (Bio Diesel)

2011-01-30T08:14:00.001-08:00

The consultancy on bio fuel crops will discuss in detail about the various plants from which the raw material for the fuel can be obtained, with specific focus on jatropha. The session will include basic information like cultivation of these plants, marketing, accessories needed, care for the plants to be taken, the type of fertilizers

India's rice industry warns against GE trials

2011-01-30T08:12:00.002-08:00

The warning came just over a week after the European Union decided to compulsorily test all U.S. shipments of long-grain rice. That followed a discovery that U.S. imports to Europe were contaminated with genetically modified (GMO) rice.

No biotech rice is allowed to be grown, sold or marketed on the territory of the European Union's 25 countries.

India has carried out field trials of mostly short-grain rice at 10 different sites across the country since 2005, but the Supreme Court last month suspended fresh tests on all crops until a further court hearing.

Previous trials show no signs of GM seeds infecting rice exports.

But importers and farmers fear the risk of contamination through mixing of seeds during storage or in transportation could affect consumer confidence and India's reputation as a "clean and reliable" rice exporter.

"Indian rice is GM-free and we want to keep it that way," said R.S. Seshadri, director of Tilda Riceland and a member of the All-India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) -- which represents exporters like Satnam Overseas, Sunstar, Kohinoor.

"We are asking them not to do further testing ... we need to review guidelines and enforce stricter standards in light of what has happened in the U.S.," he told a news conference.

India is the largest producer and exporter of Basmati rice -- a long-grain rice priced for its characteristic subtle aroma and delicious taste -- and exported 1.15 million tonnes, generating 30.3 billion rupees in the 2005/6 financial year.

Although most of the tests were on short-grain rice, farmers say many were not informed that field trials were taking place near their own rice paddys. If contamination occurs in exported stocks, buyers in Europe and Middle Eastern countries might ban Indian products, unions say.

"The GM-testing happening in this country is a dirty joke which is being played on us," said Yudhvir Singh, a senior official from the Bharatiya Kisan Union, a union representing hundreds of thousands of farmers across India.

"We run the risk of hundreds of thousands of farmers losing their livelihoods if bans are imposed or we lose consumer confidence in products."

Marathwada Agricultural University (MAU)

2011-01-30T08:12:00.001-08:00

Marathwada Agricultural University (MAU)
Email: mau@ren.nic.in

Parbhani
Maharashtra PIN 431402

02452-235812

Mahatama Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV)

2011-01-30T08:11:00.001-08:00

Mahatama Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV)
Email: kvmp@ren.nic.in

Rahuri
Maharashtra

02426-243215

Advisors for cultivation of crops in Maharashtra

2011-01-30T08:10:00.001-08:00

I am interested in promoting through voluntary efforts among small / medium farmers cultivation of ASHWAGANDHA, COLEUS,or patchouli, asparagus, sarpagandha, tinospora or any suitable crops for Thane Distt in Maharashtra to begin with. I am looking for guides to guide these farmers to help in this task of rural development.

Some of the important contributing factors for farmers' suicide

2011-01-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

absence of adequate social support infrastructure at the level of the village and district,
uncertainty of agricultural enterprise in the region,
indebtedness of farmers,
rising costs of cultivation,
plummeting prices of farm commodities,
lack of credit availability for small farmers,
relative absence of irrigation facilities,
repeated crop failures,
dependence on rainfall for farming,
rural living and easy access to poisons, and
lack of political will and insight in the region.

Farmers, suicide, psychological autopsy, debt in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state

2011-01-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Agriculture is the main stay of the state of Maharashtra. Total irrigated area which had been used for cultivation is 33,500 sq kilometers. Average annual profit from cultivation in the state of Maharashtra is the lowest of all Indian states, lagging far behind the state with the highest - Jammu and Kashmir (Rs. 4363 vs. Rs. 22,770). The reasons for such a pathetic state of farmers include below average rainfall, heavy load-shedding, lack of small irrigation projects, poverty, pressure of private moneylenders and banks, ignorance of ancillary occupations for raising income, employment problem of the farmers' children, decreasing interest of the young generation in farming, rapid urbanization, apathy and lack of political willpower toward welfare and development of the region, etc. Cumulative effect of all these is evident on the psyche of the people of Vidarbha in general and farmers in particular. Farmers are hence prompted to turn to local moneylenders (sahukars) who charged them a much higher rate of interest. In fact moneylenders proved to be the most common and easy source of loans for the farmer (28.4%) followed by loans procured from relatives (22.93%) while only 3.94% turned to land development banks.

Fish production in Madhya Pradesh

2011-01-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

Madhya Pradesh has 17,088 km of rivers and canals, 4.6 lakh ha of reservoirs and 60,000 ha of ponds and tanks that produce about 51,000 tonnes of fish. The average fish yield from FFDA ponds is about 1.5 tonnes/ha/year. On account of the vast resources, even a marginal increase in yield rate in the reservoirs of the state can contribute a substantial quantity of fish to the production basket. With the following interventions, fish production in Madhya Pradesh can be increased substantially:

• Adopting reservoir fisheries management guidelines (200 kg/ha/year)

• Integrated rice-duck-poultry-fish culture (2 tonnes/ha/year)

• Carp culture (2.5 tonnes/ha/year)

Fish production in Madhya Pradesh can be increased to more than 1 lakh tonnes/annum by adopting these measures, nearly doubling the production, that could be marketed in other states with profit.

Vermicompost for Sugarcane - New Experiments

2011-01-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

Plant nutrition and the soil-plant system. The key-role of fertilizers and their judicious use in crop husbandry is well understood, when one is familiar with the general facts about plant nutrition. It is now known that at least 16 plant-food elements are necessary for the growth of green plants. These plant-nutrients are called essential elements. In the absence of any one of these essential elements, a plant fails to complete its life cycle, though the disorder caused can, however, be corrected by the addition of that element.These 16 elements are: Carbon(C), hydrogen(H), oxygen(O), nitrogen(N), phosphorous(P), sulphur(S), potassium(K), calsium(Ca),magnesium(Mg), iron(Fe), manganese(Mn), zinc(Zn), copper(Cu), molybdenum(Mb), boron(B) and chlorine(Cl). Green plants obtain carbon from carbon-di-oxide from the air; oxygen and hydrogen from water, whereas the remaining elements are taken from the soil. Based on their relative amounts, normally found in plants, the plant nutrients are termed as macronutrients, if large amounts are involved, and micronutrients, if only traces are involved. The micronutrients essential for plant growth are iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine. All other essential elements listed above are macronutrients.

As mentioned above, most of the plant nutrients, besides carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, originate from the soil. The soil system is viewed by the soil scientists as a triple-phased system of solid, liquid and a gaseous phases. These phases are physically seperable. The plant nutrients are based in the solid phase and their usual pathway to the plant system is through the surrounding liquid phase, the soil solution and then to the plant root and plant cells. This pathway may be written in the form of an equation as: M(Solid)->M(Solution)->N(Plant root)->(Plant top) where 'M' is the plant nutrient element in continual movement through the soil-plant system. The operation of the above system is dependent on the solar energy through photosynthesis and metabolic activities. This is however, an oversimplified statement for gaining a physical concept of the natural phenomenon, but one should bear in mind that there are many physico and physico-chemical processes influencing the reactions in the pathway. The actual transfer in nature takes place through the charged ions, the usual form in which plant-food elements occur in solutions(liquid phase of the system). Plant roots take up plant-food elements elements from the soil in these ionic forms. The positively charged ions are called 'cations' which include potassium(K+), Calcium(Ca++), magnesium(Mg++), iron(Fe+++), zinc(Zn++), and so on. The negatively charged ions are called anions and the important plant nutrients taken in this form include nitrogen(NO-3), phosphorous( H2PO-4), sulphur(SO-4), Chlorine(Cl), etc.

The process of nutrient uptake by plants refers to the transfer of the nutrient ions across the soil root interfaces into the plant cell. The energy for the process is provided by the metabolic activity of the plant and in its absence no absorption of nutrients take place. Nutrient absorption involves the phenomenon of ion exchange. The root surface, like soil, carries a negative charge and exhibits cation-exchange property. The most efficient absorption of the plant nutrients takes place on the younger tissues of the roots, capable of growth and elongation.

In this respect, root-systems are known to vary from crop to crop. Hence their feeding power differs. The extent and the spread of the effective root-system determines the soil volume trapped in the feeding-zone of the crop plant. This is indeed an important information in a given soil-plant system which helps us to choose fertilizers and fertilizer-use practices. The absorption mechanisms of the crop plants are fairly known now. There are three mechanisms in operation in the soil-water-plant systems. They are:(i) the contact exchange and root interception, (ii) the mass flow or convection, and (iii) diffusion. In the case of contact exchange and root interception, the exchangeable nutrients ions from the clay-humus colloids migrates directly to the root surface through contact exchange when plant roots come into contact with the soil solids. Nutrient absorption through this mechanism is, however, insignificant as most of the plant nutrients occur in the soil solutions. Scientists have found that plant roots actually grow to come into contact with only 3 percent of the soil volume exploited by the root mass, and the nutrient uptake through root interception is even still less. The second mechanism is mass flow or convection, which is considered to be the important mode of nutrient uptake. This mechanism relates to nutrient mobility with the movement of soil water towards the root surface where absorption through the roots takes place along with water. Some are called mobile nutrients. Others which move only a few millimetres are called immobile nutrients. Nutrient ions such as nitrate, chloride and sulphate, are not absorbed by the soil colloids and are mainly in solution. Such nutrient ions are absorbed by the roots along with soil water. The nutrient uptake through this mechanism is directly related to the amount of water used by the plants (transpiration). It may, however, be mentioned that the exchangeable nutrient cations and anions other than nitrate, chloride and sulphate, which are absorbed on soil colloids are in equilibrium with the soil solution do not move freely with water when it is absorbed by the plant roots. These considerations, therefore, bring out that there are large differences in the transport and root absorption of various ion through the mechanism of mass flow. Mass flow is, however, responsible for supplying the root with much of the plant needs for nitrogen, calcium and magnesium, when present in high concentrations in the soil solution, but does not do so in the case of phosphorous or potassium. The nutrient uptake through mass flow is largely dependent on the moisture status of the soil and is highly influenced by the soil physical properties controlling the movement of soil water.

The third mechanism is diffusion. It is an important phenomenon by which ions in the soil medium move from a point of higher concentration to a point of lower concentration. in other words, the mechanism enables the movement of the nutrients ion without the movement of water. The amount of nutrient-ion movement in this case is dependent on the ion-concentration gradient and transport pathways which, in turn, are highly influenced by the content of soil water. This mechanism is predomionant in supplying most of the phosphorous and potassium to plant roots. It is important to note that the rhizophere volume of soil in the immidiate neighbourhood of the effective plant root receives plant nutrients continously to be delivered to the roots by diffusion. However, when the nutrient concentration builds up far excess of the plant in the reverse direction. These are some of the choice of fertilizers and fertilizer practices for practising scientific agriculture.

The relationship in the soil-plant system stated in the simple equation give in the earlier paragraph reflects the highly dynamic nature of the soil solution. One knows that the roots of the growing plants continuously remove nutrient ions from the soil solutions. At the same time, the breakdown of the soil minerals and the generating of more exchangeable cations, the biological activity and the additions made to the anions, e.g. nitrates, continuously change the composition of the soil solution. At a given point of time, therefore, the available plant nutrients in the soil solution may range from a tiny amount to larger quantities. Under favourable conditions, crop plants, in general, require larger amounts of plant nutrients than the quality found in soil solution at any given time. Hence, the situation of nutrients supply to plants becomes a limiting factor, specially, at the critical stages of plant growth and low crop yields result in recognition, therefore, fertilizers application and the use of suitable fertilizers are recommended for higher crop yeilds in productive farming. The knowledge of the specific role of each essential element in the growth of crop plants and their amounts required for efficient crop production is considered necessary in adopting scientific fertilizers use.

Crop improvement programme Cereal crops Phule Mauli (RSLG-262)

2011-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

MPKV-Research
i) Cereal crops
Sorghum and bajra are the important kharif foodgrain crops. The University has recently released the variety of sorghum "Phule Yashoda" (SPV-1359). It is recommended for a medium to heavy soils and responds well to irrigation (1 to 2 irrigations). It yields 25-30 q/ha. It was released in 1998 at State level and subsequently released in 2000 at National level.

The sorghum variety Phule Mauli (RSLG-262) released during 1999 is a drought resistant variety recommended for light to medium soil and its yield under rainfed conditions is 12-15 q/ha. Improved variety of sorghum APV-504 (Swati) released by the University in 1989 is recommended for rabi tracts.

The variety 'Shradha' of bajra released by the University yields upto 25 q/ha. The improved agro-techniques for moisture conservation in drought prone area has been developed for higher productivity of bajra. The last 15 years yield data shows that, the yield of bajra has increased from 250 kg/ha to 690 kg/ha due to adoption of modern techniques of cultivation for this improved variety.

Rice is another important crop wherein variety Indrayani, Pavana and Kundalika have been released by the Agricultural Research Station, Vadgaon Maval and Darna by Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Igatpuri of this University.

Hunis and Manjari composites are the high yielding early and medium duration varieties of maize developed by the University. These varieties are catching the area very fast in Kolhapur region of the State.

Concept of methodology of green building

2010-06-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

The structure is designed taking a holistic approach in consideration with local climate, local materials, local people along with energy saving elements. It pertains to the eco-friendly principle which was approach of the firm from its inception for all its projects. Design reflects the ethos of the surroundings - its culture and traditions. Rural, traditional and heritage aspects are perfectly blended in the design resulting in an eco-friendly structure.

Fusion of Post Modern and Ancient Architecture is observed in façade and several interior elements. The shapes and forms reflect diverse aesthetics, with harmonious collision of styles adopted for its own sake. The staircase block tilting in glass and ACP reflects the post modern character of the structure which is held by robust, tough stone-work of creamish white Gokak-stone and black undressed sunk pointed basalt stone. Structure is designed to meet occupant’s need for thermal and visual comfort at reduced levels of energy and resource consumption.

Green architecture House Kabra house..

2010-06-02T04:52:00.001-07:00

The green architecture and the green materials used in it, have vast applications all around the world and it is becoming dominant in developed countries. Basically it’s application is on a very small scale in most of the developing countries like India. Therefore the respective governments should actively take steps to implement the Green Practices on a very large scale . “When we live in a green home we encourage reducing waste, implementing recycling, using renewable materials and energy sources, and implementing a better way of producing housing.”
Even though the application is costlier , it is the price to pay for safety !!

MATERIALS Used in kabra house

2010-06-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

Suitable regional building materials are used.

Brick masonry of 12 inches without RCC used for construction reduces cost of construction by 30% as compared to RCC wall. A 50% and 25% energy saving may be achieved by dome shape roofs made of only brick masonry of 9 inches.
Buildings with lesser number of storey are more energy efficient than multistoried buildings.
Materials like cement , bricks and glass to some extent are the major contributors to the total energy consumption in RC buildings.

RESIDENCE OF Mr. Kabra, Nanded kabra house

2010-06-02T04:43:00.000-07:00

MATTERIALS USED:
• Black laterite stone for exterior walls.
• Jaisalmaier tiles for flooring inside the house and mosaic tiles for the verandah.
• Recycled wood used for cupboards, almonries & doors.
• Green paints i.e. no VOC paints are used to co lour the inside of the house.
• Fly ash based aerocon blocks used for compound walls.

NATURAL LIGHTING:
• Glass panel windows are fitted in the dome shape roofs, so as to allow natural sunlight to come into the house.
• No need for artificial lighting during the day time.
• 90% of the house day-lit.
• Glass panel windows are fitted in the wall so as it fulfils the requirement of natural lighting.

NATURAL VENTILATION:
• Air ventilator provided on the top of the dome with fiber sheet.

WATER EFFICIENCY:
• There is a special arrangement for the rain water harvesting.
• Drip irrigation is used in the garden.

Green building the design and construction Solution for by Global Warming

2010-06-02T04:41:00.000-07:00

Green building is the design and construction of a building using methods and materials that are resource efficient and will not compromise on the health of the environment and well-being of the building occupants, construction workers, general public and the future generations because of the threat posed by Global Warming. The need of the hour is to conserve environmental resources and well being of human health. Thus, the construction world can contribute in this by building greener buildings.

Green building is eco friendly building. It has reduced negative impact on human being and environment. It makes use of renewable energy sources and recycled waste. Green Buildings reduce operating cost and optimize life cycle economic performance by sustained savings. It also reduces impact on environment, enhances occupant comfort and improves the productivity of the occupants.

International Cooperation to Increase Yield of Pulses Especially in Dry Areas

2010-01-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

At a meeting on enhancing food and nutritional security in South Asia and China, Dr Rai said: “We will make use of ICARDA’s huge collection of germplasm of lentils (masoor dal), chickpeas (gram) and grasspea (Kulthi).”
Besides pulses, it will also focus on wheat, barley and livestock too, he said, adding India will share the research knowledge with ICARDA under the recently launched South Asia and China Programme.

“India grows pulses in about 22.5 million hectare and 80 per cent is in dry areas. There is an immense potential to increase masoor dal output in Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal,” pulses expert Mr Masood Ali said.
The International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), based in Aleppo, Syria has recently established its South Asia Regional Program in New Delhi, India to strengthen our collaborative research in the region. This newly established ICARDA Centre is organizing its first Regional Coordination Meeting for South Asia & China during 12-14 December 2009 at NASC Complex, New Delhi

Scientists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and ICARDA H. Q, Syria would deliberate for the coming two days on various aspects and develop programme in networking-mode for future implementation.

ICAR’s 15th ALL INDIA ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR ADMISSION TO BACHELOR'S (AIEEA-UG-2010) AND MASTER’S (AIEEA-PG-2010) DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN AGRI AND ALLI

2010-01-30T09:51:00.000-08:00

ICAR’s 15th ALL INDIA ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR ADMISSION TO BACHELOR'S (AIEEA-UG-2010) AND MASTER’S (AIEEA-PG-2010) DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN AGRI AND ALLIED SCIENCES AT AGRI UNIV FOR 2010-11.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) invites applications, in the prescribed form, from Indian Nationals, for AIEEA-UG-2010 and AIEEA-PG-2010 on 100% seats at ICAR-Deemed Universities (Bachelor degrees at NDRI only while Master degrees at IARI, IVRI, NDRI and CIFE), and on 15% seats for Bachelor degrees and 25% seats for Master degrees at the SAUs, CAU, CU with Ag. Faculty (BHU, Viswa Bharati, Nagaland Univ. and AMU (for PG only)) and SHIAT&S Allahabad for the Academic Session 2010-11. However, admission in Veterinary Sciences at Bachelor degree programme level is not included in this examination. (Additional details can be seen in the respective Information Bulletin):

1. Dates of Examination:
UG: Saturday, the 17th April 2010 during 10:00-12:30 hrs
PG: Sunday, the 18th April 2010 during 10:00-12:30 hrs

2. Sale of Information Bulletin/Application Forms: 29th December 2009 to 16th February 2010

3. Eligibility Criteria:
3.1. Age:
For AIEEA-UG-2010: Between 17 and 23 years as on 31st December 2010.
(UG Examination) (must have been born between 1.1.1988 to 1.1.1994).
For AIEEA-PG-2010: Not less than 19 years as on 31st August 2010.
(PG Examination) (i.e., not born after 30.08.1991)

3.2. Educational Qualifications:
3.2.1. For AIEEA-UG-2010:
Must have passed and obtained not less than 50% marks in aggregate for admission under General, UPS and OBC categories, 40% marks in aggregate for admission under SC, ST and PH categories in 10+2 examination with PCM/PCB/PCMB/PCA/PCH subject combinations. Candidate having compartment/ supplementary in any subject in 10+2 examination is not eligible for admission. Candidate appearing for 10+2 examination can also apply but shall produce 10+2 pass certificate with appropriate % marks during counseling. Pass in English in 10+2 examination is essential for admission in some of the Universities.

3.2.2. For AIEEA-PG-2010:
Bachelor’s degree (or appearing in final year examination), in the field of Agriculture, Veterinary, Agricultural Engineering, Fisheries, Horticulture, Home Science, Sericulture, Dairy Technology, Dairy Engineering, Forestry, Agri. Marketing Banking and Cooperation, Food Science & Technology, Biotechnology, Process & Food Engineering, Computer Science, Basic and allied sciences under 10+2+5, 10+2+4 years degree programmes, (A few seats are also available for candidates having Bachelor degree with 10+2+3 year degree programme) with required Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of 6.60/10.00, 3.25/5.00, 2.60/4.00 for General, OBC and UPS categories whereas for SC/ST/Physically Handicapped (PH) categories the said requirement is an OGPA of 5.60/10.00, 2.75/5.00, 2.20/4.00 respectively. In other cases, where grade-points are not awarded and only marks are awarded, the candidate must have secured at least 60% marks for General, OBC and UPS categories whereas for SC/ST/PH the requirement is 50% marks. (Equivalence between OGPA and % marks will not be acceptable). For admission in the subject of Veterinary Sciences, candidate must have completed B.V.Sc. & AH before the date of registration in the admitting university.

4. National Talent Scholarship (NTS) is awarded to candidates selected through AIEEA-UG-2010 examination and if joining an Agricultural University located outside their state of domicile.

5. ICAR-JRF(Post Graduate Studies)(PGS): Based on the merit in the AIEEA-PG-2010 examination, about 475 ICAR-Junior Research Fellowships for postgraduate studies (ICAR-JRF(PGS)) in 20 major subject groups are awarded for two years in Agricultural Universities including State Agricultural Universities, CAU and CUs with agriculture faculty, SHIAT&S Allahabad and ICAR-DUs, provided their Bachelor degree is not from the same AU (except NDRI Karnal) and the candidates take admission outside their State of domicile. Candidates, currently studying for their Master’s degree in 1st year, can also appear in AIEEA-PG-2010 examination for securing ICAR-JRF(PGS). However, if a ICAR-JRF(PGS) holder seeks fresh admission, entire amount of fellowship received by him/her shall have to be refunded with interest and he/she will not be entitled for fresh ICAR-JRF.

6. Reservation: 15% seats in all subjects will be reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 3% for Physically Handicapped (PH), and 2% for candidates from Under-Privileged States (UPS). Reservation for OBC in Central Educational Institutions/ Universities will be as per Government of India directives/ University rules.

7. Question Paper for AIEEA-UG-2010:
There will be only one question paper consisting of multiple-choice objective type questions, in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or Agriculture) for “STREAM–A” and Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for “STREAM–B”. The question paper will be in ENGLISH and HINDI.

8. Question Paper for AIEEA-PG-2010:
There will be only one question paper in each major subject group consisting of multiple-choice, objective type questions, and also cross-matching type questions.

9. Cost of Information Bulletin with Application form:

AIEEA-UG-2010: Rs. 400/- for General, OBC and UPS categories and Rs. 200/- for S.C., S.T. and P.H. categories.
AIEEA-PG-2010: Rs. 500/- for General, OBC and UPS categories and Rs. 250/- for S.C., S.T. and P.H. categories
In addition, Rs. 25/- per Bulletin would be charged as handling charges in case of purchase against cash, whereas Rs. 50/- per Bulletin should be added in the Draft amount towards postal expenses if purchased by submitting Bank Draft.

Sources for Availability of Information Bulletin with Application Form:

A. The forms can be obtained, in person, on payment by cash from Registrars of all 44 Agricultural Universities or from the specified branches of Syndicate Bank whereas the same can also be obtained from 5 ICAR Institutions by payment through Bank Draft from 29 December 2009 to 16 February 2010.

(I). FROM AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES:
The Information Bulletins with Application Forms will be available for sale against Cash Payment from the Offices of the Registrars of All Agricultural Universities located at (1) Hyderabad, (2) Anand, (3) Venkataramannagudem, (4) Jorhat, (5) Mohanpur, Nadia, (6) Ranchi, (7) Palampur, (8) Kanpur, (9) Hissar, (10) Dapoli, (11) Akola, (12) Solan, (13) Ludhiana, (14) Pantnagar, (15) Raipur, (16) Jabalpur, (17) Junagadh, (18) Bidar, (19) Thrissur, (20) Udaipur, (21) Nagpur, (22) Rahuri, (23) Parbhani, (24) Faizabad, (25) Navsari, (26) Bhubaneswar, (27) Ludhiana, (28) Pusa, Samastipur, (29) Gwalior, (30) Meerut, (31) Sardar Krushinagar, (32) Jammu, (33) Srinagar, (34) Tirupati, (35) Bikaner, (36) Coimbatore, (37) Chennai, (38) Dharwad, (39) Bengaluru, (40) Raichur, (41) Bagalkot, (42) Mathura, (43) Cooch Behar, (44) Belgachia, Kolkata, (45) Imphal, (46) Medziphema, (47) Visva Bharati, Sriniketan. (These Universities will not entertain any request for Information Bulletin to be sent by post.)

(II). FROM SYNDICATE BANK BRANCHES:

(a) AIEEA-UG-2010:

1. D.No. 40-3-2, M.G. Road, Labbipet, Vijayawada, (2) 5-9-246/1, Opp. Grammar School, Abid Road, Hyderabad, (3) 135, Motilal Nehru Road, Pan Bazar, Distt. Kamrup, Guwahati, (4) 23, Choti Kalyani Road, Near Kalyani Post office, Muzaffarpur, (5) Capital Tower, Block-B, Fraser Road, Patna, (6) Opp. Mount Carmel School, Sector–47, Chandigarh, (7) Maurya Picture Complex, G.E. Road, Bhilai, (8) 113, Smt. Surjadevi Shukla Camp, Near Deshbandhu School, Station Road, Raipur, (9) Samrudhi, G.H.–4, Sector–16, Gandhinagar, (10) Sant Palace, Purani Mandi, Jammu, (11) No. I, Exchange Road, Srinagar, (12) C-1, City Centre, Sector 4, Bokaro Steel City, (13) Karnataka University Campus, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad, (14) 66, 9th Main Road, 3rd Block, Jaynagar, Bengaluru, (15) I-Floor, M.S. City Centre, Bank Road, Kasaragod, (16) 102/103, Kalachand Mansion, Berasia Road, Bhopal, (17) Moti Market, Jayendraganj, Lashkar, Gwalior, (18) 31-1, Nanda Nagar, Main Road, Indore, (19) Prakash Apartments, Plot No. CIS-2410, SVP Road, Borivli West, Mumbai, (20) Ward No. 14, Nandi Sahi, P.O.– Choudhary Bazar, Cuttack, (21) Kannan Building, Maidan Road, Mahe, (22) Near Hotel Sky Lark, Model Town Road, Jalandhar City, (23) Jaipur Towers, MI Road, Jaipur (24) 68, Old Dhan Mandi, Sarovar Cinema Road, Kota, (25) Door No. 24, 1st Floor, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai, (26) 45, Rajpur Road, Dehradun, (27) Shakti Motors Complex, Kaladhungi Road, Mukahani, Haldwani, (28) Garib Manjil, Abad Nagar, Dodhpur Civil Lines, Aligarh, (29) 167-A, Civil Lines, Bareilly, (30) B-16-17, Sector–18, Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar, (31) 177/035 Zamir Mansion, Dr. B.N. Road, Opp. Gulmarg Hotel, Aminabad, Lucknow, (32) Chandrasekhar Azad market, 1st Floor, Sardar Patel Marg, Civil Lines, Allahabad, (33) B-I-B, Officers Colony, Sarvodaya Nagar, Kanpur, (34) 1, Parcus Road, G.T. Road Cross, 1 WG, Burdwan, (35) 42, G.T. Road (South), Howrah.

(b) AIEEA-UG-2010 and AIEEA-PG-2010:
NEW DELHI (1) 1st Floor, Arunachal Building, 19, Barakhamba Road, (2) Delhi Tamil Sangam Building, Sector 5, R.K. Puram, (3) Institute of Hotel Management, Amar Colony, Near Guru Nanak Market, Lajpat Nagar (4) Pusa Campus Main Branch, IARI, Pusa.
(These branches will not entertain any request for Information Bulletin to be sent by Post)

(III). FROM ICAR INSTITUTIONS, DEPOSITING BANK DRAFT:
Information Bulletin with Application Form can be obtained, in person, by depositing an account payee bank draft of amount mentioned above and from the sale counters at the following ICAR Institutions:
(i) NAARM, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, (ii) NDRI, Karnal, (iii). CARI, Port Blair, (iv). CIFE, Mumbai, (v). ICAR-Examination Cell (Education Division), Room No. 216, ICAR, KAB-II, Pusa, New Delhi.

B. Candidates can obtain Information Bulletin with Application Form by sending a written request (on plain paper) along with an Account Payee Bank draft of the amount specified (9) above and also an unstamped self addressed envelope (size 30cm x 25cm). The request should be addressed to: “The Controller of Examinations (Education Division), Room No. 216, ICAR, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan-II, Pusa, New Delhi-110012." No request for supply of Information Bulletin by post will be accepted after 10th February 2010.

C. Downloading Application Form & Information Bulletin: The Application form can also be downloaded during 29.12.2009 to 16.02.2010 from ICAR website (http://www.icar.org.in), take a print-out on A-4 size, good photocopy paper, fill-in as per instructions and submit, along with Bank Draft of amount as specified in (9) above, to the office of Controller of Exams, Education Division, Room No. 216, ICAR, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan-II, Pusa, New Delhi-110012.

The A/c payee bank draft should be drawn in favour of “Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR” payable at “New Delhi” and candidate should write the details of his/ her name and address on the back of the Bank Draft. It may be checked that the Bank Draft contains the name of the issuing bank and branch, signature of the issuing authority, amount in words, date of draft etc. clearly. In no case, ICAR will be held responsible for non-receipt of the application and bank draft or delay in postage.

The last date for the receipt of Application Forms in the office of “The Controller of Examinations (Education Division), Room No.216, ICAR, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan-II, Pusa, New Delhi–110012 for both UG and PG examinations is 16th February 2010. However for the candidates belonging to the remote areas viz., Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Ladakh Division of J&K State, Lahaul & Spiti District and Pangi Sub-division of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, the last date is 23rd February 2010. Application Forms received after the last date will be summarily rejected and Education Division, ICAR shall not responsible for non-receipt of applications within the time schedule due to postal delay or any other reasons for delay. It is the sole responsibility of the candidate to check his/her eligibility for admission before applying. ICAR will not be held responsible for refusing admission to any non-eligible candidate at the time of Counseling or later. All disputes relating to the conduct of these examinations or any matter connected with this advertisement shall be in the jurisdiction of DELHI COURT only.

CONTROLLER OF EXAMINATIONS (EDUCATION DIVISION), ICAR

post of Senior Soil Survey Officer in the Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI), Pusa, New Delhi

2010-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

Filling up of one vacant post of Senior Soil Survey Officer in the Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI), Pusa, New Delhi a subordinate office under the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation by Deputation (including short term contract) method.

I am directed to say that it is proposed to fill up one vacancy in the grade of Senior Soil Survey Officer in pre-revised scale of Rs.12,000-16,500 (corresponding to the Payband -3 i.e.15600-39100 with grade pay Rs 7600) General Central Service Group ‘A’, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial in the Soil and Land Use Survey of India, Pusa, New Delhi, a subordinate office under the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation by Deputation (including short term contract) method. The Officer selected will be posted in New Delhi. The post is to be filled from amongst the officer under the Central or State Governments or Union Territories or Agricultural Universities, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and other autonomous institutions.

Engagement of Technical Assistants in National Food Security Mission

2010-01-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

Applications are invited from the interested persons to appoint two Technical Assistants under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to assist the Consultants in the field of Agronomy, Seed Technology/Plant Breeding/Crop Improvement, (iii) Soil/Feasibility Management and Agriculture Extension and also to technical officers in the Department. The Technical Assistants will be engaged on full time basis for a period of six months with the consolidated fee of Rs. Rs. 15,000 (Rs. Fifteen Thousand) per month (with no DP/DA/CCA/HRA, etc.). The detailed profile of the educational qualifications/experience etc. may be seen in the similar material posted in the website of the Ministry (www.agricoop.nic.in/vacancies.htm). The format for application may also be seen in the website. The interested persons may send their profiles to the Director (Crops), Room No.247 ‘A’, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001 within a period of 15 days from the date of its publication.

post of Director General in National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE).Rajendranagar Hyderabad

2010-01-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

Post of Director General in National Institute of AgriculturalExtension Management (MANAGE).Rajendranagar Hyderabad

Subject:- Filling up of the post of Director General in National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE).Rajendranagar Hyderabad an Autonomous organization under the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation. One post of Director General in the pay scale of Rs. 18,400- 22,400/, (pre-revised) under Non-Central Staffing Scheme, Group ‘A’, Gazetted is proposed to be filled in the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad on deputation basis through Search-cum-Selection Committee process as laid down in DOPT office Memorandum No 28/13/2006-EO(SM.II) dated 3.7.2006 for a period not exceeding 5 years from the date of its filling up from amongst the officers under the Central/State Governments/U.T.’s./Universities/Recognized Research Institutions/Public Sector Undertaking/Semi-Government/Statutory or Autonomous Organizations under the Central/ State Governments :- 2. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for appointment to the post of Director General, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad are as under: I. The post of DG, MANAGE is to be filled up under the Non- Central Staffing Scheme preferably from the IAS. II. The post of DG., MANAGE is of the level of Joint Secretary to the Government of India. III. The incumbent should have excellent academic background with wide experience profile at senior levels of management besides hands on experience in managing an organization, preferably a training institution. In addition, the incumbent should have a minimum of 3 years experience in the filed of Agriculture and/or Rural Development. 3. The period of deputation including the period of deputation in another ex-cadre post held immediately preceeding this appointment in the same or some other Organisation/Department of the Central Government shall ordinarily not exceed 5 years. -2- 4. Officer selected will have the option to draw his grade pay plus deputation (duty) allowance or to have his pay fixed in the pay scale of the post in accordance with the Department of Personnel and Trainings O.M. No.2/29/91-Estt.(Pay.II) dated 5.1.1994. 5 This vacancy will also be advertised in the Employment News/Rojgar Samachar and all editions of National dailies in English(Indian Express) and Jansatta (Hindi) and in Telugu(Eenadu), Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. It is requested that the applications in the enclosed proforma along with the Confidential Reports/dossiers ( upto financial year 2007-2008 ) and complete in all others parameters of the eligible officers who are willing to be considered and can be spared in the event of their selection may kindly be forwarded to this Department within 4 weeks from the date of publication of this vacancy in the Employment News/Rojgar Samachar in triplicate. While forwarding the applications it is mandatory to verify and certify that particulars furnished by the officer/s are correct and that no vigilance case is either pending or contemplated against him/her. The integrity of the officer is also to be certified. The maximum age limit for this appointment by deputation on the closing date of the receipt of applications should not exceed 54 years. It may also be certified that no major/minor penalties have been imposed upon the officer during the last ten years. 6. Applications should be sent to Director (Extension) Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Room No.248-A , Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi. 7. Applications received after the last date or without up-to-date Confidential Reports, integrity certificate and vigilance clearance or otherwise found incomplete will not be considered.

Filling up one post of Director General, National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPM), Hyderbad on Deputation basis.

2010-01-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

Applications are invited from eligible and suitable officers for filling up one post of Director General, National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPM), Hyderabad, an autonomous body registered under the Andhra Pradesh Societies Registration Act, 2001 under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture and Cooperation) required to be filled on deputation basis. The post is in the pay band-4 with a scale of pay of Rs. 37,400-67,000/- plus Rs. 10,000/- (Grade pay). 2. This institute imparts training in human resource development in plant protection technology. Besides, meeting the emerging training needs this institute will function as a centre of excellence and policy support centre in the matters of bilateral/multilateral negotiations on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) matters, plant protection activities, and providing training capability to private sector and farmers. ELIGIBILITY: 3. The eligibility conditions for the post are as under:- (I) Officers of All India Services and Central Services Group ‘A’ empanelled as Joint Secretary to Govt. of India or eligible to be empanelled as such; or With three years regular service in the Senior Administrative Grade; or (II) Officers of the Central Govt.; (a)(i) holding analogous posts on regular basis; or (ii) with three years regular service in the grade rendered after appointment thereto on a regular basis in the scale of pay or Rs. 37,400-67,000 plus Rs.8700 (Grade pay) or equivalent; and (b) having eighteen years administrative experience in Group ‘A’ posts. 4. Maximum age limit for appointment by deputation shall not exceed 56 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications. Period of deputation including period of deputation in another ex-cadre post held immediately preceding this appointment in the same or some other Organisation/Department of the Central Government shall not ordinarily exceed five years.
5. The officer selected on ‘deputation’ basis will have the option to draw his grade pay plus deputation(duty) allowance or to have his pay fixed in the scale of the post in accordance with DOPT’s O.M. No.2/8/97-Estt.(Pay.II) dated 11.03.1998, as amended from time to time. 6. Applications(in triplicate) in the enclosed proforma, along with the complete and up-to-date Confidential Reports(photocopies of the C.Rs are to be got attested by an officer not below the rank of Under Secretary to the Government of India) and Integrity Certificate of eligible officers who could be spared in the event of their selection, may be forwarded to Deputy Secretary(PP), Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Room No. 244-A, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001, within 45 days from the date of publication of this advertisement in ‘Employment News’. While forwarding the applications, it may also be verified and certified that the particulars furnished by the officers are correct and that no vigilance case is either pending or contemplated against them and no major/minor penalty has been imposed on them during the last 10 years. 7. Please visit www.agricoop.nic.in for obtaining duties and responsibilities of the post as well as proforma. Applications received after expiry of last date or without the A.C.Rs, Vigilance Clearance, Integrity Certificate and a statement of major/minor penalty, if any, imposed on the officers during the last 10 years or otherwise found incomplete, shall be rejected.

List of Agriculture DEGREE COURSES, DURATION, CREDIT LOAD AND ELIGIBILITY.

2010-01-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

List of Agriculture DEGREE COURSES, DURATION, CREDIT LOAD AND ELIGIBILITY.

Sr.No.	Degree course	Duration	Credit Load	Eligibility
1	B.Sc.(Agriculture)	4 Years (8 Semesters)	160	XII Std. (Science) passed in 10+2 pattern from Maharashtra State Board of Higher Secondary Education or an equivalent Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and English.Those who have not offered Mathematics shall have to complete deficiency courses as prescribed by respective University.
2	B.Sc.(Horticulture)	4 Years ( 8 Semesters)	165
3	B.Sc.(Forestry)	4 Years ( 8 Semesters)	163
4	B.F.Sc.(Fisheries)	4 Years ( 8 Semesters)	180
5	B.Tech.(Food Technology )	4 Years ( 8 Semesters)	180
6	B.Sc.(Agriculture Bio-Technology)	4 Years ( 8 Semesters)	160
7	B.Tech.(Agriculture Engineering)	4 Years ( 8 Semesters)	183	XII Std. (Science) passed in 10+2 pattern from Maharashtra State Board of Higher Secondary Education or an equivalent Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English.
8	B.Sc.(Hons.)(Home Science)	4 Years ( 8 Semesters)	162	XII Std. passed in 10+2 pattern from Maharashtra State Board of Higher Secondary Education or an equivalent Examination in Arts / Science / Commerce with English. (Admission is open for Male Female candidates)
9	B.B.M. (Agriculture)	4 Years ( 8 Semesters)	160	XII Std. (Science) passed in 10+2 pattern from Maharashtra State Board of Higher Secondary Education or an equivalent Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and English. Candidates who have not offered Biology or Mathematics, shall have to complete deficiency courses as prescribed by respective university.

Agriculture Application Process “online application” on www.mkcl.ws/agri

2010-01-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

The aspiring candidate visits the www.mkcl.ws/agri and download the information brochure. Detailed information such as eligibility criteria, legal and social reservations, admission quota and admission schedule, Admission Process in various Stages, information of colleges with degree details is printed in the information brochure
Candidate reads the information brochure carefully.
Open category candidates draws a DD of Rs. 600 from any nationalized bank in favour of “MKCL” and payable at pune and reserved category candidate having non creamy layer certificate draws a DD of Rs. 300 from any nationalized bank in favour of “MKCL” and payable at pune.
At the time of applying online candidate should have DD and educational documents with him/her.
Candidate fills the “online application” on www.mkcl.ws/agri and note down his/her login details for future reference.
The candidate can give his/her college preferences along with application form online.
Candidate takes print out of online filled application form from internet.
Candidate arranges all the required documents and attaches required documents to the form as per list of documents printed on the application form.
Candidate affixes his/her signature on the form and pastes his/her passport size photograph on the application form.
The candidate sends the duly filled in, signed form with photograph pasted on it, along with attached required documents and application fee DD by post or in person at “MKCL, 412/D, Bahirat Patil chowk, Gokhale Road, Shivajinagar, Pune - 16.
Candidate can fill online application form till 25^th June 2009 and make sure that printed copy of application form along with required document and DD reaches to MKCL before 30^th June 2009.
The scrutiny of application form shall be carried out at MKCL office.

MCAER Ph.D. Round II Allocation List

2010-01-30T09:37:00.001-08:00

MCAER Ph.D. Round II Allocation List

http://oasis.mkcl.org/agri/Resources/PhD/AllottmentList.pdf

Ph. D. Admission 2009-2010 Final Merit List MAHARASHTRA COUNCIL OF AGCRICULTURAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH, PUNE

2010-01-30T09:36:00.001-08:00

Ph. D. Admission 2009-2010 Final Merit List MAHARASHTRA COUNCIL OF AGCRICULTURAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH, PUNE

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Ph. D. Admission 2009-2010 Final Merit List MAHARASHTRA COUNCIL OF AGCRICULTURAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH, PUNE

2010-01-30T09:33:00.001-08:00

Ph. D. Admission 2009-2010 Final Merit List MAHARASHTRA COUNCIL OF AGCRICULTURAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH, PUNE

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What are Soil Properties?

2009-10-10T08:50:00.001-07:00

It is well known that one of the chief factors responsible for obtaining satisfactory crop yields is the presence of essential plant nutrients in the soil in adequate quantities and in readily utilisable for maximum and rational soil management, a knowledge of the fertility status and psical properties of a soil is essential. Soil testing is one of the methods of determining the fertility status of the soils, so that recommendations in regard to deficient nutrients or soil amendments can be made. In fact, soil-testing forms an essential part of any scheme of agricultural development. Soil-testing laboratories have been established in almost all the states, covering all districts in them, where soils are analysed quickly and recommendations are made in respect of the fertilizer requirement for different crops.
Successful farming does not merely depend on the knowledge of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. It is a matter concerning both soil and soil management.The most important consideration in soil managment is the correct application of the relationship between the soil and the crops to be grown. Although the problems of soil management vary according to the soils and their situations the climatic conditions and the crops to be grown, yet there are fundamental factors which govern the choice of a soil managment practices. Good soil tilth is the first feature of good soil management. It means a suitable physical condition of the soil and implies, in addition, a satisfactory regulating of soil moisture and air. The maintenance of soil organic matter which encourages, granulation is an important consideration of good tilth. Tillage operations and timings should be so adjusted as to cause the minimum destruction of soil aggregates. Good tilth minimizes erosion hazards.

ICAR Inks MoU with GART

2009-10-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

ICAR and GART agreed to promote cooperation in the field, exchange of scientists and technologies; exchange of germplasm and breeding material; exchange of scientific literature, information and methodology; exchange of scientific equipment as available and required in programme of common interest as may be mutually agreed upon; Both also agreed to develop and implement the collaborative research projects, the areas and methodology to be as mutually agreed upon and subject to IPR.

This Memorandum of Understanding will be implemented through biennial Work Plans to be developed jointly. A Joint Working Group will be set up with representatives from the both Parties to meet once in two years alternately in New Delhi and Lusaka to follow up the execution of this MoU and suggest necessary measures for its development.
The broad objectives of GART are translated into two science and technology programmes, respectively on conservation farming and on smallholder livestock development.

Ultrasound Used for Better Breeding in Sheep

2009-10-10T08:36:00.001-07:00

At the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, research leader Greg Lewis and his colleagues have shown that ultrasound could significantly improve the speed and accuracy of selective breeding methods. Producers currently rely on visual appraisals to predict carcass traits before choosing which sheep to breed. Ultrasound provides a faster, more accurate alternative.
Ultrasound technology routinely used to accurately predict characteristics that indicate carcass yield and value in cattle and swine can also be used in live sheep, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators have found.

To test the reliability of the technology, the team took ultrasound images of 172 lambs before slaughter. Henry Zerby, an assistant professor at Ohio State University, coordinated the collection of carcass trait data for the lambs. Lewis and Dave Notter, a geneticist at Virginia Tech, collaborated to analyze the data.

The scientists found that a trained technician can capture an ultrasound image in about 30 seconds with reasonable accuracy. The images can then be used to estimate traits that influence the carcass value of market lambs. Such traits include loin muscle area, loin muscle depth and back-fat thickness.

Although initially more expensive than visual appraisals, the superior accuracy of ultrasound may translate into better economic returns through improved evaluation and selection of breeding stock. According to Lewis, ultrasound is an excellent way for breeding-stock producers to get the data they need to make selection decisions.

Reliable predictions save breeders valuable time, allowing for educated decision making about an animal’s offspring without waiting for the offspring to mature.

ICAR's International Fellowships as approved by the Council

2009-10-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

In its continued efforts towards enhancing and sustaining the standards, quality and relevance of higher agricultural education in the country, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here-in-after, referred as the Council, has instituted International Fellowships with dual purpose of (i) human resource development in cutting edge technologies, and (ii) demonstrating the strength of Indian agricultural system abroad. The objective is to develop competent human resource that are trained in the identified best laboratories in the world (for Indian candidates) and similarly expose overseas candidates to the best Indian Agricultural Universities (AUs) in the ICAR-AU system (comprising of State Agricultural Universities, Central Agricultural University Imphal, ICAR-Deemed Universities, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-DU, Central Universities having agricultural faculty) for creating a pool of scientist-envoys for enhanced future co-operation.
2. Title:

The fellowship is named as “ICAR International Fellowship (ICAR-IF)” and the awardee will be called “ICAR International Fellow”.
3. Purpose:

The ICAR-IFs are available to support Indian/ Overseas nationals for pursuing doctoral degree in agriculture and allied sciences, in the identified priority areas, to the

* Indian candidates for study abroad in the identified overseas Universities/Institutions having strong research and teaching capabilities and
* Overseas candidates for study in the best Indian AUs in the ICAR-AUs system.

4. Location:

For study in the identified institutions having strong research and teaching capabilities and adequate strength in terms of faculty and infrastructure facilities, the ICAR-IFs are tenable at:

* identified overseas institutions in case of Indian candidates and
* identified Indian Agricultural Universities (AUs) from ICAR-AU system in India in case of overseas candidates.

5. Tenure of Fellowship:

1. The ICAR-IFs are available to Indian candidates as well as Overseas candidates for a period of three years.
2. The tenure of fellowship will not be extended in any case, in so far as the Council support is concerned.
3. In case the fellow is not able to complete his/her degree during this period, he/she will use his/her own resources for completing the degree.
4. In case the fellow is not able to complete even after 2 years of the prescribed duration of the programme for which fellowship was sanctioned, the Council may take necessary steps, for the recovery of the fellowship paid.

6. Number of Fellowships:

Number of fellowships available every year for a programme leading to Ph.D. degree under this scheme will be 15. The allocation of fellowships between Indian and Overseas candidates will depend upon the availability of good candidates in the identified priority areas.
7. Eligibility:

1. Master’s degree in agriculture/allied sciences with an Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) 6.60 out of 10.0 or 65% marks or equivalent will be the eligibility requirement for the ICAR-IF.
2. The candidates as on the specified date of the year of admission should not be more than 35 years of age.
3. The notification for fellowship will contain the detailed eligibility requirements.
4. The ICAR-IF would be available for both, fresh and in-service candidates. However, the fresh candidates should have completed their qualifying degree not more than two years before the specified date in the year of admission. The in-service candidates from India should be employed in the ICAR-AU system.
5. The Council will identify and announce the priority areas of research and the list of institutions for admission, one year in advance, for availing the ICAR-IF.

8. Mode of Application:

1. The candidate should submit an application for the fellowship, on-line, in the prescribed format.
2. The area of study and the line of the proposed research work should be in the identified priority area relevant to Indian/Global agriculture as identified by the Council and the same shall be notified one year in advance.
3. The applicant shall provide two references along with their contact Email addresses, in support of his application, who may be directly contacted by the Council for obtaining comments in the prescribed format on his candidature. One of the two referees should preferably be his/her supervisor in the current occupation (if employed) and one who is an expert in the area and well acquainted with the candidate’s work.
4. The applicants for the ICAR-IF must obtain at their own level, an acceptance of their admission in the Ph.D. degree programmes with identified area of study at the identified Indian AUs in case of overseas applicants and the identified overseas institutions in case of Indian applicants. Such acceptance letters should preferably be enclosed with the application for the fellowship.
5. The candidates should satisfy themselves regarding admission and course requirements of the university before identifying these as a place of study.
6. Applications for ICAR-IF will be invited on annual basis through announcements published in Indian national newspapers and the notification on ICAR website “http://www.icar.org.in”. Indian diplomatic missions in foreign countries will also be informed through e-mails.

State of the Economy

2009-10-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

The economy has moved decisively to a higher growth phase. Till a few years ago, there was still a debate among informed observers about whether the economy had moved above the 5 to 6 per cent average growth seen since the 1980s. There is now no doubt that the economy has moved to a higher growth plane, with growth in GDP at market prices exceeding 8 per cent in every year since 2003-04. The projected economic growth of 8.7 per cent for 2007-08 is fully in line with this trend. There was an acceleration in domestic investment and saving rates to drive growth and provide the resources for meeting the 9 per cent (average) growth target of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan. Macroeconomic fundamentals continue to inspire confidence and the investment climate is full of optimism. Buoyant growth of government revenues made it possible to maintain fiscal consolidation as mandated under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBMA). The decisive change in growth trend also means that the economy was, perhaps, not fully prepared for the different set of challenges that accompany fast growth. Inflation flared up in the last half of 2006-07 and was successfully contained during the current year, despite a global hardening of commodity prices and an upsurge in capital inflows. An appreciation of the rupee, a slowdown in the consumer goods segment of industry and infrastructure (both physical and social) constraints, remained of concern. Raising growth to double digit will therefore require additional reforms.

What is the difference between tossa and white jute?

2009-10-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

Commonly it can be differentiated by its leaf character like in tossa jute the leaves are drooping, bigger in size, yellowish green with less serration whereas in white jute the leaves are straight, relatively smaller in size, dark green in colour with deep serration.

List of Agricultural Universities

2009-10-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

S.No.	Name, email & website	Address	Telephone/Fax No.
1	Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University Website: http://www.angrau.net Email: angrau_vc@yahoo.com, raghuvardhanreddy_s@rediffmail.com	Adminstrative Office, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad-500030, Andhra Pradesh	040-24015035, 24013095 Fax: 040-24015031
2	Anand Agricultural University Website: http://www.aau.in Email: vc@aau.in, vc_aau@yahoo.com	Anand 388110, Gujarat	02692-261273 Fax: 02692-261520
3	Assam Agricultural University Website: http://www.aau.ac.in Email: vc@aau.ac.in, ssb@aau.ac.in	Jorhat 785013, Assam	0376-2340013 Fax: 0376-2340001
4	Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Website: http://www.bckv.edu.in Email: vcbckv@vsnl.net	Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal	033-25879772, 03473-222666 Fax:03473-222275
5	Birsa Agricultural University Website: http://www.baujharkhand.org Email: vc_bau@rediffmail.com	Kanke, Ranchi-834006, Jharkhand	0651-2450500 Fax:0651-2450850
6	Central Agricultural University Website: . Email: snpuri04@yahoo.co.in, snpuri@rediffmail.com	P.O. Box 23, Imphal-795004, Manipur	0385-2415933 Fax:0385-2410414
7	Chandra Shekar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology Website: http://www.csauk.ac.in Email: vc@csauk.ac.in, surivkgreatmaster@yahoo.com	Kanpur-208002, Uttar Pradesh	0512-2534155, 2533843 Fax:0512-2533808
8	Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University Website: . Email: vc@hau.ernet.in	Hisar-125004, Haryana	01662-231640 Fax:01662-234952
9	CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Website: http://www.hillagric.ernet.in Email: vc@hillagric.ernet.in	Palampur-176062, Himachal Pradesh	01894-230521 Fax:01894-230465
10	Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Website: www.dbskkv.org Email: vcbskkv@yahoo.co.in	Dapoli Distt, Ratnagiri 415 712, Maharashtra	02358-282064 Fax:02358-282074
11	Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Website: http://www.pdkv.mah.nic.in Email: vc@pdkv.mah.nic.in	Krishinagar,Akola-444104, Maharashtra	0724-2258365 Fax:0724-2258219
12	Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Univ of Horticulture & Forestry Website: http://www.yspuniversity.ac.in Email: vc@yspuniversity.ac.in, vcuhf@yahoo.com	Solan, Nauni-173230, Himachal Pradesh	01792-252363 Fax:01792-252242
13	Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology Website: http://www.gbpuat.ac.in Email: pl_gautam@yahoo.com, vc@gbpuat.ernet.in	Pantnagar-263145,Distt Udham Singh , Nagar , Uttaranchal	05944-233333, 233663 Fax: 05944-233350,233833
14	Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University Website: Email:		0161-255360 Fax:
15	Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Website: www.igau.edu.in Email: hazracr@yahoo.co.in	Krishak Nagar, Raipur-492012, Chhattisgarh	0771-2443419 Fax:0771-2442302
16	Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Viswavidyalaya Website: http://www.jnkvv.nic.in Email: dpsingh_jnkvv@yahoo.co.in	Jabalpur-482004, Madhya Pradesh	0761-2681706 Fax:0761-2681389
17	Junagadh Agricultural University Website: http://www.jau.in Email: vc@jau.in	Junagadg-362001, Gujarat	0285-2671784 Fax:0285-2672004
18	Kerala Agricultural University Website: http://www.kau.edu Email: vckau@sancharnet.in	Vellanikara, Trichur 680656, Kerala	0487-2371928, 2370034 Fax:0487-2370019
19	Maharana Pratap Univ. of Agriculture & Technology Website: http://www.mpuat.ac.in Email: vc@mpuat.ac.in, vcmpuat@yahoo.co.in	Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001	0294-2471101 Fax:0294-2470682
20	Maharashtra Animal Science & Fishery University Website: http://www.mafsu.in Email: atsherikar@hotmail.com, mafsul@hotmail.com	Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440006, Maharashtra	0712-2511282 Fax:0712-2511282
21	Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Website: http://mpkv.mah.nic.in Email: vc.mpkv@nic.in	Rahuri-413722, Maharashtra	02426-243208 Fax:02426-243302
22	Marathwada Agricultural University Website: http://www.mkv2.mah.nic.in Email: vcmau@rediffmail.com, vc@mkv2.g8.net	Parbhani-431402, Maharashtra	02452-223002 Fax:02452-223582
23	Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology Website: . Email: nduat@up.nic.in, smilyas@sify.com	Kumarganj, Faizabad -224229, Uttar Pradesh	05270-262097, 262161 Fax:05270-262097
24	Navsari Agricultural University Website: Email: vc_2004@yahoo.co.in	Navsari-396450 Gujarat	02673-283869 Fax:02673-284254
25	Orissa Univ. of Agriculture & Technology Website: http://www.ouat.ac.in Email: vcouat@indiatimes.com, bsenapati1942@yahoo.com	Bhubaneshwar-751003, Orissa	0674-2392677 Fax:0674-2391780
26	Punjab Agricultural University Website: http://www.pau.edu Email: vcpau@pau.edu	Ludhiana-141004, Punjab	0161-2401794 Fax:0161-2402483
27	Rajasthan Agricultural University Website: http://www.raubikaner.org Email: vcrau@raubikaner.org	Bikaner-334006,Rajasthan	0151-2250443, 2250488 Fax:0151-2250336
28	Rajendra Agricultural University Website: . Email: rau@bih.nic.in, raupusa@sancharnet.in	Pusa, Samastipur 848125, Bihar	06274-240226 Fax:06274-240255
29	Sardarkrushinagar-Dantiwada Agricultural University Website: http://www.sdau.edu.in Email: vc@sdau.edu.in	Sardar Krushinagar, Distt Banaskantha, Gujarat-385506	02748-278222, 278444 Fax:02748-,278261
30	Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel Univ. of Agriculture & Technology Website: http://www.svbpuniversitymerut.org Email: yadav_mp@hotmail.com	Modipuram, Meerut - 250110 Uttar Pradesh	0121-2411522, 2411503 Fax:0121-2411505
31	Sher-E-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Website: Email:	Railway Road, Jammu 180012, J&K	0191-2473883, 2471745, 2473417 Fax:0191-2473883
32	Sher-E-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir Website: http://www.skuastkashmir.ac.in Email: anwar_alam@jk.nic.in, vcskuastk@jk.nic.in	Shalimar Campus, Shrinagar-191121, Jammu & Kashmir	0194-2462160, 2462159 Fax:0194-2462160, 2461543
33	Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University Website: Email:	Admn office, Regional Library Building, Tirupati-517502	0877-2248986 Fax:0877-2248986
34	Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Website: http://www.tnau.ac.in Email: vc@tnau.ac.in	Coimbatore-641003, Tamil Nadu	0422-2431788, 2431672 Fax:0422-2431672
35	Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Science University Website: http://www.tanuvas.tn.nic.in Email: vctanuvas@vsnl.com	Chennai-600051, Tamilnadu	044-25551574 Fax:0444-225551576
36	University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore Website: http://uasbng.kar.nic.in Email: mnsheelavantar@yahoo.co.in,uas-vc@uasblr.kar.nic.in	GKVK,Bangalore-560065, Karnataka	080-23332442 Fax:080-23330277
37	University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad Website: http://www.uasd.edu Email: jhkulkarni@yahoo.co.in	Dharwad-580005, Karnataka	0836-2447783, 9448495300 Fax:0836-2448349
38	UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwa Vidhyalaya evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan Website: http://www.upvetuniv.edu.in Email: mlmadan@hotmail.com	Mathura-281001 , Uttar Pradesh	0565-2503499 Fax:0565-2404819
39	Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya Website: Email:	P.O. Pundibari, Dist. Coach Bihar-736165,West Bengal	03582-270141 Fax:03582-270249
40	West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences Website: Email: wbuafs@wb.nic.in	68 KB Sarani, Kolkata-700037, West Bengal	033-25563450 Fax:033-25571986
41	Guru Angad Dev University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Website: Email:	Ludhiana - 141004, Punjab	--

Result of NET 2009

2009-10-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Result of NET 2009

Click here to view Result of NET 2009

ARS Examiniation 2009

2009-10-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

ARS Examiniation 2009

Viva Voce Programme

List of Candidates

Water Harvesting Technology brings Farmers out of Poverty

2009-10-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Water is most crucial resource for sustainable agricultural production in the dry land/rain fed areas. However the major part of the rain water coming over the farmers field in these areas goes away unused as runoff. The runoff does not only cause loss of water but it also washes away precious top soil. Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad has standardized location specific water harvesting technologies in the form of Farm Ponds to address this problem and the institute is actively up-scaling this technology countrywide. The farm ponds are constructed at the lower side of the fields. The runoff from the contributing fields is chanalized into the pond. In light soil, the dugout ponds are lined to improve the storage efficiency by containing the seepage.

CRIDA has been promoting Farm Pond Technology in the rainfed areas in the country as a drought proofing measure. This technology was taken to the farmers’ field by CRIDA team in Sithagonthi village of Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh under NAIP project on Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Security in the year 2008. This area receives an average of 1050 mm rainfall annually and has good potential for run-off harvesting. Considering the slopes of the fields, an appropriate location was identified for a dug out pond (17m x 17 m x 4.5 m) involving a group of farmers as stakeholders. Initially there was very strong opposition from the farmers (Mr. Namdev and his brothers) for loosing a part of their land for digging the pond. By highlighting the benefits of the proposed intervention, the farmers were persuaded and agreed to get the Farm Pond dug in their land.

Soon after the farm pond was dug (July, 2008), there were good rains leading to complete filling. The rainwater filled to the brim of the pond got the farmers enthused. They hired diesel engine to irrigate half acre area where they grew tomatoes. Looking at the water level the staff of KVK, Adilabad facilitated the release of 2000 fingerlings in the pond. By the time tomatoes came to harvest, the prices in the market had touched close to Rs.25/kg. Mr.Namdev hired local vehicle and went to the market himself to sell tomatoes. He made a good profit of over Rs.20,000/- through four good harvests of tomato. By mid November 2008, there was water still to a depth of two meters. This encouraged the farmers to sow chickpea on one acre land. Half of the well grown fishlings were sold for Rs.30,000/-. As a result the amount spent in digging the pond was recovered within the first year with chickpea crop still to be harvested. Earlier Mr.Namdeo was hiding from the money-lenders and not concentrating on farming. Through enhanced farm income Namdev could clear all his debts and that restored his self confidence and dignity. He has also started sending his children to the school. Now he is considered as a successful farmer in the area and many farmers from the neighbouring villages are coming to see his farm module. This has raised enthusiasm of the farmers of this area and the generally reluctant tribal farmers have come forward to get farm ponds dug on their lands in convergence with the ongoing NREGS. Overwhelmed by this response, the NAIP project has facilitated inclusion of digging work in the NREGS shelf of works. Consequently the district authorities of Adilabad had visited this successful farm module and have allocated an amount of Rs.20.00 lakhs for up scaling this intervention. In the current year (2009) also the Farm Pond of Mr. Namdeo is filled and is being used for providing life saving irrigation to kharif crops. This successful case has demonstrated the value and usefulness of Farm Pond technology for sustainability of rainfed farming systems and importance of convergence of R & D institutions. The above success story of use of technological intervention may be well replicated with CRIDA’s technical support in other rainfed areas of the country.

Benefits of organic farming

2008-11-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

1. It helps in maintaining environment health by reducing the level of pollution.

2. It reduces human and animal health hazards by reducing the level of residue in the product.

3. It helps in keeping agricultural production at a higher level and makes it sustainable.

4. It reduces the cost of agricultural production and also improves the soil health.

5. It ensures optimum utilization of natural resources for short-term benefit and helps in conserving them for future generation.

6. It not only saves energy for both animal and machine, but also reduces risk of crop failure.

7. It improves the soil physical properties such as granulation, and good tilth, giving good aeration, easy root penetration and improves water-holding capacity.

8. It improves the soil’s chemical properties such as supply and retention of soil nutrients, and promotes favorable chemical reactions.

Besides these, it has been demonstrated extensively that plant products from organic farming are substantially better in quality like, bigger in size, look, flavour, and aroma and animal products to be of better quality when they are fed with feed and fodder produced organically. The underground water of the area where such farming system is in practice has been found to be free of toxic chemicals.

Basic steps of organic farming

Organic farming approach involves following five principles:

1. Conversion of land from conventional management to organic management.

2. Management of the entire surrounding system to ensure biodiversity and sustainability of the system.

3. Crop production with the use of alternative sources of nutrients such as crop rotation, residue management, organic manures and biological inputs.

4. Management of weeds and pests by better management practices, physical and cultural means and by biological control system.

5. Maintenance of live stock in tandem with organic concept and make them an integral part of the entire system.

Organic farming

2008-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

The concerns for food without any contamination have introduced organic methods of cultivation. Organic farming along with biotechnology, drip irrigation, pest management of crops will enable producers to reduce their cash outflow by 40%.Apart from this producers will be benefited by increased quantities of outputs or by better quality of produce or by both.

Organic farming will improve the soil conditions which will in turn improve the productivity and is now the ultimate solution for "green Revolution".
Concept of organic farming.

Organic farming system in India is not new. This farming system aims at cultivating the land and raising the crops keep the soil healthy by use of organic wastes (crop, animal and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes (biofertilizers) to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco friendly pollution free environment.

Politics of packages

2008-09-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Yet the suicides are the effect, not the cause, of a much wider agrarian distress. The death count is not the story but a window to it. There are millions of farm households across the country that have not seen suicides but whose conditions are similar to those that have. They too are in deep trouble.

Water Wars In Maharashtra...

2008-09-01T00:13:00.000-07:00

farmers without irrigation have been committing suicide," says Vijay Jawandia. "Now irrigated farmers, too, will join them in taking their lives." Jawandia, a kisan leader of Maharashtra's Vidharbha region, says the recently passed Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Bill is "simply not workable." The Bill signals huge hikes in water charges and irrigation costs. The Regulatory Authority it sets up will have three full-time members. Not one of them is required to be a farmer.

Elected panchayats are sidelined on water issues. Farmers with more than two children will pay one and a half times the high new rates. And in some regions, costly drip and sprinkler irrigation will become mandatory. Breaking these laws invites six months in prison and a fine of ten times the annual water charges.
Farmers greeted news of the bill with shock and anger across Vidharbha. This is one of the least irrigated and most backward regions of Maharashtra. One that has seen hundreds of farmers' suicides in the past few years. In Parbhani, Marathwada, the State camp of the All-India Kisan Sabha called for the Bill's repeal. It also declared May 5 as a day of statewide protest to press this demand.

No farmer we spoke to in four districts across Vidharbha knew of the Bill. Much less that it had been passed by the legislature. Even Agriculture Department officials seemed baffled by it. "We cannot pay the present charges," says Vijay Kophe of Borgaon village in Amravati district. "How will we pay these new ones? Our water, their taxes?" Kophe owns a little over two acres and has three children.

Like most villages in Vidharbha, this one too, is in the grip of an agricultural crisis and deep in debt. "The village failed to pay electricity bills of about Rs. 1 lakh," says the sarpanch. "So the power was cut off, the pumps are down and we cannot get even drinking water."

"Why not fine the government," asks teacher R.M. Bhagywanth. "They have not paid cotton growers here dues of Rs.2,300 crores. How will people pay any bills without that? This law will push up suicides one hundred times."

B.T. Deshmukh, an independent member of the legislative council from Amravati, defends the law. He was on the Joint Committee of both houses to which the prickly Bill was referred. After making several changes - and bringing in the two-child norm - the committee approved it. "It has built-in safeguards and protection for poorer regions," he insists.

"New irrigation projects must first come in such places. The Governor's directives on these aspects must be observed." And, he points out, "we put in the `principle of equity' into the law."

Seeds of Death for Farmers..

2008-09-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

It's a well-known brand of seed ... And the reverse of its packet states "Germination rate 65 per cent." What does it mean, we ask the residents of Rentapalla in Guntur district. "It means one-third of the seeds will not work," scoffs one farmer. "When we pay, we pay for 100 per cent," he laughs. "Not for 65 per cent."

In short, if this village pays for 1,000 bags of seed, they are only getting 650.

"Would you," asks another farmer, "go to a pharmacy and buy a medicine of which one-third should not be expected to work?" Then why buy these seeds? "What choice do we have?" Most companies and dealers follow the same practice.

"This is a post-1998 system," says Malla Reddy, general secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Ryuthu Sangham (APRS). "When the multinationals entered the field, controls and regulation were dropped. Before that, seeds were certified by State authorities. Germination was up to 90 per cent. It was the MNCs who started this practice."

In Rentapalla, farmers give us the bills and receipts issued to them by seed and pesticide dealers. Even apart from the very high prices, these are unique in two respects. One, they explicitly add on an interest rate of 2 per cent a month (24 per cent) on the goods sold. Two, they extract a signed undertaking from the farmer absolving the dealer of any responsibility for failed or spurious seeds.

Both clauses are clearly printed on the bills and receipts. They are part of the `legal' transaction. Take for instance the bill issued by Vijayadurga Agencies at Sathenapally in Guntur district. It carries (in Telugu) a clear disclaimer. This includes the caution that these seeds should be sown "after ascertaining that they sprout well." The onus of testing them is on the farmer.

The note also asserts: "Seeds billed herein belong to the respective companies. They are sold only on being certified as fit after carrying out all technical scrutiny." Why then should the farmer be responsible for testing them? But the note goes further. Too many things depend on nature, it says. "Therefore no guarantee can be given."

The farmer then signs below the last line which says, "I purchase the seeds agreeing to the above points."

Stockists like Vijayalakshmi Pesticides add their own clauses for the farmer to sign on. "I am aware that these pesticides are poisonous and I purchased the items billed herein for the purpose of agricultural operations."

Dealers are well aware of what other purposes the "purugu mandhu" (literally insect medicines) have been used for. The overwhelming majority of farmers who have committed suicide in Andhra Pradesh have done so by consuming pesticide. Hence the clause freeing the dealer of any responsibility. A further line tagged on says: "Agreed to pay interest at two per cent a month on this bill amount."

Meet the new moneylenders of the countryside. The seed, pesticide and fertilizer dealers. "This man is a new sahucar," says Malla Reddy of the APRS. "He is at once a merchant, a moneylender, a scientist, an agro-technologist and an expert. He can also be the man who buys the crop of the farmers he sells products to. At low prices, of course."

The power this group wields is a vital factor in the ongoing crisis and continuing suicides of farmers. With soaring input costs and the collapse of formal credit, their writ binds the dependant farmers. This group gains in many ways, of which three stand out.

First, the seeds and pesticides dealer inflates prices on the plea that he is extending credit to the farmer. "You end up paying Rs. 230 for Rs. 200 worth of pesticide," says P. Bhiksham at G. Edavalli village of Nalgonda district. "But you sign on a bill which still says Rs. 200."

Second, the two per cent interest a month is tagged on to the bill amount. "There have been repeated crop failures," says farmer Kobbanna Venkatrao at Sathenapally, Guntur. "So repayments get delayed. That's when you learn what 24 per cent interest means. Their seeds have often been responsible for our crop failure. But there is no punishment for that. We suffer the crop failure, but pay them penalty rates of interest."

Third, they might have to sell their crops to the same man who sells them seeds and pesticides — at a rate fixed by him. That rate can be "well below the minimum support price," says K. Veeranjaneyulu, a farmer in Rentapalla. "More so, if the farmer is small and cannot bargain. Last season, the market rate for chilli was Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,200 a quintal. Some small farmers sold to their dealers at Rs. 1,500 a quintal."

"The way it all works," says Vinod Rao, also a farmer in Rentapalla, "is this. For every Rs. 5,000 we spend, the seed fellow gets Rs. 1,000 of it. Often more." This equation imposes a deadweight on the farmer's input costs.

The unfairness of it rankles. "All gains are the dealer's, all losses are ours," says one peasant here. The APRS has tried hard to tackle the situation.

"There have been lots of crop failures due to fake seeds," says APRS district secretary Narasimha Rao. "Our experience is that it is very difficult to bring the big MNCs to book for bad or failed seeds. They never respond. So we try to compel the dealer here to compensate the peasant where a blatant wrong has been done. But the farmer is very vulnerable to his pressure. So it is not easy."

The clamour is growing for amending the Seed and Pesticides Acts at the Centre to bring some regulation to this field. The new Andhra Pradesh Government is also readying its own Seed Act at the State level. The changes won't come a day too soon for P. Bhiksham. "The old Sahucar was bad," he says. "But at least he was lenient at crop time. He was part of the village and needed the crop to succeed. With these people, they are more ruthless. You can die but they have to get their money. I tell you, the old sahucar was better." (Some Information Courtesy: The Hindu News Paper)

Farmers In INDIA..How To Survive?

2008-09-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

Farmers' leader in Wardha Vijay Jawandhia once remarked: "If I were given a choice, I would like to be born as a European cow, but certainly not as an Indian farmer, in my next birth." There, a cow gets a US $ 2 subsidy per day and enjoys all the comforts. "And here, in India, a farmer is a debtor all his life. Post his death, his son inherits his debts and has to borrow money for his funeral."

Jawandhia was summing up the mood sweeping through the farming community particularly in the crisis-ridden Vidarbha. But his sarcastic remark underlines the great contrast that marks the global trade, touted by many a leading economist as an answer to all the problems. For many of those who have been singing to the tune of WTO, the Indian farm crisis is the ugly fallout of "lack of reforms". Their argument is that there are too many government strings attached to the policies; we need to detach them for growth and prosperity of the poor agrarian masses.

A close look at the processes that plague Indian agriculture contrast those claim.

Much before the distress set in, Vidarbha farmers rejoiced in near self-sufficiency on all fronts – food, clothes, seeds, fertilizers, festivals, marriages, construction and you name it. Pre-1991, nobody ever heard of farmers taking their own lives, almost never. Veteran farmers and farm leaders in the region confirm this almost unequivocally. Farmers were poor, but they ate enough and were not in debt trap.

Today, and as reported in earlier articles, this eastern region of Maharashtra sits on an "agrarian volcano". With cotton farmers ending themselves at an alarming rate, the agrarian crisis of the region now goes far beyond the suicides. The green fields are transforming into killing fields. The past four years have seen hundreds of farmers take their own lives in a region rich in cotton, paddy, soybean and oranges. The year gone by – that is 2005-06 agriculture season – has seen close to 550 farmers' suicides in Vidarbha. In the last five months alone, over 300 farmers ended themselves -- all due to ruthless policies of the past decade that pushed them to brim. The malady is only getting worse.

Until 2003, suicides were reported from the cotton belt only. Now farmers from a much better-off plateau – one producing paddy – are following the trend. Those holding on to the life have little hope of lifting themselves out of the crisis, unless the state hikes its investments in agriculture sector and takes corrective steps on policy–front. So far, there are no signs that the situation might improve. The crisis needs immediate attention.

WTO Rulings...

2008-08-31T23:33:00.000-07:00

For instance, two years ago, many developing countries cheered a WTO ruling declaring US agricultural subsidies illegal. Indigent farmers in India will never know the difference though. The WTO ruled that billions of dollars in US subsidies to cotton farmers were illegal. In the post WTO era, ever since agriculture was opened up to "free" global trade, world prices of cotton have witnessed a sharp and steady decline. Despite the avowal by developed nations, the post WTO era has not seen reductions in subsidies for farmers of rich developed countries like the U.S. or in the European Union. At the same time, the little protection that the farmers of developing nations have had are gone. Import duty on cotton in India, for instance, stands at a meager 10%. Even that import duty could be waived if the importer promises to export the yarn in return. Tens of textile mills are taking the advantage of this leeway. Also regulations on inputs and seeds have been long withdrawn.

Notes Devinder Sharma, a policy analyst: "A complicated and veiled system of tariffs allows western countries to protect their tiny farming populations while millions of farmers in developing countries are swamped under a tide of cheap imports." While cotton prices have declined by more than 60 percent since 1995, U.S. subsidies to its barely 25,000 cotton farmers reached 3.9 billion dollars in 2001-02, double the level of subsidies in 1992. Interestingly, the value of subsidies provided by American taxpayers to the cotton barons of Texas and elsewhere in 2001 exceeded the market value of cotton output by 30 per cent.

To put this figure into perspective, as an Oxfam report puts it, that subsidy was nearly twice the total U.S. foreign aid given to sub-Saharan Africa. It is also more than the combined GDP of Benin, Burkina Faso and Chad, the main cotton producing countries of the sub-Saharan Africa. India too is among the countries worst hit by the rising U.S. subsidies for its own farmers and lifting up of whatever little protection Indian farmers enjoyed. There is no study on the losses India suffered in terms of export earnings due to the depressed world cotton prices.

But in one sample, Oxfam estimates that sub-Saharan African countries lost $305 million due to US subsidies in crop year 2001. There is also dramatic fallout in that the subsidies deepen the poverty in the developing world. An International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) report in 2005 focused on Benin indicates that a 40% reduction in farm-level cotton prices leads to a 21% reduction in income for cotton farmers and results in an increase in rural poverty of 6-7 per cent.

From a share of 18.16% in 1998-99, America's share in world exports jumped to 38.96% in 2002-03. Indian cotton imports rose sharply in the same period, crushing the local cultivators. In 2004-05, global prices were around 50 cents per pound, the seventh year in succession that they were below the long-term average of 72 cents per pound. Even the most efficient producers are now operating at a loss, unable to cover the costs of production. Marketing projections by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) suggest that prices will remain "chronically depressed in the foreseeable future". Forecasts point to a modest recovery, but prices look likely to remain at 50-60 cents per pound until 2015 if present conditions continue. Estimates by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), using its World Textile Demand Model, indicate that the withdrawal of American cotton subsidies would raise cotton prices by 11 cents per pound, or by 26 per cent.

But farmers in developing countries cannot get a realistic price for their cotton because the subsidies in U.S. help their farmers grow surplus cotton, and that surplus crushes the cultivators in a country like India.

India's soybin (SOYA) trade hub.

2008-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

India's soy trade hub.
Farmers will be enthused to switch over from other crops as soyabean prices have been historically high in the past one year,"
Madhya Pradesh grows 65 to 70 per cent of the country's soyabean output. Other key growing provinces include Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

soyabean prices over the past 12 months to June were 13,500 rupees per tonne, about 35 per cent higher than the 10,000 rupees a tonne in the previous year.
Domestic prices had soared on the back of a near eight per cent drop in soyabean production to 4.97 million tonnes during the previous winter season from a year earlier, the association said. The drop was due to poor monsoon rains.
Winter crops are sown in June and July and harvested in November and December. Rice, groundnut and soyabean are the season's main crops.
"We expect a 15 to 20 per cent rise in area under soyabean in Maharashtra as some farmers may shift from cotton and sugarcane cultivation in anticipation of better returns," Maharashtra cultivated soyabean over 1.22 million hectares last winter. But area expansion would depend on sufficient rains during the monsoon season,adding that a delay of more than a week in the arrival of rains in June would not have a significant impact on production. "Soyabean sowing will begin after about a week and continue till July 15. A delay of one week will hardly make any difference," The crucial June-September southwest monsoon hit the southern state of Kerala on Sunday, more than a week behind schedule.
Weather officials said monsoon rains were progressing gradually to other regions."Normal period of monsoon for Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat is around June 15. In the present scenario, it could arrive in these places around June 20,"

Farming In Nagpur

2008-08-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Nagpur: If the figures of area under various kharif crops are tobe believed more and more farmers are opting for soyabean instead of cotton. A huge area is shifting from cotton to soyabean. In last three years in Nagpur district the area has increased from about 2.63 lakh ha to 3.23 lakh ha. Other districts too have seen a similar shift. Biggest shift has taken place in Gadchiroli where farmers have switched from about 800 hectares to 80000 hectares (800%). The figures of increase in area under soyabean this kharif season are - Wardha district 22%, Nagpur district (40%), Chandrapur district (15%). Bhandara and Gondia districts have no cotton at all while total area sown under cotton is 1,519,00 ha ( 59%). Of this 58000 ha( 45%) is in Wardha district, 44000 ha (59%) in Nagpur district, 49100 ha (81%) in Chandrapur district and 800 ha (800%) in Gaadchiroli district.

Rain brings hope for Vidarbha farmers

2008-08-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

The recent spell of rains in past 8-10 days has brought new hope among farmers. Those who had not sown their crops till few days back have now sown their fields and those who were waiting for the showers to see the seeds grow into plants can expect an average if not a bumper crop. Till now in Nagpur division 37 tehsils have received heavy rains while 19 tehsils have received medium and 8 tehsils little rains.

"Although it is difficult to predict the crop production in this kharif season, recent rains have definitely rejuvenated the farmers' hopes. As of now in Nagpur district only about 3-4 ,000 hectares has gone in re-sowing , the overall situation of all major kharif crops can be expected to be satisfactory," said N G Wakde, sub divisional officer, state agriculture department, Nagpur district while talking to the TOI.

As per information available with the office of the joint agriculture director, Nagpur Division, about 63% of sowing has already been completed in six districts -Nagpur , Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli . Of the expected 17,16,900 hectares (ha) land under kharif 11, 43,900 ha has been sown so far in Nagpur division.

Till July 25, 2008 sowing of all major kharif crops like soyabean, cotton, tur, rice, maize, other cereals and pulses. In fact crops like soyabean and tur continue to cover more and more area. Of these crops soyabean has covered the maximum area-6 ,61,500 H (128%) followed by tur 1,53,700 ha (107%), Maize 21,0000 (70%), other cereals 140000 ha (61%), groundnut 620000 ha (58%), cotton 1.51,900 ha (51%), linseed 210000 ha (47%), Jowar 152000 ha (16%), Urad, 200000 ha (44%) mung 240000 ha (41%), other grains 40000 ha ( 67%) and other pulses 410000 ha (45%).

Besides these crops rice nurseries have already been planted in 63,800 hectares while another 77,700 hectares area have gone into broadcatsed rice.

BTS in INDIA

2008-07-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

followed up some more on BT seeds usage in different countries. One country where these seeds and their modifications have been carefully and systematically used seems to be Australia. It seems that these seeds have to e carefully used and monitored with a system of refuges. And the seeds have been modified every few years. Long term uses and effects on health of people and soil are still being studied. With these provisos, it seems to be a success in Australia. Of course, there are other problems like the price of seeds in different countries, cost of production, gloalization effects due to subsidies etc. So, my current impression is that it is a tricky technology which on the whole yields higher profits, but has to be continuosly monitored by reliable agencies (Monsanto was fined in Indonesia for bribing).

i had struggled, the way you are now, trying to find the implications of bt technology/gm seeds etc., i found that it’s too early to conclude about their efficacy etc,., but you seem to be ignoring one vital issue here that i had pointed out on the other india tooo.. that bt cotton seems like the only alternative available to indian farmers right now..
let me put it differently - if there was no bt cotton the rate of suicides wouldn’t decrease at all, but might actually increase because there’d have been increased crop failures because the conventional seeds and pest control methods are failing increasingly. farmers see it as an effective answer to the major pest attacking cotton -bollworm. and the yields are also higher than conventional varieties..let me also point out here that suicides of cotton farmers started in andhra pradesh a few years before bt seeds were actually introduced on a commercial basis in india.

secondly, india’s trade in agricultural trade is low, when compared with the total volume of world trade.. we can’t really talk about global trends affecting indian farmers in a significant way as yet..
in my view, globalisation is an easy scapegoat for all those disparate groups ranged against reforms in india - the communists, the rss, the socialists, the environmentalists, the staus-quoists in the congress etc., etc., to blame all ills on..

VIDARBA's Condition

2008-07-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

It is the matter of great surprise and rude shock that, the Govt. of India has caused great inequality, discrimination, and injustice upon the Cotton Cultivating farmers of India, specially the Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra State as their demand to enhance & re-fix MSP of cotton has not been considered, whereas the Wheat Cultivating Farmers from North & East India have been given substantial increase of 33% in MSP of Wheat.

The Govt. of India while doing justice to the Wheat Cultivating Farmers to give better remunerative prices for their Wheat agro produce, have caused great inequality, discrimination and injustice upon the Cotton Cultivating Farmers by increasing the MSP merely by 2% as compared to last year. Though, Wheat and Cotton both cultivating farmers needs remunerative & affordable support prices to their respective produce, it seems the Govt. has applied different and distinct / separate yardsticks – rules – scales while fixing the MSP of Cotton and Wheat. It is the classic example of inequality before law and thus, the Govt. has violated the Principles of Equality laid down in the Article - 14 of the Constitution of India and thus, caused discrimination & injustice upon the lacs of cotton cultivating farmers especially in the Vidarbha Region, who are all in extreme distress & are witnessing the unpresented economic crisis compelling them to commit suicides due to non remunerative, non affordable and unrealistic prices to the Cotton Produce. By extending the benefit of increased remunerative support prices for Wheat, Gram, Mustard, etc. farmers Govt. of India has denied the same level playing field and thus also caused violation of Principle laid down in Article – 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India.

2) You are aware that, ours is the movement fighting for the cause of farmers and we have been pursuing the issue of remunerative affordable prices to the agriculture produce including cotton which is the only cash crop of the poor farmers in the Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra State. Since 1996-97, our organization is consistently demanding the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the agro produced cotton, which are being fixed on the recommendations of your High-Power Commission which is working for the agriculture cost & prices in India for protection of the farmers and agriculture community at large. We enclosed herewith the chart of MSP fixed for cotton during last 10 years, which shows that the price increase is merely 3% per annum in an average, if we consider the MSP for cotton fixed @ Rs.1530/- in 1997-98 and @ Rs. 1990/- for the season 2006-07.

3) Sir, we have been apprising you that Vidarbha being rainfed area which is solely dependant on the natural / monsoon rains always experienced low yield of cotton as compared to other States in India. Now, due to abnormal increase in the high cost of production and consistent low yield due to many reasons, cotton cultivating farmers in the Vidarbha Region are suffering extremely and their economical condition is deteriorating year by year.

4) You are also aware that, due to introduction of high cost BT Cotton Seeds, the cost of production has almost doubled, but due to the rainfed area, per hectare cotton production / yield in Vidarbha is as low as 160KG (1.6 Quintal) per hector(This is as per report submitted to PMO by relief commissioner as on 10th October-2006 on vidarbha agrarian crisis) which is extremely low. As a result of this average yield of 2.3 to 2.5 Quintal per hectare, on the present cotton MSP F414 quality @ Rs.1770/- per Quintal and H4 Quality @ Rs.1990/- per Quintal, it is very difficult for the cotton cultivating farmers to survive.

5) We have also apprised you that, this has ultimately resulted in extremely poor economic condition being deteriorated further and now this situation is such a volatile and unfortunate that, hundreds of cotton cultivating farmers have committed suicides. It’s a matter of National Shame. If we believe the Govt. figures of such unfortunate incidence of suicides, more than 7500 farmers have committed suicides since 2001-02. This unfortunate number of suicides are increasing day by day even after the continued efforts of the State Govt. as well as the Central Govt. The Packages announced have virtually failed to give any immediate relief to the dying cotton cultivating farmers of Vidarbha Region. It is regretted that, the CACP and Govt. is not paying attention towards the increase in the prices of the cotton, which must be remunerative and give support to the farmers in Vidarbha Region. Our organization believes that, the only solution is to increase MSP of cotton so that the cotton farming can become profitable to the farmers of Vidarbha.

6) You are aware that, even after our consistent demand to increase the MSP for cotton, CACP has not considered the same and recommended MSP @ Rs.2030/- per Quintal means bare increase of Rs.40/- per Quintal as compared to last year price of Rs.1990/- per Quintal MSP of H4 Quality Cotton. It is injustice with the depressed farmers of Vidarbha Region.

7) However, while fixing the supportive prices of Wheat, Barley, Gram, Masoor, Rapseed and Sunflower, Govt. of India is kind enough & generous to increase the prices substantially to make it remunerative & affordable to the Farmers of North & East India. In a most welcome decision, Govt. of India now increased the MSP for Wheat to @ Rs.1000/- per quintal as compared to @ Rs.700/- per quintal recommended by CACP means 33% increase when compared to last year. Similarly, the prices of Barley (@ Rs.650/-), Gram (@ Rs.1600/-), Masoor (@ Rs.1700/-), Sunflower (@ Rs.1650/-) have also been increased substantially to benefit the farmers in their interest. We give below the Comparative Chart of the increased in the prices which shows at a glance picture how substantial increased have been given to the farmers of North & East India.

HISTORY OF MAHARASHTRA

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Early History

The early history of Maharashtra dates back to the era of Ramayana which was known as “Dandak Aranya”. The language Maharastri, a prakrit corruption of Sanskrit was used during this period. But the recorded history starts from 2nd century BC when it became a part of the Magadha Empire. Due to the decline of the Mauryan Empire the state came under the rule of Satavahanas between 230 BC and 225 AD.Then the emperors of Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Yadavas ruled over the region till 12th century AD. The region came under the Mughal influence in the 13th century when Ala-ud-din Khilji, and later Muhammad bin Tughluq preferred the Deccan plateau. The Islamic reign continued till late 16th century.

Maratha period (1627-1680)

In the late 16th century regional Muslim powers like Nizamshahi, Adilshahi, and Qutubshahi established their prominence in the Deccan region. These empires were parts of Mughal Empire but were autonomous to an extent. Maloji Bhosle, grand father of Shivaji was a Sardar in the Nizamsahi Empire. Bahadur Nizam II offered him the prestige as “Raja” for his courage in the battle with Mughals. He was offered the estates of Pune and the fort of Chakan. This was the initial point of Maratha’s history.

In 1629, Shivaji’s father Shahaji disengaged himself from the service of the Nizamshahi. In 1635 Nizam’s Army attacked the region and Shahaji surrendered before them. In 1643, Shivaji, at the age of 16, took the vow to give freedom to his people. This was the start of his lifelong struggle against Mughals and other Muslim powers. By 1647, Shivaji had captured two forts and had the complete charge of Pune. In 1674, Shivaji was crowned as Chhatrapati, the traditional title of a Hindu Monarch at his capital Raigad. He died in 1680, at the age of 53 but left the Maratha state which continued to play an important role in the Indian history for next 100 years.

Peshwa Dynasty (1712-1818)

Bajirao Peshwa was the first ruler of the Peshwa dynasty. His desire was to extend the Maratha Empire to North India. During this period Raigad had regained its status as capital of Maratha Kingdom. The Peshwa dynasty ended to some extent in 1803 when British established their supremacy in the region.

Pre-Independence (British Raj)

Bajirao was against the British, and in November of 1817, he declared war against them. This battle is called “Kirkee Battle” as it was fought at Kirkee, a place in the east of Pune.The Peshwa fled and the power of the country passed from the Peshwas to the British by 1819. The rest of the nineteenth century witnessed a few minor uprisings in and around Pune, but the British dominated the region. In the early 20th century the whole nation was against the British Raj and Pune witnessed violence when the Chaphekar brothers killed a British police officer by the name of Mr. Rand. Mahatma Gandhi had started his Non-Violence movement against the British Force and people of the state participated in this movement to dismiss the British power from the Indian soil. Finally India got her freedom in 1947.

Post-Independence (Modern Maharashtra)

After independence the western Maharashtra and Gujarat were joined to a single state called Bombay. But in 1960 it was separated on the basis of their languages. The present Maharashtra state came into existence on 1st May, 1960 and Bombay was declared its capital.

Cashew cultivation in Maharashtra picking

2008-07-22T04:53:00.000-07:00

ENCOURAGED by the incentives offered by the Maharashtra Government more and more people are taking up cashew cultivation in the State. As a result the total area under cashew is expected to go up to around 1.32 lakh hectares by 2001.

At least 11,000 ha. were expected to be added this fiscal to the already existing 1.21 lakh ha. under cashew in 1999-2000 and the State was likely to maintain the production at the last year's level of 1.22 lakh tonnes during the next season, Mr. P.P. Ba lasubramanian, Director, Cashew and Cocoa Development, told Business Line here.

With this rise in area Maharashtra would overtake Kerala both in area and production. Kerala had 1.22 lakh ha. under this commercial crop.

He said farmers were enthused to take up cashew cultivation following the State Government's proposed plans to provide incentives such as soft loans and subsidy on planting materials and labour charges to the farmers and subsidised power to processing un its. Besides, the cashew sector had become the major beneficiary of the State's employment guarantee scheme introduced in 1991.

Mr. Balasubramanian said the total production of raw cashew nuts in the country crossed five lakh tonnes and it was expected to improve during the next season also.

However, the industry sources said the domestic production last year remained below four l.t. with the result around two l.t. of raw nuts had to be imported during 1999-2000 to meet the industry requirement of six l.t.

According to official statistics, the production during last season was 5.2 l.t. from a total area of 6.84 lakh ha. under cashew in the country.

CULTIVATION IN MAHARASHTRA

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The state of Maharashtra is highly industrialized; still agriculture continues to be the main occupation of the rural people. The major crops grown in the state include rice, Jowar, Bajra, wheat, pulses, cotton, sugarcane, several oil seeds includingsunflower, groundnut and soybean, turmeric, onions and other vegetables. Maharashtra is also famous for its fruit production. The major fruits produced in the state are: mangoes, bananas, grapes and oranges. Nagpur and Nashik are the major producers of fruits.

Agricultural Crops

Kharif Crops:- Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Millet), Rice, Cotton, Groundnuts

Rabi Crops: - Wheat, Gram, Jowar

Cereals: - Jowar, Rice, Wheat, Bajra, Maize, Bali, Nachni

Oil seeds: - Groundnut, Sesame, Jawas, Karadi, Mustard.

Pulses: – Dal, Tur (Red gram)

Cash Crops: - Sugarcane, Cotton, Chillies, Tobacco, Banana.

Area under agriculture

Net Crop Area 17,619,000 hectares
Total Crop Area 22,381,000 hectares
Total Irrigated Area 3,667,000 hectares
Ratioof total irrigated area with crop area 16.4 per cent
Area under Cereals 9,411,000 hectares
Area under Pulses 33, 88,000 hectares
Total Area under Food-grains 12,798,000 hectares
Area under Horticulture 10.14 lakh hectares

OPIUM CULTIVATION !!

2008-06-02T02:37:00.001-07:00

FOR THE past two decades, Kishanganj district of Bihar has been badly affected by the problem of smuggling, human trafficking and other unlawful activities. Kishanganj’s proximity to Nepal and Bangladesh is the main reason behind these activities. People of India, as well as of Nepal and Bangladesh are involved in such acts. Besides, militants from the neighbouring countries are also taking advantage of the security lapse in the border areas to infiltrate into India. From time to time, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the district police nab the smugglers and the people involved in illegal activities, but the fact is that the local administration is unable to put a permanent hold on these activities.

Last month, during my trip to Kishanganj, I was shocked to hear about the news of opium harvesting in some areas of the district.

Kishanganj police had discovered a five bigha plot of illegal opium cultivation in Simalbari village under the Kishanganj police station. Just few days later, a 50 bigha plot of opium, farmed between two streams of the Mahananda river, was also discovered by the police team headed by DSP Ravish Kumar on the borders of Kishanganj and Purnia districts. According to the police, the opium fields were obscured on the sides by the maize fields. Five landowners believed to be illegal immigrant settlers from Bangladesh owned the fields.

Reports of Simalbari opium catch spread like wildlife and stunned the local residents. In fact, residents feigned ignorance about the opium and said that the same cultivation had been done earlier in the locality in around 15 bighas of land.

The cultivation of opium is punishable under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). Maoists, Naxalites and illegal immigrants from Nepal and Bangladesh are now targeting the remote areas of Bihar for opium cultivation. Districts of Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar and Araria have become favourites with opium cultivators due to lack of security and unawareness among the local people. Most of the people in these areas think that opium is a flower, like sunflower or marigold, and is used to extract oil. In fact, the labourers working on the opium fields are also ignorant about the NDPS act. The opium growers offer good wages to the labourers, land owners and people looking after the cultivation. The lure of money makes it immaterial for the local people to ask the growers about the illegal cultivation.

After the raids in Simalbari and the border of Kishanganj and Purnia districts, the police team harvested the opium fields, but the growers are still at large. Police is suspects that there are more opium fields across the districts and the search is still on. As the cultivation of opium is done illegally in the remote areas of the district, there are fair chances that police team might unearth some more fields in the near future.

Effect of wheat crop fertilization on nitrogen dynamics

2008-05-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

Water contamination by nitrates has increased international awareness. It is widely accepted that massive fertilizer application is the principal factor responsible for water nitrate contamination. During the last years, Argentina has extraordinarily increased the use of fertilizers, particularly on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, few studies have quantified nitrate losses. Here we report N dynamics in soil fractions and N balance in wheat crops in Marcos Juarez, province of Córdoba (Argentina) with the aim of determining nitrate loss and its possible influence on water contamination. Four treatments were studied to evaluate the combined effect of tillage systems and N fertilizer doses on N losses in soil 0–20 cm in depth. The treatments analyzed were: (a) conventional tillage, non-fertilized (CT 0N), (b) no-till and 25 kg N ha⁻¹ (NT 25N), (c) no-till and 50 kg N ha⁻¹ (NT 50N), and (d) no-till and 140 kg N ha⁻¹ (NT 140N). Determinations were: soil total N, NO₃⁻-N, NH₄⁺-N, microbial biomass N, crop residue biomass, crop residue N, and grain N. N balance was calculated as the difference in N fractions between harvest and sowing samples. N balance was negative in all treatments evaluated; the highest N loss (−1075 kg N ha⁻¹) occurred with the highest fertilization rate (140 kg N ha⁻¹). Losses of microbial and soluble N fractions were significant at the end of the crop cycle in all the treatments analyzed (15 and 40%, respectively), probably due to leaching by high precipitations (250 mm). Much of the N lost was soil organic matter N, a fact seldom considered in other N balances. Furthermore, it was observed that neither yield efficiency nor the remaining N increased significantly with the highest fertilization dose (140N). Our data show that high doses of nitrogen fertilizer result in low N utilization efficiency and a high risk of water contamination by nitrates.

Crop production is a dynamic system.

2008-05-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

Because it is biological in nature and not ontained in a controlled environment, there is always the potential for nutrient leakage from the system. Thus, fertilization is not fool proof. There are far too many variables for 100% control. Nevertheless, a well managed fertilization program is the best alternative to meeting the world’s food needs and protecting our precious soil and water resources.

Cultivation Theory

2008-04-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

Cultivation theory (sometimes referred to as the cultivation hypothesis or cultivation analysis) was an approach developed by Professor George Gerbner, dean of the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. He began the 'Cultural Indicators' research project in the mid-1960s, to study whether and how watching television may influence viewers' ideas of what the everyday world is like. Cultivation research is in the 'effects' tradition. Cultivation theorists argue that television has long-term effects which are small, gradual, indirect but cumulative and significant.

They emphasize the effects of television viewing on the attitudes rather than the behaviour of viewers. Heavy watching of television is seen as ‘cultivating’ attitudes which are more consistent with the world of television programmes than with the everyday world. Watching television may tend to induce a general mindset about violence in the world, quite apart from any effects it might have in inducing violent behaviour. Cultivation theorists distinguish between ‘first order’ effects (general beliefs about the everyday world, such as about the prevalence of violence) and ‘second order’ effects (specific attitudes, such as to law and order or to personal safety).

Gerbner argues that the mass media cultivate attitudes and values which are already present in a culture: the media maintain and propagate these values amongst members of a culture, thus binding it together. He has argued that television tends to cultivate middle-of-the- road political perspectives. And Gross considered that 'television is a cultural arm of the established industrial order and as such serves primarily to maintain, stabilize and reinforce rather than to alter, threaten or weaken conventional beliefs and behaviours' (1977, in Boyd- Barrett & Braham 1987, p. 100). Such a function is conservative, but heavy viewers tend to regard themselves as 'moderate'.

Conservation tillage

2008-04-29T04:46:00.000-07:00

Conservation tillage systems are methods of soil tillage which leave a minimum of 30% of crop residue on the soil surface or at least 1,000 lb/ac (1,100 kg/ha) of small grain residue on the surface during the critical soil erosion period. This slows water movement, which reduces the amount of soil erosion; it also warms the soil, enabling the next year’s crop to be planted earlier in the spring. Conservation tillage systems also benefit farmers by reducing fuel consumption and soil compaction. By reducing the number of times the farmer travels over the field, farmers realize significant savings in fuel and labor. Conservation tillage was used on about 38%, 109,000,000 acres (440,000 km²), of all US cropland, 293,000,000 acres (1,190,000 km²) planted as of 2004 according to the USDA.

* No-till
* Strip-Till
* Mulch-Till
* Ridge-Till

[edit] General comments

* The type of implement makes the most difference but other factors can have an effect. The table in this publication gives some idea of the amount of residue that might be left with different tillage operations.
* The greater the speeds with which you move some tillage implements (disks and chisel plows), the more intensive the tillage (ie., less residue is on the soil surface).
* Increasing the angle of disks causes residues to be buried more deeply. Increasing their concavity makes them more aggressive.
* Chisel plows can have spikes or sweeps. Spikes are more aggressive.
* The reason the percent residue is used to define tillage systems is that the amount of crop residue impacts the amount of soil loss due to erosion. This graph demonstrates the amount of soil that might be expected to be lost with different amounts of crop residue.
* Look at this reference to see how to measure crop residues.
* In the same reference as above you can see what different amounts of corn and soybean residue look like.

Life is good in india...

2008-04-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

THE PAST

This solution exist today in most organizations because of race understanding of the potentials uses of performance appraisal system by every one and improper designing of performance appraisals. The appraisals systems in most organizations are designed today to meet the following objectives:

NEW OBJECTIVES (PRESENT)

2008-04-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

Performance appraisals systems can serve the following purpose if designed properly.

1) They can help each to understand more and more about his rote and become clear about his functions.

2) They can be instruments in helping each employee to understand his own strengths and weakness with respect to his role and functions.

3) They can help in identify the development needs of each employee with respect to his role and functions.

4) They can increases maturity between each employee and his supervising officer so that every employee feels happy to work with his supervisor and thereby contributes his maximum to the organization.