Category Archives: Agriculture

IFS officer awarded for being alligators’ saviour

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Lucknow :

Lucknow-based Indian Forest Service officer, Sujoy Banerjee, has been conferred green warrior award by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) for his efforts to save alligator population in the National Chambal Sanctuary and working towards the protection of wildlife.

The award was given to Banerjee in New Delhi on Monday. The award is an extension of work done by RBS through RBS Foundation India in the field of environment and wildlife conservation.

Conferring the award, RBS said it “recognizes the commendable work done in conservation of wildlife, natural resource management, environment protection, human lives and property” by Banerjee while serving as deputy conservator of forests at the National Chambal Wildlife Division.

Speaking to TOI, Banerjee said conservation of wildlife is a regular process that can’t be completed in toto. “Caring for wildlife is a sustained effort and natural habitats are at serious risks these days. Illegal activity in protected areas, lack of awareness among the villagers residing nearby the area along with degrading environmental conditions are some of the serious pointers that we need to protect and preserve wildlife,” he said. Banerjee added that illegal mining and fishing in the protected areas are the two main causes of concern for wildlife conservationists.

On the award, Brijesh Mehra, country executive India at RBS, said, “The dedication of the numerous nominees and winners of the Earth Heroes Awards is truly inspiring. They are actually making a difference to our vital environs. We believe that collective efforts of government, organisations and local communities can place a higher emphasis on environmental protection and spread awareness.”

Commending the help offered by his team at the vast wildlife habitat, Banerjee said only a few people work round the clock in shifts to protect and preserve the natural habitat of the near-extinct flora and fauna. “Alligators or their meat, skin and other parts are not directly used for any purpose. They are killed because they come in conflict with humans who try to illegally smuggle sands from the protected area. Also, many alligators get caught in the fishing nets and the illegal fishermen kill them without any motive,” he said.

During 2012-13, 55 nests of the alligator species were protected by the team of 41 conservationists which resulted in more than alligators being added to the wild. They also protected 74 nests of the critically endangered Red Crowned Roof Turtle.

Banerjee is currently posted in Noida and is working on a tree height measuring instrument ‘Sujoy’s altimeter’ which is under commercial production. Also, he is working on a new method of mitigating human-elephant conflict called the “chilly cracker technique”, which is currently under field trial.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Jayanta Deka, TNN / November 03rd, 2014

30,000 farmers attend Kisan Mela

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

The three-day Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Mela conducted by Chandra Shekhar Azad Agriculture University concluded on Friday. More than 30,000 farmers from different villages participated in the fair and gained knowledge about latest agricultural techniques.

During the closing ceremony, textile minister Shiv Kumar Beria said that organic fertilizers, seeds and other technologically advanced farming equipment should be provided at low cost to farmers for better yield. “India is an agricultural country. It is must that farmers are provided necessary equipment at a low cost. Farmers should also look towards animal husbandry,” Beria said. Kalyanpur MLA Satish Nigam was also present.

The highlight of the event was ‘Krishak Conference’ that gave a platform to farmers to discuss their farm and crop related problems with agricultural scientists and got useful tips. During the conference, the farmers also shared their beneficial experiences with others. A quiz session for farmers was also organised and the winners got prizes. As many as 92 stalls were set up that included 20 stalls by different departments of the university.

CSA vice-chancellor Munna Singh highlighted the achievements of the university in terms of education and research work. He asked farmers to adopt crop diversification and integrated farming system.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kanpur / TNN / November 01st, 2014

Chestnuts rule market as costliest dry fruit

Agriculture, Business & Economy

Varanasi:

Gone are the days when cashew nuts and almond were known as kings in dry fruit markets.

Now in the pricelists of the dry fruits shops, chestnuts are mentioned as costliest not due to festival season or recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir but courtesy people, who follow the advice of Yoga gurus, Ayurvedacharyas and medical practitioners.

A dealer of dry fruits at Gola Dinanath Mandi said: “We are in this trade for generations but in past two-three years, a surprising trend has emerged as chestnuts, which were consumed mainly in winters, are now being sold round the year. Arthritis patients consume chestnuts on the advice of Yoga gurus and medical practitioners. It has resulted in shooting up of per kg price of chestnuts from Rs 1300 in the wholesale market to Rs 1,600 to Rs 2,200.

But, this change in consumption of chestnuts has diverted those buyers, who gift dry fruits during festivals like Diwali. Apricot had become its substitute to maintain the look of the gift packs, another wholesaler mentioned. It had reduced the price of gift packs by 50%. The markets of Gola Dinanath caters to demand of markets falling in a radius of 400 kms. General secretary of Kashi Kirana Vyapar Mandal Anil Keshari said that there are 126 wholesalers.

According to these traders, on an average per day trade of dry fruits remains above Rs 25 lakhs in volume. “The boom in this trade begins from sixth or seventh day of Shardiya Navratra and continues till Diwali. In comparison to normal days, the trading of dry fruits rises to five times per day in this period,” a trader said. The market revealed that major fluctuation in the prices of dry fruits like coconut, makhana, cashew and pistachio had been noticed four months back but now it is stagnant and there is no indication for further rise.

Traders consider that the rise in trend noticed in the price of almond has started changing now. The monsoon season when moisture damages many dry fruits is over now and the arrival of fresh dry fruits will also start in the market, which can bring the prices down in coming days. Indian raisin is losing attention because better quality Afghan raisin is available at cheaper cost despite import duty.

source:http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / by Rajeev Dikshit, TNN / September 29th, 2014

Abducted award-winning farmer rescued, kidnappers arrested

Agriculture, Business & Economy

Lucknow:

An award winning farmer, who was kidnapped few days back, was rescued and his abductors arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) after an encounter in Farrukhabad district on Wednesday.

Narad Singh Kashyap, awarded by President for potato production in 2005, had been kidnapped by four persons on September 14 from Jahanganj area in Farrukhabad. His abductors Rajesh Yadav, Akhilesh, Manoj and Sudesh Yadav had demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore from his family for his release.

Kashyap was rescued and his abductors were nabbed after an encounter in Karaon village in Kampil area early today morning, IG, STF, Sujeet Pandey told reporters here.

Rajesh, who had 15 criminal cases pending against him, was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000, he said.

The STF team recovered a rifle, country-made pistol and a number of cartridges and fake voter identity card of Rajesh from them.

PTI
source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Z News / Lucknow, Wednesday -September 24th, 2014

G.B. Pant University honors U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Ambassador Islam A. Siddiqui

Agriculture, Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

The G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, today honored its former student, United States Chief Agricultural Negotiator Ambassador Islam A. Siddiqui, with an honorary degree of Doctor of Science. The degree was conferred upon Ambassador Siddiqui in recognition of his contributions to agricultural research and development, as well as agricultural trade policy development and his work’s influence on world agriculture.

“I feel humbled and honored at the same time to be receiving this honorary degree of Doctor of Science. Thousands of agricultural scientists, engineers, and veterinarians graduating from Pantnagar and sister universities provided the foot soldiers to make the Green Revolution a reality. This massive technology transfer of modern agricultural practices – combining education, research, and extension — turned India from a net food importing country to a food exporting nation. As a student of the first batch of this great institution when it opened its doors 51 years ago, I had not imagined in my wildest dreams that one day I would receive this prestigious award.”

Ambassador Siddiqui was born in Haldwani, Uttar Pradesh and attended G.B. Pant University before taking a scholarship at the University of Illinois in the United States. Throughout his career, he has advocated for international cooperation, technology transfer, capacity building, and new technology development to achieve food security in the 21st century.

source: http://www.newdelhi.usembassy.gov / Embassy of the United States, New Delhi, India / Home> News & Events> Press Releases / New Delhi – May 20th, 2011

86th foundation day of Indian Council for Agricultural Research celebrated

Agriculture, Education, Records, All, Science & Technology

Kanpur :

The Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR) on Wednesday celebrated the 86th foundation day of Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) at its institute premises. Former director of IIPR, Dr Shanker Lal was the chief guest on the occasion. The programme was headed by IIPR director, Narendra Pratap Singh.

Addressing the gathering, IIPR director spoke about the history of ICAR and its achievements. Talking about the achievements of the scientists of IIPR, NP Singh said that the production of pulses has reached a milestone of 195 lakh tonnes from 140 lakh tonnes which is a record produce. He said that IIPR has remained successful in developing more than 30 varieties of pulses. On this occasion, chief guest said that there was a huge scope of jobs in agriculture sector.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kanpur / TNN / July 18th, 2014

Foundation day of ICAR

Agriculture

Varanasi :

Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), organised a programme at Dahakudandi village of Chopan block of Sonabhadra district to celebrate the 85th foundation day of Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Wednesday.

According to IIVR spokesperson, the institute has adopted 1,000 tribal households in Chopan block of Sonbhadra district under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) programme for improving nutritional and livelihood securities.

Vegetable kitchen garden packets, seeds of pigeon pea and saplings of fruit plants were distributed to the tribal households. Vegetable kitchen garden packets consisted of seeds of improved varieties of vegetables like Kashi Anmol (Chilli), Kashi Vishesh (Tomato), Kashi Taru (Brinjal), Kashi Pragati (Okra).

A ‘kisan gosthi’ was also organised on the occasion.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varnasi / TNN / July 18th, 2014

Every Awadhi mango tells a tale of its own

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Lucknow :

Lucknow takes pride in its two possessions: aam and zubaan. Both are laced with sweetness and grace, and give a distinct identity to the city.

Mango enjoys an exalted status among the natives of Awadh. It’s revered not just as a fruit, but also considered an integral part of Awadhi tradition. There is a way of savouring its delectable varieties like dussehri, safeda, chuswa or langda. “Mango eating is about nazakat and nafasat,” says a veteran citizen. “In some families, mangoes are served to guests on a ‘tashtari’ (tray) decorated with roses. It is considered improper to present cut slices of the fruit to the guests,” he adds.

Till a few years back, mango eating contests were annually organized in the peak summer season. To the bewilderment of spectators, some contestants ended up consuming dozens of mangoes within minutes. But the soaring costs gradually brought curtains on such events, says Lucknow-based historian Roshan Taqui. These have now been replaced by mango festivals, organized by businessmen or prominent hotels, where several hybrid varieties of the fruit are served to connoisseurs.

Aminabad resident Chaudhary Shrafuddin, however, has kept alive the tradition of ‘aam daawat’. For past 37 years, he has been organizing the annual ‘Aam aur Ghalib’ daawat, where litterateurs and poets meet to savour both Urdu poetry and mangoes, says Atif Hanif of Lucknow Society. It’s a befitting tribute to poet Mirza Ghalib, who was an avid mango lover, Hanif adds.

It is said that once Ghalib was savouring mangoes outside his home when a donkey came by. It smelt the discarded mango peels lying around on the ground and walked away without tasting them. Seeing this, a passerby said, “Huzur, donkeys don’t eat mangoes.” Ghalib immediately quipped: “Yes, only donkeys don’t eat mangoes,” leaving the passerby speechless. Even poets like Firaq Gorakhpuri and Josh Malihabadi waxed eloquence on the king of fruits.

Ibrahim Sheeshmahal, a descendant of Avadh Nawabs, throws light on the art of mango eating. “Since mango is a delicate fruit it should be eaten with zubaan and not the teeth,” he says. He recalls the days when families held mango conglomerations in Malihabad orchards. “In summers, mango used to become the staple food. Buckets full of mangoes were kept in houses,” says the royal descendant.

Historian Taqui says Avadh’s mangoes became popular through various innovations. “One of them (though no longer in vogue) was mango served with ‘biraha’ parantha,” says Taqui, adding that the British officers had a strong dislike for chuswa as they found it unsophisticated to eat.

Mango cultivation is done in various states but none comes near Malihabad’s dussehri in sweetness and look. Its most famous orchardist, Haji Kalimullah, has made its further popular by naming the hybrid varieties after celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Despite soaring prices and arrival of exotic fruits in the market, Awadhis remain addictive to their mangoes. For them, aam is quite khaas (special).

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Vijay Chopra, TNN / July 06th, 2014

CIMAP to lead certification system of medicinal plants and products

Agriculture, Education, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Lucknow :

The Lucknow-based Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, and institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has been assigned a lead role in the Indian Ocean in introducing a system of certification of medicinal plants and their products with a view to promote marketing and utilisation of value added products in Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) region. The development comes close to the heels of another Lucknow-based CSIR laboratory, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research getting the GLP certification.

This decision to assign the current role to CIMAP was taken in the first meeting of medicinal plants focal points of IORA Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) held at Salalah, Sultanate of Oman from June 23 to June 25. IORA is an apex organization, which includes 20 countries Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE, Yemen and 6 dialogue partners including China, Japan, Egypt, France, UK and USA.

According to the Salalah declaration adopted by the participating countries, an ad hoc committee on standards and standardisation for medicinal plants and herbal medicine has been established. The committee chaired by Prof Anil Kumar Tripathi, director of CIMAP will draft a document to introduce a system of certification of each member state in order to introduce a minimum standard acceptable to all member states for commercialisation of value added products of medicinal plants and related technology in the IORA region.

Tripathi who represented India at the meeting at Salalah said that the recommendations made in the meet would help the IORA member states and other developing countries in formulating their plans to ensure cooperation for applied research, technology transfer and commercialisation of medicinal plants and herbal medicine in the IORA region.

It was also proposed that CIMAP will host a meeting of the IORA in 2015 besides organising an international training course on the processing and quality control of medicinal and aromatic plants for the member countries at CIMAP soon.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Arunav Sinha, TNN / June 28th, 2014