Horticulture News

PAU Organizes Training Programme on Post Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops

Oct 2019: The Punjab Horticultural Postharvest Technology Centre (PHPTC) organized a one day training programme in collaboration with Skill Development Centre of Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana for farmers of Mohali and Fatehgarh Sahib Districts on postharvest management, value addition and marketing of fruits and vegetables.

About 25 farmers attended the training programme. Dr Rakesh Sharda from Department of Soil and Water Engineering delivered a lecture on significance of protected cultivation and drip irrigation techniques in vegetable crops.

Dr Ritu Tandon and Dr Varsha Kanojia explained about safe use of pesticides and dehydration technologies for fruits and vegetables. A hands-on-training was provided to farmers on grading, packaging and storage of horticultural crops.

Dr BVC Mahajan, Director of the Centre emphasized the importance of cooperative groups and self marketing of perishable produce for earning better profit. He also apprised the farmers about Government schemes to avail financial assistance for the establishment of farm level packaging to maintain fruit and vegetable quality during marketing.

Dr. T.S. Riar, Associate Director sensitized the farmers about various ongoing training programmes of Skill Development Centre.

Source: https://www.pau.edu/

Progressive Horticulturists Felicitated in the NHF 2019

Shri. M. C. Managuli, Hon'ble Minister for Horticulture, Government of Karnataka felicitated the innovative farmers and progressive horticulturists, who adopted ICAR-IIHR technologies and got benefitted out of such adoption on the second day programme of the National Horticultural Fair on January 24, 2019.

"Farmers are the backbone of the country and hence they should be educated about the improved production technologies of horticulture", said Shri. M.C. Managuli. He added that the horticulturists should be trained on 'how to get more income from less investment?'. Dr, M. R. Dinesh informed that ICAR-IIHR is organizing this fair to educate the farmers to practice horticulture in business mode. Dr CK Narayana, Chairman, PME Cell, ICAR-IIHR extended warm welcome to the gathering, while Dr TS Aghora, Organizing Secretary of the Fair proposed a formal vote of thanks.

There were release of high yielding cultivars of Gladiolus and Crossandra as well as publications such as technical bulletins, folders, Compact Discs (CDs), Directory, mobile app and journal pertaining to improved horticultural production technologies, which were released by Dr CP Iyer, Former Head of the Division, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR and Dr BMC Reddy, Former Vice-Chancellor, Dr YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh.

The second day of the programme was attended by more than 12,000 farmers, as there was overwhelming response by the farming community towards the National Horticultural Fair 2019.

The Much Hyped Bhausaheb Fundkar Horticulture Scheme Fails to Reach Beneficiaries

Nagpur: Due to certain practical difficulties in the implementation of the scheme, the much hyped Bhausaheb Fundkar Horticulture Scheme, meant for 15 different crops, has failed to reach the beneficiaries. The scheme was to give 100% subsidy on drip and planting material.

Most farmers growing fruits, especially orange and mousambi growers, are complaining that since enough planting material is not available with Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI) or Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), the only two agencies authorized by the government under the scheme to sell the saplings, they are unable to avail the scheme.

Manoj Jawanjal, one of the directors of Maha Orange said, “The scheme is good but its implementation is difficult.” He told that the scheme must have reached only about 5% of the farmers. This is only due to the clause which restricts farmers from buying planting material only from CCRI and PDKV.

He also said, “both these are government institutions and their primary job is not to grow and sell saplings. They have their own limitations. In fact, all government authorized private nurseries should also be allowed to sell the planting material. Farmers who bought saplings from private nurseries said when they approached to get benefit under the scheme, their bills were not accepted by the agriculture department. The officials said their cases were a violation of the GR dated July 6, 2018.”

The scheme launched in August this year in memory of Maharashtra agriculture minister Bhausaheb Fundkar. Government would release Rs100 crore, Rs160 crore and Rs200 crore in first three years and Rs200 every year thereafter for the scheme. The subsidy will be given to the farmer in a ratio of 50:30:20 over three years.

This scheme covers orange, mousambi, lime, Kagazi lime, custard apple, amla, cashew, guava, jackfruit, tamarind, kokum, jamun, mango, sapota, and anjeer. For coconut alone, the farmer must buy saplings, and for other crops they must buy grafts.

PAU Imparts Training to Fruit Growers

For better kinnow production and to check fruit drop, the PAU’s Department of Fruit Science in association with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Faridkot, organized a training camp at Kotkapura, in which large number of fruit growers participated.

Dr Harminder Singh, Head, Department of Fruit Science, who was the chief guest, urged the trainees to focus on improving fruit quality for financial gains. He also presented an overview of the ongoing fruit research at PAU.

Dr P.K. Arora, Director, Regional Station, Abohar, and Dr Anita Arora, fruit science expert, shed light on insect-pest and disease management, respectively, in citrus fruits.

Dr J.S. Brar and Dr Gurteg Singh, fruit science experts, apprised the trainees of production technologies for citrus fruits and underlined the need for adopting these in their fields, respectively. They emphasized on judicious use of fertilizers, water and other inputs. In addition, they stressed on proper weed management in kinnow orchards.

Dr Gurdarshan Singh, on behalf of KVK Faridkot, welcomed the speakers and the farmers and delved on horticultural issues.

A progressive fruit grower S. Gurraj Singh Virk shared his experience with the farmers and played a key role in the organization of the camp. Later, he proposed the vote of thanks. On the occasion, Dr R.K. Singh from KVK Faridkot and officials of State Horticulture Department were also present.

Source: http://www.pau.edu/

Goa has Immense Potential to Export its Vegetables

Panaji: At a seminar on prospects for export of vegetables held in Panaji, Experts said that, Goa has immense potential to export its vegetables produced by local farmers.

“There is tremendous scope in Goa because there is a lot of fallow land,” chairman of Goa state horticulture corporation, Madhav Kerkar, said, adding adequate technology must be given to farmers looking to export their produce.

He said, “Good agricultural practices involve not only disease and pest management, but also sanitation and hygienic. We also have to work out the economics of this trade and transfer it to the farmers.”

Director of agriculture, Nelson Figueiredo, said there is an increase in okra and green chilli cultivation in the state, besides a good production of brinjals, cluster beans and bottle gourd.

He said, “There are people who want to export these, but we are still at the bottom rung of the ladder. We are still looking at exports, hoping that once we start, attempts will be made to establish a niche market. We cannot compete with neighboring states in the cost of produce, but we can in superior quality of produce and in the brand name Goa.”

Farmer, who has successfully exported vegetables, said that, there is a lot of scope for tambdi bhaji and bimbli and they have to do export-oriented farming for which the farmer needs to be linked with the end consumer.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Raw Cashew Production in India Soars To All Time High Last Fiscal

The production of raw cashew nuts in India during 2017-18 has increased to all time high at 8.17 lakh metric tonneand registered growth of 4% compared to previous production of 7.79 lakh metric tonneand 21% increase compared to 2015-16 production of 6.70 lakh metric tonne.

However, due to shortage of sufficient quantity of raw cashew nut and higher price for raw cashew nut in the international market, as the total requirement of raw cashew nut is estimated at 17 lakh metric tonne, it is reported that the cashew industry is facing the prospect of a demand - supply gap.

With regard to steps for increasing production of raw cashew nut, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and RashtriyaKrishiVikashYojana has drawn up strategies to increase domestic production by massive area expansion of cashew and replacing of senile cashew plantations with high yielding varieties in traditional and non-traditional states.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/

Meghalaya gets Adequate Central Allocations For Hoti Sector

SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s Agriculture Minister , Banteidor Lyngdoh sought the intervention of the Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh for appropriate and liberal enhancements in the allocations to the state under centrally-sponsored schemes of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for implementing the state’s agricultural missions.

Meeting Singh on Saturday, Lyngdoh submitted a memorandum to him in which the launch of the state’s four missions – Lakadong Turmeric mission, Jackfruit Mission, Mushroom Mission and Honey bee mission – was highlighted such as

In the memorandum, Lyngdoh stated that despite the ban imposed on coal mining and the precarious financial situations, the state Agricultural department was pressing ahead with the these missions.

Pointing to the delay in the setting up of the Central Agriculture University (CAU) at Kyrdemkulai, he said that a plot of land measuring 226.37 acres was handed by the state government to the Vice Chancellor of CAU, Imphal.

“Till date, despite a lapse of four years and handing over of the land, the full-fledged CAU did not come up in Meghalaya for reasons that are not known to us,” Lyngdoh stated.

Again, the state Agriculture Minister urged Singh to set up a Meghalaya State Agricultural Technology Applications Research Institute in the state.

Lyngdoh contended that the footprint of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at Barapani had still not been greatly felt beyond rice and maize.

He added that technology for processing various fruit trees in the state had never been developed or grounded by the ICAR.

Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com/

The Centre for Excellence in Traditional Flowers will be established in Madurai

MADURAI: A centre for excellence in traditional flowers of the region, including jasmine, neerium (arali), chrysanthemum (sevanthi), marigold, crossandra, rose, and tube rose (samangi) among others will be established in Madurai at a cost of Rs 5 crore. The centre will enhance the cultivation and preservation of these flowers.

The Tamil Nadu government has given the nod for establishing the centre in Madurai and allocated Rs 2 crore for the project, officials in Madurai in the process of identifying a suitable place for setting it up said.

Deputy director of horticulture, G O Bhoopathy said that since Madurai is famous for its jasmine ‘Madurai Malli’ which has a GI (geographical indication) tag, they had written to the government seeking permission to establish a centre for excellence for jasmine in Madurai.

But, the government had suggested that a centre for traditional flowers be established, widening the scope as south Tamil Nadu is famous for many traditional flowers, which are fragrant and colourful. The permission for setting up of the centre was given about one and half weeks ago.

Already, a centre for excellence in vegetables exists in Reddiarchathiram in Dindigul, where many farmers cultivated vegetables which are supplied to the Oddanchatram market, one of the biggest vegetable markets in the country. A centre for excellence in flowers is present in Thali in Krishnagiri district, another for honey bees in Kanyakumari, but the one in Madurai would give a thrust to traditional flowers.

Bhoopathy said that they are in the process of identifying the place for the centre which would initially be established in about 10 acres. The location would have good soil, water and road connectivity. The centre will include Madurai, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts, all which have large areas under flower cultivation.

Bhoopathy said that the centre would help farmers, students and academicians to learn about flowers, their cultivation, preservation, value addition and protection. It will also help in carrying out research activities in traditional flowers.

He said that, the centre would help farmers get better returns for their produce, through value addition as well as implementing new cultivation techniques which will help them make gains during the off-season.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

SPV for Horticulture International Market Approved by Haryana

CHANDIGARH: To facilitate work on the international terminal market, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar gave approval for the setting up of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) - Haryana International Horticultural Marketing Corporation Limited (HIHMCL) incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. Land for this project was acquired in 2007-08, initiating the process for setting up the international terminal market. Now, the present government has decided to set up HIHMCL to ensure speedy and world-class execution of the project.

The corporation aims to set up a market of international standards for handling of fruits, vegetables and other perishables, and develop for this purpose infrastructure and other related facilities initially at Gannaur or any other location in the state as may be decided from time to time. It will design, plan, build, construct, operate, manage, develop, finance and maintain agriculture, horticulture, dairy, poultry, livestock, dry-fruits related infrastructure, processing, exports and allied commercial activities relating to produce market projects in any territory of India and abroad.

The corporation will appoint transactional advisors, consultants to prepare feasibility studies, surveys, detailed project reports and tests to determine the desirability, viability, and feasibility of establishment of market and allied projects with user charges, revenue sharing, collaboration, participation, consortium and custom hiring in any territory of India and abroad.

It will also carry out all businesses relating to agricultural marketing and allied activities to make the project sustainable and enter into contract with different stakeholders in India and abroad on e-turnkey, EPC basis, or otherwise, either individually or jointly with other firms or undertakings, including supply erection, commissioning, equipment and ancillary services relating to all infrastructure on its own or through Joint ventures, SPVs and consortium. It will collaborate with different international and national proffessional agencies foe equity participation, O and M contracts, marketing of markets, royalty, asset monetization, handling digital revenue streams, auctions, revolving funds, collaterals, insurance, certification for domestic and international and export and imports.

Revenues will be earned by undertaking food courts, gas station, business tower, cash and carry, retail, shopping malls, multiplex, advertisement, exhibitions and trade amenities. The corporation will give access to quality infrastructure to farmers and traders and undertake core and non-core functions, bundling of services, engagement of service partners, innovative and creative sources of funding and revenue, and monetization of services.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Gujarat-Israel Strengthen Ties in Agri, Horticulture

Gujarat and Israel have decided to form a joint working group to explore collaboration at various levels, aimed at fostering cooperation in the areas of agriculture and horticulture.

On a six-day visit to Israel, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani interacted with the Israeli Agriculture Minister, Uri Ariel, to explore cooperation and innovation in the area of farming, aimed at doubling farmers' income by 2022.

After meeting Ariel in Tel Aviv, Rupani said, "Our association with Israel can play a big role, in the areas of horticulture and agriculture, technology advancements such as digital farming, optimum utilisation of agri-inputs such as water and fertilisers."

The joint working group will be headed by Sanjay Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperation Department, Government of Gujarat. Besides working on government-to-government levels, the joint working group will also explore collaboration on a business-to-business level.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by Gujarat delegation - including the Cabinet Minister, Jaydrathsinh Parmar, and senior State government officials visited Israeli agro-technology leader Netafim. The had delegation started their 6-day Israel visit.

Netafim CEO Ran Maidan showcased the digital technology being used for farming and also offered to help develop digital farming in Gujarat.

Digital farming uses sensors to capture realtime information about moisture availability in the atmosphere, crop status, health besides soil and climate information. It will use artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to capture and analyse data, which will help automise drip irrigation thereby saving water and fertilisers.

Digital farming technology will create a new landmark for farming in Gujarat. Israeli technology and know-how will empower Gujarat agriculture. Israel has offered to gift 100 units to set up digital farming in Gujarat. Rupani said, "This will be game-changer for Gujarat's farming."

Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/

Tech Intervention To Yield More Horticulture Crop

VIJAYAWADA: The state government, which is encouraging farmers to switch over to horticulture crops instead of going for traditional ones, has decided to focus on increasing the resilience of the horticulture crops to adverse climatic conditions. In this regard, it will launch a technological intervention programme which is aimed at reducing stress on the crops during long dry spells.

The horticulture officials told TNIE that the intervention programme will focus on enhancing the water retention capacity of the soil, decreasing the nutrient leaching and conditioning the soil. They said that in normal conditions, there will be a loss of water and soil nutrients over a period of time. This would be curtailed with the intervention.

“A Mumbai-based firm, UPL Ltd, has proposed a product which would act act a super-absorbent and provide moisture continuously to the crops. Now, with steady supply of water, there will be a healthy growth and protection of the crops. In the past few years we have experienced long, dry spells,” observed a senior horticulture official.

The official explained that the product — Zeba — consists of granules that are made out of corn starch. “The granules are placed under a layer of soil. When watering is done, the granules act as a sponge and absorb water 400 times their original weight by forming hydrogels. The water will be released periodically whenever there is stress, thus providing moisture for longer duration,” the official explained.

For the implementation of the project, the commissioner of horticulture, Chiranjiv Choudhary, sought the permission of the government, which has given a green signal last week. “The target is to use the product in 50,000 acres. We have completed a survey recently and identified the areas where we can roll out the project. Since Kharif has begun, it will help in protecting crop if there are long dry spells,” added an official of the horticulture department.

The officials have also planned to create awareness among the farmers to use the technology during cultivation.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/

This Season Maharashtra Mango Exports Double

Senior officials of the Maharashtra State Marketing Board (MSAMB) said, this export season has been good for mango growers in Maharashtra. Exports to Japan, Korea and New Zealand have also been on the rise at 12 tonne, 4 tonne and 20 tonne, respectively. The export of mango to the US market has more than doubled this time from last year at 350 tonne as compared to 54 tonne the previous year. While the first consignment of the season of around 4 tonne has left for the Australian market from Lasalgaon Irradiation Centre in Nashik, officials at MSAMB revealed that more than 7-8 consignments have already left for Australia from other locations.

Earlier, India could not export mangoes to Australia until now due to tough phyto-sanitary conditions that require irradiation treatment and inspection prior to the shipment. A delegation had visited a radiation plant in Maharashtra a couple of years ago and the Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (Bicon) authority had recently revised its protocol to allow Indian irradiated mango. It has okayed irradiation facility centres at Vashi in Navi Mumbai and Krushak at Lasalgoan (near Nashik).

Interestingly, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) had organised a buyer meet at Mumbai for the promotion of mangoes where exporters were urged to explore new varieties of the fruit, as well as sending them via the sea route. Buyers from 18 countries were part of this meet which saw the participation of Australia, Ghana, Iran and Bahrain, among others. The official from MSAMB said that although Alphanso varieties continue to dominate, other varieties such as Kesar are also getting good response.

In April, the first consignment of Alphanso mangoes from the country had left for the US market from Vashi in Mumbai after getting approvals from American quarantine officials. The first consignment of 16 tonne has been done through KB Exports, Rambo International and Kaushal Continental. Sunil Pawar, MD, Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB) had said around 1,500 tonne are likely to be exported to the US, 4,000 tonne to Europe, 20,000 tonne to UAE and 12,000 tonne to other nations. This means a total of 37,500 tonne will be exported from Maharashtra this season, he said. Last year, some 32,500 tonne were exported from Maharashtra, he said, adding that there is a 15% rise in exports this season.

So far, around 600 tonne have been exported from the Vashi centre to Russia, England, Italy and France. Top officials of MSAMB had said that, primarily, Alphanso, Kesar, Bangnapalli variety of mangoes are being exported to overseas countries. With a good mango crop this season, alphanso exports from Maharashtra are expected to increase by 15% this year.

MSAMB officials who handle mango export said all facilities are ready for export. Around 1,500 tonne are expected to be exported to the US. All mangoes exported to the US are irradiated at BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) in Mumbai which has a capacity to handle one tonne per hour,the official said.

Maharashtra is the largest mango exporting state in the country and accounts for over 80% of the total exports. For Europe, the produce has to go through hot-water treatment. For South Korea, Pest Risk Analysis is mandatory. Mauritius has already granted market access to Indian mangoes subject to phytosanitary certification. The Marketing Board has established facilities for irradiation, hot water treatment, vapour heat treatment for export to various markets. In Maharashtra, Alphanso, better known as Hapus , starts arriving in markets of Mumbai and Pune by the end of February. Arrivals pick up by mid March and the season usually ends by May.

Europe has been one of the most important markets for the country and some 5,000 tonne were exported to the European market last season. Switzerland has also lifted the ban on Indian mangoes. New markets have also opened up in Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, besides South Korea, North Korea and Australia. Apeda has already issued advisories for registration of mango orchards under Mangonet.

The US, China, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius are seeking list of registered orchards maintained by Apeda.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/

Due to Unfavorable Weather, Mango Yield Affected in Gujarat

According to findings of a survey by the Gujarat government, extreme weather conditions have halved the mango yield in its home districts of Junagadh and Gir-Somnath. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Parshottam Rupala, while speaking at the ‘Farm to Fashion: Indian textile global summit 2018’ in Ahmedabad, said that the mango crop in the state had been affected severely by unfavourable weather conditions this season and that the government was assessing potential crop losses.

At the three-day event that began Friday in Ahmedabad, Rupala said, “Due to the extreme heat, mango trees have been damaged. There is a very big loss to the mango crop this year. We have got details from some of the farmers. We are doing a survey of it.” His comments have come around two weeks after a survey conducted by the Gujarat government concluded that mango orchards in Saurashtra were likely to produce only 40 to 45 per cent of fruits of the long-term average this year.

An officer of state horticulture department told, “Gujarat Agriculture Minister Ranchhod Faldu had visited Junagadh on April 5 and he instructed us to conduct a survey to assess the loss of crops, stating that farmers had made representations in this respect. With the help of scientists from Junagadh Agricultural University, we conducted sample survey in Junagadh and Gir Somnath districts. At the end of the survey, we concluded that the crop is 50 to 55 per cent less of the average in Junagadh district and 55 to 60 per cent less in Gir Somnath district.”

The report was submitted to the state government last month and sources said it was being considered at higher level. Junagadh and Gir Somnath in Saurashtra region are known for the Kesar variety of mango. Farmers have grown mango orchards in more than 8,500 hectare in Junagadh and around 15,500 hectare in Gir Somnath. Overall, Gujarat is the fifth largest producer of mango in the country after Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. While farmers in Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Kutch grow aromatic Kesar variety, their counterparts in Valsad, Navsari and Surat districts in south Gujarat mainly grow Alphonso variety. But this horticulture crop is highly weather-sensitive and sudden changes in weather affect the crop adversely.

The Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), located in Gir Somnath district, recorded the arrival of 14,100 boxes, each containing 10 kg of mangoes, on the inaugural day on Thursday and the average price was around Rs 340 (for a 10-kg box) or around Rs1,700 per quintal. On Friday, the arrivals dropped to 8,350 boxes but the average price remained stable at around Rs 340. The highest price on Friday was Rs 650 and the lowest was Rs 210 for a 10-kg box, officers of the APMC said.

“There was heavy rain in Talala and surrounding areas in October and therefore, flowering on mango trees started late. Then, due to cyclone Ockhi, flowering was affected. At the fruit-bearing stage in early January, there was huge variation in daytime temperature and night temperature. Consequently, trees shed immature fruits. Therefore, the overall production is likely to remain only around 45 per cent of the long-term average,” said a horticulture officer in Junagadh.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/

NITI Aayog Outlines Five Development Missions for North East For Horticulture, Tourism

NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said that, the NITI Forum for North East today outlined five development missions for promoting sectors like horticulture, tourism and food processing in the region, other missions will cover bamboo-based handicrafts and medium scale industries with focus on ‘Make in North-East’.

Kumar was addressing the first meeting of the newly constituted forum here. Kumar said it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to establish a regional NITI Aayog forum for the north eastern states, a regional forum for Himalayan and Coastal states will also be set up soon.

There has been outflow of resources of North East to other parts of India, he said, adding that the states in the region “must bring back not only its resources but also additional resources. For that we will have to create employment opportunities in the region”.

There is a challenge to bring the north eastern region into the mainstream and the central government is working to connect it with the rest of India, he said. He also pointed out that in the 1950s, per capita income of North East was highest in India. Kumar said, “To make north-east more familiar in the rest of the country, one emporium would be set up in all the districts of the country, so that people can know about the products of the region.”

Among others, the meeting was attended by Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and ministers from other North Eastern states. The NITI Forum for North East was constituted in February 2018 to ensure sustainable economic growth of the region. The secretariat for the Forum has been established in the DoNER Ministry. The Forum includes representatives of all north eastern states, their chief secretaries and secretaries of the central ministries, directors of reputed institutions like IIT and IIM and journalists.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/

In the Kerala, Vegetable Production Rises to 9.5 Lac Tonnes

Thiruvananthapuram: Agriculture Minister V S Sunil Kumar said that, the vegetable production in the state has increased from 6.5 lakh tonnes in 2016 and crossed 9.5 lakh metric tonnes within two years.

He said that, this was made possible after the government facilitated vegetable farming in more than 50,000 hectares. The minister was inaugurating the technology meet organised by Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at Nedumangad.

Sunil Kumar said the government has been implementing projects with the aim of avoiding middlemen so that the farmers can directly avail of the benefits.

MLAs C Divakaran, D K Murali and K Ansalan were present among others. The pension of agricultural labourers would soon be delivered to them, he added.In connection with the meet, seminars, agricultural procession, flower show etc were also held.

The Agriculture Department will run 1,108 vegetable outlets in connection with Vishu from April 12. The vegetables will be procured from farmers at 10 percent higher rate and will be sold at 30 percent less than the open market prices.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/

Odisha Govt Providing incentives to sunflower growers

Though the Government has been promoting cultivation of cash crops, including oilseeds, though incentives to farmers, lack of access to credit has hit the sunflower growers of the district hard.

According to Agriculture department sources, sunflower is grown over 400 acres in different blocks of Dhenkanal district, while around 100 acres are cultivated under a national scheme and the remaining areas are covered by farmers with their own expenses. Farmers begin groundwork for sunflower cultivation after harvest of paddy in December and reap oilseed by March-end. But due to lack of bank loan and Government support, several farmers are giving up this cash crop farming.

Several farmers in Neul Poi village near Joranda have grown sunflower in more than 10 acres along Dhenkanal-Joranda road, said Aditya Samal, another farmer of the village. “We get only free seeds from the Agriculture department for cultivation. But lack of bank loan has affected farming in the mid-stage of the crop as it requires more water supply and fertiliser. We have crushing machines in the village to process the oilseed. One acre of sunflower cultivation provides more than 400 litres of oil.

Though it is a lucrative crop, adequate support from all levels for the farming will strengthen rural economy,” he said.Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) Chhabindra Behera said banks are reluctant to sanction loan to small and marginal farmers despite a directive. Banks release loans to big farmers, farming units and cashew factories. However, the Agriculture department provides `4,000 per acre to sunflower growers towards fertilisers and pesticides under National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) project.

AGM of Nabard R K Tripathy said cash crop needs financial support to cover more areas. There should be joint cooperation by banks, district administration, agriculture and horticulture departments and farmers’ body to promote the crop.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com

In Haryana Horticulture Cultivation on Rise.

Ambala: Horticulture cultivation is catching the fancy of farmers in Ambala district of Haryana. While many farmers are taking to horticulture, who are already into it are bringing more acres under vegetables and fruits in the district. Educated youth are also making horticulture their business choice, finding it more rewarding than traditional wheat and paddy crops.

Farmers of Kotakchuchha village said that cultivation of vegetables and fruits was more rewarding than that of wheat and paddy. In case of grains, one has to wait for six months for the yield. If one applies technical know-how then cultivation of vegetables and fruits yields more profit than wheat and paddy.

Some farmers have adopted low-tunnel and micro-irrigation methods of cultivation for growing crops like potato, chilly, musk melon, cucumber, cauliflower and onion. About 450 farmers of the block have started cultivating vegetables and fruits on 1,200 acres.

In Ambala district, 2,490 hectares are under gardening, 27,978 hectares under vegetable cultivation, 595 hectares under spices, 36.6 hectares under medicinal plants, and 5.2 hectares under floriculture. Ambala accounts for 93,766 tonnes of mushroom production.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

To Promote Horticulture, Himachal Plans Specific Schemes

Shimla(PTI): The Himachal Pradesh Government is contemplating preparing "area specific schemes" for promotion of horticulture, keeping in view the diverse climatic conditions of the state for cultivating different species of fruits.

Horticulture Minister Mahender Singh Thakur said that, the diverse geo-climatic conditions of the state are conducive for cultivation of wide varieties of fruits which could be grown in different parts of the state and as many as 35 species of different verities of fruits could be successfully grown in the state.

The field officers and specialists have been issued specifically directed to visit the farms of farmers in their respective areas and conduct research to explore the possibility of maximum coverage under horticulture activities.

The specialists will go in the field and prepare area specific plans for different regions, keeping in view agro climatic conditions of the area to ensure that optimum survival of plants was achieved, he stressed.

Robust plants of fruits of high yield varieties will be provided to farmers in the state after proper soil testing and more and more farmers will be covered under floriculture and horticulture activities, he said adding this endeavour would also open more self employment avenues in rural areas and strengthen economy.

The government has also decided to increase procurement prices of citrus fruits in the state under market inventor scheme (MIS) and the government would encourage food processing industries for optimum utilisation of horticulture crop.

The horticulture department would develop nurseries as per demand of the farmers and according to the climatic conditions of the region and over 4.5 lakh plants would be distributed to the farmers during the next three months through departmental nurseries as per their requirement, the minister said.

The state government was making sincere efforts to ensure remunerative returns to farmers of their produce and Apple, Mango and citrus fruits have been brought under Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).

The minister informed that, Integrated Horticulture Mission was being effectively implemented in the state for development of horticulture and various activities such as plant nurseries, construction of water sources, and increase in horticulture area, protective farming under green house, organic farming, post harvest management and food processing activities would be executed effectively under the mission.

Source: www.ptinews.com/

This Year, India May Create New Records in the Horticulture Field

NEW DELHI: In 2017-18, India is expected to see a new record of horticulture for example fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops, etc. production. By putting the total production at 305.4 million tonnes - nearly 5 million tonnes more than the production in 2016-17, the agriculture ministry released its first advance estimate for the year.

The ministry's final production figures for the year 2016-17 show that the overall horticulture production in the country outstripped the foodgrain production fifth year in a row, beginning the rising trend since 2012-13

As sown area under the horticulture crops has increased only marginally over the years, higher production is mainly attributed to increase in productivity. The advance estimate of the overall horticulture production for 2017-18 is quite impressive.

In 2015-16, the total sown area had increased from 24.50 million hectares to 24.85 million hectares in 2016-17 and further to 24.92 million hectares in current crop year (July-June). The productivity level, on the other hand, increased by 3.45 per cent in 2016-17 as compared to 2015-16. The ministry has arrived at these figures on the basis on information received from different states and Union Territories (UTs).

An official said, "The projected dip in onion production (from 224 lakh tonnes in 2016-17 to 214 lakh tonnes in 2017-18) will help us prepare with contingency measures in case its price starts hurting consumers. Domestic demand can still be met by regulating export."

There had been production of 178 million tonnes of vegetables in 2016-17 which is about 5 per cent higher than the production in 2015-16. Among the vegetables, potato recorded the maximum increase of around 12 per cent. As compared to previous year, Tomato recorded increase of 10.5 per cent whereas the onion recorded an increase of 5 per cent in 2016-17.

But farmers could not translate the impressive production into increasing their income in all parts of the country. They had faced the problem of plenty in absence of adequate cold chain and processing facilities.

For four vegetables - potato, onion, tomato and cauliflower, the Haryana government has recently launched a 'Bhavantar Bharpai' scheme (or the price deficit compensation scheme). The government would fix basic price for all these vegetables based on the cultivation cost ahead of seeding operation and if the prices of these vegetables fall below the basic cost, the state government will compensate the farmers for the price deficit under this scheme.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/

Steps are Being Taken to Increase the Extent of Horticulture Crops

Kurnool: To increase the extent of horticulture crops in the Kurnool district of Andhra-Pradesh, district Collector S Satyanarayana has said that steps are being taken.

The Collector has said that horticulture crops are grown in 10,000 hectares in the district and it is planned to increase the area to 12,000 hectares.

The Collector, along with Joint Collector V Prasanna Venkatesh, addressed a press conference here on the issues discussed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during collectors’ meet in Amaravati.

By using sprinklers and drip irrigation system, high yields can be obtained with less water. He also stated that, the farmers would be encouraged to rear goats and poultries by extending financial assistance under various schemes.

Around 15,000 borewells are pending to be given electricity connection and the government is planning to solve the issue and RO plant will be set up in the areas where fluoride problems are high, he further said.

The collector also informed that, out of a target of 45,000 farm ponds, 21,000 were completed so far and the rest would be completed shortly. Lands have been allocated for setting up of industries at Orvakal and the works are likely to be launched soon.

Source: http://www.thehansindia.com/

5% up Seen in Horticulture Crop Output

Government data shows, area and production under horticulture crops have increased over the previous year.

Horticulture Cluster-Houses have been Set Up

To promote horticulture in the state villages, the Agriculture Department has launched Rs 500-crore Crop Cluster Development Programme (CCDP).

India, Israel Opened Centre for Floriculture in Tamil Nadu

At Thally in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, to set up a centre for excellence in floriculture, India and Israel are came together.

PAU Organizes Guava Show-Cum-Seminar

Guava Show-cum-Seminar organized at Regional Fruit Research Station (RFRS), Bahadurgarh (Patiala) by the Department of Fruit Science.

Training Programme in Post-Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops

Punjab Horticultural Postharvest technology Centre, Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana organized a training programme on postharvest management of fruits and vegetables for farmers of Mansa district on last Tuesday.

In India's Farms, Food Processing Opportunities Growing Rapidly

India’s farms are slowly making a revolution. Global food companies are beginning to take note of the potential of the Indian market and horticulture produce has been outpacing grain output, cold chains are finally coming up.

185 Districts Mapped Through Remote Sensing for Horticulture

Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh informed that, using remote sensing technology, the Union ministry of agriculture has mapped 185 districts under a project to identify areas best suited for seven different fruits and vegetables across the country.

Plan for Special Agriculture Zone for Coconut

With the District Planning Committee (DPC) deciding to shortlist the grama panchayats having the largest area of coconut cultivation for the purpose, a special agriculture zone for coconut in Kozhikode district is likely to be a reality soon.

Training For Flower Grower by PAU

Under the guidance of Dr Ashok Kumar, Director of Extension Education and Programme Director at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on 23rd August, the monthly training camp of Progressive Flower Growers Club was organized. In the camp, a total of 40 flower growers participated.

Time to Switch to Horticulture Crops

A four-day Organic-cum-Nursery Expo was inaugurated by Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu at the Siddhartha College of Hotel Management grounds here on 15th August.

Onion Prices Set to Increase in Local Market

Sources from the horticulture corporation said that, the prices of onions in the local market are likely to increase. They attributed the reasons for the same to shortage in stocks from their suppliers in the neighboring states. The price has gone from Rs 20 per kg earlier this week to Rs 25 now.

Tissue Culture Technique to Boost Banana Yield.

The Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, has embarked on plant tissue culture technique for commercial banana production with the help of Tissue Culture Laboratory (TCL), aimed at augmenting banana yield in the region.

PAU Imparts Training to Flower Growers

A training camp for PAU Flower Growers Association organized by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). A total of 70 members attended the camp, held under the aegis of Directorate of Extension Education, PAU.

Horticultural Output in India Grows 3.2%

Over 21 million tonnes more than foodgrains production, horticulture production in India in 2016-17 has been estimated to be 295.16 million tonnes. This year horticulture production has been about 3.2 percent more than in the previous year.