The Economic Times

Crop stubble burning, which last year raised air pollution to alarming levels in Delhi, is likely to be lower this year because of higher sale of machines that mechanically remove remnants of the harvest. However, many farmers are still continuing with the old practice. Officials estimate that crop stubble burning and the consequent air pollution would be 10-15% lower this year because of the government’s drive against the practice.

Web India 123

Cotton too has been affected by floods in Gujarat and later by pest attack in other states as well. In AP and Maharashtra too cotton crop was affected by pink bollworm, while widespread damage was caused by floods in Rajasthan. ”As against 331 lakh bales(bales of 170 kgs. each), we expect cotton crop output would decline to 300 310 lakh bales of 170 kgs each , countrywide” he said.

Millennium Post

Expressing satisfaction over the progress of states in implementation of electronic national agricultural marketing (e-NAM) plan, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh hailed the efforts of stakeholders for the achievement. “States are really doing a commendable job on e-NAM implementation front. The states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh deserve appreciation for their work, while Chhattisgarh and Telangana are already making headway. Several other states are also doing their best to achieve the target, Singh during a meeting held to review the progress of e-NAM on Wednesday. (Farmers)

The Pioneer

Indigenous breeds of cows are being conserved under Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The genetic makeup is improving and increasing the production of milk. The government is set to establish dairy processing and infrastructure development fund. In addition, Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme is generating self employment opportunities. White Revolution has been accelerated.

World News The Times of India

His remarks comes days after the government told the Supreme Court that it was examining all reports by experts including the one submitted by a parliamentary committee and the nodal regulator for GM crops in India Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) before a final decision would be taken. The parliamentary standing committee on science & technology and environment & forests had last month submitted its report, flagging several loopholes in existing methods of field trials of transgenic crops. It had also asked environment ministry to examine the impact of such crops “thoroughly” before taking its final call.

DNA

Biofortification is the genetic modification of staple food crops by infusing essential nutrients and by making it high-yield to ensure a cost-effective way of fighting malnutrition.