Media Monitor
Agriculture Industry
How crop diversification can benefit farmers, consumers and the environmentedit
The Times of India – Online
Out of the 6,000 plant species cultivated for food globally, 66 per cent come from just 9 species, according to a 2019 report of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). These include sugar cane, maize, rice, wheat, potatoes, soybeans, oil-palm fruit, sugar beet and cassava. Titled State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, the report highlights how the mass production of some crops, driven by global demands, is depleting the biodiversity of our agricultural landscapes. As major producers of wheat, sugarcane and paddy, Indian farmlands contribute to this trend, compromising biodiversity that could otherwise thrive in our tropical climate.
Farm Mechanization
Autonomous farm tech and digital connectivity show way forward in agricultureedit
The Indian Express – Online
At first sight, it is just two massive tractors ploughing the field in the fields of Maricopa, a short drive out in the vast Arizona plains of USA. But as they come closer it is clear that there are no drivers in the cabins. This was just one of the autonomous systems on display at CNH Industrial’s Tech Day 2022 earlier this month in Arizona on December 8. One of the market leaders in the agriculture sector, best known for the New Holland tractors, CNH put forth a demonstration of what to expect in the future in precision technology, autonomous vehicles and green fuel zero emission tractors which will help farmers increase their yield ...
Technology in Agriculture
Data & technology can take India to new heights: Modi speaks at 108th Indian Science Congressedit
Down To Earth – Online
The 108th session of the India Science Congress (ISC) was inaugurated on January 3, 2023 after a two-year break. The event’s theme is ‘Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women’s Empowerment’. It is being held in Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), Nagpur. “The world’s future is possible through sustainable development. We combined it with women empowerment,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the conference virtually, said. “Women are showing their mettle everywhere. More participation from women shows society is also progressing and science is moving forward,” he added.
Govt. Policies
PM KISAN: Modi Govt Scheme – Over 3X Jump Since Launch! Rs 2 Lakh Cr Transferred to 10 Cr Farmers in 12 Instalmentsedit
Times Now – Online
The Modi Government Scheme – PM KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) Yojana – has witnessed over three-fold from 3.16 crore farmers covered under the first instalment period in early 2019 as the scheme has already crossed 10 crore farmers beneficiaries under the PM-KISAN scheme. Under the scheme, announced in February 2019 but made operational with effect from December 2018, the Centre provides an income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal instalments to all land holding farmer families.