Latest news with #Agricultural
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners should to sprinkle common kitchen spice on lawns this summer
Cinnamon isn't just a sweet spice to season food with, but it actually contains some very useful properties that make it a perfect lawn-fixing feed ingredient without using chemicals It commands centre stage in most people's back gardens, but maintaining a verdant, thriving lawn involves far more than the occasional mow and sporadic weed removal. Actually, achieving the ideal lawn means waging war against moss, fungal infections, and countless bugs and creatures determined to tear it apart, destroy it, and leave it looking sparse and uneven. That's precisely why green-fingered enthusiasts are being encouraged to dust their grass with cinnamon powder this summer - as it's an affordable and straightforward method to immediately enhance your lawn's appearance whilst deterring nuisances, preventing fungal growth and mildew, and encouraging grass development all in one go. Cinnamon serves as more than just a delightful culinary spice, possessing remarkably beneficial qualities that transform it into an ideal lawn-restoration ingredient without resorting to harsh chemicals, reports the Express. Based on findings from cinnamon offers an environmentally conscious substitute to chemical lawn treatments, successfully driving away insects and unwanted visitors, including ants, aphids and mosquitoes. Additionally, it prevents squirrels from excavating holes in your turf to stash their food supplies. The guide states: "Sprinkling cinnamon on your grass isn't just a quirky garden trick; it's a natural defence against a host of unwanted critters from industrious ants to delicate aphids to buzzing mosquitoes. "Research, like a study featured in Molecules, suggests that cinnamon possesses remarkable properties that not only repel pests but can even deter insects from laying their eggs when applied in larger quantities. This repellent effect can be attributed to the presence of potent compounds like cinnamaldehyde as well as terpenoids, known for their insecticidal properties. "Cinnamon isn't just a one-trick pony when it comes to pest control. It boasts a versatile repertoire, capable of warding off and even deterring larger nuisances like squirrels and raccoons, making it a comprehensive solution for safeguarding the grass in your garden." The benefits extend further, as cinnamon's anti-fungal qualities also prevent moss, fungus and other damaging bacteria from taking hold in your lawn. The research continues: "Cinnamon doesn't just stop at repelling pests; it's also a powerful ally in combating harmful bacteria and fungi that threaten the health of your grass, as shown by a study in Agricultural and Food Chemistry. This aromatic spice harbors remarkable antimicrobial properties, primarily attributed to compounds like cinnamaldehyde. When sprinkled onto your grass, cinnamon acts as a natural barrier, inhibiting the growth of detrimental bacteria in the soil." Beyond this, it can prevent mildew whilst simultaneously encouraging healthy grass growth. All in all, cinnamon is nothing less than a garden powerhouse, capable of enhancing grass growth, warding off pests of all sizes and halting fungus, moss and mildew.
Tourism Breaking News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
OMRAN Group announces development progress on Janaen Salalah – Oman's flagship agritourism project
Post Views: 9 OMRAN Group announced notable progress in the early-stage development of Janaen Salalah—a pioneering agritourism project located in Arzat, Salalah. This initiative forms part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by integrating sustainable tourism with agriculture-based investments. As part of the ongoing development efforts, H.H. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and H.E. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to the project site, accompanied by senior officials from the Group and other key stakeholders. During the visit, they were briefed on the project's key components, development phases, and latest updates. The visit also included the ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees, marking the beginning of the initial cultivation phase. This milestone represents a key step in the broader vision to transform the site into a productive landscape that aligns with the project's agritourism goals. Developed under the Agritourism Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of OMRAN Group, Janaen aims to position Sultanate of Oman as a regional leader in agritourism by combining agricultural activity, hospitality, recreation, and community living in one integrated setting. Spanning over 5.5 million square meters, the project's masterplan outlines a well-integrated mix of components, including farm-based accommodations, coconut and papaya processing facilities, educational and recreational areas, and a retail village—all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and immersive agritourism experience for both residents and visitors. In preparation for the official construction launch, several foundational activities have been completed as part of Phase 1. These include the finalization of the concept masterplan design, which outlines the strategic integration of agricultural and tourism components. A comprehensive feasibility study has confirmed the project's viability, leading to a formal commitment to initiate Phase 1. Additionally, the project has secured an Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) license from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism—a key milestone that allows for foreign ownership and enhances investment potential. An experienced agriculture contractor has also been appointed, and initial plantation works are now underway. Once completed, Janaen Salalah will comprise 250 residential units, a 5-star hotel with 128 keys, and purpose-built zones for eco-recreation, edutainment, and wellness. These features will be complemented by vibrant public spaces and year-round programming that highlight Oman's agricultural heritage and natural landscapes—offering a destination that balances lifestyle, learning, and leisure. 'This development reflects our ongoing commitment to pioneering sustainable tourism models that drive investment, support local agriculture, and create engaging visitor experiences rooted in Oman's natural heritage,' said Mundher Al Moosawi, Board of Managers Member at Janaen. The development aligns with Oman Vision 2040, particularly under the Competitive Economy and Environmental Sustainability pillars. It contributes to national priorities such as economic diversification, governorate development, public-private partnerships, and environmental stewardship—positioning Janaen Salalah as a model for responsible, value-driven tourism growth. As OMRAN Group approaches the launch of the next phase of the Janaen Salalah development, efforts are accelerating to position it as a model destination that embodies innovation, enhances added value, and contributes to sustainable economic returns in collaboration with our strategic partners.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Government to roll out 20-year cooperative policy; aims 2 lakh PACS by February 2026: Amit Shah
India to launch 20-year national cooperative policy: Amit Shah NEW DELHI: In a sweeping reform aimed at reviving India's cooperative movement and boost employment, Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that the National Cooperative Policy 2025–2045 will be unveiled soon, to establish at least one cooperative in every Indian village within the next five years. Speaking at a high-level meeting of state cooperation ministers during the celebrations marking the upcoming International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, Shah said the policy will play a critical role in transforming the cooperative sector into a major economic pillar that empowers India's 1.4 billion citizens. "Under the National Cooperative Policy, each state's cooperative policy will be formulated according to the cooperative conditions of that state and specific goals will be set," Shah said. Policy push for 2 lakh new PACS by 2026 A central focus of the upcoming policy is the creation of 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by February 2026. These grassroots institutions, Shah said, are essential for ensuring financial access and agricultural support in rural areas. He set a January 31, 2026, deadline for all states to announce their individual cooperative policies aligned with the national vision. Shah cited three main reasons behind the weakening of the cooperative movement in India: laws were not changed over time, cooperative activities were neither expanded nor adapted with time, and recruitments were based on nepotism. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo To address these challenges, Shah highlighted the creation of Tribhuvan Sahkari University (TSU) — a first-of-its-kind institution aimed at building skilled manpower for the cooperative sector. Strengthening cooperative banks and credit societies Urban cooperative banks and credit societies also came under the spotlight. Shah noted that bringing these banks under the Banking Regulation Act and ensuring more oversight by the Reserve Bank of India has already led to the resolution of key issues. Natural farming and inter-cooperative models Shah called on state cooperation ministers to work in sync with agriculture departments to promote natural and organic farming. He cited Gujarat's "Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives' model as a successful case study, encouraging its replication nationwide. Shah also praised the PM Modi government's achievements from 2014 to 2024, highlighting how basic needs like housing, water, and food were met, and how the next step is to empower people as entrepreneurs through cooperatives. What else was discussed The day-long meeting also focused on: Multi-Purpose PACS (M-PACS) to diversify rural cooperative activities. Promotion of dairy and fisheries cooperatives. Rollout of the world's largest grain storage scheme in the cooperative sector. Review of three new national multi-state cooperative societies: National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL) National Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL) Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) Plans for white revolution 2.0. Digitisation and computerisation of PACS and Registrar of Cooperative Societies offices. In the bigger picture With India set to chair the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the upcoming National Cooperative Policy is expected to redefine the role of cooperation in economic development, aiming to make villages the new engines of prosperity through bottom-up empowerment.
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
States must announce cooperative policy by January 31, says Amit Shah
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said on Monday (June 30, 2025) that every State should announce its cooperative policy before January 31, 2026. Mr. Shah said that the National Cooperative Policy will be announced soon and it will be effective from 2025 to 2045. He said that under the National Cooperative Policy, each State's cooperative policy will be formulated according to the cooperative conditions of that State and specific goals will be set. He said that bringing discipline, innovation, and transparency to the cooperative sector across the country will be achieved through the Model National Cooperative Policy Act. The Minister added that the creation of 2 lakh Primary Agricultural Credit Societies should be completed by February 2026. Mr. Shah chaired a 'Manthan Baithak' with the Ministers of Cooperation of all States on Monday (June 30, 2025). He emphasised that for a country with a population of 140 crore, the growth of GDP and GSDP, and the creation of jobs were important. He said that cooperation was the only option for generating employment for every individual and the Ministry of Cooperation was established four years ago for this reason. The Minister said that with sensitivity, cooperation must be revitalised for the welfare of millions of small farmers and rural people in the country because there are immense opportunities in the cooperative sector. Also read: Cooperative movement suffered due to policy inaction in past, were almost dead, says Amit Shah Mr. Shah said that among the 60 initiatives to develop the sector, the creation of the National Cooperative Database was important. He said that the database has been created so that cooperative institutions at the national, state, district and tehsil levels can collectively realise the government's goal to open a cooperative in every village in the next five years. The Minister said that there were three main reasons behind the weakening of the cooperative movement in India. He said that over time, the laws were not changed, which the Narendra Modi government has now amended. Mr. Shah added that the cooperative activities were neither expanded nor adapted with time. He mentioned that earlier, recruitments in cooperatives were done on nepotism, which is why the idea of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University was conceived.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First of two new agriculture transloading facilities breaks ground in Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Leaders from The DeLong Company were joined by federal, state and local leaders to break ground Thursday on a $26 million project that'll take grains and feedstuffs from across the country and prepare them for international shipment. The Portsmouth Agricultural Intermodal Export Facility will sit on the former CSX Intermodal Yard at Pinners Point. The Wisconsin-based company is leasing the property from the railroad and using a $750,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia to upgrade the railyard. It'll be the first facility of its type not only for Portsmouth, but also the East Coast. Unlike other transload terminals that receive agriculture products after trains drop off other cargo at rail yards, unit trains carrying exclusively grain will be able to pull in to the Pinners Point facility. Portsmouth to become 'international hub' for shipping of agriculture products, mayor says 'You achieve higher efficiency, better rates, so that's the big difference,' said Brandon Bickham, vice president of exports at The DeLong Company. Bickham said it was in 2023 when DeLong, CSX and the city of Portsmouth Economic Development Department began negotiations to locate in Hampton Roads. However, Bickham said DeLong has been working with the Port of Virginia for several years. 'There's a great local supply of grain, and we really wanted to tie a local supply with the Midwest origination area,' Bickham said. 'And this site, this port, allowed us to do that. We've had a great working relationship with the Port of Virginia.' Part of the development will include a 15,000-metric-ton storage silo and a 'grain leg' that'll rise to roughly 150 feet above ground. When a truck or train comes into the terminal, the soybeans, corn, wheat, DDGs or soybean meal will be transferred into shipping containers bound for Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and China. The facility is expected to handle 15,000 to 20,000 containers annually and help cut down on empty containers being placed on ships. Bickham said it's also expected to aid local farmers. Soybeans are the top agricultural export in Virginia, accounting for $1.4 billion in exports in 2023, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 'It should actually, improve [local farmers'] revenue,' Bickham said. 'So they'll have another grain bid. We should add value to the current price of grain.' Bickham said roughly 15 to 20 new jobs will be created by the export facility. This is the the first of two proposed facilities focusing on agribusiness in the city. Less than a mile away in Port Norfolk, Canadian-based Ray-Mont Logistics plans to do just the same at the Norfolk Portsmouth Beltline Railroad. Portsmouth to become 'international hub' for shipping of agriculture products, mayor says The pair of companies will join Perdue Agribusiness in Chesapeake in the exporting of grain. 'In Hampton Roads, we have a strong farming community in many of our cities,' Mayor Shannon Glover said. 'And so what this facility will enable them to do is to participate in moving their products to different markets. I think that's incredible. And I think it's something that shows collaboration, regionalism with a focus on helping our businesses to grow and prosper.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
