Latest news with #AgricultureDepartment
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Gujarat's mango exports cross 3,000 MT in five years; U.S., South Africa top importers
Mango cultivators in Gujarat have exported more than 3,000 metric tonnes of mangoes over the past five years, with 856 metric tonnes exported during 2024–25 alone, according to data released by the state government. These figures point to an increase in exports and a widening market for mangoes from Gujarat, including in countries such as the United States and South Africa. The state has 1.77 lakh hectares under mango cultivation, which accounts for 37% of Gujarat's total area under fruit and flower crops. Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel said that the Kesar mango continues to be in demand and is grown in multiple districts, including Talala Gir, which has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the variety. In addition to Talala Gir, the Kutch region has also seen an expansion in Kesar cultivation. Valsad district currently has the highest area under mango cultivation at 38,000 hectares, followed by Navsari with 34,800 hectares, Gir Somnath with 18,400 hectares, Kutch with 12,000 hectares, and Surat with 10,200 hectares. Other mango varieties grown in Gujarat include Alphonso, Rajapuri, Totapuri, and Sonpari. This year, 224 metric tonnes of Kesar mangoes were irradiated and exported through the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility at Bavla near Ahmedabad. This unit is Gujarat's first USDA-APHIS certified gamma irradiation facility and the fourth in India. Since its inception, the Bavla facility has processed and exported 805 metric tonnes of mangoes over five years. Earlier, farmers had to transport mangoes to Mumbai for irradiation, which led to higher costs and losses after harvest. With the Bavla unit, farmers now access this facility within the state, reducing travel costs and improving output handling. Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd., under the state Agriculture Department, has also developed a pack house and a perishable air cargo complex in Ahmedabad district. These are aimed at improving the mango export infrastructure. With USDA-APHIS certification, all three units are now operational. They assist in handling mangoes and pomegranates, lower post-harvest losses, and support consistent export standards. Officials said these efforts are part of the government's larger plan to improve agricultural logistics and expand market access for fruit growers.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
Artificial rain may fill Jaipur's Ramgarh dam after two decades, American firm to use drones and AI
JAIPUR: After waiting for more than two decades for surface water, Jaipur's Ramgarh Dam may soon witness a rare and high-tech spectacle -- artificial rain through cloud seeding. The experiment is expected to take place in August, with preparations already underway. The Agriculture Department has partnered with an American company to carry out this ambitious plan. Senior scientists from the U.S.-based firm have arrived in Jaipur and are finalising the groundwork. Notably, this may be the first time in India that artificial rain will be created using drones and AI technology. According to sources, specially designed drones -- ordered from Taiwan -- will fly thousands of feet above the ground and release sodium chloride into moisture-laden clouds, triggering rainfall. Previously, cloud seeding in India has been carried out using aircraft. A high-level meeting was recently held under the Jaipur District Administration, where officials from the Water Resources Department, Meteorological Department, and Pollution Control Board met with representatives of the American firm. However, the project is still awaiting approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in New Delhi. Once clearance is granted, final preparations will be taken up in full swing. Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena held discussions with the American company in June to push forward this experimental initiative.
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
Dibba Al Hisn Municipality plants 80,000 flowers to beautify city
Bringing joy to residents through flowers The initiative aims to enhance the city's appearance and bring happiness to residents by planting colourful and aromatic flowers in public parks, streets and roundabouts. This supports the city's visual identity and reinforces its unique urban character. Innovative agricultural planning The municipality follows creative strategies to determine areas for planting and selects flower and tree varieties based on their visual appeal and suitability for each location. The projects also align with sustainability standards by using plants adapted to the local environment. Encouraging preservation of green spaces The municipality has called on residents to help protect the city's vegetation, including flowers, trees and all landscaping elements, to ensure their longevity and support the city's visual beauty and tourism appeal. Major planting achievements Khadija Najib Al Nuaimi, Head of the Agriculture Department, said the municipality planted 80,000 seasonal flowers—such as vinca, petunia, and zinnia—across roundabouts, Al Hisn Island and Al Sayh district. It also developed 4,200 sqm of new green areas and rehabilitated another 2,800 sqm, while planting 144 ornamental trees, 29 palm trees, and 3,700 sqm of decorative gravel and ground covers. Diverse plant varieties enhance cityscape Al Nuaimi noted that the planted species included a wide variety of ornamental trees, perennial plants, palms, and vibrant flowers, contributing to a more beautiful and civilised city landscape. She added that the Seed Bank Initiative continued for a third year, with 13 new plant varieties tested for adaptability to the local climate, of which nine succeeded. The municipality also trialled locally grown species such as Kigelia, Spathodea, Sterculia, and Chinaberry trees. Irrigation infrastructure development Al Nuaimi said the department continued improving the main irrigation lines, creating sector-based distribution in areas such as Al Dubb, the city centre and Al Sayh. The municipality also engaged with the community by organising events, including the first Palm Forum in cooperation with local institutions. Variety of public gardens Dibba Al Hisn Municipality oversees several public parks, including Al Dubb, Al Muhallab, Al Gharbi, the general park and the beach park, all of which welcome daily visitors. The municipality ensures their cleanliness and upkeep year-round. It also recently launched the first home garden initiative in Sharjah with resident participation. Ongoing landscape and beautification efforts His Excellency Talib Abdullah Al Yahyai, Director of Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, confirmed the municipality's commitment to expanding green areas and implementing diverse agricultural projects, aligned with the Ruler of Sharjah's vision for environmental sustainability and innovation in urban landscaping. Expanding green coverage Al Yahyai stated the municipality continues to enhance green spaces, upgrade irrigation infrastructure, rehabilitate damaged areas, and increase seasonal flower beds by replacing affected trees and expanding floral displays. Seasonal floral designs across the city He added that the city's beautification programme runs on a seasonal schedule, rotating flower types based on temperature and growing cycles. A specialised team designs floral beds throughout the year according to detailed site studies and aesthetic standards. Ongoing mission to serve the community Dibba Al Hisn Municipality remains dedicated to serving citizens and residents, providing essential services efficiently and enhancing daily life. The city continues to thrive under the Sharjah Government's leadership, security and sustainable growth .
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Raising awareness on crop insurance among farmers is officials' duty, says DC Fouzia Taranum
With the onset of the monsoon and sowing activities gaining pace, Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi, Fouzia Taranum, has directed officials to actively raise awareness among farmers about the importance of availing crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Chairing a meeting of bank officials involved in crop loan disbursement at her office on Friday, Ms. Taranum stressed that educating farmers about the need for crop insurance is not just a recommendation but a responsibility for all banks that have issued agricultural loans. 'In Kalaburagi district, over three lakh farmers have received agricultural loans totalling ₹3,800 crore from various banks. Every one of these beneficiaries must be made aware of the benefits of crop insurance,' she said. 'The premium amount for crop insurance is minimal, but the protection it offers during unforeseen calamities is enormous. It is essential to convince all these farmers to enrol in the scheme by July 31 and achieve 100% coverage.' She added that if officials and bankers fail to carry out the awareness drive and enrolment effectively, strict action would be initiated against them. 'Each bank and department must ensure that crop insurance details, particularly the major crops of the district, are disseminated at the taluk and gram panchayat levels, while other crop details should be shared at the hobli level,' she said. For the 2025-26 Kharif season, IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company Ltd. has been appointed as the implementing insurance agency for the Kalaburagi district under the PMFBY. Farmers seeking more information on the scheme can call the helpline number 1800-200-5142 or visit their nearest Raita Samparka Kendra or Assistant Director of Agriculture office. Ms. Taranum also instructed the Agriculture Department to make full use of media channels to create mass awareness about crop insurance and ensure that farmers understand its benefits and procedures. Joint Director of Agriculture, Samad Patel, and senior officials from various banks participated in the meeting.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Insurance companies urged to pay interest on delayed crop insurance claims
Senior advocate and farmer activist Vajnath Zhalki has urged the government of Karnataka and insurance companies to clear claims for the crop loss suffered in 2024. Addressing press persons in Kalaburagi on July 14, Mr. Zhalki said that farmers are eligible to claim interest on delayed crop insurance payment. If the insurance companies fail to settle claims within the stipulated period, they are liable to pay the insurance claim, along with the 12% interest to distressed farmers under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Mr. Zhalki urged the Agriculture Department and insurance Companies to encourage widespread crop insurance adoption by creating awareness about its benefits, and simplifying the enrollment process. Of nearly seven lakh farmers engaged in agricultural activities in the Kalaburagi district, only 2.5 lakh farmers opted for crop insurance in 2024, he added. He demanded that the Agriculture Department launch awareness campaigns at gram panchayat level to educate farmers about benefits of PMFBY, and encourage them to insure their crop to mitigate financial risks associated with crop loss.
