Latest news with #DSR
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Policies to now be based on inputs from farmers, not bureaucrats: Union agri minister Shivraj Chouhan
Patiala: Union minister for agriculture and farmers' welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Rajpura in Patiala district on Thursday as part of an ongoing initiative, Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), which is aimed at transforming Indian agriculture through direct farmer engagement and sustainable practices. At a 'Kisan Chaupal' in Gandia Kheri village, Chouhan emphasised on govt's commitment to formulating agricultural policies based on direct interactions with farmers rather than relying solely on bureaucratic inputs. " If scientists go to the ground, they'll know about the problem of farmers and research will be carried out according to farmers' needs. Now, we'll sit in Delhi to formulate the policies of agriculture based on information collected after holding discussions with farmers instead of a handful of officials making any agriculture policies while sitting in office. For this purpose, I have come here along with a team. I wholeheartedly pay tribute to Punjab's land that filled the country's food bowl for years. Our wheat production broke all-time high records," he said. Chouhan, who took over the agriculture portfolio in June last year, advocated for the adoption of direct-seeded rice (DSR) method of planting paddy to conserve water and reduce labour costs without compromising yield. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets สมัคร Undo He praised Punjab farmers who successfully implemented DSR techniques and refrained from burning paddy residue for over a decade. Coauhan's predecessors Arjun Singh Munda and Narendra Singh Tomar had a tough relationship with farmers from Punjab, due to the 2020-2021 farm stir and then the 2023-24 protest on the Punjab-Haryana borders. Hailing the recent suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Chouhan claimed that 80% of India's water was previously flowing into Pakistan. He claimed that this water would now be utilised by farmers in states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, alleviating water shortages. On World Environment Day, Chouhan planted saplings in Patiala. He also visited local fields, driving a tractor to show support for direct paddy sowing methods that aid in water conservation. The VKSA campaign aims to reach the farmers across India. In Punjab, the campaign covers several districts. Chouhan's visit underscores govt's dedication to engaging directly with farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and implementing policies that reflect the needs and experiences of the farming community. Farm activists detained, Chouhan says believe in dialogue Activists of BKU (Bhadetikalan) and BKU (Krantikari) were planning to protest against the Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday, but they were detained and released by police. Earlier the farmers had gathered at a gurdwara in Kalyan to protest against the Union minister during his visit to Rauni village. BKU (Bhatedikalan) leader Kala Balkar said a protest against the minister was planned as farmers were not allowed to march towards Delhi over their demands, including fulfillment of promise of MSP for all crops during Delhi Chalo 2.0 call, whereas later the state govt forcibly evicted the farmers from Shambu and Khanauri interstate points in March this year. In 2020, the farmers had held agitation for over a year at Delhi borders over their demands including MSP for all crops. Later, while replying to a media query on talks with farmers over their demands, Union minister said, "We believe in 'solution with dialogue' and still there is no issue to hold discussions. But because of federal structure, state govt cannot be ignored as it implements the decisions". MSID:: 121648552 413 |
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
ICAR-NIBSM empowers 4100 farmers with sustainable farming techniques
Raipur: In a robust push toward sustainable agriculture, the ICAR–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), based in Raipur, has concluded a week-long outreach initiative under the nationwide Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the campaign aims to bridge the gap between lab-based innovations and grassroots agricultural practices. Between May 29 and June 3, a team of 20 scientists from ICAR-NIBSM visited 49 villages across 25 blocks in 10 districts of Chhattisgarh. Partnering with 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the State Agriculture Department, the team directly interacted with over 4,100 farmers, promoting sustainable practices and science-backed solutions. The campaign focused on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology, which farmers welcomed for its water-saving and cost-effective benefits. Scientists also advocated for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the use of biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biocontrol agents, and techniques for biotic stress management. Farmers received training in natural farming, soil health management, seed treatment, and balanced fertilizer use. Notably, awareness on the 'One Health' approach—addressing human, animal, and environmental health through responsible antibiotic use—was also a part of the initiative. The outreach included detailed sessions on central and state govt schemes, offering farmers insights into available support for inputs, crop insurance, and infrastructure. These interactions also allowed scientists to gather feedback on field challenges, helping refine future research and interventions. At a press briefing, Dr PK Rai, director of ICAR-NIBSM, lauded the scientists' efforts and emphasized the need for sustained engagement with the farming community. "Science-led solutions can transform rural livelihoods. Our mission is to reduce input costs, increase yields, and enhance farmers' quality of life," Dr. Rai stated.
New Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Now that Indus treaty is on hold, we'll use more water for Indian farmers: Agriculture Minister Chouhan
CHANDIGARH: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that as the Indus Waters Treaty has been put in abeyance, efforts will be made to ensure that more water reaches farmers in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. He said that 80 per cent of water from the Indus river system was flowing into Pakistan. "Giving 80 per cent water to Pakistan at that time was not justified. Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan require water and that water is ours. Now we will utilize that water for our farmers," said Chouhan. Chouhan, who was on a day-long visit to Punjab, visited a farmers' gathering (Kisan Chaupal) in Rajpura, Patiala, as well as the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Rauni. He was accompanied by Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal and ICAR scientists. He has been engaging with farmers across various states to promote sustainable and progressive farming practices as part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Citing its benefits in water conservation and reduced labour costs, he said that farmers should adopt the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method and also urged them to refrain from excessive pesticide use. "I have been apprised of good crop practices, be it direct seeding, mushroom farming or making silage," he said. When asked about complaints about fake pesticides, Chouhan said that the government will frame a new law, making a provision for stringent action against any company which supplies fake pesticides to farmers. Lauding the role of Punjab farmers in filling the foodgrain stock of the country, Chouhan said the country has registered an all-time record production in wheat, paddy, maize and soybean this year. "For this, Punjab has the biggest role and I bow to the land of Punjab," said Chouhan. He emphasised that the research of agricultural scientists should reach farmers and scientists should know what problems farmers are facing at their fields so that research can be undertaken in that regard. "I am not a guest here, I am a family member, I am not here for rhetoric but I am here to directly interact with farmers and understand the ground reality. Our focus should be to connect land and lab, so that farmers benefit from real-time innovation. Policies should come from the field not from officers in air-conditioned rooms."
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Agri minister asks Punjab farmers to adopt diversification, save water
Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday asked Punjab's farmers to adopt diversification, asserting that it was the need of the hour to grow crops which give profit as well as consume less water. Referring to the Centre's decision of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Chouhan said efforts would be made to use the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers for Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. He also underlined that the solution to farmers' issues is possible through discussion and dialogue. Under the Centre's 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan', the Union minister visited Kheri Gandiyan village in Rajpura, Patiala, where he met a group of farmers who shared their innovative farming practices, besides apprising him of their problems. Later, Chouhan visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Rauni. Chouhan was accompanied by Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal and scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Lauding the role of Punjab farmers in filling the foodgrain stock of the country, Chouhan said the country has registered an all-time record production in wheat, paddy, maize and soybean this year. 'For this, the state has the biggest role and I bow to the land of Punjab,' said Chouhan. The Union minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a target that crop output should increase, input cost should drop, farmers should get remunerative prices for their crops and they should be compensated if they suffer any loss. Referring to his interaction with the farmers, Chouhan said he was impressed by the direct seeding of rice technique being used by farmers and said he would like to urge other farmers to opt for DSR for less water consumption. 'I have been apprised of good crop practices, be it direct seeding, mushroom farming, making silage,' he said. Replying to a question, Chouhan said the crop diversification programme is the need of the hour. 'We should grow crops which give profit as well as consume less water,' he said. Earlier, he asked farmers to experiment with growing fruits, vegetables and other crops. 'Crop diversification is an important issue. And what are those crops which can generate more income? I am not saying that wheat and paddy will not be sown. That will be grown. We can make experiments towards growing mushrooms, fruits and vegetables,' he told farmers. As far as the Indus Waters Treaty is concerned, he said it is our water. 'Giving 80% water of Indus, Chenab and Jhelum to Pakistan at that time was not justified. Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan require water and that water is ours. Now we will utilize that water for our farmers,' Chouhan said. Referring to complaints about fake pesticides, Chouhan said the government will frame a new law, making a provision for stringent action against any company that makes fake pesticides and supplies to farmers. Farmers' concerns to be addressed When farmers said alternate crops were purchased below the minimum support price, forcing them to stick to the conventional wheat-paddy cycle, the minister assured them that the Union government would look into the issue of procurement below MSP. Farmer Harwinder Singh Harpalpur said, 'When we opt for moong or maize, which are good alternative crops for diversification, we don't get good prices. We have to sell them below the MSP. This needs to be addressed at the earliest.' Swaran Singh, a farmer from Kherpur Jattan in Patiala, said: 'Farmers are switching to maize as it is a good alternative to conventional wheat and paddy. But farmers should not be forced to sell it below the MSP.' The farmers claimed that they had to sell maize far below the MSP of ₹2,225 per quintal during the 2024-25 marketing season. This year, the Centre has increased the MSP for maize to ₹2,400 for the 2025-2026 season. Urging farmers to opt for the technique of direct seeding of rice (DSR) against the conventional transplantation method to conserve groundwater, Chouhan said that groundwater levels in the state have reached dangerous levels, therefore, they should opt for DSR method which saves groundwater. Shortage of DAP highlighted Farmers said that the Centre had failed to ensure adequate di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser ahead of the sowing of paddy and maize and check private players from indulging in black marketing. Farmer Baljinder Singh from Maru village said: 'There is an acute shortage of DAP. Farmers are helpless. The Union and state governments know how much DAP is needed by farmers during the season, but they didn't provide enough.' Punjab minister Khudian said, 'I have informed the Union agriculture minister and he has assured supply in the coming days.' Khudian said while the requirement was 90,000 metric tonnes, only 39,000 MT has been received so far. On the issue of stubble burning, Chouhan said scientists should develop paddy varieties that leave less residue so that farmers don't need to burn stubble.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
About 300 revenue officers in Odisha issued show-cause notices for land sale norms flout
BHUBANESWAR : State govt has issued show-cause notices to around 300 govt employees posted as district sub-registrars (DSRs) in the past 10 years, who are involved in suspected irregularities in land sales, revenue, and disaster management, revenue minister Suresh Pujari said here on Tuesday. "Officers who were on DSR duty between 2014 and 2024 and indulged in illegal activities are facing disciplinary proceedings. Some of them even faced criminal charges and are in jail," he said. There are 217 sub-registrar offices and 30 DSR offices in the state. Several cases of land fraud and illegalities involving DSRs have been reported in the past year. In March, a DSR and four brokers in Sambalpur were arrested for land fraud to acquire land of a deceased person through impersonation. Most irregularities, however, involve allowing the registration of sub-plots (part of a land parcel) without the approval of development authorities, which is not allowed after the enactment of the Registration ( Odisha Amendment) Act, 2013. In April, the govt recommended action against 18 sub-registrars for illegally registering sub-plots in Bhubaneswar. More than 3 lakh sub-plots were registered since 2014 without the permission of the development authorities. The minister said to prevent such wrongdoings, the govt is now focusing on greater use of technology and smart surveillance systems in every DSR office. "We are reviewing the reports periodically," the minister said. He was speaking to media persons ahead of a workshop of tehsildars and sub-collectors scheduled here on Wednesday. CM Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate the workshop. Pujari said 317 tehsildars and 58 sub-collectors will attend the workshop physically, while revenue divisional commissioners, district collectors and other employees of the department, such as revenue inspectors and amins, will attend digitally. "During the workshop, there will be interactions with officials on their workplace difficulties and the govt's priorities so that we achieve the desired outcomes in the days to come," the minister said. Revenue department officials have been asked to come to the workshop with progress reports of their work. One year's work of the tehsils will be reviewed. "Three districts and five tehsils that have excelled in their services, such as issuance of records of rights to the landless, giving land rights to tribals and people displaced by projects, and land acquisition for railway, highway and industrial projects, will be awarded during the event," he said. "After the tehsildar workshops, a DSR workshop will also be held soon," he added.
