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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NIRCA's vision for turmeric-based rural livelihoods in Andhra
Representative image RAJAHMUNDRY: India's turmeric cultivation for the 2023–24 season spanned 3.05 lakh hectares with an annual production of 10.54 lakh tonnes, yielding a productivity of 3,656 kg per hectare (ANGRAU- Crop Outlook, 2023–24). In Andhra Pradesh , turmeric cultivation played a vital role in the livelihoods of many small and marginal farmers, especially in districts like ASR, Krishna, YSR, Bapatla, Guntur, etc. In AP, turmeric was grown on 22.37 thousand hectares with an annual production of 38.03 thousand tonnes, and a productivity of 1.7 MT/ha during 2023–24. Reports said that production during 2023–24 was 11.05 thousand hectares less compared to 2022–23 (33.42 thousand hectares). According to Dr M Seshu Madhav, Director, ICAR–NIRCA, Rajahmundry, turmeric cultivated in the major turmeric-growing area of AP, i.e., Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district - a tribal region - was recognized for its exceptional quality, with curcumin levels ranging from 5.8–6 and a distinctive, pleasant fragrance, as the crop thrived well in cooler climates. In ASR district, farmers continued to cultivate traditional turmeric varieties which, despite their rich aroma and high curcumin content, typically produced lower yields compared to improved varieties. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Seed availability was mostly limited to exchanges among farmers, restricting access to superior planting material. As per conventional practice, turmeric was often grown as a two-year crop. In this direction, the institute planned a few key steps to support turmeric farmers and enhance crop performance. These included supporting value addition and improving marketability. The institute aimed to conduct post-harvest processing training for turmeric farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). This training would focus on key aspects such as proper harvesting techniques, curing, drying methods, polishing, and storage practices to preserve curcumin content and aroma. Emphasis was to be placed on hygienic handling, the use of improved processing equipment, and techniques to reduce post-harvest losses. By equipping farmers with knowledge of best post-harvest practices, the institute aimed to enhance product quality, fetch better prices in the market, and open opportunities for branding and export. The region was predominantly known for its organic or natural farming practices in turmeric cultivation. At present, both individual farmers and FPOs collected and sold raw turmeric produce without any form of certification, which limited their ability to access premium markets or negotiate better prices. To address this gap, the institute planned to introduce a certification system that included scientific analysis of turmeric quality — such as curcumin content, aroma, and purity. By providing certified quality assurance by the institute or obtaining third-party organic certification, the institute aimed to build trust with buyers and enable farmers and FPOs to bargain more effectively in the market, potentially accessing higher-value segments including exports, organic, and pharmaceutical markets. This initiative was expected to enhance transparency and credibility and add value to the traditional turmeric cultivated in the region. A few FPOs in the region were already equipped with post-harvest processing machinery and retail outlets, enabling them to carry out basic value addition. However, these efforts often fell short of reaching larger markets due to limited marketing networks and lack of direct access to bulk buyers. To bridge this gap, the institute actively supported these FPOs by facilitating market linkages with major buyers, including spice companies, exporters, and retail chains. The institute already operated NIRCA'S NEST, an established outlet that showcased and sold value-added products — the major among them being turmeric-based items. Building on this outlet, the institute planned to directly procure turmeric produce from farmers and FPOs to develop a wider range of value-added products such as turmeric powder, capsules, soaps, and wellness products. This initiative aimed to ensure that farmers received fair prices and promoted the unique qualities of turmeric grown in the region, especially its high curcumin content and natural cultivation practices. Through branding, packaging, and strategic marketing under the NIRCA'S NEST label, the institute aimed to create strong regional identity and demand for local turmeric in both domestic and international markets. The institute was also diligently exploring the acquisition of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the indigenous turmeric landraces cultivated in the region. This initiative stemmed from the recognition of the exceptional qualities of these local varieties, which were deeply rooted in the region's unique agro-climatic conditions, organic farming methods, and long-standing cultural practices. The GI tag would serve as a formal acknowledgment of the distinctiveness and authenticity of these landraces, protect the farmers from commercial exploitation, ensure fair market value, and promote regional identity on both national and international levels.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Agriculture remains backbone of Indian economy": Shivraj Singh Chouhan hails Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday hailed Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, saying that under this campaign, demand-driven research will be done on the basis of feedback coming from the village. 'I congratulate our scientist.... Now, research will not be done sitting in Delhi. Demand-driven research will be done based on feedback coming from the village. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy... This growth rate results from policy changes by PM Modi, his vision, and the hard work of the farmers,' he said. Earlier, Chouhan launched the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' from Sakhigopal of Puri district, Odisha, today. This historic initiative, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is a concrete step towards transforming Indian agriculture and securing the food future of the country through scientific innovation and grassroots participation. During the 15-day campaign, Chouhan will travel to about 20 states. State governments will play a key role in realising this mission, and all states are expected to make this campaign a success through collective ownership and dedication. This campaign will be organised in more than 700 districts from 29 May to 12 June 2025. 731 KVKs, 113 ICAR institutes, state-level departments and officials of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and innovative farmers will participate in this campaign. Through this campaign, an effort has been made to add a strong chapter towards the resolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Vikashit Bharat. 'Agriculture has traditionally been a state subject in our country. Each state formulates its own agricultural policies and takes steps in the interest of its farmers. But in today's rapidly changing times, there is a need to bring comprehensive reforms to Indian agriculture. Our farmers have filled food reserves by producing record yields. However, markets are evolving, and consumer preferences are changing,' PM Modi said via video conference during the launch of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. 'Therefore, this is a humble effort to bring about changes in the agricultural system by working together with farmers and state governments. The goal is to modernise Indian agriculture, and for that, this campaign aims to initiate direct discussions with farmers. Under this campaign, our teams of scientists are taking the concept of 'lab to land' forward in a major way. They will provide farmers with modern agricultural knowledge backed by data and will support them before the season begins,' he added. He appealed to the farmers to address every query of the farmers and document their valuable suggestions as well. 'The 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' will open new doors of progress for our 'annadatas' (food providers). With this hope, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to the entire team and all the farmers,' he added. (ANI)
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Campaign aiming for planning for Kharif season 2025 begins
A State-level campaign aimed at facilitating preparatory agricultural planning for the Kharif season 2025 was conducted at Kanakkampalayam village in Gobichettipalayam block on Thursday. The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have jointly proposed to organise the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (VKSP) from May 29 to June 12. The State-level launch event was organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), MYRADA Erode, in the village. R. Thamizh Vendan, Vice-Chancellor in-charge, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, inaugurated the programme in the presence of A. Velmurugan, Assistant Director General, ICAR–NRM, New Delhi, P. Govindaraj, Director, ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, M. Kailasam, Principal Scientist, ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, Ravindra Naik, Head, Regional Station, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Coimbatore, P.P. Murugan, Director of Extension Education, TNAU, Coimbatore, and R. Yasothai, Professor and Head, Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Erode. Delegates visited 14 stalls set up by KVK for the benefit of the farming community. With support from IFFCO, a drone demonstration was conducted to showcase its technological benefits for farmers. During the programme, 17 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were released, and agricultural inputs were distributed to farmers. The objectives and benefits of various Central and State government schemes were explained to the participating farmers. A total of 542 farmers and entrepreneurs took part in the event.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
Union Minister Shivaji Chouhan launches ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' in Puri, lauds Odisha's initiatives
BHUBANESWAR: Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday called upon people to join the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' which aims to create awareness among farmers about modern technologies through scientific outreach and sustainable practices for higher productivity. Launching a nationwide campaign from Sakhigopal in Puri district in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and deputy chief minister KV Singh Deo, Chouhan said the joint initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is a concrete step towards transforming Indian agriculture and securing the food future of the country through scientific innovation and grassroots participation. 'This campaign will adopt a two-way communication approach. On one hand, scientists will share research and technical information with farmers, while on the other hand, they will gather information about the challenges faced by farmers. These findings will help guide future research efforts and provide practical, location-specific solutions. To connect 'Lab to Land', scientists of ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be associated with this fortnight-long campaign,' the Union minister said.
United News of India
3 days ago
- Science
- United News of India
2.5 million tonnes of fish production targeted from mariculture by 2047
Kochi, May 30 (UNI) The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) envisions increased productivity with a target of 2.5 million tonnes of fish production from mariculture by 2047 against the current estimate of a meagre 1.5 lakh tonnes. Aiming to popularise cage farming and seaweed cultivation technologies, Institute Director Dr Grinson George has said effective adoption of innovative technologies will help to achieve this target. The Institute would also focus on boosting start-up enterprises in the sector by offering guidance and technical support, he said. Scientists from the Institute will visit villages to demonstrate and explain advanced practices such as cage fish farming, marine ornamental fish farming, mussel farming, oyster farming, seaweed cultivation, innovative fish breeding technologies, and scientific coastal aquaculture, he added. The community will be given awareness of a range of technologies and the prospects of seaweed farming and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), he explained. He said the ongoing 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign is a significant effort to ensure that scientific advancements translate into tangible benefits for the grassroots. The campaign is being undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in association with state governments. Around 2000 teams comprising scientists and experts from 113 ICAR institutes and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), along with field officers from state-level departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, as well as innovative farmers, will be part of this campaign, which is aimed at reaching around 1.5 crore farmers in the country. In Kerala, CMFRI's outreach teams, comprising 36 scientists, will visit all districts, collaborating closely with the respective KVKs. Similarly, all the Centres of the Institute located in various coastal states will take part in the campaign in respective regions. 'A landmark initiative in connecting scientists and farmers, this direct engagement will greatly help fishery scientists tailor their research work and development efforts to fulfil the community's demands more effectively," George said. Beyond technology awareness, the CMFRI teams will also collect crucial feedback, remarks, and responses from the farming and fishing communities to understand the specific issues and challenges faced by farmers. The scientists will listen to the issues of the stakeholders and foster a strong connection with them. UNI DS ARN
