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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bihar has tremendous potential for agricultural development: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Shivraj Singh Chouhan (ANI) MOTIHARI: Maintaining that Bihar has tremendous potential for agricultural development, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said for a "developed India, agriculture must develop and farmers must also prosper". Chouhan said this on Monday when he visited Motihari, the district headquarters town of East Champaran district and interacted with farmers as part of his nationwide tour under the VKSA campaign. "I have come to Bihar to support and serve the farmers here and help increase agricultural productivity. For me, serving farmers is like worshipping God... 'Ek Rashtra, Ek Krishi, Ek Team' (one nation, one agriculture, one team) is the motto of this campaign," he said. "The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) of the Central government is a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. For a developed India, agriculture must develop and farmers must also has tremendous potential for agricultural the VKSA campaign will accelerate the state's agricultural transformation and empower farmers through greater access to innovation, infrastructure, and institutional support," he said. The VKSA campaign aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a self-reliant and sustainable India, and seeks to promote the widespread adoption of advanced agricultural technologies across the nation as well as in Bihar, said the union minister. The campaign's ambitious goal is to reach farmers across India through technology dissemination, capacity building, and grassroots engagement, he said adding the path to national development passes through agricultural prosperity and farmers' welfare. "Around 16,000 agricultural scientists are engaging directly with farmers. Scientists, state and central agriculture departments and agricultural universities, are working together to find ways to increase production, reduce input costs, ensure fair prices for farmers, and provide compensation in case of losses. Efforts are being made to increase the production of Bihar's famous jardalu mango, shahi litchi and marcha rice by helping farmers through advanced agricultural technologies. ..", said the Union minister. The government in April 2023 awarded the 'Geographical Indication' (GI) tag to 'marcha rice' (appears like black pepper). This rice is famous for its aromatic flavour, palatability and aromatic chura (rice flakes) making qualities. Prior to this, Bhagalpur's jardalu mango, katarni dhaan (rice), Nawada's maghai paan and Muzaffarpur's shahi litchi have already been awarded GI tag. A GI is a label applied to goods with a particular geographic origin and characteristics or a reputation derived from that origin. An indication that a product is made in a specific location is necessary for a sign to be considered for GI tag. Bihar's famous shahi litchi is worldwide popular and this fruit has only 48 hours of shelf-life, now the government is exploring options to preserve it for a longer period so that farmers get better prices, said Chouhan. Also, cold storages should be built so that farmers can get the facility to store litchis, he added. Maize production is increasing rapidly in Bihar and maize is also getting good prices. "It is the result of the policy of our PM that maize is now also being used to make ethanol," he said. "Today I got the opportunity to come to this holy land of Champaran," he said, adding this land where the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, started a movement (Champaran movement) against the atrocities and injustice being done by the British on the farmers. The VKSA-2025 campaign, which started on May 29 will continue till June 12, engaging farmers across all districts in a mission to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready agricultural sector, said a senior official of the state agriculture department. Lok Sabha MP from East Champaran, Radha Mohan Singh, several party MLAs and senior officials of the state agriculture department and district administration were also present on the occasion.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Ker Sangri is now GI-tagged. And the world is finally noticing
Rajasthan's famous dish Ker Sangri has received a Geographical Indication or GI tag. This means it is now officially recognised as a special product that comes from a specific region and follows traditional ways of preparation. But what it is? Ker Sangri is made using two desert plants. The Ker is a small berry, while Sangri is a bean that grows on the Khejri tree. These ingredients grow naturally in the dry and sandy lands of the Thar Desert. In the past, people used them during times of drought when fresh vegetables were hard to find. What started as a survival food has now become a celebrated delicacy. The GI tag protects the identity of Ker Sangri. It means that only products made in Rajasthan using the local method can be called by this name. This helps stop fake or poor-quality versions from entering the market. It also supports local farmers and cooks by making sure they are fairly paid for their work. Preparing Ker Sangri is a careful and slow process. The Ker berries are often handpicked before animals like goats or camels can reach them. They taste bitter when raw but become delicious after being soaked, boiled, and cooked with Sangri, curd, red chillies, and spices. The final dish is tangy, spicy and full of earthy flavour. Ker Sangri is not just tasty but also healthy. It is high in fibre, low in fat and rich in nutrients. People in Rajasthan usually eat it with bajra roti and ghee, making it a filling and balanced meal. The Sangri bean grows on the Khejri tree, which is sacred in Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community has protected this tree for hundreds of years and considers it a symbol of life. Thanks to the GI tag, Ker Sangri now stands beside other well-known Indian foods that are linked to their home regions. Darjeeling tea was the first product in India to get a GI tag in 2004 and is known for its special aroma and light taste. Alphonso mangoes from Maharashtra, famous for their sweet and rich flavour, were awarded the GI tag in 2018. Bikaneri Bhujia, a crispy and spicy snack from Bikaner, Rajasthan, received its GI tag in 2008. Other notable GI-tagged foods include Kashmiri saffron, prized for its deep colour and strong aroma, which was granted the GI tag in 2020. Manipuri black rice, known for its rich nutrients and beautiful purple colour, earned its GI status in 2020.
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Kumbakonam vetrilai or betel leaf gets GI tag: Why cultivators, sellers need incentives and awareness to benefit
The Kumbakonam vetrilai or betel leaf or paan leaf was recently granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India, recognising its regional uniqueness and cultural significance. A staple in South Asian households, the betel leaf is central to preparing paan, a popular South Asian post-meal chew. The GI tag, announced in April 2025, and published in the Government Gazette in November 2024, took Tamil Nadu's total GI products to 62. Yet, many cultivators, marginal farmers and sellers remain unaware of this recognition and the benefits that come with it. Kumbakonam, six hours from Chennai, is home to vethalai or vetrilai, predominantly grown in Thanjavur's fertile Cauvery river basin, giving it a unique taste and aroma. The dark to light green, oblong heart-shaped leaves with a pungent taste are cultivated, washed and then bundled in places like Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, Thiruvidaimarudur, Kumbakonam, and Rajagiri. Betel leaves aid digestion and are rich in antioxidants, said Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietician and diabetes educator. 'They're high in chavicol, an anti-inflammatory compound that fights oxidative stress, common in conditions like diabetes,' she said. H Jahir Hussain, 43, a betel leaf seller in Kumbakonam's old vegetable market in Swaminatha Nagar, told 'I've been in this profession for 30 years. My father taught me and I taught my son. I believe betel is nature's powerful antidote to many health issues. I sell 100 leaves for Rs 80 to Rs 180. Every district has its own unique leaf. Ours is known across states, and even exported,' he said. Hussain's brother-in-law, too, runs a betel hovel adjacent to his. Suresh, 39, a cultivator in Papanasam, has been in the business for three decades. He hires labourers to pluck mature leaves from the stem's side shoots once the vines reach a certain height. 'There are no days off. My day starts at 4 AM and I work till 11 PM, looking for skilled pluckers,' he said. Mohamed Ariff, 41, from Rajagiri, has cultivated betel vines for five years. 'My father did this for 50 years. We plant in March-May and August-October, using banana suckers for shade. But out of 100 days, barely 10 days are profitable. Rest of the days, we face losses due to rain, soil, or lack of labour,' he said, adding that this leads to fluctuations in market prices. According to him, the labour and capital-intensive nature of the crop limits most farmers to under one acre of cultivation. After 20–25 days of planting, kolundhu vetrilai – the first leaves – emerge. The first-year harvest happens from the seventh to 12th month. It is called maaruvethalai, produces larger leaves with a better shelf life of six to seven days, and fetches higher prices in the market. Second and third-year yields – kelavethalai and kattavethalai – are smaller compared to the first year's yield. When asked cultivators about the GI tag, none were aware. Sanjai Gandhi, an intellectual property attorney who filed for the GI status, acknowledged the gap. 'There's an urgent need to create awareness and incentivise farmers. I'm doing it through lectures and outreach,' he said. Gandhi's application stated that betel leaf is grown on over 200 acres across Thanjavur and parts of Thiruvarur. 'Kumbakonam is known for temples and its quality betel leaves. They're integral to rituals and meals,' said Gandhi, a Thanjavur native. This is also Thanjavur's first agricultural GI tag. According to Gandhi, the tag helps curb misuse, preserve heritage, and boost exports. A June 2024 ResearchGate paper on GI tags, Gandhi said, states that GI status prevents unauthorised use and ensures only genuine, high-quality products reach consumers. However, Gandhi noted, 'GI isn't yet used as a marketing advantage. It's a foundation being laid. Awareness will grow with time, especially through schools and colleges.'
Time of India
25-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Gadchiroli to seek GI tag for unique ‘collector mango' grown in Sironcha
Nagpur: Gadchiroli is promoting the 'Collector mango' as the district's own brand of mangoes. The agriculture department in the Maoist-affected Gadchiroli is planning to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for a variety of mango grown in Sironcha , a remote tehsil of the district. It's called the Collector mango . The story goes that the fruit was introduced to farmers in Gadchiroli by a British-time collector, named Glassford, giving it the name. During the Raj, Gadchiroli was part of the Upper Godavari district, which covered parts of present-day Telangana as well. The Collector may be among the largest mangoes, with a full-grown fruit weighing up to 2.5kg, say stakeholders. Found in Sironcha taluka, it is grown only by a select number of farmers here. However, the fruit has also found its way to Dubai and Muscat as the word spread through some connoisseurs, say sources. If it gets the GI tag, only the mango grown in Sironcha can be sold with the name 'Collector mango'. In 2014, the famed Nagpur orange had also got a GI tag. The idea was mooted by current district collector, Avishyant Panda, assisted by district superintending agriculture officer (DSAO) Preeti Hiralkar. She travelled to Sironcha to inspect the orchard too. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The numbers may not be much, but there is a plan to increase the plantations. "It's only found in Sironcha. The fruit not only grows up to 2.5kg in weight but is also not extremely sweet like other mangoes. Due to its subtle taste, it has been liked by consumers in foreign markets," she said. Hiralkar said the department is now collecting data about the trees, and a proposal would be submitted to the district planning committee (DPC). Once the approval is obtained, a third-party consultant will be approached. The GI application will be made through a consultant. A detailed study is undertaken before proposing it to the GI registry in Chennai. A group of growers has to be formed through which the proposal is mooted. Viswasara Kondre, a Collector grower, says that the variety of mango remained neglected over the years. Now, with the district collector's plans to get a GI tag, the growers see some hope. There may be a handful of growers, but the numbers can multiply. Even the number of alphonso trees was very few at one point in time, he says. There is no organised market, but some people who tasted it now come down to Gadchiroli and take the mangoes to the Gulf, said Kondre.
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Hosts Business and Innovation Forum: A Strategic Diplomatic Initiative for Economic Growth
Uganda demonstrated its commitment to fostering a competitive business environment and innovation by hosting a strategic forum at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) offices in Kololo. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the forum brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats to explore ways to enhance Uganda's business climate, promote innovation, and leverage diplomatic ties for economic growth. Under the theme 'Strengthening Uganda's Economic Future through Strategic Diplomacy and Collaboration,' the event provided a platform for discussions on business registration, intellectual property protection, innovation hubs, and regional trade. It aimed to position Uganda as a prime investment destination and strengthen partnerships with international stakeholders. Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing Uganda's unique position in global markets. He underscored the government's commitment to simplifying business processes, supporting SMEs, and promoting trade and investment. 'We live in an era of cross-border markets, trade, and an ever-growing youthful population of 77%. The government is dedicated to facilitating business formalization and economic growth,' he stated. He also highlighted Uganda's progress in intellectual property (IP) protection, crucial for fostering innovation. In 2024 alone, URSB registered over 2,700 trademarks and 100 copyrights, reflecting increasing awareness of IP rights among entrepreneurs. Additionally, Uganda's first Geographical Indication (GI) registration for 'Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee' marked a significant milestone in protecting local agricultural products and boosting their market value.00 The URSB Board Chairperson reaffirmed the Bureau's role in enhancing Uganda's business-friendly environment. 'URSB continues to lead in streamlining business registration and protecting intellectual property. Our all-digital strategy, including the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), has reduced registration times, enabling businesses to grow,' he noted. He also highlighted the Security Interest in Movable Property (SIMPO) electronic register, which facilitates access to credit for businesses. Uganda's innovation ecosystem was another focal point. The Chairperson of Uganda's Innovation Agency (UAI) emphasized the agency's work in supporting start-ups and tech entrepreneurs. 'Our innovation hubs have become centers of excellence. In 2024, we saw a 50% increase in trademark renewals and a surge in patent applications from universities and innovation hubs,' she shared. Hon. Oryem Henry Okello, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation, stressed the importance of diplomatic partnerships in driving Uganda's trade and innovation agenda. He lauded efforts to facilitate Uganda's participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enabling access to broader markets. 'Diplomacy and regional integration are key to unlocking Uganda's potential. We are ready to work with international partners to drive growth in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing,' he stated. The forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration. Hon. Mao reiterated Uganda's commitment to economic transformation and innovation, urging stakeholders to harness technology for sustainable growth. The event underscored Uganda's readiness to engage globally, ensuring its economic advancement benefits both local and international stakeholders. This initiative marks a crucial step in Uganda's journey toward becoming a competitive business hub, fostering partnerships, and solidifying its role in regional and global markets. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
