Latest news with #KrishiVigyanKendra
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Go-getter from the grassroots
NAGALAND : In the picturesque town of Pfutsero, in Nagaland, lives a remarkable woman whose journey from hardship to success has become an inspiration for many. Vevohulu Churhah, a 37-year-old agripreneur hailing from the Chakhesang Naga tribe, has transformed her life and the local economy through resilience and unwavering determination. Days of hardship Vevohulu was raised by her single mother, Samocholu, who struggled to make ends meet with her earnings from agriculture. From an early age, Vevohulu was deeply involved in her mother's agricultural activities, helping with planting and tending to crops. Little did she know that these early experiences would lay the foundation for her entrepreneurial future. After completing her graduation in 2010, Vevohulu took up job as an accountant at a local private school. But by 2017, she decided to leave her steady occupation and venture into the uncertain world of agro-business. The journey began by establishing a piggery farm, in which she invested all her savings. However, fate had other plans. Within two months, all 17 pigs succumbed to swine fever, leaving her devastated. 'I was in debt. I had purchased fodder on credit, and the debt quickly accumulated to Rs 40,000,' Vevohulu recalls. The emotional toll was equally harsh, with both she and her mother falling ill due to the stress and anxiety of how to repay their growing debts. Rebuilding from loss But Vevohulu did not let failure break her spirit. Seeking guidance, she turned to Dr Debojyoti Borkotoky, a livestock expert at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Phek, which shares its border with Myanmar. The KVK responded by offering her 10 piglets at subsidised rates, allowing her to restart her pig farming venture. Slowly but surely, Vevohulu began to rebuild. Yet, her challenges were far from over. A road widening project in her locality led to the acquisition of a portion of her land, affecting her animal husbandry operations. Despite the frustration, the promise of compensation kept her going, although it took considerable time before she received it. To make ends meet during this period, she was forced to sell off some of her semi-adult pigs earlier than planned, resulting in financial losses. Despite setbacks, Vevohulu's perseverance never wavered. Each challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow, as she continued to hone her skills as a farmer and businesswoman.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian visits virus-hit paddy fields in Ropar villages
Patiala: Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian visited the villages of Marolikalan, Kakrali, and Paprali in Ropar district on Friday to assess the impact of the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV) on paddy crops and interacted with farmers to understand their concerns. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The cabinet minister said in recent days, symptoms of stunted growth in paddy fields have been reported by farmers in the Ropar district. Upon receiving this information, experts from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the department of agriculture and farmers' welfare, Ropar, jointly conducted field inspections in several villages, including the farms of Gurmeet Singh and Avtar Singh in the village of Asmanpur, block Ropar. He said Ropar is currently the worst affected district by this disease. After on-ground assessment and expert consultations, special measures are being undertaken to control the spread of the suspected virus The minister emphasised that the situation is under control, and the agriculture department has issued directives for field visits and timely arrangements for appropriate insecticides to spread awareness among farmers. During the review, it was observed that paddy varieties PR-128 and PR-131 showed signs of irregular growth post-transplantation. Some plants were found infected with the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV). Experts noted that the root systems of the affected plants were poorly developed compared to healthy plants. The leaves were narrow and pointed like needles, and escape roots (auxiliary root systems) were seen on the stems — symptoms consistent with a viral attack. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The minister confirmed that plant samples from affected fields were sent to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, for confirmation. Farmers have been advised to inspect their fields regularly, including nurseries, as healthy nursery plants are crucial for robust crop growth. The director of the agriculture and farmers' welfare department said field teams are continuously visiting farms, and farmers are being advised to apply recommended insecticides, particularly targeting white-backed planthoppers, to prevent further spread of the virus. Joint director Narinder Singh Benipal said that special awareness camps on pest management are being organised in the villages of Morinda and Sri Chamkaur Sahib blocks of the Ropar district under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme. Chief agriculture officer Rakesh Kumar said the university is closely monitoring the virus, and there is no need for panic. If the damage is limited to 5–10%, the disease can still be controlled effectively. MSID:: 122907615 413 |
India.com
16-07-2025
- Health
- India.com
What Is Lumpy Skin Disease? Check Symptoms And Precautions Amid Outbreak Alert In Maharashtra
A health alert has been issued in Buldhana, Maharashtra, as officials warn of a fresh outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a highly contagious viral disease that targets cattle and buffaloes. The District Information Office, along with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, has urged farmers to take immediate precautions to stop the spread of the disease and protect their livestock. Lumpy Skin Disease, though not harmful to humans, has devastated India's dairy industry over the last two years, causing significant economic losses and livestock deaths. With over 2 lakh cattle deaths reported previously and millions affected by reduced milk production, the warning in Buldhana is a call for timely action. What Is Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)? Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infection caused by the Capripox virus, primarily affecting cattle and buffaloes. It's classified as a transboundary animal disease, meaning it can spread rapidly across borders and regions. The disease spreads mainly through the bites of infected vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, and in some cases, through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated feed and water. Common Symptoms of LSD in Cattle Farmers and livestock keepers should look out for these warning signs: 1. Hard skin nodules or lumps spread across the body 2. Fever and fatigue 3. Swollen lymph nodes 4. Drastic drop in milk yield 5. Reduced appetite and movement difficulty 6. Discharge from eyes and nose Infected cattle often show symptoms within 4–14 days of exposure. How to Prevent Lumpy Skin Disease? To limit the outbreak and protect healthy cattle: 1. Vaccinate all eligible animals above 3 months with Biolumpivaxin, a once-a-year vaccine. 2. Isolate infected animals immediately and avoid moving them. 3. Control vectors by using insect repellents and maintaining clean sheds. 4. Avoid sharing equipment between infected and healthy animals. 5. Ensure regular vet check-ups and report any suspicious symptoms early. All About the Biolumpivaxin Vaccine The Biolumpivaxin vaccine has been successfully trialed by ICAR-NRCE, Hisar, and Biovet across thousands of cattle and buffaloes under field conditions, as reported earlier by IANS. Here are its key features: 1. Safe and effective for cattle of all age groups 2. Can be used for pregnant and lactating animals 3. Offers protection against severe symptoms and fatality 4. Must be administered once annually Government Response in Buldhana The Krishi Vigyan Kendra has initiated a public awareness campaign across Buldhana to educate farmers on how to recognise symptoms and adopt proper precautions. Officials emphasise that timely vaccination and isolation are the best defenses. Why This Matters to Dairy Farmers A single infected animal can disrupt the productivity of an entire herd. With LSD leading to milk production losses, reproductive failure, and long-term health issues, farmers are urged to treat this warning with seriousness. Prevention is not just about protecting livestock, it's about securing livelihoods, especially in rural and agrarian communities. Lumpy Skin Disease is a serious threat to cattle health and dairy economics. With a fresh outbreak looming in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, early action can help prevent another nationwide crisis. Farmers must stay alert, report symptoms early, and vaccinate their livestock without delay. FAQs 1. Is Lumpy Skin Disease dangerous to humans? No, LSD only affects cattle and buffaloes; it is not transmissible to humans. 2. What causes LSD to spread? It spreads through mosquito bites, ticks, flies, and direct contact with infected animals. 3. What is the best way to prevent LSD? Vaccination with Biolumpivaxin and controlling insect vectors are the most effective methods. 4. Can pregnant or lactating cows be vaccinated? Yes, Biolumpivaxin is safe for all groups including pregnant and lactating animals. 5. What should I do if my cattle show symptoms? Immediately isolate the affected animal and contact a local veterinarian for guidance and testing.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Coconut farmers association's plea to government
The East Coast Coconut Farmers Association has urged the State government to set up the proposed Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), an integral part of the Union Government-funded National Agricultural Research System (NARS) scheme, at Pattukottai instead of Eachankottai in Orathanadu taluk. In a memorandum to Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the association pointed out that the setting up of KVK at Pattukottai, instead of at the Agricultural College at Echankottai, had certain advantages in terms of infrastructure development and logistics. The KVK could be set up without delay on major capital outlay at the Regional Extension Training Centre (RETC), Pattukottai, where land and buildings were available. Also, East Coast Road was an excellent logistics corridor for export of value-added coconut and other agricultural products to reach the sea and air-borne shipment infrastructure facilities at Tuticorin. Claiming that the large concentration of coconut farming in Pattukottai and Peravurani region would ensure long-term rural employment opportunities from technical staff and filed demonstrators to input supplies, value-addition units and market link facilitators, the association said the setting up of a coconut-focused KVK at Pattukottai would help provide the latest, best-practice technologies in varietal selection, water-use efficiency, nutrient management, pest surveillance and post-harvest value addition directly to small and marginal coconut farmers, who currently rely on outdated methods.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
BAU to launch statewide digital soil mapping soon
1 2 Bhagalpur: With an eye on precision farming and efficient resource use to maximise agricultural output, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) is set to launch a comprehensive "soil mapping and survey" project across the state under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The initiative supports climate-friendly and climate-resilient farming in line with the Centre's National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP) under the ministry of agriculture and farmer welfare. The mapping exercise will cover all 38 districts, helping farmers make informed decisions about fertiliser application, irrigation and other farm strategies to improve productivity. Highlighting the significance of the project, BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said soil mapping involves identifying and classifying soil types and their properties such as texture, pH, nutrient levels and organic matter. He added that the methodology will include digital soil mapping, which uses computer-based tools, satellite and drone imagery and environmental data. This will be supplemented by field sampling, laboratory analysis and proximal sensing techniques like electromagnetic induction. The VC added that soil mapping can lead to improved crop yields, more efficient use of inputs and lower environmental impact. "This results in higher yields and reduced input costs, leading to increased profitability for farmers. It will also bring socio-economic transformation in the lives of farmers and across the state," he said. Earlier, a review meeting chaired by the director (research), A K Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for the project, was held to finalise the modalities. Talking to this newspaper on Thursday, he said the soil mapping would be completed by 2028 to aid in future agricultural planning under the agriculture road map. A scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra said the initiative would bring a "sea change" to the farming sector.
