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Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Maha agriculture minister bats for trial use of HT-tolerant cotton seeds
1 2 Nagpur: The state's agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate has called for allowing use of herbicide-tolerant cotton seeds, at least on a trial basis, for farmers to assess their impact. The seeds cannot be legally used by farmers as they await approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which works under the ministry of environment, said Kokate as he addressed Union minister for agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan at a function to launch One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team mission recently. Kokate acknowledged that even as it may be illegal to use the seed at present, the herbicide-tolerant variety has already made its way into villages from Gujarat through black marketeers. Farmers prefer it as it reduces the cost of labour since weeds can be killed by spraying herbicide. He also mentioned that there is a labour shortage in the hinterland. This can be addressed by mechanisation. "A machine to pluck cotton is being developed. Alternatively, farmhands can be covered under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme (MNREGS) on a partial basis," he said.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Argi min ponders fertiliser subsidy through DBT to farmers
Nagpur: Union agriculture minister , Shivraj Singh Chouhan , said he often thinks whether the fertiliser subsidy could be given to farmers directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. The government currently spending lakhs of crores on fertilizer subsidies. At present, the subsidy is paid to fertilizer manufacturing companies. "If implemented, farmers would be free to spend the amount as they see fit," said Chouhan. However, speaking to TOI later on the sidelines of the event, he clarified that the idea is still under consideration. "I wonder if such a system can be worked out," he said. Chouhan was speaking at the launch of the One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team mission in Nagpur on Sunday. The ambitious initiative, set to begin on May 29, aims to bridge the gap between agricultural research and ground-level farming practices. Under the plan, 16,000 researchers across the country will spend at least one month in villages to engage directly with farmers, gather insights, and tailor innovations to farmers' needs. Chouhan criticised companies for coercing farmers into purchasing additional products along with fertilizers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "Why should farmers be forced to buy other items? It's sheer bullying," he said, referring to the bundling practices commonly adopted by companies. This season, the agri-input dealers association in Maharashtra has also passed a resolution opposing bundling practices. According to sources, it's a widespread tactic—farmers are often compelled to purchase other inputs as a condition for accessing fertilizers. Detailing the One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team mission, Chouhan pointed out the disconnect between research agencies, including those under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and farmers. "There are 11 such agencies in Maharashtra alone. Yet, there is minimal coordination between them. Last year, they released 300 new seed varieties, but farmers are barely aware of any," he said. He emphasized that scientists should not remain confined to laboratories. "Let them work in labs for 11 months, but one month must be spent in rural areas. Each scientist should visit two villages daily—one in the morning, one in the evening—and also meet farmers during lunchtime," he said. The goal is for researchers to inform farmers about recent advancements, understand their challenges, and return with actionable solutions. Chouhan said 2,000 teams, each comprising four researchers, will be formed to execute this mission.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Argi min hints at fertiliser subsidy through DBT to farmers
Nagpur: , , said he often thinks whether the could be given to farmers directly through the (DBT) scheme. The government currently spending lakhs of crores on fertilizer subsidies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now At present, the subsidy is paid to fertilizer manufacturing companies. "If implemented, farmers would be free to spend the amount as they see fit," said Chouhan. However, speaking to TOI later on the sidelines of the event, he clarified that the idea is still under consideration. "I wonder if such a system can be worked out," he said. Chouhan was speaking at the launch of the One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team mission in Nagpur on Sunday. The ambitious initiative, set to begin on May 29, aims to bridge the gap between agricultural research and ground-level farming practices. Under the plan, 16,000 researchers across the country will spend at least one month in villages to engage directly with farmers, gather insights, and tailor innovations to farmers' needs. Chouhan criticised companies for coercing farmers into purchasing additional products along with fertilizers. "Why should farmers be forced to buy other items? It's sheer bullying," he said, referring to the bundling practices commonly adopted by companies. This season, the agri-input dealers association in Maharashtra has also passed a resolution opposing bundling practices. According to sources, it's a widespread tactic—farmers are often compelled to purchase other inputs as a condition for accessing fertilizers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Detailing the One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team mission, Chouhan pointed out the disconnect between research agencies, including those under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and farmers. "There are 11 such agencies in Maharashtra alone. Yet, there is minimal coordination between them. Last year, they released 300 new seed varieties, but farmers are barely aware of any," he said. He emphasized that scientists should not remain confined to laboratories. "Let them work in labs for 11 months, but one month must be spent in rural areas. Each scientist should visit two villages daily—one in the morning, one in the evening—and also meet farmers during lunchtime," he said. The goal is for researchers to inform farmers about recent advancements, understand their challenges, and return with actionable solutions. Chouhan said 2,000 teams, each comprising four researchers, will be formed to execute this mission.
