12-March-2024: ICAR Revises Educational Qualifications, Rural Development Ministry Signs MoU with IIT Delhi, MFOI Samridh Kisan Utsav, Is Black Potato Real?

12 March 2024

• ICAR Revises Educational Qualifications for Entry-Level Scientists in Agricultural Research Service Examination

  The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has made a significant revision regarding the minimum educational qualifications for the direct recruitment of entry-level scientists through the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Examination. Previously, as per the Council's OM (Office Memorandum), candidates were required to possess a Ph.D. degree in the relevant subject for direct recruitment. However, a recent decision has been made to revert this requirement to a Master's degree in the relevant subject.

• Rural Development Ministry Signs MoU with IIT Delhi to Leverage Ground and Space-Based Geospatial Tech to Manage Assets Under MGNREGA

  The Ministry of Rural Development has signed a MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to formalize their partnership in applications of geospatial technology and artificial intelligence. It is an important move towards technological advancement in rural development. The MoU was signed by Amit Kataria, Joint Secretary, MoRD and Prof. Manabendra Saharia, IIT Delhi. Secretary, MoRD Shailesh Kumar Singh and Director, IIT Delhi Prof. Rangan Banerjee were also present on the occasion.

• Agricultural Experts Share Insights on Increasing Farmers' Income at 'MFOI Samridh Kisan Utsav' in Satara, Maharashtra

  Krishi Jagran organized its flagship event, the 'MFOI Samridh Kisan Utsav,' at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Borgaon, located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, on March 12, 2024. The event proved to be a huge success with the support of farmers and agricultural experts who gathered to exchange knowledge and insights aimed at enhancing farmers' incomes.

• Mahindra Launches Revolutionary 6RO Paddy Walker Transplanter in Tamil Nadu

  On March 12, 2024, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, and the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, launched a new 6-row paddy transplanter called the Mahindra 6RO Paddy Walker in Tamil Nadu.

• Is Black Potato Real?

  It is quite debatable whether black potatoes are old or new. Some say it has been there for 5-7 years, others opine that it is a rarity. So, what appears is the black outer layer of a pebble-like potato with purple insides which seems to have some rich nutrients to boast of. Considered safe for consumption, this variety is currently being bred in Uttar Pradesh and is believed to be rich in antioxidants