15-March-2024: FSSAI Empowers Small Tea Growers, Schmallenberg Virus, MFOI Samridh Kisan Utsav, Solar Pump Subsidies, World's Largest Blueberry

15 March 2024

• FSSAI Empowers Small Tea Growers in Coonoor with Safe and Hygienic Production Practices

  The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) facilitated an interactive session in Coonoor on March 14, 2024, aimed at ensuring safe and hygienic tea production practices among Small Tea Growers (STGs). Supported by the Tea Board and Confederation of Indian Industry Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (CII FACE), the session served to fortify awareness regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for tea cultivation.

• Ireland Farmers Take Action Against Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) Outbreak

  Farmers in West Cork, Ireland, have been urged to exercise caution due to a surge in confirmed cases of Schmallenberg virus (SBV). This midge-borne virus poses a significant risk to cattle, sheep, and other ruminants, as it can lead to birth deformities in newborn calves and lambs. While the impact of SBV in Ireland has been relatively low overall, it remains a concern for farmers, especially those in affected regions.

• Krishi Jagran Hosts 'MFOI Samridh Kisan Utsav' in Kolhapur, Maharashtra

  Krishi Jagran hosted the 'MFOI Samridh Kisan Utsav' on March 15, 2024, at Kaneri, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Powered by Dhanuka Agritech, the event was focussed on 'Maximizing Farmers' Income for a Prosperous Bharat' and attracted a multitude of progressive millionaire farmers along with numerous industry experts. The day-long event was about the commitment to enriching the farming community with the latest in agricultural practices and innovations.

• UP Govt Offers Solar Pump Subsidies to Boost Agriculture, Here's How to Apply

  The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a substantial subsidy scheme for farmers just ahead of Holi, marking a major step toward improving the agricultural industry. The initiative, which commenced on the 27th of February, focuses on providing subsidies for solar pumps, a measure expected to greatly benefit farmers across the state.

• Australian Farm Cultivates World's Largest Blueberry

  The world’s largest blueberry has been grown on an Australian farm, surpassing the previous record holder by a significant margin. This extraordinary fruit, resembling a ping-pong ball in size, was plucked from the vines in November and has been carefully preserved in a freezer ever since. Weighing an impressive 20.4 grams and measuring nearly 4 centimeters in width, this blueberry dwarfs its counterparts, boasting a size approximately ten times larger than the average berry