16-November-2022: Hybrid Hydroponic Technology, PAU Soil Scientist, IFFCO Nano Urea, FSSAI, Poona AgroCart

16 November 2022

• PAU Bags National Patent for Pot-Based Hybrid Hydroponic Technology

  In inventing indigenous hybrid hydroponics technology, the first "swadeshi method in soilless farming in India," the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has established itself as a pioneer after receiving the national patent, the university said in a statement on Tuesday. According to a letter from the Indian government's patent office, the inventor of an “improved water and nutrient perforation and re-circulation system for pot-based substrate hydroponics" has been granted a national patent.

• IFFCO Nano Urea Launched In Nepal

  In order to make Nano urea accessible to Nepalese farmers, IFFCO has partnered with the industry leader C G Corp, a prominent firm with over 160 companies and 123 brands worldwide and over 1500 workers. "Glad to share that #IFFCO – CG Corp launched #NanoUrea in Nepal today to boost crop cultivation and increase productivity. Mr. @sureshpprabhu chaired the event and the keynote address was given by Sh. @iffcoyogendra MKD, IFFCO in presence of Mr. Nirvan Choudhary, MD, CG Corp, Nepal," tweeted IFFCO MD Dr. US Awasthi as he announced the news.

• PAU Soil Scientist Conferred with Top Honour

  Chief soil chemist and former Head of Department (HOD) of the Department of Soil Sciences at the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), Dr. Om Prakash Choudhary received 'Prof Baldev Singh Dhillon Distinguished Professor Chair Award'. The latter also served as the additional charge of the University librarian during his tenure at PAU. He was recently elected as a fellow member of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Indian Society of Soil Salinity and Water Quality. Dr. Choudhary received the honour from the University vice-chancellor, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, himself a renowned agricultural biotechnologist.

• FSSAI Quickens the Effort to Sell ‘Blended Basmati Rice’

  Author of “Basmati Rice: The Natural History Geographical Indication” and trade analyst S. Chandrasekaran said, “The FSSAI decision basically will protect the purity of basmati rice and not allow any dilution, given the geographical indication (GI) tag for it.” The decision, announced on October 31, will benefit farmers by increasing their returns, while consumers will benefit by being able to eat "pure basmati." Domestic consumers are currently paying more for basmati, with prices ranging from ₹100 to ₹250 per kg. Another argument against blended basmati sales is that the purity of seeds used by growers is 98%, and what millers buy is of the same quality.

• A 15-Day Training Program on Scientific Sheep & Goat Rearing Commences at KVK Budgam

  Under the aspirational block development project 2022–23 for the Surasyar and Pakherpora blocks of the district, this training is being carried out in partnership with the Sheep Husbandry Department, Budgam. The training program plans to encourage young people to achieve the entrepreneurial mindset and skill sets that will enable them to start their businesses. The inaugural event was attended by 48 people from both aspirational blocks in total. The event's primary guest, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chadoora Prince Noorul Hamid, thanked KVK Budgam and the Sheep Husbandry Department Budgam for organizing the significant skill development training program.

• ‘Poona AgroCart,’ Agritech e-Commerce Startup launched in Pune

  Poona AgroCart, an agricultural MSME founded by Maharashtra farmers, began operations on Sunday (November 13) from its Manjari office in the Pune district of Maharashtra. The company has onboarded over 1000 farmers from the Pune area and intends to source fresh produce from approximately 10,000 farmers over the next six months.