2nd March 2021, FPO, BIS, heat wave, Corona, farmers protest

2 March 2021

• Anniversary celebrated of "Formation & Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)"

  The FPOs are expected to improve the productivity of the farms, by bringing the small farmers together into a group. This celebrated scheme is expected to transform the life of average farmer. A pocketbook on how to create FPOs has been released at the celebration. The FPOs are expected to provide much needed support and infrastructure to the rural farmers. The FPOs will be assisted by the government with an amount of Rs. 18 Lacs for 3 years.

• Testing fee reduced by BIS for "MSME, Start Ups and Women Entrepreneurs"

  Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will reduce the testing fee for "MSME, Start Ups and Women Entrepreneurs". This is being done to encourage more citizens to take up this type of work. BIS is planning testing centres all across India to classify more organizations. The certification process will have the highest level of transparency.

• Heat wave across India for next 5 days

  Farmers across India are warned about the heat wave with rising temperatures across India. The temperatures are expected to rise above normal in the next 5 days.

• New phase of Corona Vaccinations starts

  New phase of Corona Vaccinations has started in India. In this phase, persons above the age of 60 and suffering persons above the age of 45 will be vaccinated on priority.

• No new discussions between government and protesting farmers

  Even though the protests have been going on for months, with failed talks on resolving the farmers issues with the government, currently there are no plans for any new discussions. Farmers have tried methods like "Rail Roko", blocking highways and have been vocal everyday in their protests. But no solution acceptable to both sides has come through yet.

• Preliminary Data released for India's merchandise trade in Feb 2021

  Major agricultural commodities of export which have recorded positive growth during February 2021 versus February 2020 are: manufactured Jute Including floor covering (45.4%),Rice (30.1%), Cereal preparations and miscellaneous processed item (26.68%), Meat, dairy and poultry products (26.43%), Spices (18.46%) and  Tobacco (7.69%). Major agricultural commodities of export which have recorded negative growth during February 2021 versus February 2020 are Oil Seeds (-25.45%), Cashew (-18.6%), Fruits and vegetables (-4.01%), Tea (-2.49%) and Coffee (-0.73%). Import of Fertilizers, Crude & manufactured has shown negative growth(-46.01%).

• China to control sale and use of poor quality seeds

  Poor quality seeds give low productivity in terms of crop production and the crops produced are of low quality. To avoid these China has decided to control sale and use of poor quality seeds. The Chinese government is planning to inspect its seeds nationwide, to maintain good quality and quantity of agricultural products.

• Protests in a democracy

  India is a democratic country and everyone has a right to speak their mind. Ideal democratic system means that elected representatives speak for the public. The Indian farming community has gone so far to say that they voted in wrong representatives. And waiting for different representatives would mean waiting till next elections. The current elected representatives are not making decisions that these farmers want. So, how to break this deadlock. There has to be some give and take without which there would be no resolution. Both sides must once again come to the bargaining table and agree to what is best for India as a country.

• Self-registration for COVID vaccines with Co-WIN

  To register yourself and your family members for COVID vaccines please join Co-WIN. Co-WIN is an online platform for the citizens of India to Register for COVID-19 vaccination and schedule their vaccination slots at the nearest vaccination centers. You can also  register easily if you have access to a Smartphone or a combination of a mobile and a laptop.