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Govt to hold national conference to chalk out Rabi season strategy
The 2-day ‘National Conference on Agriculture For Rabi Campaign 2012’ begins here on Monday to chalk out strategy to maximise crop production during the coming rabi season.
The Conference will focus on making the best use of late rains. The papers circulated by Agriculture Ministry to participants of this Conference elaborate on this strategy: “Kharif 2012 began with delayed onset of Monsoon and subdued activity during the sowing period of June-July which improved gradually during August and continuing in September. This resulted in delayed sowing and some area remained unsown which is bound to impact the production of kharif crops especially coarse cereals.
But at the same time it has provided a new opportunity for additional coverage under rabi crops and the prospects of the same has fortified with widespread rains during September enough to recharge the soil profile in rainfed areas adequate not only for germination of the seeds but also to sustain the plant growth till the post rainy season rains in November or winter rains in December-January.
Thus it is essential to capitalize upon the available soil moisture through timely sowing and placing the seed at appropriate depth and duly supported by the right amount of nutrition and plant protection.”
The Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) has come out with crop and area-specific recommendations for wheat and other winter crops. These include use of high-yielding varieties, disease control and improved agronomic practices. These will also be discussed during the Conference.
Special attention will be paid to maximising production of oilseeds and pulses. Besides general discussion, a separate session will be held with 8 States specifically on these crops. The States are: Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Delhi.
Two other areas have been identified for focussed discussion: proper use of pesticides, and taking knowledge and technology to the farmer’s field.
The Conference will be attended by senior officers of state agriculture departments, experts and representatives of the concerned ministries, and scientists from ICAR, other research institutes and crop directorates.
Monsoon rains 44% above average in week to Sept. 19
Monsoon rainfall was 44% above average in the week ended September 19, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday, making it the fourth straight week of excess showers.
In the previous week, rainfall was 21% above average, as the monsoon revived in rice, cane and soybean areas.
Seasonal rainfall is still 5% short of long-term average.
The shortfall in rains during the four-month season has hit planting of some cereals and pulses in few drought-hit areas of West India and south India.
Rains below 90% of long-term averages are considered deficient in India.
India last faced widespread drought in 2009 when the June-to-September monsoon rains were 22% below average.
The IMD has still retained its forecast of at least 10% below average rains for the whole season despite the late revival.
Domestic News
Mawana Sugars to sell 40% stake in one unit to another
Mawana Sugars Ltd reportedly to sell 49% stake in SIEL Industrial Estate Ltd to another subsidiary. This stake sale to SIEL Infrastructure and Estate Developers Pvt Ltd, another wholly-owned subsidiary of Mawana Sugars, is for a consideration of Rs. 1.3502bn.
According to reports, the board recently approved this stake sale. This consideration is being discharged by issuing of equity share of SIEL Infrastructure and Estate Developers Pvt Ltd to the company.
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Rice sown in 363.76 Lakh hectares so far
Dr. Keshab Nandy promoted to Director in Tilaknagar Industries
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International News
Russia may limit grain exports: reports
Russia reportedly to limit grain exports if domestic prices rises.
Andrei Belousov, Economy Minister was quoted as saying, "The question of shutting off the export of grain is one of the dynamics of the domestic price for grain. We are currently monitoring that trend. Given such trends, it's entirely possible that the government will decide to limit exports,"
Government ministers had previously insisted that restrictions on exports won't be enforced, despite a widespread drought that has damaged this year's grain harvest that estimates 72 million and and 73 million metric tons, down from a record 94.2 million tons last year, reports added.
BASF to acquire Becker Underwood for $1.02 bln