|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Karnataka govt keen on obtaining Geographical Indicator tags for millets
|
|
Thursday, 19 March, 2015, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
|
|
fiogf49gjkf0d In a major effort to encourage the cultivation of millets in Karnataka, the state government is now working to give greater emphasis to indigenous and heritage nutri-millets such as same or little millet, navane or foxtail millet, araka or kodo millet, and baragu or barnyard millet, and obtain Geographical Indicator (GI) tags.
A programme to build extensive awareness about the valuable nutritional benefits of these traditional millets will be taken up, according to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.
In 2015-16, through a collaboration of ICRISAT, IBAB and agriculture universities, the state government has proposed to initiate a research project on Genome Sequencing (non-GM) to bring out improved seed varieties in ragi, tur gram, jowar and kabul gram and for promotion of best suitable breeds.
It would also encourage research and demonstration of productivity, profitability, sustainability and additional gains from alternate cropping systems in irrigated areas and double the area under the ragi and jowar special package to 40,000 hectare.
A ‘Vision Group’ for the agriculture, horticulture and food processing sectors, chaired by an expert, will be setup to develop an overall vision for the agriculture sector in Karnataka.
The state is also on an aggressive mode to give a fillip to agriculture and horticulture sectors. In this regard, it announced a new campus for the University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga. Five agricultural produce markets will be set up in the state at Bidar, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada. A horticulture college is to be established at Haveri district.
With Karnataka’s geographical area spanning across 10 agro-climatic zones, the state offers great potential as well as complex challenges in the agricultural sector. To begin with, for the efficient use of water and for preserving micro nutrients in the soil, a Micro Irrigation Policy 2015-16 would be formulated. In addition, it would draw upon the expertise of national and international institutes such as ICRISAT, ICARDA and CIMMYT to establish a centre for excellence. The focus of this centre will be imparting training on improved cropping systems,integrated farming systems for dry land agriculture, moisture conservation and monitoring through sensor-based water management systems.
The government is keen to maximise the earnings of the farming community and is organising to strengthen their associations by affiliating them to food processing centres. To support them, 90% subsidy will be given for procurement centres, cold storages, farm mechanisation implements and processing units. Backward and forward linkages will be provided through PPP-IAD framework of Government of India. These organisations will act as monitoring organisations for activities within their jurisdiction. These organisations will be involved in selecting beneficiaries and training farmers. The food parks are expected to be strengthened by selecting beneficiaries on cluster basis under National Horticulture Mission.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|