Union Agriculture Minister attends the convocation ceremony of Indian Veterinary Research Institute


The 10th Convocation of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izzatnagar (Bareilly) was held today with the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Tomar said that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is working with full dedication to transform and move the country forward.





Shri Tomar said that on the occasion of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, everyone has to fulfill their old resolutions and simultaneously start working on new resolutions. By the time India completes 100 years (Amrit Kaal) of the country’s independence, India should establish as the best nation in the world. For this, institutions and students, all should join hands and contribute towards the nation.


Congratulating those who received degrees at the convocation, Shri Tomar said that educational institutions play an important role in the development of youth and students feel proud by getting excellent education.



Describing the relationship between the Nature and animals as unbreakable, Shri Tomar said that along with humans, it is our duty to take care of livestock and birds and to take care of their health. Animals have immense importance, so we address animals as livestock. The total livestock population in India is 535.78 million and poultry population is 851.18 million, almost the same as our population. The livestock wealth of the country is quite rich, not only in numerical but also in terms of genetic diversity.


Shri Tomar said that the agriculture sector can only be complete with other allied sectors including animal husbandry, beekeeping and fisheries. Along with agriculture, for the growth of the country, one has to work responsibly in allied sectors including animal husbandry. To improve the breed of animals, keep them healthy, this is the need of the hour. People are also affected when the disease occurs in milch animals. Keeping in view the importance of animal husbandry sector, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made a provision of a special package of Rs.15000 crore in the form of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Fund under the AatmaNirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign. Shri Tomar informed that recently indigenous vaccine (Lumpi-Pro Vac-Ind / Lumpi-ProVacInd) has been launched to protect animals from lumpy skin disease.



On the occasion, Shri Tomar presented the degrees and awards in the presence of Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Kailash Choudhary, former Union Minister and Bareilly MP Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, ICAR Deputy Director General (Animal Science) Dr. Bhupendra Nath Tripathi, IVRI Director Dr. Triveni Dutt and other dignitaries.



During the ceremony, three technologies developed by the IVRI were released. Dr. Mahendra Pal Yadav, Dr. Kamal Mall Bujarbarua and Dr. Anil Kumar Srivastava have been awarded the degree of Vigyan-Varidhi (Honorary) of Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Deemed to be University).



Shri Tomar also inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium at the IVRI complex.



आज भारतीय कृषि अनुसंधान परिषद् – भारतीय पशुचिकित्सा अनुसंधान संस्थान, इज़्ज़तनगर बरेली के 10वें दीक्षांत समारोह के अवसर पर संस्थान के स्वामी विवेकानंद सभागार का भी उद्घाटन किया।@ivri_1889 pic.twitter.com/n7MywV5S4U

— Narendra Singh Tomar (@nstomar) August 23, 2022

आज भारतीय कृषि अनुसंधान परिषद् – भारतीय पशुचिकित्सा अनुसंधान संस्थान, इज़्ज़तनगर बरेली के 10वें दीक्षांत समारोह में शामिल हुआ।

इस दीक्षांत समारोह में उपाधियाँ प्राप्त करने वाले सभी महानुभावों को हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।@ivri_1889 pic.twitter.com/CstzSv0Hmm

— Narendra Singh Tomar (@nstomar) August 23, 2022

इस अवसर पर संस्थान द्वारा विकसित 3 प्रौद्योगिकियों का भी विमोचन किया।@ivri_1889 pic.twitter.com/44BvS7eJ3B

— Narendra Singh Tomar (@nstomar) August 23, 2022


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Budget for Agriculture


The Government of India is continuously working for enhancing agricultural productivity, farmers’ income and their welfare in a sustainable manner. Accordingly, the Budget for Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) has been increased from Rs. 21933.50 crore (2013-14) to Rs. 124000 crore (2022-23), which is 465% increase for implementation of various agricultural development and welfare schemes aiming to increase agriculture production and farmers’ welfare across the country. Besides, Rs. 8513.62 crore have been allocated during 2022-23 to Department of Agricultural Research and Education for development of several new high yielding, biotic/ abiotic stress tolerant, disease/ insect resistant and bio-fortified varieties of seed, etc.


In order to enhance production and productivity of food crops, the Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in the country. The mission aims at increasing foodgrain/ food crop production through area expansion in niche regions and productivity improvement. The mission also provides support to Indian Council of Agricultural research (ICAR) & State Agriculture Universities (SAUs)/Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKS) for technology back stopping and transfer of technology to the farmer under supervision of Subject Matter Specialists/Scientists. The research organizations are supported for undertaking research projects that can help enhancing production and productivity of crops. For welfare of farmers’, Government has launched various initiatives viz. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman  Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Pradhan  Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PMAASHA), Price Support Scheme (PSS) for pulses and oilseeds, Price Deficiency Payment  Scheme (PDPS), Interest Subvention Scheme, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), etc.


Further, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) which focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation viz. Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation System. An area of 68 lakh ha under micro-irrigation has been covered during 2015-16 to 2020-21 under PMKSY-PDMC. The state-wise coverage of area micro-irrigation and Central assistance provided to states under PDMC is as follows:




State wise area covered under Micro Irrigation and Central Assistance released under the PDMC since the inception of the scheme (2015-16) to till date







































S.No.

State

Area covered under Micro Irrigation


(in ha)

Central Assistance released


(Rs. in crore)

1

Andhra Pradesh

758646

2284.16

2

Bihar

22011

112.21

3

Chhattisgarh

124759

240.64

4

Goa

868

2.80

5

Gujarat

899328

1685.34

6

Haryana

108194

275.79

7

Himachal Pradesh

10486

116.85

8

Jharkhand

28626

175.64

9

Jammu & Kashmir

1104

58.07

10

Karnataka

1582407

2509.15

11

Kerala

3551

42.53

12

Madhya Pradesh

306707

792.40

13

Maharashtra

803714

1960.46

14

Odisha

73056

231.40

15

Punjab

10259

53.18

16

Rajasthan

412179

922.82

17

Tamil Nadu

935176

2036.83

18

Telangana

283093

679.32

19

Uttarakhand

24976

206.80

20

Uttar Pradesh

266418

671.79

21

West Bengal

66517

176.70

22

Arunachal Pradesh

9907

108.40

23

Assam

31305

122.03

24

Manipur

11503

181.36

25

Meghalaya

31.73

26

Mizoram

3692

137.47

27

Nagaland

9868

191.64

28

Sikkim

9211

178.25

29

Tripura

3413

51.50

30

Andaman & Nicobar Island

0.70

31

Puducherry

2.03

32

Ladakh

2.40

32

Head Quarter

 

101.68

Total

6800974

16344.07


This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.




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Union Agriculture Minister visits National Mithun Research Center, ICAR Institute and Farm in Nagaland


The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar visited the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR’s National Research Center on Mithun and a pineapple farm on the first day of his visit to Nagaland. Shri Tomar said that the Government of India is continuously working on the theme of ‘Vocal for Local’ in the AatmaNirbhar Bharat campaign. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took the initiative for this, special emphasis was given on it and it has been taken on Mission Mode for the economic development of the country,” he said.



Shri Tomar said that the National Research Center on Mithun is a unique biological resource of Northeast India and it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve it.


“Earlier mithun was reared in free-range system, but now as agriculture is increasing, forest area is decreasing, so farmers should adopt alternate practices for mithun rearing under semi-intensive system developed by the ICAR-NRC,” he said.


Shri Tomar appreciated the success of the institute in developing technologies that have benefitted the Mithun farmers in their economic uplift, as well as the efforts of the Center to improve the standard of living of farmers by generating interest and increasing their incomes. He also called for further research on the use of Mithun (a breed of cow) for maximum benefit of the farmers. Shri Tomar urged the institute to conduct research to find out the nutritional and therapeutic properties of milk and develop a business model and said that the fertilizer potential of Mithun dung and urine should be explored as an alternative model for natural farming. Shri Tomar also visited the Mithun farm and exhibition stalls showcasing various technologies and products developed by the Centre. He discussed the technologies developed by the Centre, such as feed blocks, mineral block dispensers and region-specific mineral mixtures. Shri Tomar also planted a sapling on the occasion. Delivering the welcome address, NRC Director Dr. M.H. Khan highlighted the major achievements of the Institute during the last 33 years.



Shri Tomar also visited the Nagaland Center of ICAR, which was established in the year 1975. The center is carrying out various activities for Nagaland by promoting research, extension and human resource development activities in agriculture and allied sectors. The dissemination of the developed technologies is facilitated by the Central Government’s strong network of 5 Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Dimapur, Peren, Wokha, Kiphire and Longleng districts. The Central Government plays a major role in enhancing tribal livelihoods through various schemes, research and extension activities. This ICAR Center has developed 5 location specific integrated farming system models for different agro-climatic conditions for small and medium farmers of Nagaland, while the dual purpose breeds – Vanraj and Srinidhi birds have been promoted among more than 5,000 tribal farmers. This center has developed and disseminated the technique of artificial insemination in pigs, which is very popular among the tribal farmers of Nagaland. Thousands of tribal farmers benefit from the KVKs under the Central Government. Appreciating the efforts of the ICAR Center, the Union Minister asked them to work with dynamism.


 


Shri Tomar later visited a pineapple field in Volvam village and interacted with the members of the Farmers’ Producer Organization (FPO). On this occasion, Agriculture Minister of Nagaland, Shri G. Kaito, Central Horticulture Commissioner Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Nagaland Adviser on Horticulture and Border Affairs, Shri Mathung Yanthan, Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Director of ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Region, Dr. V.K. Mishra along with other officials, scientists and farmers were present.


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Canada – Saskatchewan agriculture student scholarship recipients announced

Today, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit presented four agriculture scholarships to students from across the province.

May 10, 2022 – Regina, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Today, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit presented four agriculture scholarships to students from across the province.

Emily Sebastian of Montmartre, Sask. was awarded $4,000 towards her post-secondary studies as the grand-prize winner of the 2022 Agriculture Student Scholarship. Emily’s video submission discussed the various ways that farmers and ranchers can effectively communicate with consumers in a transparent and honest manner. Emily will be furthering her education at the University of Saskatchewan at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Kristie Pedersen from Lockwood, Sask., Grace Waldenberger from Marquis, Sask. and Kate Axten from Minton, Sask. were all awarded $2,000 as runners up for the scholarship.

Kristie’s essay explored how communication and education is key to bridging the gap between the farm and the plate. She focused her transparency essay on the whole supply chain and the need for everyone to share their story. Kristie will be furthering her education in Moose Jaw where she will be studying in the Agriculture and Food Production Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Grace’s essay highlighted the important role that agriculture plays in people’s lives, whether they are directly connected to the industry or not. She spoke about the impact that social media influencers can have on people and the importance of educating youth. Grace will be taking her post-secondary education at either the University of Saskatchewan or the University of Lethbridge.

Kate Axten’s video submission focused on what transparency is and how farmers can be more transparent. Her video showcased the work that her family farm has done to improve transparency with their consumers. Kate will be attending Dalhousie University in the fall where she will be studying International Food Business in the Faculty of Agriculture.

“There is a wide variety of trades and careers associated with the agriculture sector, from the farm to the lab to technology companies. Encouraging young people to pursue careers in agriculture will provide a strong foundation for the future of the industry. This scholarship program will help our young leaders pursue their studies and embark on rewarding careers in agriculture.”

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“We received many outstanding applications this year in the form of both essays and video. It’s great to see Saskatchewan youth talk so passionately about agriculture and transparency, and we’re very proud to support them and their career plans. The future of our industry is in good hands.”

– David Marit, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister

“The scholarship is a great way to express your ideas and gives you an opportunity to make a difference in the agriculture industry. More than that, though, it makes you think about what you can do to become more transparent about your, or your family’s, operation.”

– Emily Sebastian, scholarship recipient

Marianne Dandurand

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

marianne.dandurand@agr.gc.ca

343-541-9229

Canada – Next Gen Agriculture mentorship program Welcomes New Mentees and Mentors

Today, the Canadian Western Agribition’s (CWA) Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program welcomes the newest group of agriculture leaders.

March 22, 2022 – Regina, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Today, the Canadian Western Agribition’s (CWA) Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program welcomes the newest group of agriculture leaders.

The successful mentees and mentors chosen to participate in this intake are:

Kaitlyn Kitzan, paired with Dale Leftwich
David MacTaggart, paired with William Greuel
Erika Stewart, paired with Mike Sidoryk
Kristin Thompson, paired with Tara Davidson
Brooke Dudley, paired with Alison Weaver
Chelsey Mitchell, paired with Megz Reynolds
Morgan Heidecker, paired with Sheldon Kyle
Rena Leier, paired with Clinton Monchuk

The program matches eight young leaders in the agriculture industry with experienced professionals for an 18-month mentorship where they gain skills and experiences to advance their careers. Mentees gain industry knowledge, board and governance training, business education and networking opportunities that align with their existing skills, interests and desired outcomes.

Established in 2019, the program is entering its fourth cycle. The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan committed $100,000 to support this intake of mentees.

“Young Canadians are the ones who will shape the future of agriculture, and we all benefit from having them learn from seasoned mentors. With the Next Gen Program, our government is supporting knowledge transfer to get the next generation of farmers on the right track toward successful careers.”

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“The Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program plays an important role in the sustainability of the agriculture sector. Through this mentorship, bright, young leaders can develop the essential skills and tools to advance their careers and, ultimately, advance the industry. Congratulations to the mentees and thank you to the mentors for your guidance.”

– David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture 

“CWA remains a proud partner in building the future of agriculture with this program. The quality of the applicants and the dedication of mentors show how truly important and how bright the future of our industry really is.”

– Chris Lees, president, Canadian Western Agribition

Marianne Dandurand

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Marianne.Dandurand@canada.ca

343-541-9229

Jamie Shanks

Ministry of Agriculture

Government of Saskatchewan

Regina, Saskatchewan

jamie.shanks2@gov.sk.ca

306-787-5155