Government of Goa Provides Agriculture Loans At Zero Percent Interest Rate on Kisan Credit Card
The Directorate of Agriculture extend a helping hand to the farmers by providing a lucrative interest subsidy scheme on crop loan. Under the scheme “interest Subsidy on loans for agriculture & allied activities” Government of Goa provide the interest subsidy of 4%o in addition to interest subsidy of 3% provided by Government of India for short term crop loan up to Rs.3.00 lakh and for long term crop loan up to Rs. 5.00 Lakhs. Interest Subsidy is also provided on working capital for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries activities. This results in farmers accessing loans at an unpredictable Zero percent interest rates, a pivotal step towards ensuring financial sustainability for the dedicated farmers. It is important to note that the interest subsidy is provided only upon prompt repayment of loans to the banks.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Approves Minimum Support Prices for Copra in 2024 Season
The approved MSPs for the 2024 season represent an increase of Rs.300 per quintal for milling copra and Rs.250 per quintal for ball copra compared to the previous season. This increased MSP not only ensures better returns for coconut growers but also serves as an incentive for farmers to expand copra production to meet the rising demand for coconut products, both domestically and internationally.
10th Governing Body Meeting of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
The Union Minister emphasized the importance of addressing the specific needs of traditional fishermen, suggesting that NFDB examine the possibility of allocating a separate percentage for this community. Non-official Governing Body Members from different states also highlighted issues faced by the fishing community, emphasizing the need for sector development.
Government of India schemes implemented for promoting Gender justice and women’s empowerment
In the past few years, India is witnessing a rapid transition from women’s-development to women-led development with the vision of a new India. To this end, the Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to address issues of women on a life-cycle continuum basis encompassing educational, social, economic and political empowerment, so that they become equal partners in fast paced and sustainable national development.
Food Corporation of India Boosts Market Supply of Wheat & Rice
The government, in its latest initiative, has allocated 101.5 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes) of wheat for offloading under the Open Market Sales Scheme (Domestic). The reserve price for both FAQ wheat and URS wheat has been set at Rs. 2150/Qtl and Rs. 2125/Qtl, respectively. Since the commencement of the offloading on June 28, 2023, a total of 25 e-auctions have been conducted, resulting in the sale of 48.12 LMT of wheat in the open market.
High Yielding Species of Seeds of Pulses
High Yielding Variety Seeds (HYV seeds) are resistant to insects and diseases and have a high yielding capacity. These seeds are of better quality and are a better option for surplus and healthy production of crops.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Develops 142 Biofortified Crop Varieties
The field crops encompass a range of staples, with notable quantities developed in rice (10 varieties), wheat (43 varieties), maize (20 varieties), pearl millet (11 varieties), small millets (13 varieties), lentil (2 varieties), chickpea (2 varieties), and more. Additionally, 18 biofortified varieties of horticultural crops, such as sweet potato, amaranthus, greater yam, potato, cauliflower, okra, grapes, banana, guava, and pomegranate, have been introduced.
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
The main focus of the meeting was to discuss agricultural policies and initiatives towards sustainable food systems, market access issues, India-EU FTA negotiations and bilateral agreement of Organic Products.
Revised Wheat Stock Limits for Traders/ Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors
Entities exceeding the prescribed limits are mandated to bring their stocks within the limits within 30 days of the notification. Central and State Government officials will closely monitor and enforce these stock limits to prevent any artificial scarcity of wheat.
Draft Honey Grading and Marking Rules, 2023
These rules mark a significant step towards ensuring the quality and safety of honey in the market, providing consumers with transparent information about the products they purchase and consume. The regulations aim to bolster consumer confidence and elevate the standards of honey products available in the market.
