01-March-2024: World's First Utility Patent for Direct Seeding Drone, Eco-Friendly Wound Dressing from Banana Fibers, ONDC Redefines Farmer Outreach, Virat Kisan Mela

1 March 2024

• Zambia Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Drought Crisis

  Zambia, a nation already grappling with economic challenges, has been pushing into a state of national disaster and emergency. President Hakainde Hichilema has declared this dire situation a result of the El Niño weather phenomenon exacerbated by climate change. As the crisis unfolds, it has become increasingly evident that urgent action is required to mitigate the devastating effects

• Virat Kisan Mela: Agri Min Surya Pratap Shahi Allocates Rs 2.25 Crores to Ensure Availability of Sugarcane Seeds

  Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi kicked off a three-day ‘Agroclimatic Zone Level Virat Kisan Mela’ in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The event aimed to foster engagement with farmers, disseminate information about government initiatives, and inspect agricultural research centers. Minister Shahi, in his address, emphasized the government's commitment to agricultural development and the welfare of farmers.

• ONDC Redefines Farmer Outreach: 8000 FPOs Register, 5000 Enrolled in Revolutionary Initiative

  A significant step toward expanding farmer's market access and digital outreach has been taken with the successful enrollment of nearly 5,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, out of the 8,000 registered enterprises. This initiative, aligned with the Central government's agenda of enhancing market accessibility for growers, aims to revolutionize the way FPOs connect with consumers nationwide.

• IASST Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Wound Dressing from Banana Fibers

  An innovative solution has emerged in the realm of wound care, one that not only addresses the pressing need for effective treatments but also champions sustainability. Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), in a groundbreaking initiative, have repurposed banana pseudo stems, a byproduct of India's thriving banana industry, into a versatile wound dressing material.

• Marut Drones and PJTSAU Secure World's First Utility Patent for Direct Seeding Drone

  Marut Drones, a pioneering drone manufacturer based in India, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the world's first utility patent for its innovative direct seeding drone. The patent, valid for 20 years starting from November 29, 2021, is proof of Marut's commitment to technological innovation in agriculture. Developed in collaboration with Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), the patented drone incorporates a cutting-edge multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device.