10- February-2024: CSSRI Report Reveals Terrifying Increase of Salt-Affected Soils, ICAR-CCARI, India Hemp Expo 2024, Sugar Mills

10 February 2024

• CSSRI Report Reveals Terrifying Increase of Salt-Affected Soils Menacing India's Agriculture

  India, renowned for its agricultural prowess, faces a formidable challenge in the form of salt-affected soils (SAS). According to recent research conducted by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) affiliated Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), these soils currently span over 6.73 million hectares (mha) across the country. However, the institute's findings suggest a dire scenario, with projections indicating a potential doubling of this area by 2050.

• ICAR-CCARI and RARS Address Challenges Faced by SC Farmers in Coastal Ecosystems

  The ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, joined hands with the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Kumarakom, to organize a farmer-scientist interface. This collaborative endeavor, held at Kumarakom, marks a pivotal moment in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in the coastal ecosystem, particularly those belonging to the Scheduled Caste community.

• Government Allocates Rs 15,948 Crore to Sugar Mills to Clear Sugarcane Price Dues

  In a bid to boost the liquidity of sugar mills and facilitate the clearance of sugarcane price dues owed to farmers, the central government has disbursed approximately Rs 15,948 crore across various schemes over the past five years until January 31. This significant financial injection was revealed during a parliamentary session on February 9, underscoring the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.

• India Hemp Expo 2024 to be Held on Feb 24-25 to Showcase Advancements in Hemp Industry

  The India Hemp Expo, now in its third edition, stands as the premier gathering for hemp manufacturers, traders, medical professionals, and stakeholders. Scheduled for the 24th and 25th of February, 2024, at the Manpho Convention Center in Bengaluru, this event promises to be a game-changer for the hemp industry globally. Indianvaidyas, the pioneering digital platform of Ayurveda in India, is the driving force behind this groundbreaking event.

• Polish Farmers Launch Month-Long Protest, Demand Resignation of EU Agriculture Commissioner

  Polish politicians are calling for the resignation of EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, as farmers across Poland initiate a month-long general strike. The protest, which began on Friday, sees farmers blocking roads within Poland and at border crossings with Ukraine, expressing their discontent with European Union policies. The protests follow a recent two-month blockade by Polish truckers, advocating for restrictions on Ukrainian competitors entering the EU. While the truckers have temporarily suspended their blockade until March, tensions persist over grain import restrictions introduced by Poland and four other EU nations, exacerbating strains in relations between Poland and Ukraine.