12th March 2021, Utkal Tubers, Swaraj Tractors, farmers protest, Corona pandemic, Chinese imports

12 March 2021

• Utkal Tubers to increase production of seed potatoes

  Utkal Tubers is a Bangalore based company producing disease free, highly productive seed potatoes for sales across Punjab, Haryana, UP, Gujarat, Karnataka and Assam. They have been increasing their production capabilities multifold in recent years. CEO of Utkal Tubers believes that the organization will revolutionize potato cultivation in India. They are aiming for 30,000 metric tonne  of seed potatoes by 2023.

• Swaraj upgrade to 717 a success

  Swaraj 717 is the latest offering from Swaraj tractors. Released in 2020 it is quite a sensation with farmers. It performs multiple functions as rotavator, cultivator, reaper. It also performs spraying, haulage, sowing and threshing.

• Agriculture minister again defends the farm laws

  Agriculture minister, Narendra Singh Tomar has defended the government's stand on not agreeing with farmers on the three new farming laws. Agriculture minister said these laws have been introduced for the benefit of the farmers. The farmers have anticipated that these farm laws will affect their incomes negatively. He said these laws will provide access to greater markets to the farmers and hence greater income. He continued that these laws were created to provide farmers better prices for their products.

• Maharashtra reports highest number of Corona cases in 24 hours

  Maharashtra one of the worst Corona affected states, has  reported over 14,000 cases in last 24 hours. Despite lockdown and vaccinations the State government has not been able to control the occurrence of these new cases.

• China to buy more white wheat from USA

  White wheat producers in USA are expected to be ecstatic as China is increasing the import of their crops. China uses white wheat for manufacturing food products but it uses it also as animal feed.

• 32 States in "One Nation One Ration Card" scheme

  The "One Nation One Ration Card" scheme has so far been successfully implemented across  32 States/UTs. A "Mera Ration" app has been launched which will allow the Ration Card holders to collect ration anywhere in the nation. This will be particularly helpful for migrant workers who will be able to collect their ration in their home state and the state they are working in. All you need to do is present your ration card with your Aadhar/biometric card at any Fair price shop across India and you will be served.

• Indian Railways see Corona as opportunity

  The load carried by Indian railways has increased rather than decreasing in the corona pandemic. Railways provided concessions and discounts which encouraged freight forwarders. Railways have used this time of less crowds for testing efficiencies and on improving their performance.

• Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi hurt by treatment of protesting farmers

  Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has felt hurt by treatment meted out to protesting farmers. The Labour MP and shadow Rail Minister said he did not like what he saw happening in the country of his ancestors and relatives.

• Haryana state budget identifies agriculture as a priority area

  The state government of Haryana has presented the budget at the state assembly. Agriculture with health and infrastructure has been identified  as key priority area. CM Manohar Lal Khattar presented his second budget, as he also shares the portfolio of Finance Minister.

• China blocks Australian timber imports

  Chinese government has not renewed its policy of timber import from Australia. Chinese have done this due to pest found in the Australian timber. Relations between the two countries have not been good in recent times.