17th March 2021,Multi Layer farming, Godowns, Natural farming, MSP, Corona pandemic, farmers protest

17 March 2021

• Tests going on for Multi Layer farming

  Multi layer farming involves growing plants of different heights together. Usually these are compatible with each other and this type of farming is followed in orchards or plantations. Government is expecting multi-farming to give farmers more income, improving the fertility of soil and growing good quality crops. Currently ICAR institutions across India are testing Multi-layer farming to  see if it gives the above mentioned benefits.

• Godowns across India inspected by FCI

  FCI regularly inspects the godowns across India to monitor their condition. As poor quality godowns can lead to losses or diseases. This time godowns with capacity of 3.5 LMT have been found to be beyond use. And government has started investing in and building godowns with capacity of 3.375 LMT.

• Government emphasizes on Natural Farming

  Government has introduced schemes and sub schemes to promote natural farming among traditional farming methods. One of the major reasons for this is that Natural Farming is chemical free and recycles all waste from the farm. The soil is also tilled for aeration. The government provides training, certification facilities and also financial assistance of Rs. 12,200 per hectare for 3 years to these farmers, following Natural Farming .

• MSP benefiting farmers

  Government is procuring wheat, paddy and pulses from the farmers at MSP. MSP gives the farmers assistance by setting the minimum price for these crops. As the farmers have the option of selling to Government at MSP or at higher prices to other buyers. MSP provides guarantees to farmers in terms of their income.

• South African variant of Corona seen in India

  A passenger on his way from South Africa was tested at the Delhi Airport and found infected with  a South African variant of Corona. This is the first time that this variant has been seen in India. He is to remain isolated till he has recovered completely.

• Farmers told to enroll on e-NAM and transact

  e-NAM platform allows you to register yourself, if you are a farmer, FPO or trader and then you can carry out transactions over this platform. Transactions of  Lakhs of crores Rupees have taken place over e-NAM.

• Training to women farmers

  Women farmers are being trained under different schemes by the Central government. They are being trained in latest technologies and techniques in agriculture. These training will improve women's participation in farming and productivity on farms.

• No permanent structures to shelter agitated farmers

  The protesting farmers leaders have ordered their fellow protestors not to build any permanent structure around the protest sites. The reason for this are the complaints lodged against the farmers for building unauthorized structures. This construction started by some of the farmers was in the hope that these protests can go for as long as the protestors want.