19-November-2023: ICAR-IIMR, PM Kisan Installment, Innovative "T" Budding, Millet Cutlery and Sericulture Cocoon Products Showcased at Krishi Mela 2023 in Bengaluru

19 November 2023

• ICAR-IIMR Transformed Millets into Healthy & Tasty Rice for Rice Lovers

  Researchers at the Indian Institute of Millet Research (ICAR-IIMR) have devised an innovative method to cater to rice lovers who are reluctant to switch to millets due to their numerous health benefits. Through a process called reconstitution, millet powder is transformed into 'millet rice.' According to B. Dayakar Rao, the CEO of Nutrihub, an organization established by IIMR to promote millet technologies, this technique not only entices rice enthusiasts to embrace millets but also enhances the nutritional content of millets by incorporating additives such as energy and fiber. The initial focus has been on creating 'millet rice' from kodo millets, a specific type of grain. However, the process can be extended to produce rice from various other millets, marking a potential game-changer in dietary habits.

• GI Products of UK from Agri Sector Seeks Higher Protection Under FTA With India

  The ongoing negotiations between the UK and India for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) face a hurdle concerning the level of protection for Geographical Indication (GI) products from the agricultural sector. This issue involves British GI products such as Scotch whisky, Stilton cheese, and Cheddar cheese. GIs are essentially products originating from specific geographical territories, carrying an assurance of quality and distinctiveness tied to their origin. The UK is pressing for a higher level of protection for its GIs, including provisions beyond what India typically offers for violation of GI rules. While India generally provides protection for GIs, the UK seeks an elevated standard.

• PM Kisan 15th Installment: What to Do If Rs 2000 Installment Hasn't Been Credited to Your Account

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed the 15th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme on November 15, 2023, allocating over Rs 18,000 crore to benefit more than 8 crore farmers. Despite this, reports reveal that numerous eligible farmers are yet to receive the promised amount of Rs 2000, sparking concerns about the delay in the distribution process. The PM-KISAN scheme, a flagship initiative of the government, aims to provide financial assistance to all landholding farmers across the country. Under this program, eligible farming families receive Rs. 6000 annually, distributed in three equal installments of Rs. 2000 every four months, to support their agricultural and domestic needs. However, the recent installment seems to be pending for some beneficiaries, prompting the need for a solution.

• Innovative "T" Budding: A Cross-Cut Method for Effortless Success in Horticultural Propagation

  Although "T" - budding is most common among all budding methods, much skill is required for the success of the method. In many plant species, the flaps of bark even break apart while making the matrix and inserting the bud piece in that. In the present article, some innovation of "T"- budding has been presented which appears to be performed relatively easily and a chance of breakage of the bark flaps in performing the operation may be less. Bud - grafting which is commonly known as budding is a conventional method of propagation in many horticultural plants, in which the bud-piece that contains a piece of bark, a vegetative bud, and a short piece of petiole is grafted on the rootstock.

• Millet Cutlery and Sericulture Cocoon Products Showcased at Krishi Mela 2023 in Bengaluru

  The Krishi Mela at Gandhi Vijnana Krishi Kendra (GKVK) showcased a range of innovative products this year, with a notable focus on millet-based items in light of the International Year of Millets. Among the standout creations were edible cutlery products made from little millets, including spoons, bowls, and forks. Students from the spearheaded this initiative. Bhavana, a student involved in the project, expressed enthusiasm about their millet cutlery innovation. In addition to this, the team introduced other products like University of Agriculture Sciences' Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition maize pellets and basil pasta, demonstrating their commitment to diversifying food offerings.