31-October-2023: India Agrivoltaics Alliance Launched, Onion Prices Soar in Various Parts of Country, SKUAST-K's Endowment Fund Scholarship

31 October 2023

• India Agrivoltaics Alliance Launched, Marking Milestone in Solar-Agriculture Integration

  Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar energy production and agricultural practices, holds immense potential to revolutionize modern agriculture. Recognizing the significant promise of this practice, the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) took a commendable step by hosting the inaugural India Agrivoltaics Summit (IAS) in New Delhi on October 30, 2023. This pivotal event marked the launch of the India Agrivoltaics Alliance (IAA), supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the India Climate Collaborative (ICC), which is poised to drive the integration of solar energy and agriculture across the nation. Notably, this endeavour is set to bring together 12 organizations from the solar energy and agricultural sectors, fostering a dynamic synergy between these vital industries for a greener future.

• SKUAST-K's Endowment Fund Scholarship Benefits 114 Students with Rs 28.5 Lakh

  The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on a recent Monday took a heartwarming initiative by distributing a sum of Rs 28.5 lakh to 114 deserving undergraduate students as part of the SKUAST-K Endowment Fund scholarship program. This noble fund was established in May of the same year with the primary objective of providing financial assistance to students who are facing economic challenges. The SKUAST-K Endowment Fund received support from a variety of sources, including the university's faculty, staff, dedicated alumni, and several philanthropic organizations. This collective effort underscores the commitment of the entire community to the cause of higher education.

• Onion Prices Soar in Various Parts of Country, Buyers Seek Government Aid

  Due to the skyrocketing prices of onions, widespread alarm has arisen among consumers in several parts of India. The cost of this essential vegetable has surged to an astonishing Rs 80 per kilogram in Mumbai, prompting buyers to appeal to the government for urgent intervention. Concerns are mounting that if this trend continues, onion prices might even breach the Rs 150 per kilogram mark, which would place an enormous strain on household budgets. As a result, consumers are eagerly requesting the government to take immediate steps to curb this steep price increase. The crisis isn't limited to Mumbai alone; it has spread to other regions in the country, such as Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Manoj, a vegetable seller in Agra, explained that they are procuring onions from wholesale markets (mandis) at a rate of Rs 60 to 65 per kilogram. However, customers are reluctant to purchase onions due to the surging costs, exacerbating the issue.

• Stubble Burning Incidents Drop to 6391 in Northern States, Compared to 13964 in 2022

  In the ongoing paddy harvesting season, from September 15th, 2023 to October 29th, 2023, the states of Haryana, Punjab, and the National Capital Region (NCR) have witnessed a remarkable reduction in stubble burning incidents. The data indicates that efforts from various stakeholders, frequent reviews, and daily monitoring have played a pivotal role in curbing this environmentally harmful practice over the last two years. Punjab, one of the states notorious for stubble burning, has reported a considerable decline in such incidents. During the 45-day period in 2023, the total number of stubble burning cases in Punjab stands at 5,254, as opposed to 12,112 in 2022 and 9,001 in 2021. This represents a 56.6% and 41.6% decrease, respectively, compared to the previous two years.