Corona cases increase, farmers protesting, tribals, Chinese imports, losses

7 May 2021

• Van Dhan Vikas Yojana connects tribal farmers to urban markets

  This scheme trains tribals in value addition and connects them to urban markets, helping them earn greater income. Van Dhan Vikas Kendras play an important role in all this. These are entrepreneurship opportunities for the progressive tribals.

• Army praised for its fight with Corona

  Indian army has been praised by the Prime Minister for the role they are playing in the fight against Corona. To manage staff and resources a cell has been setup by the army, which will report to the Vice Chief of Army Staff. This will help in decision making.

• Chinese imports of Soybean and Vegetable oils increase

  Chinese imports of soybean have increased by more than 10 percent and vegetable oil imports have increased by 45 percent compared with the same period last year.

• Three wheelers converted to Corona ambulances

  Three wheelers or Auto Rikshaw are being modified into makeshift ambulances as the load on medical resources increases. There are not enough ambulances to carry all reported cases hence the three wheelers are being brought into use.

• Farmers must fight robbers

  The protesting farmers are claiming that they are protesting because they are being robbed of their products and income. Who is robbing them, the government or the big companies, has not been mentioned.

• Inputs cost more as output dwindles

  In Kerala the farmers are complaining about increase in cost of fertilizers as the yield and the price of their produce falls.

• Indian PM talks with Australian PM about Corona

  Indian PM, Narendra Modi, talked with Australian PM, Scott Morrison over the phone discussing how each country was faring against Corona, what they were doing collectively and what they can do to fight Corona better.

• Ayurvedic medicines for fighting Corona

  Clinically tested ayurvedic medicines Ayush 64 and Kabasura Kudineer will be distributed to hospitals treating Corona patients. These two drugs can treat mild to moderate cases of Corona.

• 6 planeful Aid delivered to India by USA

  USA has landed 6 planes on Indian soil, delivering as much aid as they could put inside their planes. This aid includes testing equipments, Remdesivir, Oxygen cylinders, N95 Masks and other medical items. These have been delivered to Red Cross in India for appropriate distribution.

• Food crisis across the world

  FAO has reported that 155 million people are facing acute shortage of food supply this summer. About 1,30,000 have no hope and are in a dire situation. 28 million people will be in grave difficulties if they are not supplied food urgently. 39 countries have faced these difficulties every year.

• Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) in Agriculture

  RBC is very important in any business, particularly in Agriculture due to the international trade of these commodities. It must be made sure that there is no child labour and the workers producing these agricultural communities are adequately paid. The farmers should make sure that what they are selling is not hazardous to any consumer. These are among the many guidelines of FAO on RBC.