EDITORIALShri Y.C. NandaChairmanAFC Ltd.

Shri A.K. GargManaging DirectorAFC Ltd.

Shri L.N. Vasudev RaoGeneral ManagerUnion Bank of India

Shri G.C. SharmaGeneral ManagerBank of Baroda

Shri Gobinda BanerjeeGeneral ManagerPunjab National Bank

Shri E. ShivalingamGeneral ManagerUCO Bank

Shri P.C. SrivastavGeneral ManagerCentral Bank of India

Shri N. Narasa ReddyGeneral ManagerCanara Bank

Shri P.M. KshirsagarGeneral ManagerAFC Ltd.

HonoraryAdvisory Board

Views expressed by the authors do notnecessarily reflect those of the

Agricultural Finance Corporation Ltd. Nopermission is necessary to reproducecontents except for the copyright text.

Dear Reader,

Alternative medicine to which Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy belong isa hugely growing sector not only within the country but also internationally as theyare seen to be more physiologically friendly than modern medicine. Their formulationsare based on herbs and medicinal plants which have evolved through the centuriesand are found in ancient texts. Modern research is also going on for introducingnewer formulations.

According to the National Medicinal Plants Board, the domestic trade of traditionalmedicine and herbal industry is of the order of Rs.80 billion and exports account forRs.10 billion. The trade is of the order of US $ 120 billion and is dominated byChina. India�s share is rather negligible.

However, the point to be noted is that these medicinal plants are mostly forestbased with very little being grown as a commercial proposition. The Indiansubcontinent is one of the world�s 12 leading Biodiversity Centres, encompassing16 different agro-climatic zones. It has been estimated that about 45,000 plantspecies (nearly 20% of the global species) occurs in the Sub-continent. About 3,500species of both higher and lower plant groups are of medicinal values. More than 80percent of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) are collected from 17 million hectaresof Indian forest land. However, many of these, due to over-exploitation have becomerare or endangered ones leading to rapid genetic loss of medicinal plants.

It is here that the Government needs to quickly step in and ensure that productionof alternative medicine is not confined to produce from forests alone but becomes ahigh income generating alternative agricultural operation for farmers. Towards thisend, a massive extension programme needs to be launched on cultivation practicesfor the proper cultivation of the medicinal plants along with provision of assuredsupply of quality planting materials to the farmers. Only then will India be able to bea major player in the field of alternative medicine which can not only be a hugesource of livelihood but contribute hugely to the agriculture GDP of the country andexports through value addition.

I take this opportunity to inform our readers that from January 2010 onwards, yourmagazine would become a monthly. Readers can now look forward to getting toknow more about what is happening in the agriculture and allied fields in the countryand elsewhere. We hope to receive your continued patronage without which wewould not have been able to survive for four decades.

A.K. GargEditor-in-Chief

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Ayurveda .............................................................. 6

Aloe Vera: An Excellent Medicinal Plant .................. 10

Impact of Climate Change on Human and FoodSecurity ................................................................ 13

Constraints Faced and Suggestions made by theAgricultural Community Radio Listeners in PuneDistrict .................................................................. 16

Mobile Phones Messages Using Behaviour andAdoption of Various Technologies by the BeneficiaryFarmers ................................................................ 20

Manish Sharma

S.Divya Devi and K. Kannusamy

Dr. S. Saravanakumar

R.L. Parab, Dr. P. A. Sawant and Dr. S.L. Sananse

R.L. Parab, Dr. P. A. Sawant and Dr. S.L. Sananse

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Editorial Board

Published byAgricultural FinanceCorporation Ltd.Dhanraj Mahal, ChhatrapatiShivaji Maharaj Marg,Mumbai 400 001

Produced byL.B. Associates Pvt Ltd.H-108, Sector 63, Noida - 201301Tel: 91-120-2427280/82,Fax: 91-120-2427108Email: binoy@lbassociates.comWebsite: www.lbassociates.com

Editor-in-ChiefShri A.K. Garg

EditorG. Kalyan Kumar

Associate EditorLinda Brady Hawke

Desk EditorManish Sharma

Events & AdvertisingRitu Khanduri91-9891173723

DesignAtul Kumar

Micro Finance in West BengalA Case Study ........................................................ 28

Precision Farming .................................................. 32

Importance of Bio-Diversity to Indian Agriculture .... 37

Agri News ............................................................ 43

Agri Technology News .......................................... 45

Manas Bhattacharjee

Dr. S.K. Sharma, Dr. M.K. Maji and Prof. K.N. Tiwari

K. Venkataraman

COVER STORY

The therapy which pacifies diseasesand gives rise to other diseases isnot pure therapy. The pure is one

which pacifies without erupting otherproblems.

Introduction

Ayurveda is an alternative/natural formof medicine. It has been in practice sincetime immemorial and is one of India�soldest medicinal systems. Some of theother natural/alternative streams ofmedicine which are recognized by theGovernment of India are: Siddha; Unani;Yoga; Naturopathy; and, Homoeopathy.Out of these Yoga and Naturopathy aredrugless therapies.

The domestic trade of the AYUSH(Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani,Siddha & Homeopathy) industry is of theorder of Rs. 80 to 90 billion. The Indianmedicinal plants and their products alsoaccount of exports in the range of Rs.

10 billion. There is global resurgence intraditional and alternative healthcaresystems resulting in world herbal trade whichstands at US$120 billion and is expected toreach US$7 trillion by 2050. Indian share inthe world trade, at present, however, is quitelow.

Importance of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a safe and side-effect free formof medication. Its use has been documentedsince 5000 BC. The success story ofAyurvedic medicinal plants has truly beenremarkable.

Government Regulations

The Central Council of Indian Medicine forAyurveda, Siddha & Unani was establishedthrough an act of parliament in 1970. Theobjectives of the act are:

� To regulate the standard of education;

� Registration of practitioners;

“In India, 60 percentof registeredphysicians areinvolved in non-allopathic systems ofmedicine. In additionto the nearly 400,000ayurvedicpractitioners, thereare over 170,000homeopathicphysicians; India hasabout 500,000medical doctors

AyurvedaPriyogah shamyet vyadhim yah

Anyamqamudiret;Naso vishudhah shudhastu shamyedwau

na kopyet.(Vagbhatta A. H. Su. 13:16)

By Manish Sharma

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COVER STORY

� Code of Medical Ethics.

For drug regulation, the Indian Drugs &Cosmetics Act applies. Schedule T furtherregulates the Ayurvedic industry throughthe following measures:

� Raw materials used in manufacturingof drugs are authentic, of prescribedquality and free from contamination;

� The manufacturing process is as hasbeen prescribed and maintainsstandards of purity;

� Adequate quality control measuresare taken; and,

� The manufactured drug which isreleased for sale is of acceptablequality.

To achieve the objectives listed aboveeach licensee shall evolve methodologyand procedures for manufacture of drugswhich should be documented as amanual and kept for reference andinspection. Vaidyas, Sidhdhas andHakeems dispensing medicines to theirown patients are exempted.

Besides these, the Raw materials usedare also subjected stringent qualitycontrol. These are:

1. Separate and adequate facilities for:

� Raw materials of metallic origin;

� Raw materials of mineral origin;

� Raw materials from animal source;

� Fresh herbs;

� Dry herbs or plant parts;

� Excipients etc.;

� Volatile oils, perfumes and flavours;and,

� Plant extracts, exudates and resins.

2. Labelling under � Under Test�, �Approved� and � Rejected�

National Medicinal Plants Board

The National Medicinal Plants Board and30 State/U.T. Medicinal Plants Boardshave been set up to provide quality rawmaterial for preparation of drugs byensuring:

1. Survey and inventorization ofmedicinal plants;

2. In-situ conservation and ex-situcultivation of medicinal plants;

3. Production of quality plantingmaterial;

4. Creating and developing infra-structure for the purpose of valueaddition, storage & packing of drugsconforming to internationalstandards;

5. Research & Development in medicinalplants sector;

6. Scientific, technological andeconomic research on medicinalplants;

7. Develop proper harvestingtechniques, semi-processing ofproduces viz., collection, grading,drying, storage, packing etc;

8. Priority Plants List � 60 in number;and

9. Area under ex-situ cultivation �25,000 hectares

Government Support toAyurveda

Under the 11th five year plan (2007-2012), the Government has givensubsidies to the Department ofAyurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani,Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH),which include major plans for theayurveda industry like:

� To upgrade quality controldepartment, improve quality-manufacturing unit as per cGMP, USFood and Drug Administration (FDA),UK�s Medicines and Healthcareproducts Regulatory Agency (MHRA)and the European Union (EU)guidelines; and,

� To set up GMP standards for botanicalproducts as well as it be shoulddefined as per WHO standards.

AYUSH has set up a scheme for ayurvedicmanufacturing companies, known as�Ayush Cluster�, where it will giveassistance of Rs 10 crore for forming suchclusters anywhere in India. The

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COVER STORY

Department of Science & Technology isalso involved in promoting Ayurveda andis inviting proposals to setup joint R&Dcentres.

Industry View

�The major challenges faced by theindustry is with relation to thestandardization of products, marketaccess (reach into micro interiors), highlevel of fragmentation of the market andpresence of too many small and localisedplayers� � Kiran Das, General Manager-Exports & Herbal Anglo-French Drugs &Industries

�There is an urgent need for newinvestment in modern research,improved marketing and governmentsupport to sustain the ancient medicinalsystem� � S.C. Sehgal, Chairman andManaging Director Ozone Group.

�Every manufacturer must make effortsto understand the resource and identitiesof its traditional plant input material andalso concentrate upon investing inbackward integration projects forattaining resources identity� � RanjitAnand Puranik, General SecretaryAyurvedic Drug ManufacturersAssociation (ADMA).

�One of the major hurdles in the wideracceptability of ayurveda and itsproducts is the lack of proper

standardization techniques and itsunpreparedness to accept globalchallenges� - Dr. Durga Prasad, SeniorManager-Medical Marketing DaburIndia

�As people are becoming more healthconscious rather than curative, they areadopting preventive healthcaremeasures. This category of product isalso not under price control. So for thenear future, we have robust plans forayurveda R&D activity� - Ranjit Sahani,Vice Chairman and Managing Director,Novartis India

�In India, 60 percent of registeredphysicians are involved in non-allopathicsystems of medicine. In addition to thenearly 400,000 ayurvedic practitioners,there are over 170,000 homeopathicphysicians; India has about 500,000medical doctors (similar to the numberin the US, but serving nearly four timesas many people). Dependence onayurvedic medicine is heavy in certainregions of India, such as Kerala in thesouthwest. Many ayurvedic practitionersin small villages are not registered� - AR Ramasubramania Raja, President-Finance, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy

Case Study � CommonwealthGames 2010

Ayurvedic and Medical Tourismindustries are likely to be the largest

beneficiary of 2010 CommonwealthGames and may gain by around Rs. 800crore, according to The AssociatedChambers of Commerce and Industry ofIndia (ASSOCHAM).

In a Paper brought out by ASSOCHAMon �Prospects for Ayurvedic & MedicalTourism Industries during CWG 2010�,it was predicted that the ayurvedicindustry would alone earn a business ofRs. 500 crore and revenue prospects formedical tourism are predicted forestimated amount of Rs. 300 crore. �Thejob opportunities that would arise forprofessionals of these two promisingindustries are projected for 40,000people,� said the ASSOCHAM President,Mr. Venugopal N. Dhoot while releasingthe estimates.

The ASSOCHAM Chief clarified thatrevenue generation for ayurvedicindustry will be mainly driven throughSpa centres, which means pamperingexterior of those tourists that stay in

Business Ayurvedic Industry Medical TourismRs. 500 crore Rs.300 crore

Tourists Spending Rs.10,000-Rs.35,000/- Rs. 40,000-Rs.1,20,000./-

Employment 40,000 Ayurveda,Opportunities spa & Medical Tourism

Professionals

ASSOCHAM ANALYSIS ON CWG IMPACT ONAYURVEDIC & MEDICAL TOURISM

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COVER STORY

various hotels, from 5 star to 1 star.

Mr. Dhoot pointed out that ASSOCHAMestimates are based on the assumptionthat over 1800 athlete participationwould be bare minimum for 2010commonwealth games in a variety ofsporting disciplines and tourist arrivals forthe people is projected for 6-7 lakhoverseas visitors. The countries of whichmaximum outflow of tourists wouldemerge include UK, Canada, Australia,Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, SriLanka etc. Over 4 lakh domestic touristsare expected for the sporting event.

Case Study 2 � The Indian SpaIndustry

According to ASSOCHAM estimates, theIndian spa industry is expected to receiveinvestment of US$35 billion in the next3-4 years. However, the profit marginsin the spa industry was as high as 60-65% and the domestic spa industry isoffering a mix of traditional ayurvedic,

as well as Chinese, Thai and Swedishhealing techniques.

Case Study 3 � Medical Tourism

Currently, the medical tourism market inIndia is estimated to be worth overUS$300 million with approx. 170,000foreign patients coming in every year andis expected to grow into a US$2 billionbusiness by 2012 with advantages oflow-cost medical and surgery treatmentcompared to US and EU.

ASSOCHAM has suggested thatministries of health and tourism shouldjointly set up a separate Department andtraining institutes to bridge the gap ofskilled professionals in this field and alsoauthorize the ayurvedic and herbalcentres.

Some of the major treatments in theayurveda and spa centres includerejuvenative programmes & therapy(Rasayana Chikitsa), body immunization& longevity treatment, body sudation

(Sweda Karma), and panchakarmatreatment etc.

Conclusion

Needless to say, the increasing popularityof Ayurveda can help the farmers toimprove their financial condition.Farmers need to be made aware of theright farming procedure in order to helpthem cultivate these medicinal plants theright way.

The 2nd part of the cover story focuseson Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is making itsmark in both medical as well as cosmeticmarkets. It�s a plant which has manybenefits; you will discover these as youread on.

Sources:1. AAPRA (American Association ofPractitioners and Researchers ofAyurveda)2. National Medicinal Plants Board(www.nmpb.nic.in)3. LMCST, Jaipur4.Express Pharma Online(www.expresspharmaonline.com)

Currently, the medicaltourism market inIndia is estimated tobe worth over US$300million with approx.170,000 foreign pa-tients coming in everyyear and is expectedto grow into a US$2billion business by2012 with advantagesof low-cost medicaland surgery treat-ment compared to USand EU

COVER STORY

Aloe Vera: An ExcellentMedicinal Plant

By S.Divya Devi**K.Kannusamy*

Aloe Vera plant usage has been well known and appreciated for ages. Greek scientists and researchers mentioned thebenefits of Aloe Vera plants some 2000 years ago and regarded it as best medicinal plant available. The Aloe Vera plantsusage and benefits can�t be replaced by any other alternative; it�s a globally accepted fact that Aloe Vera has been makingits mark from time to time. There are around 250 species of Aloe Vera plants in the world. Aloe Vera plant size varies fromone inch to highly complex and spread out colonies consisting of thousand of plants ranging from 2 foot diameter to more.The most commonly known species of Aloe Vera plant is Aloe barbadensis. Aloe Vera plants are basically tropical succulentplants

Aloe Vera shows the best effect on skin problems and presently the benefits of the plants are being shifted to cure manyacute and serious diseases.

As Aloe Vera consists of 95 percent water, it is not found in cold regions. That�s the reason they are mostly found in tropicaland subtropical region, mostly in Africa. Hot climates suit the growth of Aloe Vera plants. Growing Aloe Vera plants in awarm climate makes them flourish and ensures wide spreading. Plant your Aloe Vera in full sun, if not then in light shade.If you�re planting it inside the home keep it beside the window for proper sun light. If you are in mild climatic conditionstake care to provide adequate sunlight. Aloe Vera plants can survive drought very well but for the benefit of the plant watershould be provided.

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COVER STORY

Topically the Aloe Vera Gel is one of the besttreatments for healing burns, injuries and

sunburn, Aloe can also be used to heightenenzymes. The juice from Aloe Vera plant is usedin the treatment of ulcers, heartburn and otherdigestive disorders. It has recently been used

for athlete’s foot. It is important to get qualifiedadvice about Aloe Vera use, even though it is

well used and considered to be safe

Origin of Aloe Vera

According to botanists, Aloe Vera plantsoriginated in warm conditions andmostly flourished in tropical and subtropical regions. Africa is one of thelargest homes of Aloe Vera plants. Butadaptability is the best policy and selfishhuman nature carried the plant for theiruse to various parts of the world. Anddue to its great adaptable nature andgood care, Aloe Vera plants flourishedin all regions. Greenhouses provide greatsupport in growing Aloe Vera plantseverywhere.

Present Scenario and Promotionof Aloe Vera Plants Uses

In the present day medical communityAloe Vera doesn�t have official standingsand is not promoted widely for itsmedicinal uses. But in spite of that theUS knows the importance of Aloe Veraplants and is largely cultivating Aloe Vera.Aloe Vera gel is widely used in US forskin treatments such as burns or bruises.Additionally Aloe Vera plants are usedin many cosmetic products and are alsoconsumed as a health drink. FDA hasapproved the use of Aloe Vera plants forthe research of cancer treatment andAIDS. More and more research is goingon to get the most out from this powerfulhealing agent.

Cultivation of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera Plants are easy to grow infrost-free climates. They require well-drained gritty or sandy potting compostin moderate light. If planted in a pot or

other containers, our advice would beto ensure good drainage with holes inthe container. Use a good quality soil-based potting mix, with added perlite,grit, or coarse sand. Allow containergrown plants to dry prior to re-watering.The plants may become dormant inwinter. No moisture is required duringthis dormancy. In areas that get frost orsnow they are best kept indoors in awarm frost-free environment.

Advice about Medicinal Uses ofAloe Vera

This wonder herb is used for all kinds ofdigestive problems to regulate femalehormones, to counteract wrinkles (AloeVera Gel), for constipation, liverproblems, ulcers, to heal the gut and tostop bleeding from the intestines, AIDSand to cleanse and remove parasitesand unwanted material fromthe digestive system. In Indiasome women drink Aloe Veraevery day to counteract thesigns of aging. In the west, AloeVera drink is used to cleanse theliver and, when combined withturmeric, to relieve PMS. TopicallyAloe Vera Gel is one of the besttreatments for healing burns, injuriesand sunburn. Aloe can also be usedto heighten enzymes. The juice from

Aloe Vera plant is used in the treatmentof ulcers, heartburn and other digestivedisorders. It has recently been used forathlete�s foot. It is important to getqualified advice about Aloe Vera use,even though it is well used andconsidered to be safe. Apply Aloe Veraand make a difference in your looks.

Introducing Aloe Vera as a medicinalplant would be like making fun of AloeVera. It is world wide accepted fact thatAloe Vera is a medicinal plant and has alot of medicinal uses. While we arementioning the medicinal uses of AloeVera, we all are aware of the healingproperties of the plant. Oral intake andtopical dressing of Aloe Vera helps incuring various problems. The followingare other benefits:

� Aloe Vera is used to heal skin wounds.

� Aloe Vera plant is used to heal burns.

� Helps in speeding recovery time aftersurgery.

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COVER STORY

** Lecturer in Physics, P.K.R Arts College forWomen, Gobichettipalayam.*Lecturer in commerce, PG& ResearchDepartment of Commerce, Gobi Arts &Science College, Gobichettipalayam

� Aloe Vera gel is used on blisters.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing insect bites.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing rashes.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing sores.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing herpes.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing urinary problems.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing fungus.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing vaginal infections.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing conjunctivitis.

� Aloe Vera Plants are also helpful inhealing allergic reactions.

� Aloe gels are applied on dry skins togive them glowing effect.

� Helps in reducing acne.

� Helps to reduce sunburn.

� Aloe Vera helps to fight frostbite.

� Aloe Vera uses includes fighting fromshingles.

� It helps in screening out x-rayradiation.

� Aloe Vera used to reduce psoriasis.

� Aloe Vera used to reduce rosaceous.

� Aloe Vera used to reduce warts.

� Wrinkles from aging are reduced byapplying Aloe Vera.

� Aloe Vera used to reduce eczema.

Seeing so many medicinal uses of theplant it is pretty easy to say that AloeVera is of great importance in our livesand serves great purpose in the medicalfield as well. Apart from the above-mentioned medicinal uses of Aloe Verathere are other more important pointsto be noted about the plant which areof more importance and of criticalunderstanding:

AIDS Cure: Aloe Vera is showing greatpotential in the fight against AIDS.Researchers will get the best potentialresult out of Aloe Vera plants for cure ofAIDS.

Cancer Cure: Aloe Vera plants areproving to be great help for cancerpatients by activating white blood cellswhich promote growth of non-cancerouscells. Researchers have found the cancerfighting properties of Aloe Vera and aremaking a difference.

Benefit from the booming effectof Aloe Vera plant products inthe market

Aloe Vera is a name on which you canrely for your medicinal and cosmetictreatments. Once used, you will beaddicted to using the Aloe Vera plantproducts more and more. And surely youwill be recommending it to others as well.Due to its composition of minerals,vitamins, proteins, amino acids,polysaccharides, enzymes and biologicalstimulators, Aloe Vera products arehighly beneficial.

Aloe Vera can heal frostbite, burns, insectbites, blisters and allergic reactions. It isbeneficial for cracked and dry skin,eczema, burns, psoriasis, inflammationsand wounds. It is a part of anti-wrinklecreams, facial masks, skin conditionersand lipsticks, lesions and many more.The list is never ending.

Aloe Vera beauty products are widelyspread in the market to make your skinsoothing and soft.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera gel is rich in amino acids,minerals, vitamins and trace elements.

The gel comes from the cactus like leafand is a very sticky substance; it istasteless, colourless and odourless. Thegel is used throughout not only for itshealing properties, but is also used as afood preservative that prolongs theconservation of fresh produce, such asfresh fruit and legumes. In the beautyindustry this cooling herb can be tracedall the way back to the ancient Egyptians.Cleopatra regarded it as her beautysecret. Aloe Vera can be found widely inthe beauty industry.

Red nose, cheeks, or hands as well aschapped hands and noses can be treatedby slicing open one of the Aloe�s stalksand squeezing the gel liquid onto theaffected areas. The gel is even used indetergents. It is also environmentallyfriendly. Unlike some detergents thesurfactants in it are bio-degradable.

Animal Usage

Aloe Vera is often used for animaldisorders and is an excellent remedy forsome skin conditions such as dermatitis,abscesses, and fungal infections. Gel isnormally added to the food and can alsoused directly on skin to help combatinflammation. Obtain qualified advicebefore use.

Conclusion

The medicinal uses of Aloe Vera are neverending. Research on Aloe Vera hasshown that it is also helpful in heartproblems with great effect. Diabeticpatients benefits from the use of AloeVera. Major research on Aloe Vera isdone to find more and more probabilitiesand scope of the following 5 qualities ofAloe Vera:

Penetration: The ability of Aloe Vera toreach deepest inside the tissue, a greatproperty of aloe.

Antiseptic: Great antiseptic propertiesto cure problems

Stimulates cell growth: A greatproperty of Aloe Vera is regeneration oftissues.

Settles nerves: Effectively solvesproblems of body�s nervous system.

Cleanness: Detoxifies and normalizesbody�s metabolism.

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CLIMATE

13

Impact of Climate Change onHuman and Food Security

By Dr. S. Saravanakumar*

Climate change is easily the biggest challenge beforepolicy planners today. Climate change as a result ofglobal warming will significantly impact on conditions

of food supply and food security. Climate change is the majoroverriding environmental issue of our time and the singlegreatest challenge facing environmental regulators. It is agrowing crisis with economic, health, safety and foodproduction ramification.

There is a perception among many that global climate changeis simply global warming. In fact, global climate change isan integrated system of several atmospheric phenomena andtheir products. At the surface, concentrations of greenhouseor radioactive gases such as carbon dioxide,chlorofluorocarbons, methane and nitrous oxide have clearlyincreased since the onset of the industrial revolution. Thesetrace gases, in addition to warming the surface airtemperature by trapping some of the energy from theoutgoing radiation, when transported into the stratosphere(10-15 km above the surface), destroy the beneficial ozonelayer naturally present at that height. Such a loss in thethickness or thinning of the

Ozone layer will permit the increased penetration to thesurface of deleterious wavelengths of solar radiation(Ultraviolet or UV [B- band], 280-315 nanometres, 1

nanometre = one billionth of meter), with much concernfor consequent increases in the incidence of melanoma orskin cancer.

Average global air temperature has increased by about 0.8C above pre-industrial levels and a 2001 report by theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projected a risefrom 1.4 to 5.8 C by the year 2100. While this prediction isextremely important, there is a significant amount of spatialvariability in the air temperature. Local climate in differentgeographic areas may very well become warmer and drier,cooler and wetter or remain unchanged. Any change in theclimate is expected to manifest itself as increases in thefrequency of extreme events such as hurricanes, blizzards,heat waves and the number of days without precipitationduring the plant-growing season (drought). Increases in airtemperature can accelerate crop growth and consequentlyshorten the growth period. In cereal crops for example, suchchanges can lead to poor vernalization (e.g., hastenedflowering) and reduced yield.

Global temperatures are rising, glaciers are melting fast, sealevels are rising and established climate patterns are turningtopsy-turvy, throwing lifestyles out of gear � especially inthe developing countries which are still hugely dependenton nature for sustaining livelihoods.

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CLIMATE

The environmental dimension of human securityhas been addressed by an international team

working on Global Environmental Change andHuman Security (GECHS) and in several studies by

the United Nations University Institute forEnvironment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

There is also evidence that since the1950s, in North America, in China andin the former Soviet Union, night timetemperatures have increased much morethan the daytime values (because ofincreased cloud cover due to air pollutionand formation of hygroscopic, cloud-forming aerosols in the atmosphere),with the potential to reduce reproductivedevelopment in many crop species andconsequently, their seed yield.

On 9 January 2004, David King, the UKGovernment�s chief scientific adviserclaimed that climate change is a fargreater threat to the world thaninternational terrorism. In February2004, John Reid MP, then BritishSecretary of State for Defence and nowHome Secretary argued that climatechange may spark conflict betweennations. He forecast that violence andpolitical conflict would become morelikely in the next 20 to 30 years as climatechange turned land into desert, meltedice fields and poisoned water supplies.He listed climate change alongside themajor threats in future decades,including terrorism, demographicchanges, and global energy demand. �Aswe look beyond the next decade, we seeuncertainty growing; uncertainty aboutthe geopolitical and humanconsequences of climate change.�Impacts such as flooding, meltingpermafrost and desertification could leadto loss of agricultural land, poisoning ofwater supplies and destruction ofeconomic infrastructure. �More than300 million people in Africa currently lackaccess to safe water; climate change willworsen this dire situation�.

John Ashton, the UK Foreign Secretary �sSpecial Representative for ClimateChange, said at a conference on �ClimateChange: The Global Security Impact�, atthe Royal United Services Institute on 24January 2007, �There is every reason tobelieve that as the 21st century unfolds,the security story will be bound togetherwith climate change.� �Climate changeis a security issue because if we don�tdeal with it, people will die and stateswill fail,� Ashton concluded.

Climate change poses many new threatsand challenges to national security andinternational stability as well as to humansecurity at other scales. The concept ofhuman security was introduced first byUNDP in 1994 and then developed

further in a report by the Human SecurityCommission, co-chaired by SadakoOgata and Amartya Sen, in its reportHuman Security Now (2003). Theenvironmental dimension of humansecurity has been addressed by aninternational team working on GlobalEnvironmental Change and HumanSecurity (GECHS) and in several studiesby the United Nations University Institutefor Environment and Human Security(UNU-EHS). In February 1999, during itspresidency of the United Nations SecurityCouncil, Canada, a founding member ofthe Human Security Network, put humansecurity on the agenda by addressingconflicts in human beings In March2005, then UN Secretary General, KofiAnnan, in his report In Larger Freedom,wrote of human security in a broadsense, the issue was placed on theagenda of the UN General Assembly inthe fall of 2005.

Health impacts of climate change

including epidemics and insect outbreakswill have a similar effect, alsocompounding food and livelihood crises.As we have seen with SARS and avianinfluenza, disease does not respectnational boundaries in a globalizedworld. Changing climate may bringmany epidemiological surprises as vectorhabitats change, sometimes quiterapidly. Projected climate change-relatedexposures are likely to affect the healthstatus of millions of people, particularlythose with low adaptive capacity,through:

1. Increases in malnutrition andconsequent disorders, withimplications for child growth anddevelopment;

2. Increased deaths, disease and injurydue to heat waves, floods, storms,fires and droughts;

3. The increased burden of diarrhoeadisease;

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CLIMATE

scientists willcontinue to study thecritical and importantissues of the effects ofadverse air qualityand climate changeon crop production.Unfortunately, somescientists have andwill use socio-politicalreasons to furthertheir own cause

4. The increased frequency of cardio-respiratory diseases due to higherconcentrations of ground level ozonerelated to climate change; and,

5. The altered spatial distribution ofsome infectious disease vectors.

Climate change is expected to have somemixed effects, such as the decrease orincrease of the range and transmissionpotential of malaria in Africa. It is veryeducative to examine the status of thepresent and projected global agriculturalproduction within these overall scenarios.Currently the ratio of rural to totalpopulation for the world is 52%, China;65%, India, 71%; and, 20% the USA.Similarly the ratio of agricultural to ruralpopulations is for: the world - 80%, China- 94%, India - 73% and the USA - 10%.These are telling statistics of the majordependence of the two most populouscountries in the world (China and India)and in addition, some others, on intensehuman labour for food production andsustainability, compared to the US.

China, India and the US account equallyfor some 40 percent of the total area inthe world under crop production. Yet theagricultural production in metric tons percapita of the total population is for theworld � 0.26, China � 0.29, India � 0.20and the USA � 1.4. The large differencebetween the statistic for the US and the

others is due mainly to the use ofcomplex and highly mechanized andmanaged crop production systems in theUS, compared to the emphasis onmanual labour elsewhere. In the USthese types of statistics have led to someadverse, short sighted consequences.There has been a progressive decline inthe number of individual farmers and aconverse increase in corporate megafarming. In addition fluctuations in thecommodity prices, the so-called surplusfood supply and imports of foreign plantproducts have worked negatively againstthe profitability of individual US farmersand thus, the decline in their numbers.

In the final analysis, scientists willcontinue to study the critical andimportant issues of the effects of adverseair quality and climate change on cropproduction. Unfortunately, somescientists have and will use socio-politicalreasons to further their own cause.Fortunately, in general, those types ofactivities are transient by nature (e.g.,the rise and fall of the acidic precipitationresearch program in the US during the1980s and 90s). At the end, sustainingthe future global populations throughfood production and food security wouldrequire scientific integrity and a muchbroader and holistic understanding ofthe many coupled, but complex facetsof our society and their feedbacks to the

continuing process of environmentalchange and its impacts.

Whether one is assessing the impact ofclimate change from the point of viewof intrastate stability and interstaterelations or with an eye to theMillennium Development

Goals and the well-being, dignity andaspirations of the poor and marginalizedof humanity, the challenges are clear. It isalso clear that �No man is an island�, athought poet John Donne contributed tothe collective consciousness ofWesterners. Equally true is thefundamental, epithetic insight of manyeastern belief systems, in one formulation(in the Upanishads): �Thou art that� (TatTvam Asi) � a profound affirmation ofinter-subjectivity, quite apart from itspossible metaphysical meanings. In moremundane terms, we are �all in the sameboat�. Thus not only must rich countriesand wealthy people in those countries cutback on consumption, they must help,support, promote � and not impede � therest of the world in adapting to a planetarysystem that is rapidly changing. A timelyand adequately funded combination ofadaptation and mitigation efforts needsto be encouraged. Adaptation strategiesshould take account of impacts on allstakeholders, consciously includingwomen, indigenous groups, and ethnicminorities while also drawing from localknowledge and past experiences withcoping with climate variability andextreme events.

* Dr. S. Saravanakumar is Lecture inPolitical Science, Gobi Arts & ScienceCollege, Gobichettipalayam, Tamilnadu.

16

DEVELOPMENT

Constraints Faced and Suggestionsmade by the Agricultural CommunityRadio Listeners in Pune DistrictBy R.L. Parab1, Dr. P.A. Sawant2 and Dr. S.L. Sananse3

Introduction

In India farmers live in less accessible andisolated villages both in plains and hillsso effective communication is all themore difficult. Among the various massmedia, radio is economical technologyconveying information quickly,effectively and promptly. Radio can cutacross geographic, cultural, and literacybarriers. Singh and Bharti (2007)reported that community radio wasenhancing participation of people in thedevelopment process; led to capacitybuilding especially in rural areas througheducation thus providing opportunitiesto people to upgrade their skills andenhance their creative talent; creatingrural network for cottage and villageindustries; and, strengtheningPanchayatiraj institutions and bringingthem within easy reach of the ruralpopulation and dissipating topicalinformation in areas of agriculture, socialwelfare, education, health andenvironment. Community radio meansradio broadcasting with the objective ofserving the cause of the community inthe service area by involving membersof the community in the broadcast of theprograms. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras areeligible to apply for grant of permission

The present study was carried out on a random sampling of 40 community radio listeners from eight different villages inBaramati and Indapur blocks to study the constraints faced and to seek suggestions from them. The study revealed thatthey faced constraints like some important programs are not included in the schedule, fewer programs of discussion typeinformation broadcasted, inability to listen due to other work, fewer repetitions of important topics, and short duration ofbroadcasting. The suggestions were:

1. Programs of discussion type information and that of distance education be included in the broadcasting schedule;

2. The repetition of important topics and more duration of broadcasting in the evening. They suggested that 7 am to 9 amand 7 pm to 9 pm were the most suitable times to listen. The time 10 am to 1 pm, 3 pm to 6 pm and 11 pm to 12 pm wasunsuitable for listening.

3. They were more interested in rainfall prediction, agricultural news, disease and pest predictions and inputs availability.They were less interested in advertisements, children songs and jokes.

17

DEVELOPMENT

1 Some important programs were notincluded in the schedule 40 100.00 I

2 Discussion type information was less 28 70.00 II

3 Unable to listen due to other work 24 60.00 III4 Important topics are not repeated again

and again 22 55.00 IV

5 Duration of broadcasting was short 20 50.00 V6 Duration of important program was short 04 10.00 VII

7 Time of the program was not proper 04 10.00 VII8 Speed of speaking was fast 04 10.00 VII

9 Sound clarity was not good 02 5.00 VIII

Sl. No. Constraints Frequency oflisteners

Percentage to frequencyof listenersN=40

Rank

Table 1: Constraints observed by the listeners of community radio.

The community radio station for agriculture inIndia named as Vasundhara Vahini was startedat Baramati during the year 2005. The radiostation is situated at Vidyanagari, Baramatiand Agricultural Development Trusts KrishiVigyan Kendra, Baramati, Pune has providedtechnical supports to run the programs

to run community radio stations. Thepower of the transmitter allowed is 100E.I.R.P. However using this power onecan cover about 10 to 15 km of radialarea.

The community radio station foragriculture in India named VasundharaVahini was started at Baramati during theyear 2005. The radio station is situatedat Vidyanagari, Baramati and AgriculturalDevelopment Trusts Krishi VigyanKendra, Baramati, Pune has providedtechnical support to run the programs.The duration for broadcasting is 4 hoursin the morning i.e. 6 to 10 am and 4hours in the evening i.e. 4 to 8 pm. Theprograms are available at 90.4 MHzfrequency on radio. Programs onagricultural messages, diseaseforecasting for the crops, weeklyschedule of works, answers to thequestions asked by the farmers,interviews with successful farmers invarious crops, interviews with experts onvarious crops, programs for children,women, youth, health care, success

stories, Marathi songs, reading of novel,and prices of agricultural commoditiesare being broadcasted.

Methodology

The present study was taken up in eightvillages in Baramati (5) and Indapur (3)block in Pune district of Maharashtrabecause the majority range ofVasundhara Vahini community radio wasobserved in these two blocks.Approximately 5/8th of the communityradio range comes under Baramati blockand the remaining under Indapure block.A sample of 40 listeners was selected byrandom sampling method. A wellstructured interview schedule was usedto collect the data in accordance withthe objectives.

One of the objectives of the study wasto learn the constraints faced andsuggestions made by the listeners of thecommunity radio. The sum total scoreof each constraint and suggestion wascalculated and percentage ofrespondents was also calculated at the

same time and ranking was given to eachconstraint and suggestion. The totalscore under each hour and its percentwere calculated and ranking was givento each hour. The listeners were askedabout the preference of the programsnot broadcasted but needed to be andthen these were categorized into morepreferred and less preferred and notrequired categories.

Results

1. Constraints

It was very important to know thereactions of the listeners forimprovement in agricultural programsbroadcasted from agriculturalcommunity radio. With this view, thelistener farmers were asked to pose theirconstraints in listening andunderstanding the various programs. Thedata presented in Table 1 shows that outof the nine constraints faced in listeningby the listeners the maximum 40 (100%)score was recorded under - someimportant programs are not included in

18

DEVELOPMENT

1 Other programs (e.g. rainfall prediction, 40 100 Iagricultural and other news, diseases andpest prediction, seeds fertilizers and pesticidesavailability, patriotic, folk and Hindi songs)should be included.

2 The programs with discussion type information 28 70.00 IIshould be increased.

3 The programme of distance education should 27 67.50 IIbe included in broadcasting schedule.

4 The repetition of important topics related to 22 55.00 IVagriculture should be done.

5 The important and popular programmes 22 55.00 IVshould be repeated again and again.

6 The duration of broadcasting should be 20 50.00 Vextended in the evening.

Sl. No. Suggestions Frequency oflisteners

Percentage to frequencyof listenersN=40

Rank

Table 2: Suggestions given by the listeners of the community radio

Some otherprogrammes needsto be added in thelist for broadcastinglike rainfallprediction;agricultural news;teaching throughdistant education;diseases and pestspredictionprogrammes forspraying ofchemicals; pesticides,fertilizers and seedavailabilityprogrammes

the schedule - followed by - less numberof programs of discussion typeinformation broadcasted 28 (70%) -unable to listen due to other work 24(60.00%) - less repetitions of importanttopics 22 (55%) and short duration ofbroadcasting 04 (10%) respectively.

The discussion type informationprograms are easy to understand and aretherefore needed by the listeners. Theschedule of work of the listeners mightbe flexible so sometimes they wereunable to listen due to other work. Thelistening behaviour of the listenersindicated that very few of them tooknotes while listening so they needrepetition of important topics. Similarresults were obtained by Chandra et al(2004).

2. Suggestions

2.1. General suggestions:

The data presented in Table 2 shows thatout of the six general suggestions givenby the respondents the maximum score

(40 i.e. 100%) was recorded under someimportant programs should be includedfollowed by A) programs of discussiontype information should be included inbroadcasting (28 i.e.70%); B) programsof distance education should be includedin the broadcasting schedule (27 i.e.67.50%); C) repetition of importanttopics related to agriculture should bedone (60.00%); D) less repetitions ofimportant topics (22 i.e. 55.00%), andE) the duration of broadcasting shouldbe extended in the evening (20 i.e.50%). The findings of the present studyare in line with the findings of Kumarand Se (2001), Kumar (2003),Purushottam and Kumar (2004), Manhaset al. (2005) and Praveen andVenkataramaiyyah (2007).

2.2. Suitable time for listening:

It can seen from Table 3 that the mostsuitable time for listening to thecommunity radio was 7 to 8pm (29 i.e.72.5%) followed by 8 to 9pm (27 i.e.67.5%), 7 to 8am (24 i.e. 60%), 8 to

9am (18 i.e. 45%), and 9 to 10pm (16i.e. 40%). The findings of the presentstudy are in line with the findings ofKumar (2003) and Praveen andVenkataramaiyyah (2007).

2.3. Future needs of listeners aboutthe type of programmes:

It can be seen from Table 4 that the mostneeded programs by listeners which

were not broadcasted were rainfallprediction 2.95 (9.03%) followed byagricultural news 2.92 (8.94%), diseaseand pest predictions 2.80 (8.57%) andpesticides and fertilizers availability 2.75(8.41%). So the program preferences ofthe listeners should also be taken intoconsideration while adding newprogrammes in the schedule ofbroadcasting. These findings are in

19

DEVELOPMENT

1 7-8 pm 29 72.50 I

2 8-9 pm 27 67.50 II3 7-8 am 24 60.00 III

4 8-9 am 18 45.00 IV5 9-10 pm 16 40.00 V

6 6-7 am 13 32.50 VI7 6-7 pm 11 27.50 VII

8 1-2 pm 08 20.00 VIII9 2-3 pm 07 17.50 IX

10 9-10 am 06 15.00 X11 5-6 pm 04 10.00 XI

12 10-11 pm 05 12.50 XII13 3-4 pm 03 7.50 XIII

14 4-5 pm 02 5.00 XIV15 12-1 pm 01 2.50 XV

16 10-11 am 00 00 XVI17 11-12 am 00 00 XVI

Sl. No. Time Frequency oflisteners

Percentage to frequencyof listenersN=40

Rank

Table 3: Suitable time for listeners of community radio

1 Rainfall predictions 38 95.00 2.95 I2 Agricultural News 37 92.50 2.92 II

3 Disease and pests predictions 32 80.00 2.80 III4 Pesticides and fertilizers availability 30 75.00 2.75 IV

5 Seed availability 22 55.00 2.47 V6 News 18 45.00 2.42 VI

7 Teaching through distant education 16 40.00 2.27 VII8 Patriotic songs 08 20.00 2.18 VIII

9 Folk songs 08 20.00 2.07 IX10 Hindi songs 06 15.00 2.02 X

11 Religious songs 07 17.50 1.90 XI12 Powada 03 07.50 1.80 XII

13 Jokes 03 07.50 1.48 XIII14 Children songs 01 02.50 1.40 IXV

15 Advertise 02 05.00 1.25 XV

Sl. No. Programmes Frequency of moreneeded listeners

Percentage tofrequency of moreneeded listeners

AverageScore

Rank

1. Ph.D. Res. Fellow, Y.C.M.O.U., Nashik2. Professor, Department of ExtensionEducation, College of Agriculture, Dapoli(M.S.)3. Reader, Dr. B. R. AmbedkarMarathwada University, Aurangabad

Table 4: Future needs of the listeners about the type of programmes

conformity with the finding of Kumarand Se (2001), Farooqi et al. (2002) andSingh et al. (2003).

Conclusion

On the basis of the findings, it can besuggested that interaction basedprograms are in more demand and thereis a need to repeat some of the important

programs. There is also a need for someimportant programs to be broadcastedduring suitable periods for listening. Theleast important for the listener farmershould be included in the scheduleduring unsuitable periods of listening.Some other programs need to be addedto the list for broadcasting like rainfallprediction; agricultural news; teaching

through distant education; diseases andpests prediction programmes forspraying of chemicals; pesticides,fertilizers and seed availability programs,so that the different extension agenciesmay prioritize and modify theprogramming accordingly.

There is a need of more community radiostations throughout the country andstrengthening of established radiostations for benefits of the farmers. Theavailable manpower would be bestutilized by using community radio as anextension tool in farming communitiesfor extension of innovations byincorporating distant learning in theschedule of programs.

20

TECHNOLOGY

Mobile Phones Messages

By R.L. Parab1, Dr. P.A. Sawant2 and Dr. S.L. Sananse3

The present study was carried out in Baramati, Indapur and Daund blocks of Pune district by selecting 40 agriculturalmobile message beneficiary farmers from eight different villages. The specific objectives of the study was to learn aboutthe message using behaviour of the farmers, benefits obtained, adoption of technologies by them and the factors affectingadoption of technologies. The study revealed that the respondents immediately read and shared the message amongothers and family members. Rainfall prediction messages were useful for number of farm operations like spraying ofchemicals, purchase and sowing of seeds, purchase of fertilizers and pesticides, drying and harvesting, intercultural operationsetc. Respondents also benefited by messages like field days, trainings and exposure visits. A Majority of them adoptedfertilizer and pesticides application technology, method of planting and nutritional management of livestock after receivingthe message through mobile phones.

It was observed that significantly positive correlation was observed by 12 independent variables namely age, education,experience in farming, land holding, annual income, area under field and fruit crops, cosmopoliteness, social participation,sources of income, behaviour in using mobile message and activities benefited after the use of message.

Using Behaviour and Adoption ofVarious Technologies by the

Beneficiary Farmers

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TECHNOLOGY

1 Time for reading the message 38 95.00 2.95 I( immediate readingof message)

2 Message sharing with others 30 75.0 2.75 II(regular)

3 Message sharing with family members 23 57.50 2.55 III(regular)

4 Duration for use of service 04 10.00 1.77 IV( more than 2 years)

5 Average expenditure per month 08 20.00 1.65 V(more than350 rupees)

Total 11.67

Parameters of mobile messageusing behaviour

Frequency ofmore users

Percentage tofrequency of more

users

AverageScore

RankSl. No.

Table 1: Mobile message using behaviour of the beneficiary farmers

The facility of givingmessages onagriculture started inKrishi Vigyan Kendra,Baramati, Puneduring the year 2005.Today, more than4000 practicingfarmers haverecorded their mobilenumbers in KVK

Introduction

The mobile phone is handy equipment.It is a wireless and easy to carryequipment used for communication bykeeping in the pocket. It is easilyaccessible anywhere and at any time.Short messaging service (SMS) is an e-mail facility on the mobile phone. Thissystem can work within a few secondsso is very quick in transmitting messages.This software can be used to send themessages in regional language also andreduces cost on stationary, telephone,postage and saves time.

Patnaik et al. (2006) stated that the latestrevolutionary form of communication ismobile telephony introduced in 1995.This facility of message on mobilephones can also be very well used inagriculture for extension of innovations.The facility of giving messages onagriculture started in Krishi VigyanKendra, Baramati, Pune during the year2005. Today, more than 4000 practicingfarmers have recorded their mobilenumbers in KVK. For a group of farmersfrom a particular village who recordedtheir mobile numbers in the KVK, theKVK provides information on rainfallprediction for future three-four days.Similarly other activities of KVK like fielddays, trainings, study tours, kisan melas,availability of seeds etc. are also wellcommunicated to the farmers throughthis service. It was therefore thoughtappropriate to study the mobile messageusing behaviour of the beneficiaries�

along with the benefits received by them.So the study was conducted withfollowing specific objectives:

1.To learn about the mobile messageusing behaviour of the farmers;

2.To study the benefits received by thefarmers after getting the mobilemessages;

3.To learn about the adoption oftechnologies after receiving themessage and factors associated withadoption.

Methodology

The present study was taken up in eightvillages of Baramati (5), Indapur (2) andDaund (1) block in Pune district ofMaharashtra where mobile phonemessage beneficiaries of Krishi VigyanKendra were more in number. Thenumber of villages selected from aparticular block was on the basis ofproportionate number of beneficiaryfarmers from it. A sample of 40beneficiaries in eight villages wasselected by random sampling method.A well structured interview schedule wasused to collect the data according to theobjectives of the study. Statistical toolslike mean, standard deviation, frequency,percentages, rank, and correlationcoefficient were used for analysis of data.

Result:

1. Behaviour in using mobile messagefacility:

The data presented in Table 1 shows thatfive parameters were studied in thepresent study to see behaviour in usingmobile messages facility. The maximumaverage score recorded under time forreading the messages was 2.95(25.28%)followed by messages sharing withothers was 2.75 (23.56%) and lastlymessages sharing with family memberswas 2.55 (21.85%). Out of the fiveparameters studied under mobilemessage using behaviour the frequencyof more users was highest i.e. 38(95.0%) under time for reading themessage i. e immediate reading,followed by 30 (75.00%) under messagesharing with others and 23 (57.50%)under message sharing with familymembers respectively.

1 Spraying of chemicals 38 95.00 2.95 I

2 Sowing of seed 35 87.50 2.85 II3 Application of Fertilizer 33 82.50 2.82 III

4 Purchase of Pesticides 31 77.50 2.75 IV5 Purchase of Seed 30 75.00 2.73 V

6 Drying of produce 32 80.00 2.70 VI7 Purchase of Fertilizer 29 72.50 2.65 VII

8 Interculture operations 27 67.50 2.62 VIII9 Harvesting of crops 27 67.50 2.62 VIII

10 Ploughing 26 65.00 2.60 IX11 Earthing up 16 40.00 2.25 X

12 Fodder cutting 09 22.50 2.00 XI13 FYM application 09 22.50 1.92 XII

14 Purchase of Implements 01 2.50 1.43 XIII

Sl. No. Farm operations Frequency offrequently benefited

farmers (No.)

Percentage tofrequently benefitedfarmers (%) N=40

AverageScore

Rank

Table 2: Benefits obtained from the rainfall prediction messages by the farmers

1 Rainfall prediction message 39 97.50 2.97 I2 Field day 29 72.50 2.70 II

3 Training 15 37.50 2.33 III4 Exposure visit 06 15.00 1.75 IV

Frequency offrequently benefited

farmers (No.)

Percentage tofrequently benefitedfarmers (%) N=40

RankActivity of KVKSl. No.

Table 3: Activities of KVK benefited by the farmers after getting he mobile messages

Average Score

The rainfall predictionmessages were useful inplanning for number ofoperations in the field

2. Benefits obtained from rainfallprediction messages:

The data presented in Table 2 shows thatthe rainfall prediction messages wereuseful for most of the farm operationsto take proper decisions at right time.The majority of the farmers benefited forthe farm operations namely spraying ofchemicals (95%), sowing of seeds(87.5%), application of fertilizers(82.5%), drying of produce (80%) andpurchase of pesticides (77.5%) aftergetting rainfall prediction messages.Fewer numbers were benefited fromoperations like FYM application (22.5%)and fodder cutting (22.5%) after gettingrainfall prediction messages. The findingsare consistent with the observationsmade by Farooqi et al. (2002), Devrajand Chaturvedi (2003), Purushottamand Kumar (2004), Bondale et al. (2005),Manhas et al. (2005a) and Singh et al.(2005).

3. Beneficial messages for the farmers

The data presented in Table 3 shows thatout of the four types of messages givenby the KVK the farmers perceived thatthe rainfall prediction messages(30.46%) were most beneficial followedby field day (27.69%), training (23.9%)exposure visit (17.95%). It was furtherobserved that farmers were benefitedmore frequently by rainfall predictionmessages (97.50%) followed BY fielddays (72.5%), training (37.5%) andexposure visits (15%).

4. Adoption of technologies aftergetting mobile messages

The data presented in Table 4 shows thatthe mobile messages beneficiary farmersadopted seven major technologies intheir farms. The majority of themadopted fertilizer application technology(87.5%) followed by pesticidesapplication technology (77.5%), method

TECHNOLOGY

Contd. on page 2722

1 Fertilizer application 35 87.50 I

2 Pesticide application 31 77.50 II3 Planting methods 15 37.50 III

4 Nutritional management of livestock 12 30.00 IV5 Selection of crops and varieties 11 27.50 V

6 Varmicompost production 10 25.00 VI7 Irrigation methods and techniques 5 12.50 VII

Technologies Adopted Frequency offarmers adopted

Percentage tofrequently benefitedfarmers (%) N=40

RankSl. No.

Table 4: Adoption of various technologies after getting mobile messages by the farmers

1 Age X-1 0.340*

2 Education X-2 0.435*3 Family Members X-3 0.205NS

4 Experience in farming X-4 0.385*5 Landholding X-5 0.659**

6 Annual Income X-6 0.629**7 Area under field crops X-7 0.578**

8 Area under fruit crops X-8 0.278*9 Livestock owned X-9 0.142NS

10 Cosmo politeness X-10 0.313*11 Social participation X-11 0.498**

12 Sources of information X-12 0.544**13 Duration for use of service X-13 0.019NS

14 Behavior in using mobilemessage X-14 0.655**

15 Activity Benefited by thebeneficiaries X-15 0.791**

Independent Variable VariableCode

Person�sCorrelationCoefficient

Sl. No.

* Statistically significant at 5% level of significance** Statistically significant at 1% level of significanceNS - Non significant

* Ph.D. Res. Fellow, Y.C.M.O.U.,Nashik; ** Professor, Department ofExtension Education, College ofAgriculture, Dapoli (MS.);*** Reader, Dr. B. R. AmbedkarMarathwada University, Aurangabad

Table 5: Correlation Coefficient of various independent variables withdependent variable adoption of technologies.

of planting (37.5%) and nutritionalmanagement of livestock (30%). Theleast adopted practice was irrigationmethod and techniques (12.5%). Thefindings of the present study are in linewith the findings made by Alexander etal. (2004), Purushottam and Kumar(2004), Singh et al. (2005), Bondale etal. (2005) and Manhas et al. (2005a).

5. Factors associated with adoption oftechnologies

The study revealed that significantlypositive correlation was observed by 15independent variables. The variables age,education, experience in farming, landholding, annual income, area under fieldand fruit crops, cosmopoliteness, socialparticipation, sources of income,behaviour in using mobile message andactivity benefited by the beneficiarieswere found positively and significantlyassociated with adoption oftechnologies. Family size, livestockowned and duration of mobile use hadnon-significant association withadoption. The results are in conformitywith the results obtained by Zagade etal. (2003).

Conclusion

On the basis of the findings, it can besuggested that the beneficiary farmershad habit of reading and sharing themessages immediately with others. Therainfall prediction messages were usefulin planning for number of operations inthe field. They benefited in pesticides andfertilizers knowledge and its application,could decide for planting different cropsand varieties, nutritional management oflivestock and health of animals also. Theywere benefited by programmes like field

days, trainings and exposure visitsarranged for them after getting themessages. So the beneficiary farmerswere more eager in adoption of thetechnologies after getting the messageson their mobiles. The dominant variableswhich explained much variation withdependent variable adoption oftechnologies needs to be given muchattention while formulating thestrategies. The future researchers andstudents should try to find out the factorsresponsible for remaining variation inadoption of various technologies after

getting the mobile messages. Mobilemessage using behaviour and adoptionindicates that there is a need to promotethis innovative extension tool in transferof technology and to bridge the gapbetween farmer and extensionpersonnel.

TECHNOLOGY

27

28

FINANCE

Micro Finance in West BengalA Case Study

By Manas Bhattacharjee*

Introduction

In the planned economic era, there is astory of mixed reaction about the growthand development of the Indian economy.There is no doubt that the economicdevelopment of India has brought abouta remarkable change in comparison withthe economy of British India. However,the fruit of planned economy, which wasa cherished aim, has not yet reached thedesired sector. Reflection of developmentvisualized a huge gap between rich andpoor, urban and rural, and made theprogress of our planned economy a littlebit cumbersome and puzzling.

In the early days the rural economy wasnever taken into consideration and no

positive step was taken to tap thepotential resources. Rural people weretreated as recipients only i.e. receiversof grants and aid. They were nevertreated as partners in the process ofdevelopment. However, experienceforced policy makers to think seriouslyabout their potentiality.

Genesis: The importance of Microfinance, as it focuses on the economicallybackward classes as the target group, isa new dimension. The concept of MicroFinance has been designed to identifythe local potentiality, availableinfrastructure, and forward andbackward linkages needed for differentactivities, quality of human resources.Nowadays, Micro Credit has been one

The recovery of loans isbased on the collectiveaction by a group ofborrowers. The basis ofthe contract is trust andhence not legallyencumbered. Contraryto the conventionalwisdom of the bigurban bankers,borrowers do notrenege on repayment

29

FINANCE

of the most successful stories in many countries, especially inBangladesh.

Efficacy: What began as a Micro Finance testing ground inRural India grew over the years into a successful training ofsocial entrepreneurship, which changed the economic scenarioof the rural mass. The success in the field of micro finance hadripple effects on the socio-economic activities in rural life inremote areas. The concept of micro-finance has brought micro-credit to the forefront of discussion in development financethrough NGOs/SHGs. It has taken up a number of socio-economic activities while launching its developmental schemesto involve the marginalized people and to improve the creditdelivery system. Greater flexibility in delivery modes is the keyarea of success in the micro-credit concept.

The sole purpose of the micro credit system adopted by theNGOs through SHGs� is to make available credit to the poorestof the poor in the villages. The idea is to activate an enormousamount of unutilized talent amongst the poor people thatneeded a little bit of financial support and a lot of trust. Theformal credit sector was inaccessible since poor people couldnot arrange collateral security. Credit from the informal sector(money lender) is prohibitively high and unaffordable. Themission is based on the firm belief that self-employment ismore likely to provide sustainable livelihoods for poor peoplethan merely subsisting on low employment and poor wages.

Modus Operandi: Through its NGO, West Bengal MinoritiesDevelopment and Finance Corporation has been successful inmaking available credit to the poorest of the poor withoutcollateral to be offered for the loans. The recovery of loans isbased on the collective action by a group of borrowers. Thebasis of the contract is trust and hence not legally encumbered.Contrary to the conventional wisdom of the big urban bankers,borrowers do not renege on repayment. Indeed, the recoveryof micro finance through SHG association revealed that a peergroup could be of lower consequences than the disciplineimposed individual incentives. It has always emphasized thedistinction between the MFI�s concept of micro-credit and otherprevailing forms of small-quantum credit obtainable in ruralareas, including that from the money-lender and other

traditional informal groups, or groups sharing a commoneconomic activity as livelihood. According to the concept, theMFI model focuses on credit as a human right and is targetedto help poor families to help themselves, especially women.Each borrower would have to belong to a group. Borrowersmust associate themselves in the group formed by themselveswith obligatory vis-à-vis voluntary savings.

The business model of the MFI�s scheme reversed the �NotCreditworthy� status by the formal sector in respect of a vastmajority of the rural mass. The loans are given by non-profitorganization or organizations owned basically by theborrowers. When other organizations facilitate loans, theprevailing rate of interest is used as a profit to meet the cost ofloans not withstanding the sustainable livelihood factors ofthe economic outcome from the loan. Naturally, consideringthe above facts, it has the provision to choose non-profit NGOswhose track record seems to be good for Micro Finance.

Case Study

Post Sanction Case Studies of Loan Assistance to All BengalBackward Classes Relief & Development Mission (ABCR&D)NGO, Govt of West Bengal.

The success in the field of microfinance had ripple effects on thesocio-economic activities in rural lifein remote areas. The concept ofmicro-finance has brought micro-credit to the forefront of discussionin development finance throughNGOs/SHGs. It has taken up a numberof socio-economic activities whilelaunching its developmentalschemes to involve the marginalizedpeople and to improve the creditdelivery system

30

FINANCE

30

As assigned by the WBMDFC, theauthor had the opportunity to design acomprehensive schedule in respect ofNGOs and Beneficiaries which havebeen approved by the WBMDFC andvisited the concerned officials of theNGO/Beneficiaries and had threadbarediscussion with them to learn the impactof the micro-finance schemes/trainingimparted to the students. During theField Study, this writer had theopportunity to study the impact of microfinance in the remote areas of WestBengal and interacted with thebeneficiaries who appeared to be quiteenthusiastic and receptive. A very goodimpact in their socio-economic culturalactivities was revealed during theinteraction. Loans had been sanctionedto beneficiaries that were considered tobe handicapped in a socio-cultural andeconomic context. Low income, scarcecapital and subsequent financiallimitations are the major constraints inthe rural areas, where people have noway out rather than depend on theVillage Money Lenders to meetnecessities of life. During the survey, itwas observed that achieving an ideallivelihood of the rural mass remains adistant dream. Socio-economic activitiesare also not encouraging. The miserablerural life of the target group is becominga social stigma in our society. Adaptation

of measures to overcome the situationhas become extremely necessary.

Positive efforts and its reflection inrespect of society are truly encouraging.For implementation, however, there isscope for further improvement whilechoosing the NGOs/Institutions.Dedicated manpower is considered to beone of the crucial inputs for achievingsuccess. Limitation of skilledprofessionals in the rural areas is a majorconcern for its effective implementation.While launching training programs in therural areas, educational institutions haveto depend on contractual persons, andthorough monitoring is essential for itssuccessful implementation. Because ofshortage of manpower faced by theinstitutions � persona non grata �sometimes get involved in these activitiesand utmost care is necessary to avoidsuch a situation. However, in the case ofMicro finance benefits percolated to thedesired sections of the society areappreciably high so far as delivery ofcredit disbursement is concerned.

Activities of NGO

The following activities are being takenup in the concerned areas:

1. Facilitation of Education for SC andST Children;

1. Rs 2.0 on 12.1.04 56 Rs. 2000/- to 4000/-2. Rs 3.0 on 9.7.04 320 Rs. 1000/- to 3000/-

3. Rs 5.0 on 23.5.05 194 Rs. 1000/- to 7000/-4. Rs. 5.0 on 9.11.05 192 Rs. 1000/- to 6000/-

5. Rs. 5.0 on 3.5.06 241 Rs. 2000/- to 3000/-Total 1003

Table 1: Details of Loan has been Sanctioned to the Group Members

Amount Received fromWBMDFC (Rs in lakh)

No. ofbeneficiariescovered

Quantam of LoanS. No.

Source: All Backward Class Relief & Development Mission

2. Procurement of Micro Credit andformation of SHGs and its working;

3. Training on:

� Tailoring and Embroidery & ZoryWork;

� Alternative Source of energy andTechnology;

� Food Preservation and Processing;

� Practical Training on Relief Work;

� Need based training for Agricultureand Pisciculture etc;

4. Awareness of Women�s LegalSupport;

Success Story of the Group members and their activities

5. Social Development Programs such as:

� Health awareness campaign;

� Self Help Group awareness;

� Cancer awareness programme;

� AIDS awareness Campaigns;

� Women�s Empowerment;

� Family Welfare Programme;

� Child Labour;

� Prevention of atrocities on women;

� Anti-Dowry Programme.

MuslimparaUnion Samity

Group

Servicetax

1st LoanRs 2000/-

Fullyrecovered

IGA: Molasses(Khejur Gur)

Jaggary

Mrs RahenaBibi

2nd LoanRs 5000/-

Rate of interest@ Rs 12% PM

Not yet due

Besides the above, the NGO has beeninvolved in various types of socio-culturalactivities like dance drama, conductingseminars and workshops, streetcampaigning on environmentawareness, pollution control, planting ofsamplings, use of potable water andsmokeless chullas etc.

31

FINANCE

Impact on the Member

During the interaction it was revealed that the above groupmember is involved in the activities for Gur Processing and herper day income on an average ranges between 300 and 400rupees. She had taken initially Rs 2000/- which, had been fullyrepaid, and took another amount of Rs 5000/-, repayment ofwhich is not yet due. She reported that there is very goodscope to engage a large number of local unemployed youth inthis trade and to process the same in a more scientific andhygienic manner. The AFC Team observed that repayment ofloans is encouraging in the said locality, because of high returnin the local small business activities. Small trade like ProcessingDate-Palm Juice (Khejur Gur (jiggery) Processing) is consideredto be very lucrative. Raw materials of the same are abundantlyavailable in the nearby locality. Farmers generally take the leaseof date palm trees at a cost of Rs 45/- per season (for 3 months).Per day extraction of juice is about 5 litres per tree, the cost ofwhich is considered to be Rs 20/- (@ Rs 4/- per litre). Thesame is boiled in local chullas (ovens), and the concentratedliquid is placed into indigenously made earthen dice to givedifferent shape on cooling. Dry date leaves are used as fuelfor the purpose. The finished product, which is locally calledKhejur Gur, is very tasty and used for tea making, delicioussweets not only in West Bengal, but in the neighbouring stateslike Assam, Bihar, Orissa and also in Bangladesh. It has highexport value and is a highly remunerative and lucrative businessas reported by the borrowers.

Inference

After detailed discussion with the officials of the ABCR&DMand the group members mainly women folk, the followingfindings are recorded which, need to be considered for thebetterment of the group members as well as society as a whole:

1. Formation of Group and nurturing of the members providedby the NGO is highly satisfactory;

2. Quick delivery of credit to the rural mass after an informaldiscussion;

3. Borrowers are very much receptive, energetic andscrupulously adhere to repayment schedules;

4. Supporting group members� activities especially of thedefaulter members who are unable to repay their monthlyinstalment. Repayment of the loan by other members ishighly encouraging;

5. Although, the terms and conditions laid down by the NGOeven at the rate of 12% interest and 12% service charge(total 24%) required to be paid by the borrowers areaccepted by the borrowers; still, reduction of servicecharges is required, considering the rate of interest charged;

6. It has been observed that the benefits accrued from therate of interest as well as service charge collected from theborrowers are not added to the group members� fund. TheNGO is enjoying the same benefit, which may not bedesirable. Designing of devices has to be generated suchthat the percentages of benefits to be accrued arepercolated to the Groups in a very transparent manner;

7. It is obvious that the NGO requires some funding for

maintenance of establishment cost etc., but group membersinterest are required to be protected at the same time;

8. Special emphasis is needed to disseminate the concept ofSHG and its benefit so that more benefits accrue towardsbetterment of the society and to remove the acute povertyfrom the rural mass;

9. The NGO should liberalize the system of Micro FinanceCredit Delivery, in which at least 50% benefits (Interest aswell as service charges collected from the group members)are required to be shared by the Groups.

10. The system is to be designed in such a manner, so thatdefaulters victimized by natural calamities, may get somerelief either by waiving of service charges or reduction ofinterest, as the case may be;

11. Adaptation of Insurance coverage system for bad debt ofcredit is necessary;

12. Interest against Group members� contribution has to beintroduced;

13. Opening of SHG Group Members� bank account isextremely necessary; and,

14. NGOs activities are required to be strengthened so thatConfidence Building Measures are developed among theSHG Group members for successful operations.

* Manas Bhattacharjee is Asst Project Officer, AFC Ltd, ERO,Kolkata.

Conclusions

The concept of Micro Finance schemes is to uplift the status ofthe downtrodden through various avocations by providingfinancial assistance. It has been visualized to have a very goodimpact on society, since the banks/other financial institutionscould not come up to the desired level. Support of the LocalNGOs is very vital, since it is virtually impossible to organizeTraining Programs at the door-step of the students because oflimited manpower. Identification of needy students wouldbecome easier for the Institutions with the help of local NGOs/Club etc. Accordingly, economic development of untappedhuman resources especially the destitute/downtrodden isconsidered to be a major achievement by this scheme, andwould go a long way for the welfare of society. A modern andeconomically viable society in different communities shouldbe the vision for the 21st century in the country.

�By three methods we may learn wisdom: First byReflection � which is noblest; Second by imitation � whichis easiest; and Third by experience � which is bitterest�- Confucius

3232

FARMING

Precision Farming

By Dr. S.K. Sharma*, Dr. M.K. Maji* and Prof. K.N. Tiwari **

Precision Farming Development CentreAgricultural and Food Engineering

Department, IIT Kharagpur

Introduction

The green revolution witnessed in the 1960�s catapulted the country from a �beggingbowl to the breadbasket�. India has witnessed the growth of food grains productionfrom 51 million tonnes in the fifties to 206 million tonnes at the turn of the century,helping us achieve self-sufficiency and avoid food shortages. However, even at theseproduction levels, the country is much below the world average. It has been estimatedthat the requirement of food grains in 2020 will be about 320 million tonnes at thecurrent levels of population growth. With the existing technology and productivitylevels, it is indeed a very stiff target unless new technologies are imbibed. It isestimated that indiscriminate use of fertilisers and excessive irrigation have resultedin 12 million ha of land becoming water logged and 14 million ha rendered saline. Aproblem of soil erosion due to water is seen on 141 million ha and due to wind on11.5 million ha. The limited land resource of about 329 million ha has to supportnearly 20 percent of the world�s population. India generates just 1 percent of grossworld product, emits about 3.6 percent of CO2 and holds about 2 percent of worldforest area. The existing population is likely to touch about 1.2 billion by 2020 withgrowth rate of 2.2 percent and needs serious thought.

In this context, there is a need to transform our green revolution into an evergreenrevolution which will be triggered by farming systems approaches that can helpproduce more from the available land, water and manpower resources. The precisionfarming proposes to prescribe tailor made management practices, it holds promiseto serve this very purpose.

Precision farmingtechnologies arebeing adopted indeveloped nationswith rapid increase intheir acreage. It hasbeen reported by theUSDA that about 34percent of farmlandgrowing maize washarvested withcombine harvestersequipped with yieldmonitors in 2001

33

Precision farming (PF) is considered theagricultural system of the 21st century,as it symbolizes a better balance betweenreliance on traditional knowledge andinformation � and management �intensive technologies. It is the techniqueof applying the right amount of input(water, fertilizer, pesticide etc.) at theright location at the right time. Thetechniques are used:

� to enhance production;

� to decrease input requirement

� to improve quality of the product; and,

� to protect the environment.

Precision farming, sometimes called site-specific farming, is an emergingtechnology that allows for adjustmentsof within-field variability in characteristicslike soil fertility and weed population.Precision farming has the potential toreduce costs through more efficient andeffective application of crop inputs. It canalso reduce environmental impact byallowing farmers to apply inputs onlywhere they are needed at theappropriate rate. It involves the

Year Soya bean Maize Wheat1992 0 0 0

1994 2 2 01996 8 9 4

1998 16 18 72000 21 28 10

2002 37 31 12

Table.1. Percentage area in the USA, using Yield Monitor Equipped Combines

(Source: Nemenyi et al., 2003)

application rates without sacrificing cropyields. The increasing trend in the use ofcombines equipped with yield monitorsin the USA for the years 1992-2002 isshown in table.1.

It is also reported that use of the yieldmonitors was highest on larger farms inthe Corn Belt of USA. USDA researchersshowed that 60 percent of US farmsusing precision agriculture are in theCorn Belt. In a 1999 survey, Ohioresearchers found that only 6 percent ofall farmers use yield monitors. In general,larger farms are more likely to use yieldmonitors, but the likelihood of adoptionpeaks at about 600 hectares. It has also

been estimated that other countries inEurope also use yield monitors withEngland and Denmark leading the lotwith over 400 of them. Germany andSweden have about 150. In LatinAmerica, the use of yield monitors washighest in Argentina with 560 followedby Brazil with 100.

Adoption of Precision farmingtechnologies in some of the developedcountries has resulted in improved cottonyields by 4 percent and increased NPVR(net present value of returns) of 4.5percent. In the case of maize, yieldsincreased up to 15 percent, the NPVRincreased to 60 percent and nitrogenapplication increased to up to 191percent as maize responds better to theapplication of nitrogen. Cultivators ofGrain Sorghum benefited due to increasein yields of up to 8 percent and increasedNPVR of 7.8 percent. In the cultivationof groundnut, the increase in yield andNPVR ranged between 2.3 and 2.6percent.

sampling, mapping, analysis, andmanagement of specific areas withinfields in recognition of spatial andtemporal variability with respect to soilfertility, pest population and cropcharacteristics.

Status of Precision Farming inDeveloped Countries

Precision farming technologies are beingadopted in developed nations with rapidincrease in their acreage. It has beenreported by the USDA that about 34percent of farmland growing maize washarvested with combine harvestersequipped with yield monitors in 2001.For soybean, the extent was 25 percent.In the rest of the world, 800 monitorswere used in Australia in their harvestseason in 2000 of which 500 were inWestern Australia alone. In South Africa,about 15 such monitors were used in themaize growing belt. Efforts are underwayfor developing monitors for other cropsincluding cotton, sugarcane, potatoes,sugar beets, tomatoes and grapes.Studies in USA, Canada, Europe andAustralia have shown that precisionfarming permits reductions in input

Precision farming,sometimes called site-specific farming, is anemerging technologythat allows foradjustments ofwithin-fieldvariability incharacteristics likesoil fertility and weedpopulation

Weed sampling

FARMING

34

FARMING

34

Elements of Precision Farming

Precision farming relies on the interaction of three broad andfundamental elements to be successful in its implementation.They are categorized in terms of information, technology andmanagement.

Information: In-field variability, spatially or temporally, in soil-related properties, crop characteristics, weed and insectpopulation and harvest data are important databases that needto be developed to realize the potential of precision farming.Of these, entire crop yield monitoring, is the most maturecomponent of precision farming technology and is the logicalstarting point. Several years of yield data may be required tomake a good decision. Highly varying yield within a fieldindicates that the current management practices may not beproviding the best possible growing conditions everywhere inthe field. In this case, further adoption of precision farming forother operations may be beneficial.

Technology: The recent development in microprocessors andother electronic technologies for monitoring yields and sensingsoil related variables are new tools available to make precisionfarming a success. When measuring field characteristics suchas the harvest data, moisture and nutrients� availability in thesoil, satellite-based positioning system, namely, geographicalpositioning system (GPS) can be used to identify the locationswhere the data are taken. Some GPS users demand accuracyin identifying field location, and differential global positioning

systems (DGPS) are one of the improved GPS systems thatreduce position errors. With this information, the results ofsoil sampling tests and yield data can be transformed into fieldmaps, achievable through personal computer (PC) andgeographic information systems (GIS) software. The same mapcan be developed for other field characteristics such as weedand/or salinity mapping. Remote sensing techniques can alsobe utilized to detect soil related variables, pest incidence andwater stress. Often, the remote sensing data will be one layerin a GIS to supplement other precision farming data layers.

Management: Precision farming makes farm planning botheasier and more complex. The ability to combine theinformation generated and the existing technology into acomprehensive and operational system is the third key area inprecision farming. A farm manager must adopt a new level ofmanagement proficiency on the farm. Implicit in this is anincreased level of knowledge of the precision farmingtechnologies such as GPS and GIS, better understanding ofsoil types, micro-climates, aerial photography, economics offarming for accurate assessment of risk, based on differentdecisions. This precise micro-management of his farmingenterprise will enhance the overall cost effectiveness ofprecision farming in crop production including:

� Land preparation (type and depth of tillage, managementof crop residues and soil organic matter, compactionreduction, post harvest residue management);

� Planting (sowing date and rate, plant population and plantingdepth, varietal selection, crop rotation);

� Input management (rates and method of use of fertilizers,pesticides, soil amendments, and water);

� Crop stress detection and monitoring (insects, diseases,weeds, and vegetation stress due to abiotic factors); and,

� Harvesting (harvest dates, grain moisture content andquality).

Basic Steps in Precision Farming

1. Assessing variation

2. Managing variation

3. Evaluation

Assessing Variation:

� Quantifying the variability of processes and determiningwhen and where different combinations are responsible forthe spatial and temporal variation in crop yield.

When measuring field characteristicssuch as the harvest data, moisture andnutrients’ availability in the soil, satel-lite-based positioning system, namely,geographical positioning system (GPS)can be used to identify the locationswhere the data are taken

35

FARMING

� The major part of precision agriculturelies in assessing the spatial variability.

� Techniques for assessing temporalvariability also exist but thesimultaneous reporting of a spatial andtemporal variation are rare.

� Need both the spatial and temporalstatistics.

� Need both the space and time statisticsto apply the precision farmingtechniques

Managing Variation:

� Once variation is adequately assessed,farm managers must match agronomicinputs to known conditions employingmanagement recommendations.Those are site-specific and useaccurate application controlequipment.

� Can use the technology mosteffectively, in site-specific variabilitymanagement. While taking the soil/plant samples, one has to note thesample site coordinates and furtherone can use the same formanagement. This results in effectiveuse of inputs and avoids any wastage.

Evaluation:

Economics � Profitability in terms ofimprovement of environment throughreduced agro-chemical use, highernutrient use efficiency, protection of soilfrom degradation.

Relevance of Precision FarmingTechnologies to IndianConditions

Precision farming technologies havebeen developed and adopted indeveloped nations such as USA, Europe,Canada and Australia where socio-economic conditions of farmers arevastly different from those in India. It isargued that over 57 percent ofoperational holdings in India are less than1 ha, and farmers in general, practicesubsistence farming. Even under theseconditions, judicious use of inputs suchas seeds, fertilisers and pesticides haveto be made for optimising yields andincome. In the case of agriculturallyprogressive states such as Punjab,Haryana, Gujarat and Rajasthan, 20percent of agricultural lands haveoperational holdings of 4 ha or more.When contiguous fields with the same

crop are considered, it is possible toobtain fields of over 15 ha extent inwhich similar crop management arefollowed. Such fields can be consideredfor the purpose of initiating theimplementation of precision farming.Similar implementation can also becarried out in the state farms.

Precision farming technologies are multi-functional and their adoption shouldresult in favourable changes in variousaspects of farming, such as:

� Optimal use of inputs for smallholdings � judicious use of inputs suchas seeds, fertilizers and pesticides foroptimizing yields and income.

� When contiguous fields � same cropsare grown in fields of over 15 ha insize.

� Precision farming holds good for foodgrain crops such as rice, wheat andhorticultural crops grown oncooperative farms.

� Detecting nutrient stresses usingremote sensing and combining data ina GIS can help in site-specificapplications of fertilizers and soilamendments such as lime, manure,compost, gypsum and sulphur.

� This in turn would increase fertilizeruse efficiency and reduce nutrientlosses.

� Pests and diseases cause huge lossesto Indian crops. Remote sensing canhelp in detecting small problem areascaused by pathogens. The timing ofapplications of fungicides can beoptimized.

� Perennial weeds, which are usuallyposition-specific and grow inconcentrated areas, are also a majorproblem in developing countries.Remote sensing combined with GISand GPS can help in site-specific weedmanagement.

Remote Sensing and GISApplications in Precision Farming

Remote sensing and GIS play key rolesin implementation of precision farming.Precision farming needs inputs aboutmean characteristics of small, relativelyhomogeneous management zones.These inputs can be obtained from soiltests for nutrient availability, yieldmonitors for crop yield, soil sampling fororganic matter content, soil maps for soilphysical properties and moisture probesfor measuring soil moisture. GIS providesa good framework for storage of thesedata, modelling of inputs with output,graphical presentation of results,development of user interface and incombination with GPS controlling thenavigation on farm. On the basis of GIS,a decision support system can bedeveloped for operationalisation ofprecision farming at farm level.

The capabilities of Remote Sensing canalso be tapped for precision farming.Multi-spectral images can be used foranomaly detection. These anomalies canbe in the form of disease/pest, weedgrowth, water stress, etc. Using thereflectance measurements in the visiblepart of the spectrum, it is possible todetect diseases and identify weeds fromcrops. The difference between remotelysensed surface temperature and ground-based measurements of air temperaturehas been established as a method to

� Advent of the Green Revolution hasencouraged farmers to use more andmore HYV of seeds, fertilizers, andpesticides.

� These are mostly based on regionalrecommendations rather than specificneeds of the field.

� Indiscriminate use of fertilizers andexcessive irrigation resulted in 12million ha of land becoming waterlogged and 14 million ha renderedsaline.

� Nutrient stress management is anotherarea where precision farming can helpIndian farmers.

The capabilities ofRemote Sensing can alsobe tapped for precisionfarming. Multi-spectralimages can be used for

anomaly detection.These anomalies can bein the form of disease/

pest, weed growth, waterstress, etc

36

FARMING

detect water stress in plants. The space-borne observationsthrough remote sensing are useful for weather forecasting,natural resources management and generation of informationbase relevant to sustainable development of agriculture andprecision farming.

Case Study: Crop water stress and irrigation waterrequirement estimation

A study was carried out at IIT Kharagpur by Gontia and Tiwari(2009) to estimate the crop water stress and irrigationrequirement of wheat crop using satellite remote sensing data.They have used ground based spectral reflectance to generatethe crop coefficients of wheat and generated the cropevapotranspirtation using the ET 0 values estimated fromweather parameters The irrigation water demand and supplywere analysed for Tarafeni south main canal (TSMC) commandof the Kangsabati project of Midnapur district, West Bengal,India, using satellite-based remote sensing and a geographicinformation system. The land use/land cover map for thecommand area was generated using satellite imagery. Cropcoefficients (K c) for pixels representing wheat crop wereestimated empirically from remote sensing derived SoilAdjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Reference cropevapotranspiration (ETc) was estimated using FAO Penman-Monteith equation. The Kc map was combined with referencecrop evapotranspiration to generate spatially and temporallydistributed crop map as shown in Figure 1.

* Research Associate, ** Professor, Agricultural and FoodEngineering Department, Indian Institute of TechnologyKharagpur, (W.B.) - 721302

*** Corresponding Author E mail: kamlesh@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph.+91-3222-283150 (O), 283150 (R),

Fax: +91-3222-282244.

Conclusions

Precision farming is a scientific and modern approach forsustainable agriculture that has gained momentum in the 21stcentury. Precision farming matches resource application andagronomic practices with soil attributes and crop requirementsas they vary across a field. Though it has been widely practicedfor commercial crops in developed countries, it is still at aninfant state in most of the developing countries. Remotesensing and GIS provide key tools for implementation ofprecision farming at a lower cost. The research on precisionfarming has already been initiated in India in many institutesand the need arises to spread the technology to the field usersto harvest its benefits.

References:

Gontia, N.K. and Tiwari, K. N. (2005). Application of RemoteSensing and GIS in Precision Farming with Specific Referenceto Irrigation: An Indian Perspective. In Proc: InternationalConference on Plasticulture and Precision Farming, Nov 17-21, 2005, p 485-492.

Gontia, N.K. and Tiwari, K.N. (2009). Estimation of CropCoefficient and Evapotranspiration of Wheat (Triticumaestivum) in an Irrigation Command Using Remote Sensingand GIS. Water Resources Management, DOI 10.1007/s11269-009-9505-3.

Nemenyi, M., Mesterhazi, P., Pecze, Z. & Stepan, Z. (2003).The role of GIS and GPS in precision farming. Computers andElectronics in Agriculture, 40(1-3):45-55.

Precision farming matches resourceapplication and agronomic practices

with soil attributes and croprequirements as they vary across a field.Though it has been widely practiced for

commercial crops in developedcountries, it is still at an infant state in

most of the developing countries

(c)Distributed evapotranspiration (ETc) map

(a) Land use/land covermap showing crop

(b) Distributed crop coefficient (Kc )map (based on SAVI)

Figure 1. RS generated crop evapotranspiration of Wheat crop in TSMCcommand (a)Land use/land cover map showing crop (b) Distributed cropcoefficient (Kc) map and (c) Distributed evapotranspiration (ETc) map

37

BIO-DIVERSITY

Importance of Bio-Diversityto Indian Agriculture

By K. Venkataraman*

Biodiversity is the basis of agriculture and it is the origin of all crops anddomesticated livestock, and the variety within them. Its protection is importantfor the production of food and other agricultural goods and the benefits these

provide to humanity, including food security, nutrition and livelihoods. Biodiversityin agricultural and associated landscapes endowed with and sustains ecosystemservices important to agriculture. To guarantee future food security and securelivelihoods for rural population of India, we must make certain the conservation ofbiodiversity.

Biodiversity in India

India is a country of diversity. Not only is it abundantly gifted with geographical,climatic, cultural and social diversity, but it is also profusely endowed with biologicaldiversity. Biogeographically, India is situated at the tri-junction of three realms �Afro-tropical, Indo-Malayan and Paleo-Arctic realms, and therefore, has characteristicelements from each of them. There are many types of climatic and altitudinalconditions varying from the humid tropical to the hot desert, from the cold desertand icy mountains to the warm coasts of Peninsular India. This makes India prosperousand inimitable in biodiversity, comprising of both wild, domesticated/cultivated lifeforms as well as natural habitats.

India holds a prominent position among the 12 mega biodiversity centres of theworld. Out of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots, North-eastern Himalayas andWestern Ghats occur in India. Of the total number of estimated species on earthabout 8 percent of the species exist in India, though India occupies only 2.4 percentof the world�s land area. Amongst the existing biota, already nearly 91,000 speciesof animals, 45,500 species of plants and 5,650 microbial species have been

Biodiversity is thefoundation of theessential goods andecological services thatconstitute the source oflife for all. Like manytropical countries, Indiais characterised by acomplex mosaic ofdistinct agro-ecosystems,differentiated by theirclimatic, soil, geological,vegetation and othernatural features

Bimtal lake Nainital

38

BIO-DIVERSITY

documented in its 10 bio-geographic regions. Indigenousmedicine systems utilize nearly 6,500 native plants for bothhuman and animal healthcare. India�s diverse preponderanceof native tribal and ethnic groups has contributed significantlyin the conservation and diversification of biodiversity. Its culturaland ethnic diversity includes over 550 tribal communities of227 ethnic groups spread over 5,000 forested villages.

India has many endemic plant and animal species. Aninteresting feature of the Indian flora is that of the 17,672known species of flowering plants, 32 percent are endemicand located in 26 endemic centres comprising of 141 generabelonging to 47 families. These are concentrated in thefloristically rich areas of North-East India, the Western Ghats,North-West Himalayas and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.So far, 396 known endemic higher vertebrate species arereported. Endemism among mammals (44 species) and birds(55 species) is relatively low. In contrast, endemism in the Indianreptilian and amphibian fauna is high.

Agriculture

Biodiversity is the foundation of the essential goods andecological services that constitute the source of life for all. Likemany tropical countries, India is characterised by a complexmosaic of distinct agro-ecosystems, differentiated by theirclimatic, soil, geological, vegetation and other natural features.It is within this diversity of habitats that an amazing variety ofcrops and livestock have been developed over the millennia ofIndian farming.

N.I. Vavilov reported that the Indian region is one of the world�seight centres of crop plant origin. According to him 166 cropspecies and 320 wild relatives of crops have originated in theregion. But it is the genetic diversity within each species whichis even more astonishing. For example, one species of rice hasdiversified into at least 50,000 distinct varieties, and one speciesof mango into over 1,000 varieties ranging from the size of apeanut to a small pumpkin.

Primary Centre of Diversity: Rice, black gram,mothbean, pigeonpea, cucurbits like smoothgourd,ridgegourd and pointedgourd, tree cotton, capsularisjute, jackfruit, banana, mango, jamun, largecardamom, black pepper, minor millets and severalmedicinal plants.

Secondary Centre of Diversity (introduced crops):African crops - finger millet, sorghum, cowpea,cluster bean, okra, sesame, niger and safflower;tropical American crops � maize, tomato, pumpkin,chayote, chillies and Amaranth.

Regional (Asiatic) Diversity: Maize, barley,buckwheat, prosomillet, foxtail millet, mungbean,chickpea, cucumber, bittergourd, bottlegourd,snakegourd, Brassica spp.

Source: Dhillon and Agrawal (2003)

Indian is one of the crop diversity Centres

The last few decades have seen dramatic changes in Indianagriculture. With the advent of the Green Revolution in themid-1960s, many new high yielding varieties have beenpromoted over vast areas. This has lead to the renaissance offood production (2.8 times the food for 2.2 times the people)and on the whole the local cultivars are no longer used forconsumption by the mainstream. The production of Wheatwas quite low when India became independent in 1947; only6.46 million tonnes during 1950-51, which was not sufficientto feed the Indian population. India used to import Wheatfrom many countries in large quantities for fulfilling the needsof our people. The Government of India appointed acommission under Drs. M.S. Swaminathan, N.E. Borlaug andmany others in 1961 and it concluded that production level ofWheat could be increased, using the suitable and superiorgerm-plasm/varieties available in the country. Presently, amongfood grains, Wheat (75.81 million tons in 2006-07) standsnext to Rice (93.35 million tons in2006-07), both in areas andproduction. The share of Wheat in total food grain productionis around 35.5 percent and share in area is about 21.8 percentof the total area under food grains cultivation. India is one ofthe richest countries in the world in terms of possessingtremendous diversity in rice varieties. It was reported that4,00,000 varieties of rice existed in India during the vedic periodand it is estimated that, even today 2,00,000 varieties of riceexist in India which is indeed an remarkably high number. Theharvesting area of rice in India is the world�s largest.

Rice cultivation in the Himalaya

39

BIO-DIVERSITY

Indian farmers grow and maintain an astonishingly large number of their landracesand traditional cultivars. For instance 1,500 distinct rice varieties have been recordedin Jeypore tract of Koraput district in Orissa. Estimates on the total landraces of ricein India range between 50,000 to 2,00,000. Some other crops with intra-specificvarietal diversity in India include sorghum (~5,000), mango (~1,000), black pepper(~1,000) and banana (~600). Such diversity is a result of careful selection and evencross-breeding by Indian farmers over centuries, in addition to inputs from the formalbreeding by the public and private sectors. These plant genetic resources restrainmomentous genes for resistance to diseases, insect-pests and also for adaptation toabiotic stresses including alleviation of climate change.

It is crucial to note that the gargantuan diversity of crops and livestock accessible tous today is not entirely natural; it is more the outcome of thousands of years ofdeliberate selection, planned exposure to a range of natural conditions, field-levelcross-breeding, and other manipulations which farmers have tried out. Diverse cropvarieties and farm animal breeds were modified to various local conditions of growthand survival that were available in the country. More than mere physical adaptation,a host of economic, cultural, religious, and survival factors have played a foremostrole in this diversification.

Domesticated Animals

India is equally rich in diversity of animal breeds and genetic resources of otherforms of agricultural biodiversity. About 255 breeds of domesticated animals includingaccredited breeds of cattle (64), buffaloes (23), sheep (62), goat (34), camels (9),horses (7), pigs (8), poultry (28); other species like yak, mithun and ducks also occurhere. Of about 27,977 species comprising of fish genetic resources of the world,nearly 11.2 percent (2,500) of species of fish and shell fish are reported to occur inthe Indian sub-continent. Sustainable management of farm animal genetic resourcesis of vital importance to food, nutrition and environment security. Their conservationand astute use is critical for the survival as well as enhanced source of revenue ofpoor farmers. On the other hand, presently many unique breeds are facing a threatof extinction for want of an appropriate conservation strategy and its effectiveimplementation at the national/state level. Management

In addition to the Ministry ofEnvironment and Forests and theMinistry of Agriculture, which are thefocal points for the management ofbiodiversity, a large number of scientistsare engaged in inventory, research, andmonitoring from various scientificinstitutes and university departments.Biodiversity being a multi-disciplinaryarea under discussion, several otherMinistries/Departments and affiliatedagencies at the central and state levelsare also undertaking biodiversity relatedprogrammes. At the Central Governmentlevel, the Ministries/Departments ofHealth, Water Resources, RuralDevelopment, Power, Industry, New andRenewable Energy, Urban Development,Science and Technology, and others haveimportant programmes relating tobiodiversity.

Collection of data of floral and faunaldiversity in the country is carried out bythe Botanical Survey of India and theZoological Survey of India, respectively.These apex organizations, demeanourexploratory studies in different priority

Buffalo 17 4 2 23Cattle 52 6 6 64

Goat 28 3 3 34Sheep 58 4 0 62

Yak 5 0 0 5Pig 7 1 0 8

Horse 6 1 0 7Ass 3 0 0 3

DromedaryCamel 9 0 0 9BactrianCamel 1 0 0 1Rabbit 3 0 0 3

Chicken 23 1 4 28Duck 4 0 2 6

Quail 2 0 0 2TOTAL 218 20 17 255

Species Local Regional Trans-boundry

InternationalTrans-boundry

Total

Number of Breeds

Farm Animal/Poultry Breeds in India

Source: SOW-AnGR, FAO, 2007 with additions

Mangrove the protector of the land

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BIO-DIVERSITY

areas, hot spots, and fragile ecosystemsin different parts of country. During thesescientific studies they collect specimensof different species (floral/faunal) andpreserve some of them in the museums/Botanical Gardens or zoos etc.

The Indian Council of AgriculturalResearch and the Department ofAgricultural Research and Education,cater to the needs of all agro-biodiversityrelated activities in India through theNational Bureau of Plant GeneticResources, the National Bureau of FishGenetic Resources, the National Bureauof Animal Genetic Resources, theNational Bureau of AgriculturallyImportant Genetic Resources and theNational Bureau of Agricultural InsectResources.

International and NationalRegime

India has been party to manyinternational agreements andprogrammes concerned with variousaspects of conservation and sustainableuse of biodiversity. Being a signatory tothe Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD), the International Treaty on PlantGenetic Resources for Food andAgriculture (ITPGRFA) and the InterlakenDeclaration as well as the Global Plan ofAction on Animal Genetic Resourcesadopted in September 2007, theNational Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)has been formulated in view of theprevailing threats to biodiversity viz,habitat fragmentation, degradation andloss, shrinking genetic diversity, invasivealien species, declining forest resourcebase, climate change and desertification,overexploitation of resources, impact ofpollution, and the challenges to ongoingconservation efforts. It has beenprepared in pursuance of Article 6a ofthe CBD and Sections 36 (1) and (3) ofthe Biological Diversity Act 2002. Itproposes to design actions based on theassessment of current and future needsof conservation and sustainableutilization and of physical and fiscalinstruments. NBAP is an important toolfor translating various concerns, policiesand programmes provided by CBD, intoactions. Implementation of NBAP istherefore crucial to achieve theobjectives of CBD.

A large number of Indian Acts are directlyor indirectly relevant to biodiversity. The

Biodiversity Act, 2002, is now the mostimportant act that regulates all aspectsrelated to all biodiversity. The other actsthat are important for environment andnatural biodiversity are Forest Act, 1927,Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest(Conservation) Act, 1980, andEnvironment (Protection) Act, 1986. Foragro-biodiversity, the Seeds Act, 1966,Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers�Rights Act, 2001 and Plant Quarantine(Regulation of Import into India) Order,2003 are the most important ones. Thevarious central Acts are supported by anumber of state laws and statutespertaining to forests and other naturalresources. The policies and strategiesdirectly relevant to biodiversity includeNational Forest Policy amended in 1988,National Conservation Strategy andPolicy Statement for Environment andSustainable Development, NationalAgricultural Policy, National Land UsePolicy, National Fisheries Policy, NationalPolicy and Action Strategy onBiodiversity, National Wildlife ActionPlan, and Environmental Action Plan.

Conservation

In situ conservation and sustainable useof biological resources is customarilydeeply embedded in Indian culture.Environmental protection is enshrined inthe Indian Constitution in Articles 48aand 51a (g). India�s policies and

programmes for conservation andsustainable utilization of biodiversity dateback several decades. A large numberof such programmes also stem from thenational and international legalobligations.

India�s strategy for conservation andsustainable utilization of biodiversityfocuses on according special status andprotection to biodiversity rich areas.Protected areas are the cornerstones ofbiodiversity conservation in India;approximately 4.74 percent of the totalgeographical area of the country isalready under in situ conservation ofhabitats and ecosystems. Realising therole of forests in controlling soil erosion,moderation of floods, recharging ofground aquifers, as habitat for wildlife,conservation of biodiversity and genepool etc., programmes were launched asearly as the Second Five Year Plan forextensive Watershed Managementfollowed later by establishment of aProtected Areas Network, under theWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,comprising of Biosphere Reserves,National Parks and Sanctuaries � bothterrestrial and aquatic. At present, thisnetwork comprises of 14 BiosphereReserves, 90 National Parks and 502Wildlife Sanctuaries. These reserves aimat conserving the biological diversity ofplants, animals and micro-organisms in

Pine forest in the Himalaya

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BIO-DIVERSITY

* Dr. K. Venkataraman, Scientist F, Marine Biology RegionalCentre, venkyzsi56@yahoo.com

totality as part of the natural ecosystems, so as to ensure self-perpetuation and continuous evolution of the living resources.The aim is not only to protect and preserve the fauna andflora but also to augment this priceless national heritage. Underthe World Heritage Convention, five natural sites have beeninscribed as areas of �outstanding universal value� and declaredas �World Heritage Sites�. These sites are Kaziranga NationalPark, Keoladeo National Park, Manas National Park, SundarbansNational Park, and Nanda Devi National Park. Conservationprogrammes for species such as tiger, crocodile and elephant,and species-specific sanctuaries for wild and domesticatedbiodiversity have been established so as to strengthenconservation efforts.

Sacred groves are tracts of virgin forest with rich diversity, whichhave been protected by the local people for centuries for theircultural and religious beliefs and taboos that the deities residein them and protect the villagers from different calamities.Sacred groves occur in many parts of India viz., Western Ghats,Central India, North-East India etc. particularly where theindigenous communities live. The sacredness, religious beliefsand taboos play a significant role in promoting sustainableutilization and conservation of flora and fauna of the regions.

To complement in situ conservation, adequate attention hasalso been paid to ex situ conservation of biodiversity in India.The strategies include setting up of zoos, botanical gardens,and captive breeding centres, and also promoting gene bankingand research activities on ex situ conservation of geneticresources. Presently, the central government and stategovernments together run and manage 33 botanical gardens.Universities have their own botanical gardens. The Central ZooAuthority caters to the ex situ conservation of wildlife through~275 zoos, deer parks, safari parks and aquaria, etc.

There has also been a major emphasis on creation of ex situconservation facilities such as gene banks, especially for agro-biodiversity conservation. The Indian Council of AgriculturalResearch has established national bureaus for the geneticresource management of agro-biodiversity. Major activities ingenetic resource management generally include collection,exchange, quarantine, characterization, evaluation,

distribution, conservation and documentation.

India�s population of 1,014,004 people is projected to growto 1,619,582 by 2050. To meet the increased demand forfood, more land has to be improved for agriculture. Irrigationand pasture lands are likely to double in area by 2050, therebymounting the pressure on biodiversity in natural ecosystems.At the same time, farmers are likely to exaggerate agricultureproduction. Beside the loss of diversity of farm animals,beneficial insects, and soil biota in agro-ecosystems,agricultural intensification puts wild biodiversity at risk throughgene flow from domesticated varieties to wild species, cross-species transmission of potentially virulent pathogens, andadverse effects of modern agriculture practices on non-targetspecies in the natural ecosystems. This will undoubtedly affecta wide range of ecosystem services.

It is believed that science and technology should help us toassess the trade-offs between agricultural productivity,ecosystem services, mitigate the bad effects of climate changeand human well-being more effectively than has been thecase in the past. India, being rich in biodiversity, desiressolutions that culminate the biodiversity externalities. Indianeeds a solution that recognizes the interdependence betweenhuman behaviour and ecosystem processes and which deliversa deeper understanding of the value of biodiversity for ourlife-support services for the future. Since presumption thathabitat loss due to the expansion and intensification ofagriculture and forestry will be the main threat to biodiversityin natural habitats, is currently under dispute, biodiversityconservation in agricultural landscapes in the form of�agricultural biodiversity Hotspots� may be the best solutionboth to the protection of species and to the growth inproduction of foods, fuels, and fibres. The richness of India�sbiological resources is an asset that needs to be cherished,conserved and wisely utilized. There is an urgent need togenerate awareness about the importance of biodiversity andits direct link with our existence on earth.

Kaziranga National Park

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AGRI NEWSAt the recently concluded, India Economic Summit in New Delhi, from 8-10 November, Monsanto India Chairman SekharNatarajan said, �Farmers have to be benefited otherwise they will shift to other products.� He was referring to his company�sexperience in India and its farmers. Citing the example of a Monsanto project in Gujarat, where the company is workingwith tribal farmers in partnership with an NGO and state government, he said, �Within three years the productivity of cropsin that area has doubled and income rose by triple.� Natarajan also said such initiatives should come from the private sectorwithout waiting for government support.

Kushal Pal Singh, Vice President of the National Institute of Agriculture, said that organised retail is biased towards consumers�interests, as its objective is to provide the �best product at cheapest price�. �How can farmers get better prices from suchretail chains, when they talk about lowest prices,� he asked.

Singh observed that India needed agri business that would partner with farmers on a long-term basis. Commenting onprudent use of water, Margaret Catley-Carlson of Sweden�s Global Water Partnership (GWP) said, �There is no alternative towater, while other agricultural inputs can be created. So there must be more concern for water.�

A few participants said the private sector does not take the risk to enter the agriculture sector due to low returns and over-regulation by the government.

J William Hudson � president and CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has been conferred with Amity GoldenAward for his unparalleled commitment, devotion and dynamic leadership towards training, development, and research inthe area of cold chain management.

Receiving the Award from Amity University, J William Hudson outlined the ways to preserve the products coming from thefarm and commented that the quantity of food that is consumed in America is wasted in India due to the absence of properstorage and transport facilities. He called for low cost solutions in preservation of food products and developing requisiteinfrastructure and best practices to preserve food.

Honouring Hudson with the award, Dr. Ashok K Chauhan, founder president, Amity announced the launch of certificate/degree programmes in Post Harvest Cold Chain Management in Amity University. Expressing his concern over the grimsituation of cold chain management in India, K.S. Bains - IAS (Retd.) and director general, Amity Institute of Organic Agriculturesaid that India is the second largest producer of food and poultry in the world, therefore more attention needs to be paidtowards preserving the products that are wasted during the transportation, handling, retailing etc. of the products from farmto fork.

New Solutions for Food Preservation Mooted

Economic Summit Demands more farm investments

India�s cane output may decline by 9 percent to 249.5 million tons this year after the weakest monsoon since 1972, damagedthe crop. The Agriculture ministry said the country would need to import at least 2 million tons this season, in addition tocontracted supplies, to meet the demand of 23 million tons.

India recently extended the deadline for duty-free imports of raw sugar by 9 months Jan. 1, 2011, and allowed purchases ofwhite sugar imports at zero duty to 31 March.

A delay in supplies from Maharashtra caused by un-seasonal rains may worsen global shortage as Indonesia, Egypt andPakistan import sugar. Prices have almost doubled this year in New York because of weather disruptions to crops in Brazil andIndia, the largest growers.

In Maharashtra, about 60 mills produced 262,000 tons of the sweetener since crushing began on 1 November, which is 19percent less than the 325,000 tons a year earlier.

Maharashtra is forecast to produce 4.8 million tons of sugar this crop year, compared with 4.6 million tons last year. It mayharvest 41 million tons of cane.

About 35 mills in Uttar Pradesh, the nation�s biggest cane-grower began crushing from 18 November after mills agreed topay farmers prices higher than the rates set by the central and state governments, according to Shyamlal Gupta, secretarygeneral of Uttar Pradesh Sugar Mills Association.

Cane Production may Decline

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NEWS

Agri sector growth to be less than 4 percentIndia�s farm sector growth will be less than 4 percent this fiscal,on account of floods and deficient monsoon in some parts ofthe country. This was stated by Planning Commission deputychairman Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

�It is extremely unlikely that the agriculture sector will growmore than 4 percent this year. The sector is not growing as itshould have been,� Montek said at the annual Economic Editors�Conference in New Delhi. �However, this would not pose aproblem to food supplies in the country,� he added. �We don�tneed more than 2 percent (growth) of agriculture production,�Ahluwalia said, adding that the country would not face any foodshortage if the sector expanded by this amount.

Montek further emphasised the importance of using existingtechnologies and proper farming techniques to increase yields.�Increase in procurement prices and supportive governmentpolicies would help the farming sector to perform better in the11th Plan period that ends 2012,� Ahluwalia said.

�The price policy we follow is extremely supportive. We shouldrecognise that farmers must have attractive prices. In the pastthree-four years, we have increased our procurement also�, henoted.

Competition must Benefit Agriculture: Pranab

India�s Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said thatthere is a need to improve competition in the agriculturalmarket to benefit farmers as well as the consumers.Addressing a conference on Competition, Public Policyand Common Man in New Delhi recently, Mukherjeesaid that the ability to make the desired changes wouldbe a litmus test for the country.

�There is a scope to include competition in the agriculturemarket. The real litmus test would be to reach out to thecommon man. This should offer better pricemechanisms,� Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee reiterated that the Government had no plansto remove fiscal stimulus packages and said stimulusmeasures ranging from cuts in factory levies to higherGovernment spending helped cushion the economyagainst the global financial crisis.

�The resilience was shown by the Indian economy in theface of adversity at a time fiscal and monetary stimulusby the Government and central bank of India. In thiscase Reserve Bank helped the Indian economy to weatherthe crisis without such intervention,� Mukherjee said.

Australia pledges US$70million for Farm Researchin IndiaAustralia will scale up its collaborationwith India in science and farm researchby pledging US$70 million in many areas.Australian Prime Minister Kevin Ruddannounced that his government wouldinvest US$50 million for the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund; US$1million for an innovative joint solarcooling research project; and US$20million for research into dry-land farmingin India.

Rudd, in his maiden visit to Indiaannounced more funds for joint researchprojects after holding talks with R.K.Pachauri, Director General of The Energyand Resources Institute (TERI).

The additional US$50 million for theresearch fund will flow from the financialyear 2009-10 and will complementUS$20 million that the Australiangovernment has invested since 2006 toenable Australian scientists to engage incutting-edge collaborative research withIndian scientists. The Australian Centrefor International Agricultural Researchwill be supporting the research over fiveyears.

Punjab Farmers Grow BananasFarmers across India�s Punjab region are increasingly turning towards bananas ina bid to increase their profit margins. Since it was first introduced across 10 acresin 2006, banana farming has expanded to 300 acres and is expected to groweven further. Says Banana Growers Association President Mewa Singh �I earn aminimum of Rs 1,50,000 (US$3,278) per acre every year and it can go higher. Ifthe market rates remain as good as they are at the present, I believe we will beable to make an income of over Rs 2,00,000 (US$4,371) per acre,� he said.

Growers in the region are provided with the best varieties from the PunjabAgricultural University, and the type of banana grown in Punjab is very similarto those farmed in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Almost US$120 m worthof bananas are consumed each year in Punjab, making the domestic marketalone a huge incentive for growers.

Bananas were recently included in India�s National Horticulture Mission. It canhelp the growers to get a government subsidy of up to 50 percent for plantsand irrigation enticing the farmers further.

India�s Agri Exports to hit US$20bn

Indian agricultural exports will more than double over the next five years toUS$20 billion. The value of India�s agricultural exports is set to hit Rs1 trillion(US$20.6 bn) in the next five years, according to the estimates by Agriculturaland Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

APEDA claims that India�s share of the global farm product export market will alsogrow from 2 to 5 percent. Exports of fresh and processed fruit, vegetables, livestockand cereals rose 24 percent in 2008/09 to Rs 390 billion (US$8.04 billion).

�It is very important to increase our exports to the developed countries,� APEDADirector S Dave said. �Consumption patterns are fast changing in the internationalmarket. There is an emergence of specific products like functional foods,convenience foods, dietary products and organic products. India has madeconsiderable progress in ready-to-eat food and organic products but more effortis needed to add value,� APEDA chief noted.

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NEWS

Carrefour engages Apple GrowersRetailer Carrefour is working with Indian apple growers to establish a direct-sourcingsupply chain for its new operations in the country. Global retail giant Carrefour has initiateda technical support programme with Indian apple growers in readiness to source directsupplies when it opens its first stores there next year.

The retailer has been selecting growers in the Matiana region of Himachal Pradesh, andwill work to improve their farming techniques to deliver a better quality of apple.

�Our technical advice will mainly focus on limiting chemical usage, natural fertilising,harvest-handling and post-harvest storage conditions,� said Yannick Douville of Carrefour WC&C India Private Ltd.

Delhi-based Dev Bhumi is one of the firms appointed by Carrefour to work with farmers to manage storage and logistics.Dev Bhumi has begun operating its distribution centre in Matiana, which features controlled atmosphere storage on twolevels.

Uttar Pradesh Potato Acreage to RisePotato acreage in Uttar Pradesh is expected to rise, on top of an already record output this year.High prices for Indian potatoes and shortages of rainfall had been moving farmers away fromrice production spurring expectations of an acreage rise in Uttar Pradesh next year.

Despite a record potato production of about 10.8 million tonnes in the state, prices stayed highon the back of poor yields in Bihar and West Bengal, hitting Rs 1,400 per 100kg. Combined with

the loss of rice paddies from water shortage, the area under potato production in Uttar Pradesh is expected to increase fromits current 5,27,000 hectares and prices too may climb as harvesting in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh is affected by hot weather.

AGRI TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Agriculture in Punjab will get a major boost with a Canadiancompany introducing its GPS guidance system in the Punjabilanguage. The system will offer guidance in farmingapplications, including spraying, spreading, broad-acre tillageand seeding methods, the Calgary-based Hemisphere GPScompany has said. Hemisphere GPS designs and manufacturesinnovative, cost-effective GPS products for positioning,guidance and machine control applications in agriculture,marine and other markets.

�The Punjabi Outback S-Lite recognises the Gurmukhi script(in which Punjabi is written) and is targeted at the Punjabstate in the northern agriculture region, which is known forits larger farms compared to the rest of India,� the Canadiancompany said.

Punjab has 46 million acres in cultivated land and India�slargest farming tractor population. The state, which usheredthe Green Revolution in India, produces about one percentof the world�s rice and two percent of the world�s wheat andcotton.

It also has the highest per hectare fertiliser consumption inIndia, accounting for more than 9 percent of the total fertilizerconsumption in the country.

�The Outback S-Lite (in Punjabi) has both the features and

Canada�s Punjabi GPS System to Boost Farming in Indiathe price point to compete in India�s growing marketplace,�said Mohamed Abousalem, vice president for marketing,Hemisphere GPS.

�We acknowledge the tremendous opportunity that existsin India with the largest arable land after the US. We willcontinue to adapt our products to meet the needs of this andother growing markets,� he said.

Apart from the Punjabi language, the Outback S-Lite guidancesystem also supports 20 other international languages.

Aerobic Rice Technology Makingwaves in PhilippinesIn Philippines, Aerobic Rice Technology (ART) is beingadapted on a national scale by its farmers. This follows ARTrendering promising results in terms of: a) low inputrequirement; b) crop manageability; c) yieldcompetitiveness; d) profitability; e) early establishmentwhich enhances productivity; f) resistance to pests anddiseases; and g) weed competitiveness.

NEWSNEWS

Met Advisories for FarmersThe farmers of Gujarat will soon get tailor-made agro-Metadvisories to help plan sowing and harvesting of crops. Ac-cording to Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Union Ministry of EarthSciences, �They will be full-fledged bi-weekly bulletin advi-sories for horticultural crops, livestock, fisheries, wastelandand forest fires, post-harvest and storage to be initiated fordistricts in the state,� said Nayak. By the end of year 2010,every part of the state will be covered under this project.

�Presently, it is freely available on ministry website but latermobile operators can provide the information at nominalcharges. The idea is to make the technology people-ori-ented and develop it to help the masses,� he added.

Addressing a three-day Asia-Pacific conference on lumines-cence and electron spin resonance dating at Physical Re-search Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad on 10 November,he said, accuracy of agro-met predication is up to 70-75percent. The 1,600-km-long Gujarat coastlines have beenaffected by rapid erosion activities. Nayak said. �SouthGujarat region is the worst affected and we are holdingtalks with PRL scientists to study its impact on the environ-ment. The coastal conditions do have an impact on thepeople living close by.�

According to Nayak, cyclone activity is likely to increase in-tensity and frequency. �The recent cyclone Phyan which hitIndia changed its course in its last 24 hours from eastwardsto northwards. We erred in predicting the cyclone by 75 kmbut are equipping ourselves to predict it in a close range of50 to 60 km,� he said.

Inert Gas Technology Prevents Oxidation

Air Liquide has unveiled a new inert gas technology whichprevents the oxidation of wine and thereby maintains thequality and character. Air Liquide food and beverage marketmanager Lizbe Sorore explains, �By using the innovativeCryogen Injector, which uses liquid nitrogen dispensingtechnology either as a pre-purge in empty bottles or as apost-purge in filled bottles, winemakers can achieve asignificant and consistent reduction in dissolved oxygen (DO)levels of bottled wines�.

�The primary aim of the winemaker during the bottlingprocess is to maintain the initial good quality of the wineand ensure that the wine is bottled to specification. It iscritical to prevent oxygen pick-up and manage the DOduring the bottling process, especifically wines under screwcap where the headspace is about 9 m· of air. This couldequate to about 2 mg/· DO. This headspace needs to bemanaged,� she says.

Sorore explains that the liquid nitrogen will expandvolumetrically at a ratio of about 700 to 1 and displace allresidual oxygen in the empty bottles and headspace,preventing undesirable oxidation by lowering the increasein DO levels during shelf life.

�The same technology is also used to increase the internalpressure and ensure rigidity in thin-walled aluminium cans andpolyethylene teraphthalate (PET) bottles used fornoncarbonated beverages and water. This will prevent the�panelling� effect, allowing for stacking of pallets duringwarehousing and distribution and enabling the producer topossibly change over to lower-weight PET bottles,� she asserts.

Post Harvest Loss-Afghanistanshows the way to curb itA FAO-backed project in Afghanistan funded largely byGermany to provide metallic hermetically sealed silos tofarmers has helped to cut post-harvest losses quickly to 1-2percent from 15-20 percent and boosted farmers� incomes.

Wrong harvest timings, bad packing and poor transport andstorage facilities cause up to 50 percent post-harvest lossesin developing countries, aggravating hunger, the UnitedNations� food agency has stated.

Food crop losses, ranging from 15 percent to 50 percent ofwhat is produced in developing countries remove supply fromthe market and drive up food prices, the FAO said stressingthe need for training and technology improvements.

The Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)has estimated that the number of hungry people hit 1.02billion in 2009 and the world should boost food output by70 percent to feed a projected 9.1 billion population by 2050.Last year the world�s hungry numbered 963 million.

�Investments are needed to train farmers and others involvedalong the food chain to handle harvested food properly and

improve its quality to make products from the developing worldmore competitive on the world markets,� the FAO said.

FAO has said the world needs to invest US$83 billion a yearin agriculture in developing countries to stamp out hungerby 2050.

Genetically Modified Technology(GMT) to StayThe Government of India has made clear that India cannotoppose the use of genetically modified technology, to increasecrop yields. �The GM technology cannot be avoided,� Ministerof State for Agriculture K V Thomas said. The minister addedthat India cannot oppose the use of technology if it wants toincrease yields and manage the present agricultural crisis.

�The crop shortage of key food grains has led to a rise inprices of some food commodities such as sugar and tur dalthis year. In Kerala, tur dal costs Rs 90-100 a kg and sugarhas touched Rs 35 a kg this year,� he observed.

The minister noted: �The country needs to take scientific andpractical steps to improve productivity and bring down costof production. The GM technology is one way to achieve this�.

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