Anantnag, May 01: Perfect for the region’s cold climate, Mushkbudij, an aromatic rice variety of Kashmir valley, is all set to hit foreign markets as the agriculture department is expanding the cultivation area in the valley due to its huge demand.
Mushkbudji, an aromatic variety of rice grown only in the Valley which has gained GI tag and conservation of the rice variety has been appreciated at state and central level by awarding a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh as “Genome Saviour Community Award”.
As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer, 30 years back, the Mushkbudji rice variety of Kashmir was grown on a large scale. However, its cultivation took a back seat when exotic varieties, which were giving more returns to farmers, were introduced in the valley.
The revival programme started way back in 2007 with the survey of niche areas where these strains could be traced out through different sources. Under the revival programme village Sagam in Kokarnag belt and adjoining villages were identified for demonstration on purified Mushk Budji. In the process of popularizing variety among farmers in mid belts of district Anantnag an excellent example of coordination between SKUAST-Kashmir, department of agriculture and the farming community could be seen.
Figures accessed by KNO reveal that there was around five thousand quintal production of Mushkbudij rice in the last three years in Kashmir valley. “Mushkbudij rice production in Anantnag, Ganderbal and Baramulla district in 2020 was 14.54 quintals, in the year 2021 it was 17.45 quintals while in 2022 it was 17.38 quintals”, figures said.
Figures state that Anantnag district in south Kashmir alone produces 44.86 quantals. “Besides Anantnag, Baramulla and Ganderbal, the cultivation of Muskbudji rice will be expanded to Kulgam and Kupwara districts also”, the date shows
It shows 244 hectares of land under cultivation of Muskbudji rice in 2020, 248 hectares in 2021 and 280 hectares in 2022. “For next five years the proposed plan for expansion of Muskbudji rice in Kashmir valley is 999 hectares of land”, the data states.
Talking to KNO, Dr. Tasneem Mubarak, Chief Scientist Agronomy MRCFC—SKUAST-K said that Mushkbudji was a traditional crop in Kashmir but due to blast disease and new varieties with high yield and disease resistance, people abandoned it.
Leaf blast affected the production following which SKUAST-K started a programme for its revival and all strains were collected, screened and identified varieties for revival. “All aspects have been identified to standardize and demonstrate it in Sagam area of Kokernag belt and presently farmers have been cultivating it well there,” he said.
He said that all such areas are being identified where the environment is favourable for it so that it can be cultivated in other areas but in plains it gets affected. “University developed a blast resistant version of Mushk Budji that can be tried in plain areas but it is still under testing. Demand for it is growing with each passing day,” Tasneem.
Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal told KNO that Muskbudji rice has got GI tagging and more and more areas are being brought under cultivation. “There is a demand for the same in the international market,” he said. Iqbal said that there were 120 hectares under it and we have taken it to 500 hectare and efforts are on to increase it to 1000 hectares, he said. He said that it costs around Rs 15,000-20,000 per quintal.
Rice’s departure leaves a major hole within the top ranks of the White House right as it gears up for a likely re-election campaign and as it faces a stare down with congressional Republicans over raising the debt limit. Among those being eyed as a replacement for her include Neera Tanden, Biden’s staff secretary and a senior adviser, four people with knowledge of the deliberations told POLITICO. Separately, a top White House official said no replacement had been identified yet.
One former administration official said White House aides were talking openly about Tanden’s consideration for Rice’s job over the weekend, calling her potential appointment “pretty damn firm.”
Rice served as U.N. ambassador at the beginning of the Obama administration and later became President Barack Obama’s national security adviser during Obama’s second term. Rice has led the White House Domestic Policy Council since the start of the Biden administration.
“I surprised a lot of people when I named Ambassador Susan Rice as my Domestic Policy Advisor,” Biden said. “Susan was synonymous with foreign policy, having previously served as National Security Advisor and UN Ambassador. But what I knew then and what we all know now — after more than two years of her steady leadership of the Domestic Policy Council — it’s clear: there is no one more capable, and more determined to get important things done for the American people than Susan Rice.”
Rice, whose background had been almost entirely in foreign policy, oversaw a historic two-year period of legislative activity with the passage of a major Covid-19 relief bill, a bipartisan infrastructure overhaul and last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, which included $369 billion to combat climate change and lowered the cost of prescription drugs for seniors.
Her tenure also saw Biden sign numerous executive orders related to climate change, health care, gun safety and student loans. But the administration’s approach to the U.S.-Mexico border and its inability to stem a surge of migrants seeking asylum who have overwhelmed border agents has left the president vulnerable to continued Republican attacks on the issue.
The White House next month is poised to end Title 42, lifting a strict Trump-era border policy decried by many Democrats — but that, officials including Rice argued, at times, was necessary to prevent another influx of migrants at the southern border.
Rice has been central to crafting a strategy for replacing Title 42, which the administration plans to unveil later this week.
She also faced heat in recent days over a New York Times report that painted her and other senior officials as dismissive of concerns that child migrants were being exploited amid the administration’s rush to process record numbers of unaccompanied children at the southern border in early 2021. The White House has disputed that portrayal.
Rice’s departure represents the latest high-level shuffle within the White House’s policy apparatus, following the exits of National Economic Council Director Brian Deese and Council of Economic Advisers chief Cecilia Rouse earlier this year.
Chief of staff Jeff Zients is also early into his tenure, after taking over for Ron Klain in early February.
The White House moved quickly to replace all three, and the people with knowledge of the deliberations said that elevating Tanden would similarly allow them to quickly plug the vacancy atop the Domestic Policy Council.
Tanden also has experience running a large policy operation, having previously led the influential progressive think tank Center for American Progress, and worked extensively on health care and other domestic priorities both at CAP and as a senior health official in the Obama administration.
Biden initially picked Tanden to run his Office of Management and Budget in late 2020. But her nomination stalled in the face of opposition from Republicans and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) over her history of combative tweets aimed at GOP politicians and policies.
But Tanden has kept a lower public profile since then, and the top domestic policy job would not require Senate confirmation.
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( With inputs from : www.politico.com )
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KTR inaugurates rice mill set up by Dalit- Twitter
Hyderabad: Telangana IT Minister KT Rama Rao on Monday integrated the rice mill founded by Dalit Bandhu beneficiaries at Padira Village, Sircilla.
Speaking on the occasion, KTR praised the mill called Vijaya Lakshmi Industries, which was jointly created by three Dalit Bandhu beneficiaries at the cost of Rs 30 lakh, as a role model for the whole of Telangana.
According to the minister, the Dalit Bandhu is a blessing for the financial empowerment of Dalits in the state and he called the concept of establishing a rice mill creative.
The mill was jointly built by Sudamalla Rajeshwari, Sudamalla Vijaya Kumar of Padira in Yellareddypet madal and Dppula Lingaia of Rangapeta in Veernapalli mandal. The Telangana Program for Quick Incubation of Dalit Entrepreneurs provided them with financial assistance as well (T-PRIDE).
KTR tweeted, “Rajeshwari, Vijay Kumar and Lingaiah pooled in Rs 10 lakhs each-granted under the scheme to invest Rs 30 lakhs, raised a bank loan & availed government industrial subsidies to establish the unit.”
రాజన్న సిరిసిల్ల జిల్లా పదిర గ్రామంలో #దళితబంధు పథకం లబ్ధిదారులు రాజేశ్వరి, విజయ్ కుమార్ మరియు లింగయ్య గార్లు ముగ్గురూ కలిసి ఏర్పాటు చేసుకున్న రైస్ మిల్లును మంత్రి @KTRBRS ప్రారంభించారు. pic.twitter.com/8VdXPQ79PZ
— Minister for IT, Industries, MA & UD, Telangana (@MinisterKTR) March 27, 2023
Telangana Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy (File Photo)
Hyderabad: Agriculture minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy said the central government is refusing to purchase rice grains from Telangana despite the lack of rice grains in the country.
“Central government says that there is no rice in the country at present. Telangana is the largest producer of paddy and the crop is being cultivated on 56.44 lakh acres in Yasangi. However, the Centre is refusing to buy rice grains from us,” he said while attending the Kisan Mela on Saturday.
The Kisan Mela was conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP).
He alleged that the Centre does not have scientific estimations of the crops that need to be cultivated. “The crops being cultivated in the various parts of the country should be estimated and the growth of crops that are needed should be facilitated based on these numbers,” Singireddy said.
The agriculture minister said that there is a lot of demand for medicinal plants in the international markets. “Cultivation of medicinal plants should be encouraged as without medicinal plants there will be no medicines for the 800 crore people in this world,” said the BRS leader.
Singireddy said that cosmetic products made from chemical ingredients are harmful to health and natural medicinal plants can give a higher quality of life. “Natural products are gaining popularity in society. China dominates the global market for medicinal plants. Farmers should be encouraged to grow the crops that are in demand,” he said.
Srinagar, Mar 08: The demand for traditional Winnower popularly known as ‘Shupp’ is on decline due to which winnower makers are struggling to make two ends meet.
The Winnower makers in Kashmir claimed that they are going through difficult times as they are finding it very difficult to sell their pieces.
Muhammad Ramzan Sheikh, a resident of Padgampora Awantipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district said that he has been associated with this art since the last three decades but this is the most difficult time for them as no there are no customers for the items.
Earlier, there was good demand for the shupp but with advancement and new technologies, the demand for Kashmiri traditional shupp has declined and there is no demand for it any more, he said.
“Every year we used to sell thousands of winnowers but we are making just a few pieces and have to go from village to village to sell these pieces,” he said. “A winnower maker was earning his livelihood very well as earlier winnowers were being used to separate grains from husk, cleaning rice and other things but with new technologies in market, machines have been doing this work and winnowers are hardly used anymore,” he said.
He said that at present a winnower maker spends hundreds of rupees to make a Shupp but there are hardly any takers.
Ab Rehman Sheikh, another winnower maker from Awantipora, said that he has spent days together in different villages to find customers but nobody is ready to take them as people hardly need winnower anywhere now.
“We have even taken loans but due to decline in demand, we are unable to pay loan installments,” they said. “Earlier, we were earning our livelihood very well but now a person hardly earns Rs 100 on daily basis on which making both ends meet is very difficult.”
He said that they have spent their entire life while making shupp and can’t do anything else now that is why they are still associated with the art even as the art is dying slowly.
They said hundreds of households in Awantipora area were associated with winnower making but due to low demand, there number has reduced to just 20-25 now—(KNO)
Hyderabad: Telangana Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy on Monday demanded that TDP chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu apologise for his remarks that people of Telangana started eating rice only after the TDP introduced subsidised rice scheme in 1980s.
Niranjan Reddy said Naidu should know the history before saying something.
Naidu, president of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), had said on Sunday that the people of Telangana shifted to eating rice from porridges made from pulses and millets only after his TDP came to power.
He claimed that people of Telangana started eating rice only after then Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao rolled out the Rs 2/kg rice scheme.
Naidu was speaking at the launching of the Intintiki TDP (TDP for every household) programme in Hyderabad.
His remarks evoked strong reaction from leaders of Telangana’s ruling party Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), who demanded that he apologise to people of Telangana.
Niranjan Reddy said as far back as the 11th century farmers in Telangana used to cultivate paddy, wheat, sorghum, ginger, turmeric, onion and sugarcane under the chain of ponds built by Kakatiya rulers.
He pointed out that Hyderabad has been famous for its Dum Biryani since the 15th century.
The minister said that Naidu’s remark that Telangana people started to eat rice only after TDP introduced Rs 2/kg rice is a proof of his lack of understanding and height of arrogance.
Biryani, Sherwani and Qubani were mentioned many times by Chief Minister KCR during the Telangana movement, he said.
Niranjan Reddy also said that the Telangana movement started because of malice, insult, hatred, discrimination and injustice towards the people of Telangana.
The merger of Telangana with Andhra in 1956 was the seed of destruction of Telangana as ponds were destroyed and existing projects were neglected, he claimed.
A teacher, researcher and innovator, Dr Jameel A Khan’s expertise in developing drought-tolerant varieties has helped address climate change challenges. Currently serving as Programme Manager at C-CAMP, one of the respected addresses for cutting-edge research and innovation, the young scientist reveals his learning curve and the contributions he made to the agricultural science
TheNewsCaravan (KL):What are the new goals in agricultural sciences for increasing production?
DR JAMEEL A KHAN (JAK): During the green revolution of the 1960s, there was a growing demand for increased food production due to a rapidly growing population. MS Swaminathan employed genetics knowledge to meet this demand and address the issue of food scarcity. One of the strategies employed was to cultivate short-stature crop varieties instead of tall ones, as the tall ones had a tendency to fall over, causing crop loss. This strategy successfully addressed the issue of lodging and increased food production. As the population continues to grow, biotechnology will become a key area of intervention in agriculture, aimed at meeting the demands of the next green revolution.
KL:So what is the status right now?
JAK: While current agricultural yields are stable, there are still major challenges such as droughts, pests and diseases, and post-harvest losses. Improving storage technologies and addressing these issues will help meet the food needs of both current and future populations. Approximately 40-50 per cent of food production is lost due to factors such as drought, heat, salinity, and floods. To address these issues, biotechnology has a significant role to play in finding solutions for these challenges and reducing post-harvest losses.
KL:Before we go into your accomplishments and research can you offer us details about your learning curves and challenges faced during your career journey?
JAK: I started my educational journey at New Convent, Gogji Bagh, Srinagar where my teachers instilled in me the importance of thinking big and pursuing my dreams. After completing the 10th standard, I decided to study BSc in Agriculture at SKUAST, Jammu. I then went on to secure a seat for a Master’s in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore by qualifying for the national level exam JNU-DBT. Initially, I had intended to follow in my brother’s (Er. Muneer Khan) footsteps and pursue a career in engineering, as he had studied at SSM. However, I decided to forge my own path when I went to a counselling session and ended up being selected for BSc Agriculture, my parents were astonished but happy.
Eventually, I did a PhD in the same field. I was the sole individual from Kashmir to secure a PhD in UAS-Bangalore at that time.
I was determined to do something innovative in my research and this led to the start of my journey in innovation. Throughout my academic journey, I faced challenges but my determination and hard work helped me secure my place in the field of Plant Biotechnology.
KL:What were the key takeaways from your PhD?
JAK: Research can be as brief as a one-page publication, as evidenced by Watson and Crick’s research on the structure and model of DNA, which won a Noble Prize. This just goes to show that the length of scientific research can range from being short to extensive, like discussions on black holes. The human genome, which can be measured in megabytes and terabytes, contains vast amounts of information that we are now able to comprehend. Similarly, research on genes related to human traits such as appearance (eye colour and height) and behaviour (intelligence, addiction, and even depression) etc., are influenced by gene expression. Researchers are understanding which genes are responsible for these traits. For example, if I wanted to select intelligence, I would look for someone with genes that express high intelligence.
In the realm of plant research, we divide the phenotype into visual and performance aspects, as we observe how plants perform under biotic and abiotic stress, such as water scarcity in agriculture, particularly in rice cultivation. It takes about 2500 litres of water to produce one kilogram of rice, from growth to consumption. By reducing water consumption in rice cultivation by just 10-20 per cent, we could make a significant impact on humanity. Rice can now be grown without stagnant water in a field, thanks to the research I have been a part of.
During my PhD, I worked on exploring the phenotypic and genotypic factors affecting plant growth and productivity, specifically focusing on rice cultivation. I developed a technology for root phenotyping and utilized German technology at the ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management. This was a major milestone as it was the first platform of its kind developed in India and I made it available to other scientists by not patenting it. My aim was to make advanced technology accessible to farmers at an affordable cost.
My research also involved studying the genes that express high levels of root growth and analysing the correlation between gene expression and phenotype. By combining both phenotypic and genotypic information, I was able to gain a better understanding of the factors affecting plant growth and productivity.
I also looked at the impact of abiotic stress, such as water scarcity, on agriculture and specifically rice cultivation. I found that a significant amount of water is required for rice growth and that reducing water consumption by just 20-25 per cent can lead to a big step towards sustainable agriculture. Our laboratory developed a rice variety called aerobic rice that utilizes deep roots to absorb water from deep soil, thereby saving 20-25 per cent of water compared to traditional rice varieties.
Overall, my PhD research aimed to improve our understanding of the factors affecting plant growth and productivity and to develop practical solutions to reduce water usage in agriculture.
KL:Is this rice variety being grown anywhere?
JAK: At present, the government of Katakana has already approved the growing of this rice cultivation. Our technology is ready for any future water scarcity and is proven to be effective. We have taken a thorough approach to this technology, even down to the genetic level, to ensure that farmers can access the aerobic rice variety ARB6 (BI 33) whenever they may need it in the future.
KL:Does aerobic rice BI 33 require specific ecology for growing?
JAK: ICAR has a policy of multi-location trials, which must be completed before any new variety of rice can be approved. Recently, Tamil Nadu scientists conducted research on drought-resistant varieties, with BI 33 outperforming all other varieties in the trials. This variety has now been approved, after having passed all tests.
KL:How does it work on a yield?
JAK: Despite a 5% drop in yield, the comparison between aerobic rice and rice grown in water is not applicable here. We are instead comparing how rice will be grown using technology in the future when water scarcity becomes more severe.
KL:Will this technology ever suit growing rice in Kashmir?
JAK: Kashmiri people rely heavily on rice as their main source of food, and the agricultural sector is always looking ahead to anticipate potential needs and address potential issues. In the case of a water scarcity crisis in Kashmir, science and technology are prepared to mitigate any potential losses in yield. Scientists are always looking forward, anticipating the needs of the future, and this is what drives the research and development of new technologies–even if it may seem out of reach at the present moment. For instance, Elon Musk’s ambitious plans to take humans to Mars or the Moon demonstrate the potential for future technology to make the seemingly impossible a reality. In this way, my own work falls in line with this outlook, searching for solutions that may open up new possibilities.
Dr Jameel A Khan (Agriculture)
KL:With immense success in your field of research, why you changed your career path?
JAK: I have always been passionate about technology and its potential to innovate and create a bigger, brighter future. With a background in agriculture, I wanted to be part of the Agrotechnology revolution that is currently taking place in India. My experience has enabled me to understand how technology can be used in the most effective ways, and I am eager to use my knowledge to contribute to the industry.
Also, the recent initiatives in Agritech and the focus on agriculture accelerators in the budget proposed by the Government of India indicate that research must be effectively adapted and implemented for real-world applications. This emphasis on agriculture accelerators in the budget is a clear sign that the government is actively pursuing work that can have tangible impacts on the agricultural sector, which could have a significant ripple effect throughout the country. We at C-CAMP have been forefront runners in such research and innovations.
KL:What are the present projects you are working on?
JAK: At the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bangalore, we are part of the Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC) and have three major institutions and top bio incubators. C-CAMP has been awarded the best incubator of India across all sectors, owing to our expertise in life sciences, be it biotechnology, agro technology, health technology, or any other industrial biotechnology. We also received an award during National Startup Day as the best Ecosystem Enabler in India. We feel proud to contribute to bioeconomy in India. We provide the handholding for the latest technologies that a startup or an individual innovator is working on.
I handle multiple programs, the basic objective is to assess the proposal, considering its scientific acumen, financial theme, and future innovation in technology. We provide a grant of Rs 50 lakhs for eighteen months to help develop a product and mentor the startup with proper guidance for early-stage innovators.
I work on a programme where we train innovators to find a relevant problem and make a venture out of it. In this programme along with a monthly fellowship of Rs 50,000, a kick-start grant is given. Young innovators in Kashmir should consider applying for this programme.
At C-CAMP, I also work with the Centre of Excellence in Agriculture with the objective to identify gaps in agriculture. We were successful in handholding startups that are making a national impact, for example, Krishitantra.
KL:What are the innovations taking place in agriculture? Is there any contribution from Jammu and Kashmir in Agrotechnology?
JAK: Agriculture is undergoing a transformation due to the introduction of innovative technologies. Indoor vertical farming is one of the most popular advancements, as it increases crop yields and reduces the negative impact on the environment. Farm automation technology is also becoming increasingly popular, as it automates the crop or livestock production cycle. In addition, livestock technology is being used to monitor health and increase productivity through wearable sensors. Other innovations that are expected to hit the market include agricultural robotics, artificial intelligence in agriculture, and the use of drones. All of these technologies are helping to make agricultural processes more efficient and effective.
The Vice Chancellor of SKAUST-K has been a great mentor to me and has taken a number of new and innovative initiatives at the university. In Kashmir, it can be difficult to get acceptance for new ideas and advancements, but many universities like SKUAST have taken steps to bring about change. I also met the VC of Kashmir University and the DIQA Director, I could see the enthusiasm to work on innovations.
There are many innovators who have applied for these projects, and I have taken on the role of mentor, as I feel that it gives me a chance to give back to the community. We also have the JK Scientist programme, which helps students to get accepted for doctorates and PhDs.
I take this platform for productive collaboration with C-CAMP for making impactful innovations in life sciences.
Hyderabad: In the absence of price control mechanism in the Telangana state, the prices of commodities, especially rice, have started recording a huge increase and it is being said that the price of rice has increased by about 10 percent this month.
According to the traders, they are selling rice by keeping their profit on the price they are getting from the mill and with the arrival of new rice in the market after Sankranti, the up-trend of price is becoming a new normal and it is not being stopped or fixed.
Due to a lack of mechanism, arbitrary price increases are being recorded by the mill owners. Retail traders say that customers are asking them about the reason for the increase in rice prices, to which they are not in a position to answer as there are no valid reasons like crop failure or price rise during the last year, but despite this, mill owners have increased the prices of new rice which is resulting in rise of the prices of old rice as well.
Despite repeated reminders to the State Government on taking measures to control commodity prices, no steps have been taken to check the increase in prices of commodities, especially rice and pulses, which is forcing citizens to buy essential commodities by paying extra money.
Several claims are being made by the State government regarding the increase in rice cultivation in Telangana and it is being said that the demand for rice produced in the state has started increasing, but the people are facing difficulties due to the steep increase in the prices of rice recorded in the state itself. The price of Sona Masoori No. 1 rice has increased by Rs 6 to Rs 8 during the last month and it is now being sold at Rs 46 to 48 per kg, as well as the price of new rice has been increased by 4 to 6 rupees.
Panaji: A Goa court in its three different orders has directed the Crime Branch of the police to release a large quantity of rice and wheat that were seized during raids conducted in November.
The Crime Branch of Goa Police claimed that they had seized food grains stolen from godowns of the Civil Supply Department. However, Civil Supply Minister Ravi Naik later clarified that there was no ‘mismatch’ in their storage and supply.
The police had seized 754 rice bags and 253 bags (50 kg each) containing wheat from three places, valued at Rs 7,52,000. Three cases were filed by the police in this connection.
Civil Supply Director Gopal Parsekar said that they had sought a report of stock from all 11 godowns in the state, which suggested that there was no mismatch in the records of storage and supply.
Judicial Magistrate First Class in Ponda after hearing applicant Sachin Naik and respondents (Crime Branch and State) ordered to release the seizure on conditions laid down by it.
Naik stated that the application had been filed for the release of rice and wheat which are perishable items.
The Crime Branch had arrested five individuals identified as — Hazrat Sayyed, Vinay Kumar Gudimani, Prakash Korishetter, Tausif Mulla and Ramkumar.
However, two accused persons — Sachin Naik and Virendra Mardholkar were granted anticipatory bail.
