Latest news with #StateAgricultureDepartment


India Today
18-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Telangana to formulate policy for cows protection in state, special panel formed
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed top government officials to prepare a detailed policy on cow protection in the guide the process, he formed a three-member special committee including Special Chief Secretary to Animal Husbandry Department Sabyasachi Ghosh, Principal Secretary to Endowments Department Shailaja Ramaiyar, and Secretary of the State Agriculture Department Raghunandan committee will conduct a detailed study on establishing cow shelters (Goshalas) and visit other states to review their cow protection At a review meeting at his residence, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlighted the cultural importance of cows and the deep sentiments of devotees. He voiced concern over the rising number of cow deaths in shelters, frequently due to space shortages and inadequate facilities, despite many cows being donated by response, the Chief Minister directed the officials to build cow shelters with state-of-the-art facilities at four locations in the first phase: Vemulawada, a renowned temple town where devotees offer calves during the 'Kode Mokku' ritual; Yadagirigutta; Yenkepally near Hyderabad; and the Animal Husbandry University. Special attention will be given to protecting calves donated with devotion, with a sprawling shelter planned on more than 100 acres at Reddy assured that the government is ready to invest generously in cow protection. During the meeting, officials presented him with an approach paper on cow shelter Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh expressed his gratitude for this step. 'I thank (Chief Minister) Revanth Reddy ji for this move. Now I would like to request the state government to set up a taskforce for safeguarding the illegal transport and sacrifice of cows,' he by Sneha A Suneeth IN THIS STORY#Telangana


The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Agricultural households in Kerala increasingly viewing social media as source for farming-related technical advisory services: report
Agricultural households in Kerala are increasingly viewing social media as an easily accessible source for farming-related technical advisory services, a survey by the State government's Economics and Statistics Department shows. While mass media platforms generally play a significant role in disseminating farming knowhow, social media was the most accessed source overall, reaching 355 per 1,000 farming households that were surveyed, according to the Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households: 2024-25 carried out in collaboration with the State Agriculture Department. Social media was followed by radio, television, and other electronic media (327 per 1,000), print media (213 per 1,000), and smartphone-based apps (146 per 1,000). These results underline the growing importance of digital and mass communication channels in agricultural extension, the report said. A comparison of the access to technical advice by agricultural households between 2018-2019 and 2023-25 shows an increase in the case of progressive farmers, government extension programme (ATMA) and smart phone-based information. At the same time, the Kerala Agricultural University and colleges emerged as the leading source of advice on improved seeds and varieties, with 790 out of 1,000 households reporting support from these institutions. Input dealers were the primary source of guidance on fertiliser application. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and government extension agencies played a pivotal role in providing plant protection advice. Peer networks remain influential, with progressive farmers offering considerable advice on fertiliser application and improved seeds, demonstrating the continued relevance of farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer, the report observed. 'Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and private processors were notable sources of advice in the post-harvest stages, especially in harvesting and marketing (438 and 158 households per 1,000, respectively), highlighting the role of collective and commercial linkages,' it said.


Borneo Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Rundi: Sarawak eyes complete agro supply chain to boost rural incomes
Dr Rundi (second left) visits the GS30 hybrid rice cultivation project site at Tanjung Purun Rice Cultivation Scheme in Lundu. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 10): Sarawak is committed to strengthening its food and commodity sectors by establishing a complete supply chain from upstream to downstream levels, to ensure that agricultural and livestock products can be marketed sustainably and profitably, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said this integrated approach is key to securing stable incomes for the people and transforming the state's economic landscape. 'In this day and age, we can no longer live by the 'kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang' (live from hand to mouth) concept. Whatever we strive for must yield positive returns, not just enough to get by. 'Therefore, we need to establish a complete supply chain, covering everything from upstream to downstream,' he said after visiting the GS30 Hybrid Rice Cultivation Project site at the Tanjung Purun Rice Cultivation Scheme in Lundu today. Dr Rundi stressed that the development of the food industry can no longer rely solely on conventional approaches but instead, it requires a mindset shift that views this sector as a true economic opportunity. 'The 'tagang' (controlled fishing) system and agricultural practices in the state are still very slow and overly conventional. 'So, we need to change our way of thinking so that we can produce high-income products. Our target is for household incomes to reach RM15,000 per month,' he said. He explained that such income levels can be achieved if a complete supply chain is in place, along with job opportunities and income sources from farming, fisheries, and livestock. For this reason, he said, a mindset change is necessary so that the agro-food sector is no longer seen as merely subsistence-based, but as an economic field with lucrative returns, as is the case in developed countries. 'In New Zealand and Australia, farmers are highly regarded. We can reach that level too, if this industry is developed in a planned and strategic manner,' he added. In this regard, Dr Rundi called on the State Agriculture Department and research officers to identify suitable production zones for premium products such as dabai, black pepper, and pandan coconut. 'For example, crops like dabai and black pepper are only suitable in specific areas like Song, Kapit, and central Sarawak. If we plant them elsewhere, the taste and quality won't be the same. 'So, we must identify the strengths of each area and focus on developing based on those advantages,' he remarked. agro-food sector Dr Stephen Rundi Utom food supply chain lead


The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Over 200 Penang durian growers urged to join tracking system
GEORGE TOWN: More than 200 durian growers in Penang are being encouraged to register for the 'Track and Trace' system, a smart tagging platform aimed at curbing the spread of counterfeit durians and restoring consumer confidence in the authenticity of the state's renowned fruit. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said to date, between 50 and 60 growers have committed to using the system, with 20 large-scale farmers already registered. 'Each durian will be tagged with a QR code that allows traceability from the farm to the consumer. Buyers simply need to scan the code to verify the durian's origin. 'The tags are ready and implementation will begin on June 1. We will assist growers in obtaining the tags as soon as possible. Registration can be done through the State Agriculture Department, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), or my office,' he told a press conference at Komtar here today. Last week, Fahmi announced the state government's plan to implement the system in collaboration with MIMOS Sdn Bhd, following complaints from local growers about the misuse and misrepresentation of Penang durians by irresponsible parties. Fahmi said the state is also proposing to make the tagging system a mandatory requirement for all durian growers before they are allowed to sell their produce. 'Those who adopt the system will be prioritised for government assistance, promotional support, and participation in official programmes,' he said. He added that use of the system will also be compulsory for all participants at the Penang Durian and Fruit Festival 2025, scheduled to run from June 23 to July 20, to ensure the quality and authenticity of durians featured at the event. Apart from protecting consumers by ensuring quality and value for money, the technology is expected to help growers build a stronger reputation and expand market access, including opportunities for export to China.

Barnama
29-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Over 200 Penang Durian Growers Urged To Join ‘Track And Trace' System
GEORGE TOWN, May 29 (Bernama) -- More than 200 durian growers in Penang are being encouraged to register for the 'Track and Trace' system, a smart tagging platform aimed at curbing the spread of counterfeit durians and restoring consumer confidence in the authenticity of the state's renowned fruit. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said to date, between 50 and 60 growers have committed to using the system, with 20 large-scale farmers already registered. 'Each durian will be tagged with a QR code that allows traceability from the farm to the consumer. Buyers simply need to scan the code to verify the durian's origin. 'The tags are ready and implementation will begin on June 1. We will assist growers in obtaining the tags as soon as possible. Registration can be done through the State Agriculture Department, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), or my office,' he told a press conference at Komtar here today. Last week, Fahmi announced the state government's plan to implement the system in collaboration with MIMOS Sdn Bhd, following complaints from local growers about the misuse and misrepresentation of Penang durians by irresponsible parties. Fahmi said the state is also proposing to make the tagging system a mandatory requirement for all durian growers before they are allowed to sell their produce. 'Those who adopt the system will be prioritised for government assistance, promotional support, and participation in official programmes,' he said. He added that use of the system will also be compulsory for all participants at the Penang Durian and Fruit Festival 2025, scheduled to run from June 23 to July 20, to ensure the quality and authenticity of durians featured at the event. Apart from protecting consumers by ensuring quality and value for money, the technology is expected to help growers build a stronger reputation and expand market access, including opportunities for export to China.