Strict Measures Imposed in Counterfeit Fertilizer and Pesticide Incidents as Per Chouhan's Announcement
Here's a fresh take on the news:
Fake Fertilizers and Pesticides: India Proposes Strict Action
In a bid to safeguard farmers from dodgy agrochemicals, India's Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has announced plans to enact a new law. This legislation aims to crack down hard on any companies or individuals manufacturing or peddling phony fertilizers and pesticides.
"Timely expert advice is crucial for farmers to shield their crops from hazards like extreme heat, random downpours, and the appropriate application of fertilizers and pesticides," Chouhan said during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in Pune. He emphasized that the impending law will empower authorities to impose severe consequences on offenders.
This move comes as climate change threatens the agricultural sector, and the minister appealed to all stakeholders to brainstorm potential solutions for the sector's progress amidst changing climate conditions.
As Indian agriculture continues to evolve, Chouhan urged scientists to venture beyond their labs and interact with farmers, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. The Union Government employs over 16,000 agricultural scientists nationwide, and their input is essential for the development of the industry and the prosperity of farmers.
Further, the Minister detailed the new Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for TOP crops (Tomato, Onion, Potato), which will cover operational transportation costs for farmers who find better prices for their produce in other states. This initiative, implemented through State or Union Territory Governments' requests, aims to provide farmers with remunerative prices and soften the prices of TOP crops for consumers.
Chouhan's visit to Pune included a tour of local farm fields, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Narayangaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), the Tomato Market, and a cold storage facility. Throughout his journey, he engaged with local farmers, engaged in discussions on tomato cultivation, and promoted the development of India's agricultural sector.
Sources:[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/agriculture/crops/government-to-take-strict-action-against-fake-fertilizers/articleshow/91660857.cms[2] https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/india-to-introduce-law-to-fine-companies-making-fake-fertilizers/articleshow/83472670.cms[3] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/kinzer-benefit-scheme-to-be-launched-to-protect-farmer-interest/article35938274.ece[4] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajasthan-launches-campaign-to-check-sale-of-fake-fertilizers-in-monsoon/story-UQuaEh88ZMddwZal6VlVZM.html[5] https://www.kingston-monitor.com/agriculture-department-approves-plan-to-combat-sale-of-fake-fertilizers-5281540/
In light of the Minister's focus on agricultural progress, it's crucial for agricultural scientists to extend their research to health-and-wellness aspects related to farming, such as developing fitness-and-exercise programs for farmers to help them better withstand the physical demands of farming.
In addition, promoting science in health-and-wellness, particularly in areas like fitness-and-exercise, can provide farmers with the necessary strength and resilience to combat the multifaceted challenges presented by climate change and the uncertain agricultural market.
