The Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) operates in Bihar through field officials and the Bihar Rajya Beej Nigam Limited, its designated nodal agency. While no formal branch office exists, BBSSL coordinates seed distribution, business development, and monitoring of seed-related activities, including direct supply to cooperative societies. BBSSL implements a farmer-centric pricing model, ensuring seed-producing farmers receive the highest of MSP plus a minimum 10% incentive, prevailing mandi market price, or the concerned State Seed Corporation’s procurement rate. This model aims to provide assured procurement, protect farmers from price fluctuations, and offer a remunerative premium for quality seed production.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is implementing 'Mission Mausam' to provide panchayat-level weather forecasts and agrometeorological advisories to residents and farmers in Telangana villages via WhatsApp. This initiative leverages the Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal, integrated with digital governance platforms like e-GramSwaraj, and utilizes networks such as Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis for last-mile dissemination. The service aims to deliver critical information on weather events and crop-specific guidance to minimize agricultural losses, supported by IMD's extensive weather observation infrastructure.
The article outlines major government initiatives to strengthen veterinary services, expand dairy cooperatives, and manage stray dogs. Key measures include 100% central assistance for livestock vaccination under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, operationalization of Mobile Veterinary Units, and support for diagnostic labs. The 'White Revolution 2.0' aims to significantly expand dairy cooperative coverage and strengthen existing societies, supported by the National Programme for Dairy Development and modernization efforts by NDDB. For stray dog management, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, provide a statutory framework for sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination. The National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination, based on a 'One Health approach', aims to eliminate rabies by 2030, with states encouraged to establish animal shelters and ABC centres.
The Department of Fisheries (DoF), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) since 2020-21 across India, including Odisha. Under PMMSY, significant proposals for fisheries development in Odisha, totaling ₹1,301.18 crore, have been approved, focusing on strengthening the aquaculture value chain. Key projects include an Integrated Aqua Park at Basantapur, Sambalpur (₹100 crore) and a State-of-Art Wholesale Fish Market at Pandara, Bhubaneswar (₹59.13 crore), both incorporating modern sustainability features. Additionally, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility was extended to fishers and fish farmers in FY 2018-19, ensuring timely and affordable working capital. The DoF, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, is actively promoting KCC benefits. Odisha further enhances KCC affordability by providing additional interest subvention, making loans up to ₹1.00 lakh interest-free and reducing rates for higher amounts.
The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore across all States/UTs to address critical gaps in fish production, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and fishers' welfare, including cold water fisheries. Additionally, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore has been in effect since FY 2018-19. The government has approved Rs 706 crore for fisheries projects in Himalayan and Hilly States, and issued 'Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold Water Fisheries' to support states. Emerging technologies like Raceways, RAS, Biofloc, IoT-based monitoring, and digital platforms are promoted. Specific clusters for cold water fisheries development have been notified in Anant Nag (J&K), Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), Kargil (Ladakh), and Kullu (Himachal Pradesh). Research institutes like ICAR-CICFR and CIFT are also involved in developing intensive trout production and processing facilities.
The article details the national launch of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by the Vice President of India, alongside the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document. The LoA is a mandatory, transparent framework under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025, enabling regulated fishing beyond India's EEZ while ensuring compliance with international conservation measures. The initiative aims to strengthen Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and cooperatives, enhance fisher incomes, boost seafood exports, and advance India's Blue Economy vision. The Odisha mission specifically targets unlocking the state's deep-sea fisheries potential.
India is grappling with severe water stress, evidenced by monsoon deficits, stressed river basins, and aquifer depletion, despite existing initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission. The article highlights challenges such as poor infrastructure upkeep, inadequate wastewater treatment, and high pollution. To achieve water security, it proposes four key actions: climate-proofing water systems through risk assessments, promoting water reuse for non-potable purposes, scaling up micro-irrigation with policy reforms for small farmers and crop diversification, and improving water data collection at the river basin level for better decision-making.
The Union Agriculture Minister held a high-level meeting to address the potential impact of the El Nino situation, which has caused a significant delay in monsoon rainfall, leading to 43% below normal precipitation. The Centre has identified 315 vulnerable districts, with 111 in 12 states being of primary concern due to poor irrigation facilities (below 25% coverage). Proactive measures include preparing district-specific contingency plans by ICAR, promoting water conservation through MGNREGA and forthcoming rural development programs, and planning for fodder supply to mitigate shortages for livestock. The weak monsoon is expected to directly affect Kharif crops, especially in rainfed regions.
The article highlights India's agricultural paradox of burning biomass, leading to air pollution and soil degradation, while vast lands suffer from low soil organic carbon. It proposes biochar, made from agricultural waste in low-oxygen conditions, as a carbon-negative solution. Biochar improves soil health, water retention, and crop productivity, while sequestering carbon. The piece advocates for integrating biochar into sustainable farming initiatives, leveraging carbon credit markets for economic incentives, and expanding its feedstock to include urban organic waste, aligning with circular economy principles for a resilient agricultural future and global climate mitigation.
Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), visited DUVASU, Mathura, to review academic, research, clinical, and livestock development activities. He inspected facilities including the Goat Semen Freezing Facility, emphasizing its role in genetic improvement and rural livelihoods. The Secretary also participated in a tree plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and discussed strengthening veterinary infrastructure, disease control, and food security with faculty and students, highlighting the importance of practical, field-oriented solutions.
The article discusses the delayed onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala and the India Meteorological Department's pessimistic forecast of a deficient year, largely due to the near-certain El Niño. It highlights the critical implications for Indian agriculture, especially rain-fed farmland, which is already facing an input crisis (energy, fertilizer) exacerbated by geopolitical events. The author emphasizes the importance of rainfall distribution over onset date and calls for urgent government preparedness, involving ministries like Agriculture, Jal Shakti, and Consumer Affairs, to implement measures such as farmer advisories for short-duration crops, disciplined water management, and readying crop insurance and relief provisioning.
