Agriculture World May' 2018

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 05 MAY 2018 ` 100

s p e c i a l

Let’s talk

RICE

Indo-Israel Agri Projects

Thegeneration Trajectory of Growth Next

ISRAEL:

PHENOTYPING Daniel Carmon

Interview with Ambassador www.krishijagran.com

An Indian Perspective MAY 2018 1

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I C U LT U R E a g r i c u l At G u R r e

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Israel: The Country Metamorphosing Agriculture-Interview Monika Mondal

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 05 MAY 2018 ` 100 PAGES 100

Editor-in-Chief MC Dominic Directors Shiny Dominic MG Vasan Editor Ajith Kumar V R Sr. Executive Editor Dr. KT Chandy Technical Editors Dr. B C Biswas Dr. Mahendra Pal (Vet. Sci.) Assistant Editor Karthika.B.P Associate Editors Sreeja.S.Nair Monika Mondal Dr. Sangeeta Soi Asha Sadasiv Sr. Correspondent Imran Khan Correspondent Vibhuti Narayan Mahendra Kurre Social Media Head Sameer Tiwari Sr. Correspondent (Social Media) Sameer Tiwari Ritik Ranjan Video Editor Rishav V. P. Intl. Business DD Nair (Russia & CIS Countries) 6 Mikluho-Maklaya STR, Moscow, Russia 117198 Mob: +7903729 98 30, Tel: +7499501 99 10 Email: ddnair@krishijagran.com Gavrilova Maria V.P. Spcl. Initiative Chandra Mohan V. P. Strategic Alliance Ratnamanjari Sharan Sr. Manager Special Initiatives Harsh Kapoor GM - Marketing Farha Khan Deputy GM - Marketing K J Saranya Marketing Head Sanjay Kumar Sr. Marketing Managers Sara Khan Marketing Managers Megha Sharma Dhanya M.T. Saritha Reghu

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Sr. Marketing Exectives Chunki Bhutia Poonam Bishwakarma Rinki Pundir Laxmi Pandey Hema Sharma Marketing Executive Farhin Sheikh Kajal Chauhan Marjeena Khan Divya Mehra Circulation Head Nishant K Taak Sr. Circulation Manager Rahul Singh Asst. Circulation Manager Prashant Sharma Sr. Circulation Executives Pappu Rai Furkan Qureshi Pawan Kumar Tarun Singh Accounts Abdus Samad

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Israel: The Promising Land

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Indo- Israel Tie Up: A Model for Cooperation

Asha Sadasiv

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The Israel Model of the Dairy Livestock Sector

Daniel Werner

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Interview with Kaushal Jaiswal,

MD Rivulis Irrigation Ltd

Monika Mondal & Imran Khan

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Water Resources Management:

What India Needs to Learn from Israel Bharat Sharma

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Ishwar’s Farm: A Testimony of Israeli Technology

Vibhuti Narayan & Monika Mondal

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Regulatory Scenario of Pesticides in Israel Vipin Saini

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Printed at : Pushpak Press PVT LTD. Shed No. 203, 204, DSIDC Complex Indl. Area Pahse-I New Delhi- 110020 All rights reserved.

Copyright @ Krishi Jagran Media Group.

Agriculture World is published

by Krishi Jagran Media Group.

Editor in Chief: MC Dominic

Israel: Through an Indian Eye Dilip Lathi

Head Pre-Press Yogesh Kumar Graphic Designers AnilRaj Nasim Ansari Atul Batham

Karthika B P

Protected CultivationTechnology: A Sustainable Solution Dr. Awani Kumar Singh & Dr. Naved Sabir

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Biofortification to Eradicate Malnutrition in the Masses

Tara Sathyavadi & Bharadwaj C

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FSSAI Requirements for Start Up & Entrepreneurs Pradip Chakraborty

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KVK: World’s Agricultural Institutional Innovation

Ananth P N, Sundaray J K & S K Samantaray www.krishijagran.com

Editorial

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griculture sector is a big factor that can transform Indian economy to a higher threshold and bring India from developing to a developed nation. Agriculture supports 58% of the population of India and that in turn supports 16.8% of world’s population on 4.2% of world’s water resources and 2.3% of the global land. Though around 51% of India’s geographical area is already under cultivation as compared to 11% of the world average, unprecedented degradation of land and ground water resource and fall in the rate of growth of total factor productivity worries the agriculture sector. This deceleration needs to be arrested and agricultural productivity has to be doubled to meet growing demands of the population of 2050.Efficiency mediated improvement in productivity is the most viable option to raise production.

Green ,white and yellow revolution made a drastic change in India’s food grain, dairy and oil sector , but much has to be done to make agriculture viable for the future generation. As of now, in terms of agricultural output, India is ranked second in the world, but can leap to better heights ,if proper R&D be made in the sector in association with countries like Israel, which optimizes the use of water in general and agriculture in particular. Presently, Indian agriculture is witnessing a phase of diversification by shifting from conventional crops to high-yielding varieties and it enabled a successful transition from stagnation to a growth path.

India ,at present, is on the thrust hold of second green revolution which targets the transition towards sustainable agriculture and diversification of the food basket.

Mashav- Israel’s agency for International Development Corporation is the partner to it and the result has came to light in recent years. The long term association started in 2008 shares best practices and know how and also provides capacity building through professional training programmes. Israel supported agricultural centers of excellence ,now ,make a suitable platform for the rapid transfer of technology to the farmers.

Presently, about 30 centers of excellence are nurturing hundreds of farmers to new technologies and practices and they in turn provides the advantages in agriculture to thousands of local farmers.

Krishi Jagran , to a further advancement, supporting the affluent farmers to visit the Israel Agritech ,Tel Aviv and also to have field visit in the farms of Israel to get the hands on experience in agriculture and to make friendship with the progressive agriculturists of Israel. We will continue our effort in future also by organizing regular farm tours to Israel and other developed countries. We wish all success for the Agritech Israel at Tel-Aviv.

MC Dominic Editor-in-Chief

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International news

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NEW METHOD TO STOP SPREAD OF RICE BLAST DISCOVERED

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team of researchers led by the University of Exeter in the UK have found a way to stop the spread of rice blast, a fungus that destroys up to 30 percent of the world’s rice crop each year.

Rice blast threatens global food security, destroying enough rice each year to feed 60 million people. It spreads within rice plants by invasive hyphae (branching filaments) which break through from cell to cell. In an attempt to understand this process, the researchers used chemical genetics to mutate a signaling protein to make it susceptible to the specific drug. The

protein, PMK1, is responsible for suppressing the rice’s immunity and allowing the fungus to squeeze through pit fields so, by inhibiting it, the researchers were able to trap the fungus within a cell.

The researchers opined that this finding is a breakthrough in terms of understanding rice blast, a disease that is hugely important in terms of global food security. However, this is a “fundamental” discovery not a cure that can yet be applied outside the laboratory.

Africa Rice launches mobile app for rice weed control

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AUSTRALIAN VINE CAN BOOST SOYBEAN YIELD

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n unobtrusive Australian perennial vine Glycine tomentella can boost soybean yield, according to new research from the University of Illinois. The study points out that it is a distant relative of soybean contain genetic resources that can subsequently increase the yield.

The yield increases of 3.5 to 7 bushels per acre in soybean lines derived from crossing with this vine.

The process of getting Glycine tomentella genes into soybean is highly complex. The two plants are so distantly related that any mating would ordinarily result in aborted seeds. For this, the researchers developed a growth hormone solution and applied it on the young pods to keep seeds from aborting.

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he Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) has launched a powerful tool, called ‘RiceAdvice-WeedManager,’ to help African rice farmers find the most effective and cost-efficient weed management strategies, matching their specific farming conditions and available resources. This new discovery is strongly based on research findings of AfricaRice and its partners, who have long been involved in developing efficient weed management strategies that are affordable and feasible for resource-poor rice farmers in Africa. The app can be used by farmers, extension workers, private companies involved in rice agri-business, development agencies and other stakeholders in Africa, who are interested in getting expert advice on weed management for rice production. It can also open opportunities for young professionals to serve as service providers by assisting farmers during the implementation of the recommendations.

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PROTEIN FROM NUTS AND SEEDS IS GOOD FOR HEART THAN MEAT

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eople consuming nuts and seeds have a lower risk of heart disease than those mostly eating meat according to a study conducted by researchers in California and France. The study which included data from more than 81,000 persons, found that meat protein is associated with a sharp increased risk of heart disease while protein from nuts and seeds is beneficial for the human heart.

The study, appeared in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found that people who consumed large amounts of meat protein experienced a 60-percent increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD), while people who consumed large amounts of protein from nuts and seeds experienced a 40-percent reduction in CVD. As a result of being high in unsaturated fat, nuts and seeds are traditionally included in the “good fat” category. However, it is also possible that “good protein” that also adds to their positive health impact.

VACCINE FOR EDIBLE PLANTS, A NOVEL PLANT PROTECTION METHOD

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lant diseases and pests cause considerable crop losses and threaten global food security. The diseases and pests have traditionally been fought with chemical pesticides, which spread throughout our environment and may be hazardous to human health, beneficial organisms and the environment.

FOOD WASTE:

THE BIGGEST SOURCE COULD BE OUR DIETARY CHOICE

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bout a third of the food produced for human consumption is estimated to be lost or wasted globally. A group of researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science found that the biggest source of this wastage, which is not included in the estimate, may be through the dietary choices that result in the squandering of environmental resources. This novel study was first published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and the scientists have called it “opportunity food loss,” a term inspired by the “opportunity cost” concept in economics, which refers to the cost of choosing a particular alternative over better options.

“A new approach to plant protection involves vaccinating plants against pathogens with double-stranded RNA molecules that can be sprayed directly on the leaves,” explains Dr Minna Poranen of the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme at the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

The vaccine triggers a mechanism known as RNA interference, which is an innate defence mechanism of plants, animals and other eukaryotic organisms against pathogens. The vaccine can be targeted to the chosen pathogen by using RNA molecules which share sequence identity with the pest’s genes and prevents their expression.

This means that the double-stranded RNA molecules do not affect the expression of genes in the protected plant, but only target the plant disease or pest. RNA is also a common molecule in nature that degrades rapidly rather than building up in the environment.

- By Asha Sadasiv

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National news

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NEW MAIZE VARIETY TO ADDRESS HIDDEN HUNGER

GUAR BASED HYDROGEL TO SAVE DROUGHT-HIT CROPS

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esearchers of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) have developed a new hybrid variety of maize through the process of plant breeding. Researchers pointed out that this bio fortified new variety is high yielding and it can address hidden hunger.

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The currently grown hybrid varieties of maize in India though rich in essential amino acids are poor in vitamin A. But the newly developed one is rich in both vitamin A and essential amino acids.

It contains natural variations of three genes beta-Carotene Hydroxylase, Lycopene-eta-Cyclase and Opaque2 - required for production of high amount of vitamin A and the two essential amino acids. The result of this study is published in journal Frontiers in Plant Science.

Researchers said that hydrogels are network of polymers that can hold large amount of water and are extensively used in diapers and sanitary napkins. Synthetic hydrogels are non biodegradable and are considered to be hazardous to environment. But the guar gum based hydrogel is biodegradable and can add organic content to the soil upon degradation. This was developed by a team of scientists from Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums. The study has been published in the journal Carbohydrate Polymers.

cientists have developed a hydrogel from guar gum that can increase soil moisture and help farmers to save their crops from drought. This hydrogel absorbs up to 800 ml water per gram and improves porosity, moisture absorption and retention capacity of the soil significantly.

ANDHRA PRADESH TO MAXIMIZE ZERO BUDGET FARMING

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ndhra Pradesh government is planning to maximize Zero Budget natural farming(ZBNF) method in the state in the next six to eight years through farmer outreach programmes.

Started in 2005, the ZBNF scheme has been reached out to 1, 38,000 farmers across the 13 districts of the state covering almost 1, 50,000 acres of agriculture

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land. It demands the usage of natural farming practices like low cost locally sourced mixtures, inoculums, decoctions based on cow dung, cow urine and jaggery to eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The scheme is implemented in partnership with UN backed Sustainable India Finance Facility (SIFF).

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WORLD TAMIL NADU FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM INSECT MUSEUM

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amil Nadu Agricultural University has opened India’s first insect museum at its campus in Coimbatore. The museum has been established with the help of the State government’s fund of five crore and is spread over an area of 6,691 square feet at Department of Agricultural Entomology of TNAU. It has on display 84,000 insects as preserved specimens, live specimens with different developmental stages of the insects, images, videos and models on their unique behaviour, habits and habitats. The museum will serve the farmers and agricultural enthusiasts to know more about the good and bad kind of insects to agriculture.

KERALA PLANS CROP SPECIFIC SPECIAL AGRI ZONES NEXT YEAR Kerala government’s ambitious crop specific special agricultural zones (SAZ) will be fully implemented in 2019. The zones are designed for crops like rice, vegetables, banana, coconut and flowers based on the climatic conditions, soil specialities, volume of rain received in each area and topography. Apart from this, the Ministry of Agriculture also plans to set up an agro-business company to help farmers find a potential market for their crops. As per the project, the state’s 14 districts are classified into 23 agro-ecological units. Palakkad, Wayanad, Thrissur, Kuttanad, and Onattukara in Alappuzha, Pokkali fields in Ernakulam and Kaippad in Kannur will be the SAZs for rice production. Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode will focus on coconut while Thrissur will be the ‘banana’ zone. Kanjikkuzhy in Alappuzha and Devikulam in Idukki will be the ‘vegetable’ zones and Wayanad the floriculture zone.

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National news

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CENTRE REMOVES CUSTOMS DUTY ON SUGAR EXPORT In order to promote export with the objective of evacuating surplus stocks from the country, the Central government has decided to remove the customs duty on export of sugar from its current level of 20 percent to zero percent. As per Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) report, several sugar mills are under pressure to pay to the farmers due to the fall of sugar prices in the market. Experts say that this new decision will help in maintaining demand and supply balance and can stabilize the prices in the domestic market.

WB FACILITATING EXPORT OF MANGOES TO EUROPE West Bengal government has initiated steps to promote the export of mangoes to European countries mainly Italy, France and the UK. To facilitate the effort, modern packaging houses are being built by the state government where fruits will be packed according to international standards. Special hot water plants are also being built to treat the fruits. Since most of the mangoes to be exported will come from Malda district the packaging houses and fruit treatment facilities are also being built there. From June onwards, mango varieties like Himasagar, Lyangra, Fazli, Laxmanbhog, and others will be exported to Europe.

Articles invited Agriculture World invites articles on agricultural innovation, new technologies, research findings, success stories etc.

Articles on livestock and food technologies are also solicited.

Kindly send the articles with maximum of 2000 words with authors profile and passport size photographs to feedback@ krishijagran.com.

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DSH-185, HIGH YIELDING NEW SAFFLOWER HYBRID DEVELOPED

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ndian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad has developed DSH-185, the first public sector CGMS-based safflower hybrid seed.

On an average, DSH-185 gives the seed yield of 14.3 quintals per hectare under rainfed, 21 quintal per hectare under irrigated conditions and 17.4 quintal hectare at national level. It gives the oil yield of 4.12 quintal hectare under rainfed, 5.7 quintal hectare under irrigated conditions and 4.89 quintal hectare at national level. The potential of DSH-185 has been demonstrated in farmers’ fields under dry and irrigated conditions in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh and found that it is also resistant to Fusarium wilt which is the major disease of safflower.

CLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE: MAHARASHTRA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH WORLD BANK

INDIA, NEPAL COOPERATION TO BOOST AGRI SECTOR

Maharashtra Government have signed US $420 million loan agreement with World Bank for Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture to help small and marginal farmers in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra. The project aims to help in increasing climate resilient practices in agriculture and ensuring that farming continues to remain a financially viable activity for them. It will be implemented in rural areas largely dependent upon rain fed agriculture. It will take up a series of activities at farm and watershed level. This project is expected to benefit over seven million people that are spread over area of three million hectares and cover 5142 villages across 15 most climate vulnerable districts of Maharashtra.

India and Nepal have agreed to give momentum to bilateral cooperation in agricultural sector for the benefit of farmers of both the nations.

The agreement will emphasize on collaborative projects in agricultural research and development, education, training and scholarships. The focus will also strengthen the supply and value chain, climate resilience, research in seed technology, soil health; infrastructure of plant protection laboratories and research in indigenous genetic resources. Other areas such as animal husbandry, veterinary research and development facilities, agro forestry, bio pesticides, bio fertilizers, cooperative farming and promoting exchanges between the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) are also highlighted in the agreement.

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Company news/ corporate news A G R I C U L T U R E

John Mulhall, new director of

Rallis India Ltd

John Mulhall has been appointed as the new Director of Rallis India Limited.

Rallis India Limited is one of India’s leading agrochemical companies with a century-old tradition of servicing rural markets and a comprehensive portfolio of pesticides for Indian farmers.

The Company is known for its deep understanding of Indian agriculture, sustained relationships with farmers, quality agrochemicals, branding and marketing expertise along with its strong product portfolio.

Restrictions imposed on Cochin Port Trust The Government of India has imposed restrictions on Cochin Port Trust to import chemicals and intermediates covered under the Insecticides Act of 1968.

This new restriction is expected to reflect in the prices of products like pesticides, paint, thinners, laminates, synthetic fibres, detergents, lubricants, formaldehyde and various other items manufactured in large scale, particularly in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. Officials said that as 901 chemicals were being imported through notified ports, the decision to de-notify Cochin Port Trust (CPT) will serve as a major setback for companies in Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Monsanto, RNAgri announce research partnership RNAgri, a St. Louis startup developing technology for agriculture, has entered research collaboration with global agriculture company Monsanto. The deal allows Monsanto to use RNAgri’s proprietary RNA production technology to produce RNA for research and development of RNA interference (RNAi) applications for agriculture and bee health.

DHANUKA AGRITECH & FICCI JOIN HANDS FOR WATER CONSERVATION Dhanuka Agritech Limited, India’s leading Agrochemicals Company in association with Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has organized a summit to promote sustainable use of water in agriculture and other economic activities. Each year the Company celebrates World Water Week from March 16-22nd by organizing multiple awareness activities in schools across the country. The company also strongly supports the government’s agenda in water conservation for irrigation and promotes ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana’ for enhanced water efficiency through `Per Drop More Crop’ project.

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In this collaboration with Monsanto, RNAgri will focus its technology on producing RNA to support Monsanto’s priority research and development projects. As per the tie up, this technology can also be used to make products for markets outside of Monsanto’s R&D, such as mosquito, cockroach, fire ant and termite control. Experts observed that this deal translates to a safe, scalable cost-effective, agricultural activity that can control pests and disease or impact traits while maintaining an environmentally sustainable footprint.

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KAMCO aims to tap small agri machinery market Followed by the Centre’s initiative to mechanize farming operations, Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation (KAMCO) aims to tap the small agricultural machinery market with its array of products.

The State-owned company is catering to Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh with a slew of its products including power tillers, power reapers, mini tractors, pump sets etc.

This small agricultural machinery market is expected to double in the next five years, said P Suresh Babu, Managing Director, KAMCO. Besides, the rise in small land holdings ,revival in interest among the youth for agriculture will boost the sale of farm equipment. To cater to

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the emerging demand, the company’s proposal to install automated assembling line for tiller production under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana assistance of Rs.24 crore is under consideration, he added. The project aims at doubling tiller production with a cost saving of Rs.10,000-15,000 per tiller which can be passed on to the farmers, he added.

The company has generated a net profit of Rs. 4 crore on a turnover of Rs.156 crore in FY18.

By widening the market, KAMCO has set a short-term target of achieving a turnover of Rs.200 crore and a net profit ofRs.7 crore and the long-term goal is to offer a total solution to all mechanization needs for farmers by 2025.

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ISRAEL: The Country

Metamorphosing Agriculture “In conversation with the Ambassador - Daniel Carmon” Monika Mondal

Associate Editor, Krishi Jagran

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tories and information that eulogizes Israeli technology are ubiquitous. The practicality of it is much apparent with the augmenting numbers in a farmer’s bank account. Talking of the impact of Israeli technology in India, there would not be a better person than Ambassador Daniel Carmon, who is nearly completing his four year term at the Israel embassy in New Delhi.

Agriculture World in its “Israel Special” edition brings “In Conversation with the Ambassador”, the insights of the development cooperation between the two countries.

What is the trajectory of growth that Israel and its agriculture have seen since independence?

Since independence in 1948, Israel built itself from scratch. From the influx of mere 6 lakhs, the nation strengthened itself with over 28 lakhs of population in a short span of 5-6 years.

The country endeavored of building a nation, bringing in people from different parts of the world and taught them new way of living and thinking.

We have evolved through various problems like poor infrastructure, errant rainfall, unavailability of proper education, health system, governance issues and policy to bring back Jews to ancient homeland.

Before cultivating vegetables and fruits, Israel developed a very interesting

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dairy industry, which is one of the most successful models worldwide. A concept is framed in dairy, where the cattle and the animals are honoured and their well being is the most important thing and this connects very well with the productivity. Being independent as State and being independent in the sector of food security is how Israel has brought itself up in this time frame.

What was the motivation or policy that the government and indeed the public adopted to have reached such an opulent position in Agri world?

A Farmer works for himself and also for our well being. Policy of transparency and technology transfer has brought farmers closer to profitable agriculture.

The institutions which connect the farmers with the information source are one of the most important factors which push this sector towards growth.

Talking of the nation building part, the concept of rebuilding Israel was to bring Jews closer to their ancient land. Since practising agriculture binds people emotionally to the soil, it was advised to many, to re-route their urban professional choices to farming.

Agriculture was much embedded in this re-construction of the nation, understanding the needs of the economy.

A very interesting and irreplaceable way of living: Kibbutz developed in Israel. Kibbutz is a collective community in Israel that was tra-

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Being a farmer is not easy and all over the world, the number of farmers is dwindling, but People who go to Israel, talk about the produce and ad- vancements. This Desert blooms. ditionally based on agriculture. Today, farming has been partly supplanted by other economic branches, but it began as utopian communities based on the ideology of socialism which cannot be found anywhere else.

India- Israel has joined hands on many agricultural cooperation activities how has been the experience for both the sides?

India-Israel cooperation is a big example of Israel’s discipline of enhancing produce and not limiting the art to self. Jerusalem feels proud and happy to share the technical know-how with New Delhi. The expertise which Israel has gained in the agriculture sector, it wishes to replicate the same through the Indo- Israeli Agriculture Project (IIAP). In the last 10 years, cooperation led by MASHAV, with Ministry of Agriculture and State Governments has brought an affirmative change in the lives of farmers.

As of today, 22 Centre of Excellences (COEs) are fully operational in India, which puts forth the Israeli technology to Indian agriculture community. The most important thing is that technology is not copied but adapted. Through these centres, various products like tomatoes, mangoes, flowers and technology of bee keeping have been developed. In North Indian state of Haryana, a new cooperation on dairy farm and industry is on the rise. The idea is to take Israeli model of success and reproduce it in India. Presently the cooperation is between the governments and the next step would be to intervene and take it ahead with the private players.

In Gujarat, when Prime Ministers of both the countries met last year, farmer’s testimonial in favour of Israeli technology came across in a big way. Integrating Israeli technology of agriculture in their professional way of practicing farming has multiplied the incomes of farmers by two to three times.

Israel is well known for its investment in research. Presently, how much is allocated to agriculture?

Israel is one of the countries which invest the most in R&D. More than 4% of its GDP goes to Research and Development (including Agriculture). Technology evolution in irrigation, development of better species, fertilization and fertigation tactics, less water usage and minimum

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use of territory for more and better output have been few of the highlighted areas. Looking at the overall economy of Israel, relatively a smaller contribution is made to the agri R&D compared to the results it has fetched, which means employing a sophisticated method of managing agriculture. The ways, means and management are very important and the experiences gathered through these years are very different.

Extensive extension practices are of utmost importance. Government deploys field expert for the service of the farmers, which makes him/ her aware of the new technologies and latest developments. Also, relatively, Israel invests less manpower in agriculture, which projects it to be working as a developed economy. Manpower is distributed to innovative sectors including IT, cyber research, start ups on communication, health solutions etc.

This Desert blooms, and when it is said, it actually means the productivity of the land that has shown miraculous results. Better and innovative Irrigation methods, development of new species and varieties which are more adaptable and adoring to the concept of more from less, have been well integrated through technology at Israeli farms. Being a farmer is not easy and all over the world, the number of farmers is dwindling, but People who go to Israel, talk about the produce and ad- vancements.

Please comment on the agricultural exchange that takes off between India & Israel?

Except for few cluster of products, we are self sufficient. Food security is the new found independence of the State. We have developed both systems and management of technology that allows rendering the best produce. Israel imports some products and elements that need to be processed. Meat is one of the products that is imported in huge quantity. Most of the vegetables and fruits are grown in the country, except a few.

More than learning, it has been a two way street, where at one side Israel offers India better and new technology, on the other side Israel learns various things from India like India’s years of experience and clout in mango farming. Other than mango, pineapples are new for Israel and hence it builds up a strong cooperation with such exchanges.

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Cover Story

Israel is the only country in the world to have free trade agreements with the US, Mexico, and Canada as well as the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, at the same time

ISRAEL The Promising Land Karthika B.P

Asst. Editor, Agriculture World

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or most of us, Israel is a land of controversial conflicts, riven by religious, ethnic and economic divisions. For some others, it is a holy land, the place where Jesus’s life and death unfolded, the place where the Prophet ascended to heaven. But what Israel really desire to unfurl beyond all these prevailing images is that they have a progressive face which is less commonly understood by the world.

The land of Israel has come under the sway of various empires and has been home to variety of ethnicities, but it was predominantly Jewish from 1000 years before the Common Era until the third century. After the third century, the land of modern-day Israel was conquered and ruled by various groups, including the Persians, Greek, Romans, Arabs, Crusades, Fatimids, Seljuk Turks, Egyptians, Mamelukes, Islamists, and others.

A Plethora of History, Culture & Tradition

From 1517 to 1917, Israel, along with much of the Middle East, was ruled by the Ottoman Empire.

But the World War I dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape and in 1918 after the end of the World War I, Great Britain took the control over the land and the British rule continued there until Israel became an independent state in 1948.

The State of Israel has a lengthy and rich history that dates from pre biblical times. According to the Hebrew Bible, Israel’s origins can be traced back to Abraham who settled in the land of Canaan around the 17th century BCE. Abraham’s descendants were thought to be enslaved by the Egyptians for hundreds of years before settling in Canaan, which is approximately the region of modern-day Israel. The word Israel comes from Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, who was renamed “Israel” by the Hebrew God in the Bible.

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Israel’s official languages are Hebrew and Arabic.

The country boasts several internationally translated writers and has a diverse array of cultural institutions, such as orchestras, dance troupes, theater companies and museums. It possesses the highest number of museums per capita in the www.krishijagran.com

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world. According to the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Israel was the world’s second best educated country in 2012 after Canada. Globally, it ranks 15th for the overall number of Nobel Prize laureates.

The country’s film and television industries have gained international attention in recent years, with several TV shows adapted into American programs or broadcast internationally through streaming services like Netflix. Israeli cuisine, with its mix of cultural influences and use of fresh Mediterranean produce, has also become popular in many Western countries. Sports in Israel are dominated by soccer, basketball, and tennis etc.

Another distinct feature of the country is its openness to encompass progressive movements.

Israel’s largest city, Tel Aviv, is considered an international hub for LGBTQ culture. Its annual gay pride celebration, which draws tens of thousands of Israelis and tourists, lasts a full week, with a parade that attracts more than 150,000 and is the largest such parade in Asia. In 2016, Tel Aviv was pronounced “the gayest city on earth” by the Boston Globe.

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Nation of Innovation & Technology Since its independence, Israel has seen itself living under a constant threat of war by its neighbouring countries. This has prompted Israel to achieve technological supremacy for national survival.

After more than four decades of development, Israel has established itself as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world and a global innovation hub. Reflecting this, Israel ranked 2nd in terms of innovation among the 138 economies mentioned in the Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017. It also ranked 21st out of 128 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2016 and recognized as the second highest in the sub-indicator of gross expenditure on R&D as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Added to this, Israel is home to more than 2000 start-up companies and is second to Silicon Valley of the United States in terms of the number of start-up companies and it has been widely regarded as the “start-up nation”.

In 2016, the Israeli government established an independent public entity the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) to nurture the development of the I&T industry in Israel while creating and strengthMAY 2018

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ening the infrastructure and framework needed to support the entire industry. Through its divisions, IIA manages incentive programmes for promoting technological innovation of companies, invites entrepreneurship and supports R&D in specific fields such as agriculture, alternative fuels for transportation and space technology. Israel is also among the world’s largest exporters of military hardware and a major centre for diamond cutting and pharmaceuticals. The country also owns a vibrant tourism industry. It has welcomed approximately three million tourists annually in recent years, although the number fluctuates significantly depending on the political situation in the nation.

Despite a steady decline in number of self-employed farmers over last three decades and agriculture’s limited contribution to the GDP, agriculture plays a vital role as the major food supplier in the local market and is also a significant factor in Israeli exports.

Moreover, the Israeli government has considered that revitalization of the traditional manufacturing industry through adoption of R&D is vital to enhance its productivity and competitiveness and help achieve a diversified economy. In 2015, there were 10,754 establishments operating in the traditional manufacturing industry, accounting for about 84percent of the total number of manufacturing establishments in Israel.

Agriculture: A Defining Factor The impact of Israel’s technological advancements is mainly seen in its agriculture sector. It is characterized by an intensive system of production, stemming from the need to overcome the scarcity of natural resources, particularly water and arable land. The constant growth in agricultural production is due to the close cooperation between researchers and farmers. They have teamed with researchers throughout the world to establish new and innovative technologies to maximize efficiency, minimize waste and create greater output. In 2014, the agricultural sector employed 52,000 persons, amounting to 1.2 percent of the total workforce.

Despite a steady decline in number of self-employed farmers over last three decades and agriculture’s limited contribution to the GDP, agriculture plays a vital role as the major food supplier in the local market and is also a significant factor in Israeli exports. Total agricultural produce in 2010 accounted for 1.9percent of GDP. Today, Israel manages to produce 95percent of its own food requirements.

One of the earliest and important Israeli agricultural innovations to reach international markets was the drip irrigation system, based on a concept pioneered in the 1890s by a researcher in California. In drip irrigation, water and nutrients are discharged directly to the area around the plant’s root system, so that much smaller amounts can be used more efficiently. This also enables farmers to provide the precise amounts of water at the rate required by different crops. Drip irrigation has allowed the country to develop one of the most efficient water systems in the world, it uses up every drop of available water each year. Israel has also become the world’s leading producer of drip-irrigation systems, exporting them to 22

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Holland, Yugoslavia, Australia, New Zealand, East Africa and Central and South America.

Israel is also a leader in the development of mechanized systems used to speed up harvesting and other operations. Locally designed and manufactured computers have been developed to coordinate farming activities. These perform functions such as guiding fertilizer injection, monitoring relevant environmental factors and supplying feed for livestock etc based on a least-cost - best-yield proportion. Meanwhile, scientific breeding and genetic testing have increased the yield of dairy cows to one of the highest in the world. Today, the export revenues of the Israeli dairy sector are valued at US$100m per year. Dairy herds also supply 40 percent of the country’s fresh red meat.

Furthermore, Israel has made key achievements in soilless farming, protected cultivation, automated plant tissue culture, biological insecticides, disease-resistant seeds, biological fertilization and the development of biological pest controls etc.

Over the years, Israel has given the world some amazing new agricultural products such as the seedless, hardy Bet Alpha cucumber, the delicious Galia melon, the spaghetti squash (high in antioxidants), exotic and vitamin C-rich black tomatoes, www.krishijagran.com

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Traditional Farming Settlements

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ost of Israel’s agriculture is based on cooperative communities, which evolved in the country during the first decades of the 20th century.

Among these, Kibbutz and Moshav are the unique forms. The Kibbutz is a collective community in which the means of production are communally owned and income is equally distributed. The major economic activities of Kibbutz are agricultural production, industry, and agro tourism.

The other cooperative community is Moshav.

It is generally based on the principle of private ownership of land, avoidance of hired labour, and communal marketing, represents an intermediate stage between privately owned settlements and the complete communal living of the Kibbutz. There are two types of moshavim, the more common of the two is called moshav ovdim (Hebrew for “workers”) which relies on cooperative purchasing of supplies and marketing of produce. The other, less common type is the moshav shitufi (Hebrew for “collective”) where the land is farmed as a single large holding. In recent years both systems have undergone vast ideological and structural changes, though they still account for the major share of productive crop-growing area.

seedless peppers, a hardy mini basil tree, and the Anna apple which is suitable for hot climates etc.

International Cooperation Israel’s collaboration with overseas countries has a significant impact on its developmental experiences. Since its establishment, the nation maintains relations with the majority of countries around the world. It is the only country in the world to have free trade agreements with the US, Mexico, and Canada as well as the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, at the same time. The country’s international cooperation programmes are implemented primarily on a government to government basis strategy through MASHAV, The Centre for International Cooperation started in 1958. MASHAV’s programmes are based on the transfer of technological skills and human resource enrichment. In cooperation with government ministries, professional and academic institutions and research centres throughout Israel, MASHAV works in partnership with the countries in the developing world and with those whose economies are in transition, towards overcoming their respective development challenges in areas such as poverty alleviation, primary health care, agriculture, food security, www.krishijagran.com

early childhood education, combating desertification, gender equality, small and medium enterprises, and integrated rural development.

Since its inception, almost 200,000 men and women have participated in MASHAV’s professional training courses conducted in Israel and abroad, and over 10,000 long and short-term Israeli experts have been dispatched to cooperate with their local counterparts in partner countries.

MASHAV works worldwide with some 140 developing countries. Some of MASHAV’s activities are conducted in partnership with donor countries, including the United States and the Netherlands, and international assistance agencies, such as FAO, UNDP, WHO and the World Bank etc.

While analyzing all these developments and achievements of Israel, what seems certain is that, despite the many questions surrounding the state, Israel will emerge as a fertile land and will reflect its resonance.

Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit (Isa 27.6) The trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase (Ezek 34.27)

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INDO –ISRAEL TIE UP: A Model for Cooperation

Asha Sadasiv

Associate Editor, Agriculture World

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he bilateral relations between Israel and India have strengthened since full diplomatic relations were established in 1992. The two countries share values, interests and similar challenges in various spheres - from security to food and energy security. Recently, much progress had been made on the bilateral level and today, both countries cooperate in various levels and fields such as political issues, commerce and trade, defense, science and technology, education, development, culture, tourism, agriculture, water and more.

the 22 years, trade between the two countries increased from 192million to 5 billion USD. Several bilateral agreements has been made in the areas of agriculture, water, and dairy and post harvest technologies. ”Agritech” the tri- annual agriculture exhibition in Israel has been visited by more than 3000 farmers. Israel is building 30 centers of excellence (COE) in 10 Indian states. Farmers who are interested in innovative farming techniques of Israel have a chance to see these because of Centres of Excellence in Agriculture project between Israel and India.

India –Israel Agri Relations

Based on Israel’s unique expertise in Agriculture, India and Israel have signed the Agreement for Agricultural Cooperation in 2006. India

Agriculture is an important part of fledging bilateral relations between India and Israel. In 24

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WORLD

Agriculture is an important part of fledging bilateral relations between India and Israel. In the 22 years, trade between the two countries increased from 192million to 5 billion USD. MASHAV – Agency for International Development Cooperation MASHAV Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs founded in 1957 is responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of Israel’s development cooperation programs. It is committed to global efforts of achieving sustainable development, adaptation to climate change and ensuring food security. MASHAV provides assistance and participates in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts during natural disasters.

has chosen Israel as a strategic partner (G2G) in the field of agriculture. This partnership evolved into the Indo-Israeli Agricultural Project (IIAP), the agriculture co-operation project in 2008, with the objective of sharing best practices and technical knowledge from Israel and to increase crop productivity and diversity in various regions of India.

IIAP is implemented via establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoE), in which technologies and know-how are disseminated.

The implementing partners for the project are the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) under the Agriculture Ministry, MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, and Indian state governments which help set up centres of excellence as per their local needs. The agricultural centers of excellence in India focus on growing horticulture crops, producing seeds and cut-flowers, and also on beekeeping and dairy farming.

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MASHAV focuses on Human capacity building and “Training the Trainers” as the best way to achieve maximum impact and sustainable growth. It operates according to international agreed standards and principles particularly demand driven programs, country program ownership and alignment to national development program. MASHAV’s agricultural and rural development programming deals with the introduction of modern technologies and agro-technical methods designed to increase the levels, sustainability and quality of agricultural production to ensure food security. It also concentrates on introducing effective support systems to enhance the economic viability of agriculture in areas such as marketing, storage and transport, the supply of agricultural inputs, and upgrading the work of extension services.

MASHAV’s approach to agricultural development is based on harnessing science, technology and extension and adapting it to the local needs and approach of development. Applied research, the introduction of innovative technologies and the promotion of agricultural crop intensification and diversification are key elements in attaining food security.

Within this framework, CINADCO – the Center for International Agricultural Development Cooperation within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – operates as MASHAV’s professional affiliate for implementing Israel’s cooperation programs in India in the fields of agriculture and rural development. Although a modest player in the international assistance arena, MASHAV provides fast, flexible, hands-on, pragmatic, original and practical solutions to development challenges, thus becoming a significant contributor to sustainable development

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Shalom Club MASHAV maintains contact with former course participants through its network of over 70 locations worldwide, which serve as a forum for MASHAV alumni to organize professional and social activities, to exchange ideas and to stay informed about Israel and MASHAV affairs. Activities, organized

by Shalom Clubs, vary from professional workshops, B2B meetings, raising funds for local charities to community development and humanitarian acts. Members of the Shalom Clubs play an integral role in determining the focus and scope of Club’s activities.

project with 25 additional CoE .To achieve the stated goals of the cooperation agreement, it was decided to establish “Agricultural Centers of Excellence,” funded by both the Federal Government NHM and by individual State Governments, that are also responsible to allocate land and professional manpower.

CoEs are jointly set up according to defined gaps & needs of the Indian Government.

Professional training MASHAV has vast experience and expertise in development issues: agriculture, education, public health, renewable energy, Urban and Rural Development and offers courses, trainings, exposure visits tailor-made to your needs and time.

Based on the approach that enhancing people’s livelihood is paramount to sustainable economic growth, it was decided that MASHAV’s professional activities in India, as implemented

by CINADCO, will focus mainly on human capacity building, the transfer of knowledge and professional support to the agricultural development projects conducted in the different Agricultural Centers of Excellence.

Indo-Israel Agriculture Project (IIAP) The IIAP is MASHAV’s biggest project outside of Israel, and it holds a significant portion of bilateral relations between India and Israel. IIAP is a self-sufficient platform in the aspect of HR, accumulated knowledge and operating capabilities. The first stage of the Indo-Israeli Agricultural Cooperation Project was started in 2008 following the signing of a three-year Action Plan based on a Government to Government Agreement (G2G). The objectives of IIAP are increasing crop diversity, increasing productivity and resources use efficiency. The Israel provides best-practices and knowhow, and provides capacity building through professional training programs to be conducted both in Israel and in India. India and Israel are set to jointly develop new crop varieties and share post harvest technologies following the success of the 10-year-old Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project (IIAP).

IIAP is operating within the framework of a 2nd Green Revolution. IIAP has been initiated (phase 01) during 2009 after signing a bilateral agreement between Indian and Israeli ministers of Agriculture (2006). Each phase lasts for three years (2009-2012; 2012-2015). During Phase 01 (2009-2012) 4 Centers of Excellence in Haryana and Maharashtra were established. During Phase 02 (2012-2015) 8 more states joined the 26

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Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in July last year, a new action plan for the years 2018-2020 envisages joint development of new crop varieties and sharing of post harvest technologies following the success of the 10-year-old Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project (IIAP). The accomplishments include growing cherry tomatoes in Haryana, rejuvenating mango orchards in Maharashtra and demonstrating to Indian farmers the effectiveness of state-of-the-art irrigation technologies. Further, the plan is to establish a partnership on water conservation that includes waste-water treatment and its reuse for agriculture, desalination, water utility reforms, and the cleaning of the Ganga and other rivers using advanced water technologies.

The four pillars of the IIAP are: 1. Applied Research- provides solutions to the farmers, mapping the challenges and closing the gap.

2. Field Extension (SMS) - the linking element between the applied research and the farmers carried out by the government extension officers. The purpose of this important link is double: first, to disseminate the knowledge and second, to make sure that the new technologies are assimilated and www.krishijagran.com

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implemented by the farmers in the field.

3. Progressive Farmers- IIAP Target Audience is both small and large farm holders. Farmers implement the technologies demonstrated at the CoE and they set an example, becoming role models to other farmers.

WORLD Specialist) Field Extension Officer and the Progressive Farmer. So far, 30 centres of excellence are functioning in different states.

Notable among these are centres for vegetables in Karnal, Haryana, for mangoes in Dapoli and for citrus fruits in Nagpur, both in Maharashtra, and one for pomegranates in Bassi, Rajasthan.

4. Sustainability- IIAP aims to develop into a self-sufficient platform in the

Gharaunda & Karnal, Centres for Vegetable

aspect of HR, accumulated knowledge & operating capabilities. The CoE acts as a meeting point and working environment for Academy, Government and farmers to cooperate towards fruitful achievements.

The success of the Gharaunda Center of Excellence, the first to be established within the framework of the Indo-Israeli cooperation agreement, serves as model for the establishment of the additional Centers.

Vegetable intervention in Haryana showed how crop productivity could be increased 5-10 times under protected cultivation of tomato, capsicum and cucumber, coupled with 65% decrease in water use and substantial reduction in fertiliser and pesticide costs.

Agricultural Centers of Excellence The Centres of Excellence are an integral part of India and Israel’s growing partnership.

The Centers of Excellence provides a suitable platform for a rapid transfer of technology to the farmers. Knowhow and new agricultural technologies such as protected cultivation, drip irrigation and fertigation, canopy management, nursery production, integrated pest management technologies are demonstrated at the centers and later adopted by the farmers to increase their yields and income. The Centers of Excellence are jointly set up according to the requirements and needs of the Indian Government.

The Centers of Excellence target both small and large farm holders, thus offering a wide range of agricultural practices in order to enable all to benefit from the new technologies. The basic concept of the Centers is based on a triangular format: Applied Research, SMS (Subject Matter www.krishijagran.com

The plant nursery produces lakhs of vegetable plug seedlings annually, utilizing plug-seedling technology (young plants grown in small, individual cells, ready to be transplanted into containers or a field).The use of protected structures such as ahi-tech Green House, Naturally ventilated Poly Houses (NVPH),Antiinsect net House,(AINH),Walk-in Tunnels, significantly increases the yields, allows reduced use of pesticides and prolongs the harvesting season from 3 to 9 months. The seedlings include hybrid seeds of tomatoes, cherry-tomatoes, colored capsicum, cucumbers, eggplant, chili peppers, and more

Ramnagar, Centre for Beekeeping The centre of excellence for integrated beekeeping MAY 2018

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development in Haryana’s Ramnagar is the “first of its kind”, and address queen bee rearing, quality control laboratories, enhanced production, honey production value chain and pollination. Haryana is one of the first to implement this tool for its farmers, and has more IIAP centres than any other state.

how to design better farms by using canopy management and use of improved irrigation and fertigation technologies, Each centre showcases a range of greenhouses to farmers depending on their needs and capabilities. A unique focus is to teach farmers the language

Dapoli, Centre for Mango At the Dapoli Center of Excellence the technique of rejuvenating senile mango orchards is being successfully implemented though applied research rejuvenation resulted in more than tripling the mango yield while improving the fruit quality.

Within two years, the treated trees produce fruit with higher weight, better color, less post harvest losses, and easier harvesting.

This is a breakthrough in mango cultivation which is a result of joint collaboration in applied research. The technology that had been used in Israel was modified to the local climatic conditions by Dapoli’s experts.

As the Indo-Israeli Agricultural Cooperation Project continues, there are plans for implementing an animal husbandry project and post-harvest Centers for dates in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Nagpur & Mangiana, Centres for Citrus Thirteen varieties of citrus were planted in Mangiana of Haryana in order to evaluate their compatibility to the local conditions. The different varieties include easy peeler, early season and late season oranges and grapefruits, in order to extend the harvest period and to decrease the dependence on one specific variety.

Ridge and high density planting is demonstrated in Nagpur and in Mangiana. In Nagpur, the success of the ridge planting in comparison to the traditional flat terrain planting was embraced by the farmers who visited the demonstration plot. This technique will also be a tool in controlling the devastating Phytophthora which threatens the cultivation of citrus in India.

Thally, Centre for Cut Flower The first Indo-Israel Agriculture project for cut flowers in India and first Centre of Excellence was established in 2013 in Thally of Tamilnadu.

Many new projects for the welfare of the farmers and training sessions for horticulture enthusiasts are in pipeline at the COE in Thally.

Israel is helping India in revolutionising its farming practices by sharing knowledge and technologies. At these centres, experts from Israel have been training Indian officers as well as farmers in nursery management, protected cultivation, post harvest management, use of poor quality water for irrigation, precision farming of micro irrigation and other best agricultural practices.

There is a lot of focus on drip irrigation and 28

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of irrigation - when to irrigate and by how much - to increase water use efficiency.

Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT) The centre was established in 1998-99 as a demonstration farm and commissioned as Indo – Israel project in January 2000 as a project undertaken jointly by the Government of India, through Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) & ICAR and the Government of the State of Israel, through the Centre of International Cooperation (MASHAV) & CINADCO. It was aimed to demonstrate different technologies for intensive and commercially oriented peri-urban cultivation of horticulture crops improved quality and productivity. Its major objectives are: •

To conduct R & D work to evaluate different protected cultivation technologies and make them adaptable for different categories of farmers.

•

To demonstrate different technologies appropriate for intensive and commercially oriented peri-urban cultivation of horticultural crops for www.krishijagran.com

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WORLD

The Centres of Excellence are an integral part of India and Israel’s growing partnership. It provides a suitable platform for a rapid transfer of technology to the farmers. greenhouse conditions to give protection against weeds conserve moisture and enhance temperature to activate soil microflora. This technology also enhances early flowering, fruiting by 10-15 days and crop duration by 45 days and 30-40% increase in yield. Vegetables suitable for this technology are solonaceae, curcubitaceae, cole crops during winter and rainy season.

3. Plastic low tunnel and walk in technology This method can be used for the production of crops like capsicum, brinjal, chilli, tomato, curcubits and offseason flowers with pollination management.

4. Soilless Cultivation The Centre is also using soilless and Aquaponics technology for growing high value vegetables.

5. Insect Proof net-house

improved quality and production. •

To conduct training programs for HRD and technology transfer

The research activities at the centre emphasis on the development of production technology for growing vegetables and flowers, design guidelines for protected structure for different agro-climatic conditions, fertigation strategies for horticultural crops, soilless cultivation technology, and solar-powered protected cultivation etc.

Technologies Developed & Standardized 1. Production technology for vegetables and flowers under greenhouse condition Various types of vegetables and flower crops have been grown in different types of greenhouses to evaluate their techno-economic performance and to standardize the package of cultivation of practices in climate conditions of north Indian plains. Vegetables such as Cucumber, Tomato and Capsicum and flower such as rose, chrysanthemum, gerbera and carnation are the major crops growing under this protected cultivation technology.

2. Plastic Mulching Technology This technology is used for surface covered cultivation of crops under open field and www.krishijagran.com

Insect proof net structures are used for viruses free nursery production, vegetables like tomato, capsicum chilli, summer squash, parthenocorpic cucumber, bitter gourd, musk melon, sarada melon, sneaks melon, strawberry and flower crops. It is useful to grow crops against UV and high intensity sun light during pre and post rainy season and insect proof net also used for crop protection in other greenhouse structures for side and roof ventilation during the summer season. Insect proof net cultivation technology is feasible and economical to the farmers under rainfed condition.

6. Shade net house Shade net structures are used for nursery production, shade-loving leafy vegetables like lettuce, coriander, fenugreek, spinach, radish, tomato, capsicum and flower crops are grown during the summer season in plain condition and shade net is used for crop period and quality yield. This type of cultivation is feasible and economical to the farmers.

7. Solar Powered Greenhouse Solar energy powered greenhouse is another effective method used in Israel for quality yield. The estimated life of solar-powered greenhouse and solar panel is 20-25 years.

Moreover, farm mechanization and automation, water harvesting facilities, various training and outreach programmes are also available in CPCT. Every year the centre is visited by more than 50,000 visitors which include farmers, foreign delegations, professionals, officers, extension workers, students etc.

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ISRAEL

through an Indian Eye

Indian Delegates at Israel

Dilip Lathi

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Managing Director, Vasudha Research and Publications Private Limited 1384, ShukrawarPeth, Near BadamiHaud Chowk, Pune 411002 INDIA Tel. 020-24473225/24452540/ Cell: 9970197319/9422012031 E Mail: vasudharesearch@hotmail.com

eople in India are curious to know about Israel. What they talk about Israel is marked with curiosity and attraction as well. During my childhood I have heard a teacher telling us that a country should be like Israel. It manages to deal with all its enemies. A farmer in Israel works in the farm in a daytime and takes up the gun in the nighttime to protect his country. They have really shaped their country.

We must learn from them, etc.

Later when I was in Aurangabad for my degree education, I happened to meet some progressive people who criticized Israel for being anti-Muslim. They have told me that Israel is 30

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doing gross injustice with Muslim countries including Palestine. It is imperialistic. As a result, it created several sympathizers for Yasser Arafat.

Contrary to it we find the description of Israel even in the Bible. Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. Jesus was born in Bethlehem which is in the immediate neighborhood of Jerusalem. Once upon a time it was a rich land. The Bible describes Israel as the land of milk and honey. History contains the stories of ill and injured soldiers left to die by Napoleon in the city called Jafa in Israel.

It was in recent times, that is, after the massacre www.krishijagran.com

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People in Israel are naturally endowed with the temperament of converting calamities into opportunities

different technologies are employed for farming.

I thought, if it is so, then what kind of magical format of farming these people in Israel have found that it is useful to all.

During my visit to Israel all my questions were answered.

Israel and Farming A fertile land, water, and skilled labour are required for farming. Unfortunately, Israel lags behind others as far as these resources for agriculture are concerned. It lacks a fertile land.

A large part of Israel is covered by a desert called Arava. Rainfall is weak. They also suffer from scarcity of skilled labor required for agriculture like us. Actually Jews are known for their business skills.

Neighboring Countries

of Jews in Germany during the World War II, Jews across the world came together and founded a nation called Israel in 1948.

Recently I received an invitation to visit Israel as the member of delegation of agro-journalists invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Agriculture, Israel.It’s usual that many farmers either visit Israel to learn new techniques of farming or to participate in the agricultural exhibitions. I found it little funny for our country is agriculture-centered and survival of more than 70 percent population depends on agriculture.

Since time immemorial we have been engaged in the farming. Then, I thought, what has remained to learn from Israel? Agriculture is different as it depends on several factors like the texture of the soil, atmosphere, temperature, climate, humidity, rain, etc. The crop pattern changes according to the conditions. That is why, in different regions www.krishijagran.com

Israel is surrounded by the countries like Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Its relationship with these countries is always tense.

Mediterranean Sea is to its West. Taking into account this situation it is very much clear that during the time of crisis there is no possibility of any support from the neighboring countries.

Therefore,it is impossible for Israel to depend on the neighboring countries for food grains, vegetables or essential commodities.

Rain Clouds from the Mediterranean Sea contain water. If these clouds are not converted into water within twenty-five minutes, they pass to the neighboring countries like Jordan and Syria. Rain falls over there. Very unfortunate situation for any country!

Technology Instead of submitting themselves before the lack of fertile land, water or the skilled labour, people in this country began to use the innovative techniques based on technology and scientific ideas.

The clouds that passed through their country within twenty-five minutes they successfully obstructed them with aero planes and

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Dilip Lathi with Director, Nan-Dan-Jain thereby managed a rainfall. The government of Maharashtra has carried out the similar experiments in Maharashtra.

However, we need to learn a lot from Israel as far as the proper use of water is concerned.

Drip Technology The industrial groups like Netafim, Nan-Dan-Jain successfully carried out the experiments of Drip Technology not only in Israel but in many other parts of the world. This technology does not help us only to save the water but also enhances the production and the quality of crops. An Indian industrialist brought together the companies functioning under the two kibbutz (a collective community in Israel that was traditionally based on agriculture), Nan and Dan and founded a new group of industries. Interestingly enough, the Indian industrialist who founded this group of industries is from the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra- Jain Group. The companies like Netafim and Nan-Dan-Jain have been striving hard to make drip technology reach different parts of the world.

Innovative Techniques People in Israel are innovative. Their experiments in exporting the fruits, vegetables, etc. are remarkable. An utmost care is taken of the appearance, taste, and the quality of fruits and vegetables to be exported. They have developed 32

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different techniques to retain the freshness and the taste of their fruits and vegetables. For this, they are developing different processing units. The group of industries like Juran Technology has launched machines for this purpose. It includes the machine used to peel off the pomegranate.

A few years ago Mr. Avaner Galili, the director of Juran Industries, visited a small town in India i.e.

Baramati. In his view, in a country like India it is not enough to have “after crop processing units” but a ‘total quality management” is required right from the plantation to export.

Export One can see it clearly that people in Israel work very hard. Their devotion and commitment to work is beyond our imagination. We were accompanied by an officer called Ricky. She was nominated for this task by the Ministry of External Affairs. She accompanied us from 6 O’clock in the morning to the moment we finish our dinner by 12 O’clock in the night. Next day she used to remain present sharp at 6 O’clock in the morning- with the same enthusiasm and the same commitment. I told her, “You people really work hard. Hats off to you.” Her answer was, “Only hard work is not enough. We always think what best and new we can do for our country.”

They always try to do something new. As a result, they convert calamities into opportunities. www.krishijagran.com

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Work culture and Total Quality Management have played an extremely important role in Israel’s development A larger part of agricultural trade of Israel depends on export. They produce fruits required by the European countries such as easy peeler orange. Israel, the country that suffers from scarcity rainfall, exports fruits, vegetables, dates, etc. to the European countries known for heavy rainfall.

Once the produce is ready for export it is preserved in a quarantine state to avoid any kind of infection by human or insects. Instead of crying over the barrenness of the desert Arava, people use it to save time for the quarantine state by two weeks. It helps them to get more time.

Prepared to lead the world Now Israel is prepared to lead the world in different fields. Water management has become the major issue in the world. Hence, the world needs to learn the ultra-modern technology of farming from Israel. Interestingly enough, China plays leading role in technological development in the world but many Chinese experts visit Israel to learn new technology of farming. It aspires to lead the world in the field of innovations and their implementation. As far as the military equipment is concerned, its achievements are remarkable.

How Israel has achieved these things? Gulf countries have natural repositories of oil and therefore, their richness is incomparable. Israel does not have natural repositories of oil. Lack of natural resources certainly adds to their adversities.

The former Prime Minister of Israel Golda Meir once remarked painfully, “Let me tell you something that we Israelis have against Moses. He took us 40 years through the desert in order to bring us to the one spot in the Middle East that has no oil!”

Israel: Population, Territory and Revenue The population of Israel is approximately 83 lakhs. (Demographically, Mumbai is two and half times bigger than Israel as its population is 220 lakhs.)

The geographical territory of Israel is approximately 22,145 square kilometers.

(Maharashtra is twenty times bigger than Israel in geographical size as its territory is 307713 square kilometers.)

The per capita income of Israel is approximately 28400 dollars. (It is the earning of 22 persons in India as our per capita income is only appr. 1250 dollars.) www.krishijagran.com

Yet how do they manage it? What we could learn from them? I begin to agree with the teacher who used to tell us about the achievements of Israel during my childhood. After spending few days in Israel with the ministers, the officers, experts, industrialists, farmers, educationalists and the common people I became curious to know the sources of their inspiration. I was eager to know the secret of their power. I observed the country and the people carefully and noted the reasons behind their success.

It is a modest attempt to understand the most innovative country on this planet: 1. One of the scientists in Israel told me informally, “It is question of our existence. We are left with no option but to innovate. We have not been endowed with natural resources like other countries. It means that the only resource we have at our disposal is our brain. Everyone has realized this truth. If we want to survive, we have no alternative but to be the best.”

2. Everyone’s commitment to the work and the country is easily notable in Israel.

3. The utmost care taken in the planning and its execution is commendable. This could be seen in their dealing of all issues. Israel has several high-tech dairy farms. We visited one of the dairy farms. The Director of CINADCO [The Center for International Agricultural Development Cooperation] accompanied us. He told us, “There are 3000 cows in this farm. Out of them 1000 cows yield milk. Each cow yields about 35 liter milk. It means each day the farm produces 35000 litre milk. And there are several farms like this.

Taking into account the need of the market the Dairy Board decides the quantum of the milk production. If anybody violates the specified quantity, a fine is charged. Israel does not export milk or milk-products. It is due to the control over the production the farmers in Israel never get compelled to throw away the onions in the streets or get disproportionate price like Rs. 100 per kg. for the onions.”

4. The micro level planning can be seen in the management of distribution of water like 55% for farming, 33% for domestic use, 6% for industry, 5% for the countries like Palestine and Jordon, and 1% for the environment.

5. They prepare innovative schemes and execute them with all honesty. They make optimum use of solar energy, avoid vaporization of water available in the lakes. Due to the unavailability of land, they avoid using it lavishly. Hence, they have MAY 2018

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developed floating solar panels on water.

6. Israel has created the high-powered post of a Chief Scientist. Ran, Head of the Innovation and Brand Management of Israel Government, told us that, “The Chief Scientist and his office works under the Ministry of Economy. The Government of Israel offers financial assistance and support to the innovative activity or the project of any individual if the concept is approved by the office of the chief scientist. The Government of Israel has founded the National Authority for Technology and Innovation (NATI) to make the country a world leader in the field of innovations.

Farmers, scientists, educationalists, traders will be supported by NATI. The institution like NATI works under the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Finance.

7. Instead of keeping their experiments in agriculture confined to their country, efforts are made to pass them to other countries. We visited an agriculture institute. Students from different countries like China, Africa and Nepal come to Israel to understand the agricultural experiments.

This time also they have thronged over there.

I asked the director of the institute, “Are you going to teach them how to produce crops?”

She said, “No. We are not going to teach them the plantation of advanced breed of onions. But we will help them to develop their approach to farming; the financial planning of farming.

We will also teach them the strategies to make farming profitable venture.” Students appeared excited to learn something new about farming.

Interaction with director of the institute made them confident.

fish, Israel is among the top five countries in the world.

10. Israel has understood the significance of water. Now it is carrying out the experiments on water diplomacy. It is leading the world over the issue of water. Their techniques of saving the water, strategies devised for water conservation, technology developed to keep water pollution-free, techniques of optimum agricultural production with the minimum use of water are useful to all in the world. Israel will be the leader of the world desperate to save each drop of water.

11. They make an optimum use of science and technology in agriculture. The innovative technique of spreading the network of a pipeline-42 foot under the ground and the use of high-tech machines to preserve the fruits, vegetables for a longer period substantiates the point.

12. Customer centered planning of export is another remarkable feature of Israel. They produce Cherry Tomato for the European customers. They also produce Easy Peeler Orange for them. Customer’s satisfaction is their priority and therefore efforts are made to produce Cherry Tomato and Easy Peeler orange of international standard. The taste and quality of their agro products speaks volumes in European markets.

A country like Israel, which lacks natural water resources, exports vegetables and fruits to the European countries enjoying heavy rainfall and abundance of natural water resources. It contributes to the income of the nation.

8. Changing the mode of business in consonance with new opportunities is the part of their lifestyle. Taking into account the inadequacy of land, they developed trades that require a small piece of land. In their search for such business, they found space for the production of decorative fish required for domestic aquariums.

9. People in Israel are naturally endowed with the temperament of converting calamities into opportunities. Deputy Director of ARAVA Research Organization updated us that in their efforts to find natural oil they excavated but failed to find it. Instead of oil, they found a different type of water.Yet this failure did not disappoint them. They explored possibilities of making use of this different type of water. When they came to know that a Japanese fish called Marine could grow in it, they launched a business of decorative fish. After passing through the initial hurdles in the business they succeeded in establishing it at the international level. Later as people came to know that the decorative fish from Singapore contains a virus, a demand for Clown Marin of Israel increased because in Israel it is nourished not in a lake but in an air conditioned glass box.

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Their techniques of saving the water, strategies devised for water conservation, technology developed to keep water pollution-free, techniques of optimum agricultural production with the minimum use of water are useful to all in the world 13. Consumerism is on rise in the world but Israel believes in community bond, therefore, advocates and practices collective farming and trades based on agriculture. Developing trades based on agriculture is certainly an unbeaten path. Kibbutz and Moshav are based on the cooperative principle and useful to all. In India, co-operative principle is well established but we need to develop strategies and sources for import and export. We also need to guide the farmers in this regard.

14. Work culture and Total Quality Management have played an extremely important role in Israel’s development.

15. People in Israel have a strong sense of commitment towards their nation. This patriotism leads them to devote themselves for the progress of their nation. If we look at the sources of their inspiration it becomes clear that fed up with torture inflicted by Hitler during the World War II around 1500 scientist left the country and went to America. They were internationally recognized as the world leaders in different fields. It is due to humiliating treatment given to Jews in Russia great scientists, technocrats and mathematicians migrated to other countries. It inspired them to

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develop their own nation.

16. People in Israel are endowed with the fighting spirit. Their battle against nature to preserve water, their efforts to grow plants in a soil imported from some other country leave us awestruck. They are constantly engaged in a battle with neighboring country shows their fighting spirit. That is why, military training and the job in military for few years is compulsory for each child irrespective of sex. People in Israel are outspoken, egalitarian, export-centered and innovative enough to develop trades in tune with the tourist places in the country. They believe in their intelligence and relentlessly fighting the battle against the nature for the development of their country. Largely they have succeeded in their battle. However, this has not happened within a fortnight. Their consistency and perseverance have played a significant role in it.

(The article is based on the experiences of the author who recently visited Israel as the part of high-level delegation of agro-journalists invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Agriculture, Israel.)

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THE ISRAELI MODEL OF THE DAIRY LIVESTOCK SECTOR Daniel Werner,

Director of Projects & Special Assignments Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development of Israel Center for International Agricultural Development Cooperation (CINADCO)

sraeli agricultural sector is characterized as extremely intensive, as a result of the scarcity of natural resources, particularly water and soil (50% surface is desert).

I

cost effective technological intervention. It had been successful in involving a very high producing breed of Israeli Holstein by crossing an upgradation of low producing local cows.

Within the most outstanding activities, the dairy industry is one of the leading sectors. This happened in spite of the adverse dairy conditions due to heat stress and scarce of natural resources including water, pastures or grazing lands. The milk supply to the dairy industry is fairly uniform along the year and the local sector supplies about 80% of the local demand.

The average milk production per cow in Israel has increased dramatically since the 1950’s, soaring from 4,000 kg annually to more than 12,000 kg in 2017.

Israel’s dairy industry is considered as one of the most technologically advanced in the world.

Israel had made a revolutionary progress in milk production through an integrated approach based on 36

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Advanced technologies including computerized milking and feeding systems and climate control systems, combined with unique farm management techniques have led Israel’s dairy industry to become www.krishijagran.com

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International dairy equipment manufacturers use Israeli farms as beta-site for the development of their equipment in close collaboration with local farmers. Israeli companies have developed manufactured “high-tech” computerized management systems and dairy equipment, which are sold worldwide.

THE PILLARS OF THE DAIRY PRODUCTION IN ISRAEL BREEDING

the global leader in efficiency, production, and sustainability.

ISRAEL DAIRY INDUSTRY – FACTS & FIGURES 1. Population of Israel: ~ 8,500,000 2. Dairy Cows in 2016: 112,500 3. Production averages per cow (2016) i. Milk-production: 12,012 Kg ii. Protein content: 3.33% -401 Kg. 4. Total milk production in 2016 i. 1,450 million liters cows ‘milk ii. 9.7 million liters sheep milk iii. 14.2 million liters goat milk www.krishijagran.com

Most of the dairy cows in Israel (90%) are registered in the Israeli Holstein Friesian herd book of the I.C.B.A. (Israel Cattle Breeders Association). In 2016 the Israeli dairy herd book collected information from 112,585 cows in 545 herds, 90% of the dairy cows in the country. The ICBA database gathers information and merges additional data from other related sources and aims to integrate all relevant information regarding the Israeli dairy herd. The information comes from different sources as: DHI, Central Milk Laboratory, A.I. Technicians and National Service for udder health and milk quality, Processing Plants, Interbull, Farms and genomic evaluation and feeding data. This integrated database allows farmers, extension advisors, veterinarians, the insemination companies and others, access to controlled and accurate information. The Israel Cattle Breeders Association database is the hub for all information on dairy farming in Israel. All data are subject to logical checks, so that the dairy farmer and other end-users receive accurate and reliable information. The intensive computer application in Israeli dairy farming enables all of the entities involved to access the large database at a relatively low cost.

REPRODUCTION The input source insemination services are provided to the dairy farmers by Sion (more than 90%), an Israeli company for artificial insemination & breeding. The Holstein Friesian black & white cow is known as the most efficient milk producer in terms of overall annual milk production, as well as in fat and protein content.

The remarkable results of the Israeli herd quality, together with an increase of milk volume lead to a decrease in the number of inseminations. Part of this positive tendency is due to the genetic planning carried MAY 2018

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Israeli Dairy Cow Performance

out by the dairy farms.

Israel’s breeding program tests 50 young bulls annually, some of which are Israeli bloodlines and others North American, Scandinavian and European strains. Semen from 25 proven bulls is available to the Israeli dairy farmers for general service. The majority is proven bulls with evaluations based on daughter-production records and the rest are high-pedigree or “promising” young bulls. Most of the semen used in Israel is taken from the local bulls’ table, while we use a small percent of imported semen for creating new bloodlines and for the inseminations of our elite cows. The genetic progress, of all the projects’ herds, should be tested biannually with full cooperation of the dairy farmers.

Every dairy farm’s mating program should be checked, on all aspects of inbreeding, genetic diseases, the percentages of the different bulls used in the herd, and the recommended genetic traits for the inseminated cows.

FEEDING Due to lack of natural resources, difficult climate and intensive farming practices, much attention is given to appropriate feeding aspects of the cow. It is essential to provide the cows a constant & well-balanced feed ration, which provides all its requirements throughout the year.

Israel was one of the first countries to adopt the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) feeding system. Today the most part of the dairy cows and heifers in Israel receive TMR rations. The cost of the feed reaches up to 60% of the 38

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overall operational cost of a dairy farm. For this reason, the feed requirements are carefully calculated in order to maximize the milk production while minimizing the costs. Least-cost linear software is used for formulation of TMR and all of the feedstuffs are blended together in a mixer and fed as a TMR. The TMR feeding system in Israel is based on an intensive feed ad lib management that its main objective is to maintain high milk production. We deliver more frequently the TMR (2-3 times a day) preferably at evening or night when temperature is more pleasant , and if necessary, avoid fermentation at feeders using mold inhibitors.

This system is established using a minimal amount of roughage combined in the TMR. This minimal amount must ensure a normal rumen function (pH, rumination, salivation and digestion). On the other hand, an optimal amount will be adapted according to production policy, milk pricing, forage/concentrate price relation, quality and type of forage and the physical structure of roughage in ration. The roughage is based mainly on wheat and corn silage (70:30 accordingly), wheat hay and small amounts of legume hay, combined with a large variety of ingredients, composing a stable diet. Dairy cows TMR are offered palatable rations, containing a large variety of starch, protein and NDF sources having slow, medium and fast rumen degradability.

A general nutrient description of a typical Israeli TMR (20 kg DM) dairy ration contains: 1. Forage level: 35-45%; www.krishijagran.com

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2. Total NDF: 28-36%; 3. Forage NDF: 16-19%; 4. CP: 16.4-16.8.0%;

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urinary excretions (Na, K), adjust the moisture content of the diet, ensure fresh and clean water in accessible areas and shaded troughs and feeders.

7. Vitamins: vit E, 500; vit A, 180,000, vit D, 25,000, IU/day.

Feed center buildings & facilities: In the last decade, large scale “Feeding Centers” were installed in different parts of the country, providing farmers with TMR on a commercial basis. Rations are based on a “Tailor-made” system, where each farmer or his nutritionist can make their own formulation.

This model of multi-ingredients ration may prevent deficiency of limiting factors. We make adaptation of the feeding ration to climate conditions: the main target is to reformulate rations to enhance intake using: more concentrate energy, adjusted protein (decreased slightly), reduce forage in ration, use of high quality forage, considerate mineral losses by sweating and

The feed center will be designed to stock and hold the feed required for the animals in the far or region while taking into account the forage harvesting seasons and market prices of concentrated feeds. The facilities to be constructed will consist of: silage pits, concentrated feed roof covered storage bins and/or vertical silos, hay lofts, molasses tanks, reception array, chopping

5. NSC: 35-42%; 6. Ca ~0.8-1%; P ~0.4-0.5%; NaCl ~0.5%;

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array for dry and wet materials (such as fresh corn) and pits for its preservation, a weigh bridge, control room and operational offices. The TMR machinery will preferably contain stationed mixers and TMR distribution trucks.

farmer to follow the “performance” of each individual cow. The dairy farms are equipped with sophisticated milking equipment based on sensitive tags that in the milking parlor during the milking time transfer

HEAT STRESS Heat stress during the Israeli hot season has a highly negative effect on dairy production. Great efforts have been made to install and implement technologies that will reduce heat stress. Dairy farms that implement appropriate and efficient methods for cooling through the temperature and humidity control in the barns. The herd has reached summer milk production rates that exceed winter levels. The implementation of cooling systems can increase by about 10% cow’s annual milk production, as well as milk composition and quality and feed efficiency.

EQUIPMENT AND FARM MANAGEMENT The Israeli dairy farmer is using modern equipment, improving thus the overall performance of the Israeli dairy industry. International dairy equipment manufacturers use Israeli farms as beta-site for the development of their equipment in close collaboration with local farmers. Israeli companies have developed manufactured “high-tech” computerized management systems and dairy equipment, which are sold worldwide.

The Israeli computerized technologies bring modern management capabilities into the dairy farm. It is an easy to use, customizable programs yet its management philosophy incorporates in-depth knowledge of dairy farming. The technologies were created by dairymen and dairy experts to cover every aspect of dairy farm management.

All dairy cows in Israel are milked automatically. Close control of the many production variables enables the 40

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Advanced technologies including computerized milking and feeding systems and climate control systems, combined with unique farm management techniques have led Israel’s dairy industry to become the global leader in efficiency, production, and sustainability. information concerning each cows. The information collected included milk volume, quality, mastitis detection etc. Automation exists also in the preparation of TMR, cleaning barns, monitors, weighing animals etc. The combination of data collected automatically by sensors and other sources of data inputted manually or transferred from other data banks creates a comprehensive yet accurate database of animal information. The Israeli computerized technologies are the ultimate tools for every dairy farm.

VETERINARY ASPECTS Veterinary medicine is an important component in the success of a dairy farm. Israel, due to its cooperative Kibbutz and Moshav background, to the scarcity of resources and abundance of disease threats, has developed a unique system of clinical

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veterinary services (CVS) for dairy farms. The Israeli veterinary clinical service is intensive, innovative and is tailor-made for the needs of each individual herd.

This intensive clinical service is to detect and prevent threats and risks to animal health and welfare.

The veterinary team of each farm - veterinarians and health-technicians, are working according to detailed protocols, covering all aspects of the farm every day of the year. The health information is collected, synchronized with other sources of information and with the management software of the farm is used collectively to produce a continuous picture of the herd and farm performance. The clinical veterinary services complement and adhere to the regulations and directives of the competent veterinary authority (national or regional) of the country.

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“Building a long-term and rewarding relationship with growers”

R

ivulis Irrigation Ltd. is a leading manufacturer in drip and micro irrigation solutions established in 2014. Headquartered at the heart of the irrigation industry – Israel, Rivulis focused on bringing trusted innovation to growers. Within a short span of period, Rivulis has achieved a solid foundation backed by its global presence, products focused on delivering results, quality and process driven systems and world class Infrastructure. Kaushal Jaiswal, Managing Director, Rivulis Irrigation India Pvt. Ltd. spoke to Agriculture World. Excerpts: Can you brief on the journey of Rivulis ?

This journey started long back in 1966 when Plastro Irrigation was established and since then few more companies like Roberts Irrigation and T-Tapes joined hands and in 2006 all three got merged with John Deere Water. In 2014 John Deere Water was acquired by FIMI and renamed it Rivulis Irrigation and in 2017 Euro Drip joined hands with Rivulis and two large Micro Irrigation companies merged and became Rivulis.

We are here to help growers improve yields economically and sustainably, and address water and land scarcity through proven, state-of-the-art micro-irrigation solutions.

What is Rivulis’ current customer base and global turnover?

We have 15 factories around the world, 1,760 employees across five continents and distribution presence in 30 countries with over 3,300 dealers.

We are delivering on large-scale operations, global distribution, leading product brands and complete irrigation solutions to the irrigation industry and growers worldwide. The amount of dripline produced last year would circle the world nearly 182 times or would equal 8.5 round trips to the moon, so you can well imagine the scale of operations.

What are the ranges of products that Rivulis offer to its customers ?

We offer extensive products and solutions to growers with trusted industry brands (T-tape™, Hydrogol™, Eolos™ & Compact™) In Israel 75% farms range between 1-9 Ha. Our products and solutions are for small to big farms and we have the capacity and capability to provide customized irrigation solutions suitable for very small farmer also. We operate across the globe including India and China. So we have af42

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fordable solutions for small and marginal farmers.

How does Rivulis technology differ from any of its potential competitors?

We have the widest range of drip solutions, over 20 different high-performance drip emitters available in a wide range of configurations.

We provide high-performance thin wall drip lines.

We offer the flexibility of both integrated seam drip tapes (Ro-Drip, T-Tape & Reserve) and inserted drip lines (Eolos, Eolos Compact, Hydrodrip& D1000).

In addition to delivering excellent uniformity over a wide range of pressures, all Rivulis / Eurodrip PC drip lines offer outstanding resistance to clogging with large filtration areas to help provide additional protection against foreign particles and wide turbulent flow paths to help keep solids in suspension. For us, ensuring maximum flexibility & quality to growers is another important thing. A large range of robust cylindrical and flat drippers are also available that you can depend upon season after season.

Keeping in consideration the low buying potential of the farmers from developing world, how does Rivulis take this problem?

Our mission is to be a global leader in the adoption of micro-irrigation solutions by providing comprehensive solutions & custom projects which are reliable, easy-to-use & affordable to growers.

We believe in building a long-term and rewarding relationship with growers. We understand the challenge of being a grower. We also know that being a grower is all about passion. We share that same passion.

How vigorous is Rivulis in R&D? what are the latest developments that Rivulis is working upon?

We have our plants located all across the globe.

We have R&D setup in Israel and USA. Rivulis through its subsidiary Mana Irrigation is working on Irrigation Intelligence Tool. We are bringing the satellite technology at the doorstep of the farmer and going to empower the farmer with a mobile-based application where he can see the high-resolution image of his field and along with that, he will get irrigation recommendation from us. That will help the farmer in taking the informed decision about—When to Irrigate and How much to irrigate. www.krishijagran.com

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WORLD What is the vision and plan for India and other developing countries ?

India is very important country for us and it has tremendous potential. Today India is the largest Micro Irrigation Market and this is growing very fast. In India the Rivulis operations are relatively new, 2017 was first full year of operation for Rivulis. In 2017 we covered about 15000Ha and as a company, we would like to get engaged in community irrigation projects, where with a minimal fixed cost the benefits can be passed on to a large number of farmers.

By Monika Mondal & Imran Khan Associate Editor, Kriishi Jagran

We are bringing the satellite technology at the doorstep of the farmer and going to empower the farmer with a mobile-based application where he can see the highresolution image of his field and along with that, he will get irrigation recommendation from us. That will help the farmer in taking the informed decision about—When to Irrigate and How much to irrigate.

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Water Resources Management

What India Needs to Learn from Israel Fig.1. Drip irrigation system in a light soil – single lateral per line raises a healthy crop.

Bharat Sharma

Scientist Emeritus (Water Resources) International Water Management Institute (IWMI), & Senior Visiting Fellow, Indian Council of International Economic Relations (ICRIER) New Delhi

‘W

ar against water crisis’ can be fought only through scientific advancements, technological innovations, sound economics and pragmatic policies. And Israel presents the perfect example of managing this crisis most efficiently.

Water is now a strategic asset for Israel and enjoys a very high economic value for all the users, including agriculture. Judicious use of water has been central to Israel’s path breaking success in multiplying its agricultural productivity- about 16fold since Independence. There is a paradigm shift in thinking, planning and implementation of agricultural activities as Shimon Peres, ex-President and Prime Minister of Israel puts it, “Agriculture is 44

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95 per cent science and 5 per cent hard work”, as against the Indian and other developing countries widely held view: ‘agriculture is 95 per cent hard work and 5 per cent science’.

Near miraculous “Israel Model” of water management has several components which include large transfers of water, drilling deep wells, drip revolution, massive desalination, reusing treated sewage for farming, finding and fixing the leaks early, engineering crops to thrive in onerous conditions, making efficient toilets mandatory and accounting and pricing all water to convey its true economic value and discourage any waste. Some of the more important water management components which India can potentially learn, tweak and adapt to lowww.krishijagran.com

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WORLD India has now about 9 Mha under different forms of micro-irrigation but the systems are old and inefficient, farmers have insufficient knowledge of the system operation and maintenance and further expansion is constrained by the amount of state subsidies. Without efficient irrigation ‘per drop more crop’ will remain a slogan. improve the incomes under scarce water conditions. Seventy-five percent of Israel farms are now under efficient and automated drip systems which have increased crop yields up to 50% while using 40% less water. Automation helps to irrigate the different crops and fields exactly the way they ought to be-synchronizing the daily demand with daily application. Further its integration with fertigation, supplies only the required quantity of nutrients to the plants thus saving the costs and reducing groundwater pollution. India has now about 9 Mha under different forms of micro-irrigation but the systems are old and inefficient, farmers have insufficient knowledge of the system operation and maintenance and further expansion is constrained by the amount of state subsidies. Without efficient irrigation ‘per drop more crop’ will remain a slogan. iii. Resource Reuse and Recycling

cal conditions include the following: I. Developing National Water Carrier (NWC) Like India, Israel’s availability of water resources is regionally skewed- availability in the north and most use in the central and arid south. Israel has developed an efficient National Water Carrier which can transport water up to the tune of 1.7 million cubic metres per day from the north to the thickly populated central region and agriculturally important arid south region. Sophisticated water network of the country is managed through a master control at Mekeret. India’s ambitious plan of interlinking of rivers from the north and the east to the south with similar objectives is still at the drawing board after several decades of planning and discussions and the regions continue to face disasters of floods and droughts and water scarcity. ii. Drip and Fertigation Revolution The most efficient water application system of drip irrigation created by Simca Blass of Israel is a blessing for all the countries and irrigators who want to intensify and diversify the agriculture and

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Israel has mastered the science of recycling of the waste water. It is mandatory to install dual-flush toilets which use 50 % less water. National water budget of the country contains 22 % of total supplies from recycling wastewater. About 62 % of the crop irrigation water comes from the recycled and brackish water and fresh potable water is mainly used for domestic purposes. In India, about 63% of the sewage water is directly discharged into water bodies. Produce from the peri-urban agriculture largely utilizes untreated waste water which is unsafe for the consumers and nearly dangerous for the producers. Waste water when handled properly can become a real year-round asset and support healthy agriculture and sustainable livelihoods. iv. Protected and Precision Agriculture High value floriculture and vegetables produce improved yields of quality product for much longer harvesting periods when cultivated under Hi-tech Greenhouses, Naturally Ventilated Polyhouses and Anti-Insect Net Houses. The Israeli technology has been demonstrated in India under Indo-Israel Agriculture Project (IIAP) implemented by the Indian Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Israel’s MASHAV. Agriculture Centers of Excellence (CoE) have been established for vegetable crops at Karnal, Haryana and for mangoes at Dapoli, Maharashtra. The projects have signifi-

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Fig.3. High yield and high quality capsicum production under protected agriculture (Photo credit: PK Singh, Pantnagar)

cantly increased the yield and prolonged the harvesting season (Fig. 2).

The farmers at Karnal reported “With the Israeli technology we managed to increase the harvest of various vegetables from three months to nine months. We managed to introduce new varieties such as cherry tomatoes and colored capsicum. It significantly contributed to income of local farmers”. (Fig. 3) Similarly, through CoE, in Dapoli rejuvenation of senile mango orchard is implemented through applied research resulting in more than tripling the mango yield and with improved quality. Rejuvenation practices are further integrated with intensive cultivation techniques such as drip irrigation, fertigation and proper canopy management.

Intensive scaling out efforts are now required that the knowledge and improved technology developed at IIAP, CoE are available to large number of farmers and affordable credit is available for the initial investments. Technology need to be mainstreamed through relevant KVKs, SAUs and ICAR Research institutes and capable NGOs. v. Desalination of the Sea Water Israel has now set up 5 large desalination plants along the Mediterranean Sea which meet almost 25 per cent of the country’s water supply and is a major component to bridge the gap between demand and supply. More importantly, new Israeli desalination systems are highly cost effective and produce fresh water at a cost of US$ 0.6/m3. Israeli companies are now building such plants in other countries through competitive bidding. Water scarce sea coast cities and islands like Chennai, Mumbai, villages in Saurashtra etc. shall require such solutions to be year-round water secure.

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Recently, during the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to India, Israel gifted a mobile desalination plant (Fig. 4) which is extremely useful in desert areas where no water source is available. vi. Israel’s State Water Policy and Water Laws The most important feature of the water governance and management in Israel is its powerful state water policy and implementation of the water laws. As per Israel’s water law, all water in the country is common property resource. The Government accounts for every drop of water used and thus has maintained a healthy water governance in the country. The water pricing in Israel is such that it reflects the scarcity value of the resource for all sectors, including agriculture. At the same time sophisticated irrigation technologies which produce a technical efficiency of around 98% enjoy large subsidies for the amount of water saved.

Water deficit states of India need to learn relevant lessons from such a water scarce country which despite having less than 200 m3 per capita water availability emerges as one of the leading agriculture nation in the world. Efficient water management through micro irrigation has been one of the historical interventions of Israel in agriculture water management. Recently, the country has looked beyond and aims at reducing the use of its fresh water resource for agriculture. At present, more than 60 per cent of the irrigation water used in Israel comes from recycled waste water. The country aims at reducing the reliance on potable water for irrigation to 26 per cent by 2050. Past experience in India have shown that people would not conserve a resource for which they don’t have to pay any price no matter how many awareness campaigns governments and NGOs run each year. Reasonable and targeted pricing of water supply services is essenwww.krishijagran.com

AG R I C U LT U R E

The most important feature of the water governance and management in Israel is its powerful state water policy and implementation of the water laws. As per Israel’s water law, all water in the country is common property resource. The Government accounts for every drop of water used and thus has maintained a healthy water governance in the country.

WORLD

Fig. 2. Impact of protected agriculture as compared to open field cultivation of vegetables under IIAP-CoE, Karnal, Haryana

tial for recovering the cost of storing, treating and supplying the water.

Like Israel, India needs to adopt best water management technologies, practices and policies to conserve and efficiently use the water resources, substantially enhance the water productivity and improve the health, nutrition and profits of all those whose livelihoods depend upon the secure availability of sufficient and safe water resources.

Fig.4 Indian Prime Minister, Narender Modi receiving the Mobile Desalination Plant for the desert areas from Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu

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47

Success Story

AG R I C U LT U R E

Ishwar’s Farm A TESTIMONY OF ISRAELI TECHNOLOGY

I

t would not be wrong to claim a land, as Mecca for farmers, whose geography is not conducive to agriculture, possese only 20 percent of naturally arable land and still is the major exporter of fresh produce and world leader in agricultural technology.

Israel’s mention brings with it discussions about drip irrigation, designing better farms by using canopy management and use of improved irrigation and fertigation technologies etc. There are numerous farmers who have confided in the technology and methods that Israel has rendered to the world, using which the farmers are drawing good returns.

Locating such farmers, Agriculture World came across one in Bhuj, Gujarat, Western India, who visited Israel in 2005. He understood the dynamics of scientific technology that Israel has been using and manipulated in the Indian resources to bring out the best.

Ishwar Pindoria, since 2005, has been growing, mango of Kesar variety, date palm of exotic selection of Elite dates (local variety), and date palm variety - Barhi. The various technologies

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that Ishwar has been using at his farm are: a) Sub-surface drip irrigation

b) Irrigation scheduling as per the rate of evaporation measured with Class-A pan evaporimeter c) Canopy management for the mango plantation d) Bunch management and fruit-thinning in date palm e) Post-harvest management and grading, packaging in date palm f) Pest and disease management g) Soil-moisture monitoring and irrigation scheduling h) Fertigation management etc.

Ishwar says, “The Israeli technology is better in so many ways. It uses water judiciously, more than 60 percent of water is saved, with better crop yield eventually saving input expenditures like electricity, manpower, fertilizers etc.” Ish-

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The Government of India and Israel are working for the welfare of the farmer and agricultural community altogether, by setting up the center of excellence in various states, giving different crops exceptional emphasis and making available the technology to the Indian farmers. war stresses that due to sub-surface irrigation, there is almost zero rate of evaporation of water and also hampers weed growth which cuts down investments and due to optimum irrigation, maximum yields with minimum irrigation results in healthy crops.

The Government of India and Israel are working for the welfare of the farmers and agricultural community altogether, by setting up the center of excellences in various states, giving different crops exceptional emphasis and making available the technology to the Indian farmers. Ishwar adds, “A lot more can be done with this technology transfer if a proper and certain level of awareness is created among the farmers especially in the rural areas.”

This man who does farming on 38 acres of Gujarat, hardly uses any pesticides except for severe conditions which occur rarely amidst his opulent care. Though investments are comparatively higher, the outputs are fair-enough when compared to the traditional ways of agriculture. Ishwar mentions, “It is easy if one understands the technology well, otherwise it may appear to be complex. I have personally not found it very difficult”.

Ishwar’s trajectory to understand the agricultural land of Israel is worth eulogizing. He visited Israel in 2005 right from the sea of Galilea in the north across the Dead Sea in the south to study the technology.He also had the opportunity to attend the Agritech fair. He visited many Kibutz, farms, Moshavs and also moved around with a friend Abner Chin who showed him around. Chaim Oren is a date palm expert, who in 2015 happened to visit his farm for the first time and since then there has been constant exchange of conversations and learning of techniques specifically for date palms.

Before setting up his farm in Gujarat, Ishwar travelled extensively to U.K., Canada, Spain, Africa etc. After studying the prevailing practices of those places which are based on their geographical and climatic conditions, Ishwar made an effort to imbibe them and mould it in such a way that it can be used here along with the traditional Indian methods and the modern

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Israeli scientific approach which have resulted in very satisfying and very productive output in agriculture.

“In today’s rapidly changing scenario,a combination of the modern scientific approach as per the Israeli technology and the traditional Indian practices, involving minimum inputs and yielding maximum results seems to be the need of the hour. This can be achieved by cooperative farming similar to the Kibbutz concept from Israel, a lot can really be done.” says Ishwar.

By Monika Mondal & Vibhuti Narayan

MAY 2018

49

Going Green

AG R I C U LT U R E

GREEN IN THE CITY

Israel’s Rooftop Farm, Peeking from a Shopping Mall

I

n between the hustle bustle of the city, amongst the big tall buildings and towers lies a rooftop, from where the urban dwellers of Israel get healthy tasty green leafy vegetables.650 Square meters of Dizengoff Center, which is Israel’s first shopping mall, hosts a beautiful terrace garden. This shopping mall is a cultural milestone in the history of Tel Aviv and stands apart for bringing agriculture to the centre of the city.

Sheana Shechterman, Director Sustainability, Dizengoff Centre, tells Agriculture World, “As a leading shopping mall we aim to become a role model for combining business excellence with social responsibility, enhancing the economic, environmental, cultural and social well-being of visitors, tenants, and workers. Furthermore, from, 2013 we began to integrate a strategy for sustainability into our daily operations.”

With the majority of its land being desert, Israel is known for its technological evolution and prudence. “Green in the City” uses the hydroponic method which saves 80% of the water if we compare it with the conventional agricultural practices.

“Hydroponic agriculture is the best method to deal with water scarcity issues,” mentions Sheana.

“Organic” would be another worth mentioning superlative for “Green in the City”. No pesticides or chemicals are used for the production of more than 15 green leafy vegetables which accounts for 15,000 pieces per month.

Green in the City (GITC), with Living Green, established the farm in 2014 at the terrace of the shopping mall. “We did not start with the productional farm. In the beginning, there was only tutorial farm. Once we realized how quickly and beautifully the leafy greens are growing we thought we should make a business out of it and use the

Sheana Shechterman, Director Sustainability, Dizengoff Centre

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AG R I C U LT U R E

WORLD With the majority of its land being desert, Israel is known for its technological evolution and prudence.

“Green in the City” uses the hydroponic method which saves 80% of the water if we compare it with the conventional agricultural practices.

roof for monetary benefits”, says Sheana. Currently, Green in the city is operating two farms: One for production of the veggies and a smaller tutorial farm which aims to up-skill individuals who wish to grow greens using the hydroponic technique.

Started with lettuce, slowly the realm of greens expanded and included numerous leafy green vegetables that include Basil, Parsley, Mangold, Mint, Celery, Green onion arugula etc.The project is still in its pilot phase and protocols are being developed for the better growth of leafy greens, in the heart of the city in this country of Middle East.

Many odds are there to overcome that includes the urban taxes which need to be paid to the City Hall for using the roof. But fighting all these odds, Green in the city is thinking of launching more such models in other parts of Tel Aviv.

GITC sells its organic fresh vegetables to the restaurants and the city dwellers who feel more

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than happy to consume healthy chemical free greens. “People in Israel especially in Tel Aviv are much aware of healthy diet practices and on hazards that pesticides cause. Israeli care about purchasing or growing food that is pesticide free.

This has been a reason, why many people come here to learn how to grow food for themselves and also the owners of the restaurants to whom we sell the greens are happy to purchase clean fresh local grown greens” adds Sheana.

The other initiatives by Dizengoff Centre include promoting small businesses by hosting weekly designer and food fairs, supporting NGOs and broader social activism. The squeezing land availability and the augmenting urban population amid degrading air quality, shrieks for a sustainable urban farm model like this.

By Monika Mondal, Krishi Jagran

MAY 2018

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Technology

AG R I C U LT U R E

TECHNOLOGY

B

ickel Flowers Ltd. was founded in 1975 and is involved in the development of high technology in agriculture and their implementation, logistics, R&D, feasibility, by way of turnkey project with knowledge transfer by our team, engineering and construction of each project, local team training, and marketing, sorting and packing, cooling and transportation facilities, providing strategies for agricultural projects at the level of a country or a national project in companies whose agricultural projects invest tens of millions of dollars in industrialized and modern agriculture.

Asian countries and the Persian Gulf, South Korea and South Africa.

Bickel was the first exporter in Israel as a pioneer, owner of the number one export company in Israel and owner of flowers auction in Belgium.

India was given a gift from God. The sun smiles at her most of the year. The sun is a source of energy for plants and India received it for free, while in other countries millions of dollars are invested in the production of artificial light for the cultivation of agricultural products.

All the fundamentals of the agricultural industry are known to us from its deep roots to the construction of a marketing strategy through an existing international marketing infrastructure in dozens of countries around the world, including the European continent, the United Kingdom, Slovenia, North America, the United States, Canada, Russia, Eastern Europe, Japan, the East

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The parent company of Bickel Flowers is the Bickel Group, which deals in various fields, including real estate, but our hearts and roots are planted in agriculture.

Our vision for India is a strategy that combines India with the most advanced agricultural technology we have in a way that will bring India to the first line in the international standard, bypassing the existing situation, just as mobile phones bypassed the fixed line network.

India’s middle class is growing, the country’s investment potential in agricultural enterprises is rising. It is right that the state and its financial institutions will assist in projects where the investment ensures return on investment and prosperity

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CREATES WEALTH for the country, exchange rates, financing institutions will benefit from loan repayment, bank accounts for employees, employment of women and men in such projects, even in many villages that are now without employment, and they will have a tremendous development, and they constitute the majority of the population in India. More and more elements in the country will benefit from these initiatives.

At the national level, support for banking institutions in investments to high-tech entrepreneurs in agriculture will increase power and increase consumption.

India has the potential to become a global granary for food and other agricultural products and manufacture safety food for its population and export.

Modern Market Driven Strategy – Market to Cultivation Instead of investing again and again in the same way that is more unacceptable and old, invest one-time more investment money for years that returns itself to products that the market needs and the quality that the local and the international

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market demands.

In the use that we know to do right, India’s advantages, the eternal sun and more, India will compete fairly with the international market because the crop will increase in comparison to other countries will increase and the most important advantage is that you can supply products in the international market most of the year when most of the world does not have sun energy. Therefore, our vision is to turn India to be an international leading supplier of agricultural produce, on the condition that it is done at the highest technological level that is compatible with. Our technology is in fact - the location- neutral. The way the product is developed is under such optimal conditions that the final product looks the best in appearance and quality as if it grew in a country that has the most reputation in that product.

Address: BICKEL FLOWERS LTD 25 Ein Hai Street, KFAR MALAL, Israel 4592000 Phone: +972-9-7414777 FAX: +972-9-7603269 Email: Gideon@bickel.co.il export@kec-ornamentals.nl

MAY 2018

53

Pesticides

AG R I C U LT U R E

Regulatory Scenario of

Pesticides in Israel

Vipin Saini

Executive DirectorAgro Chem Federation of India

F

our government entities approve pesticides in Israel, in accordance with their intended use:

1. Agricultural use in plants (Plant Protection Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – MoAg) 2. Veterinary use (Veterinary Services, MoAg) sanitation (Ministry of Environmental Protection – MoEP) 3. Use in contact with the human body (Ministry of Health- MoH). In each of these entities, there is an inter-ministerial advisory committee including representatives of the MoH, MoEP, MoAg and the Ministry of Economy (MoE).

The inter-ministerial committee that approves pesticides for agricultural use includes a representative of the public. The role of these 54

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committees is to assess the safety of proposed pesticides from the perspective of human health and the environment and to recommend uses and restrictions or to prohibit use. The Director of Occupational Safety and Health at the MoE is responsible for occupational safety related to pesticide manufacture and use.

Agricultural and Veterinary Use Two key regulations address the import and sale of pesticide formulations for use in plant protection (1994) and veterinary use (1982, currently under revision). Additional regulations require that pesticide applicators act in accordance with all restrictions and guidelines appearing on officially approved pesticide labels.

Additional regulations under the authority of the MoEP and the MoAg from 1979 address the minimal distance from homes and roads that must www.krishijagran.com

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Israel is the record-holder among selected Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in the use of pesticides. According to data from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, 3.2 tons of active ingredients were used in Israel in 2010 per 1,000 dunams of agricultural land.

Pesticide Residues Permitted pesticide residue levels are established in three regulations and ordinances. i. Regulations on permitted pesticide residues (1991) are under the joint responsibility of the MoH and the MoAg. In 2011, the Supervision of Plant Production and Marketing Law came into effect (under the purview of the MoAg). Efforts are currently underway to implement regulations that will facilitate tracing pesticide residues in food back to the grower. ii. Regulations from 1971 (under the purview of the MoAg) which address the issue of animal feed are expected to be replaced in 2014 by new legislation which will regulate permitted levels of pesticides in animal feed and will require tracing the path of food to the animal and from the animal to human beings. iii. Regulations from 2000 address permitted pesticide levels in animal-based food. These regulations are under the authority of the MoAg. The permitted residue levels are determined in cooperation with the National Food Service (MoH).

Sanitation

be observed during aerial pesticide applications.

Regulations from 2005 address the minimal distance from homes and roads that must be observed during ground pesticide applications.

Both regulations are currently under revision.

Phased Out or Restricted In May 2003, in order to promote sustainable development, the government directed the MoAg to reduce the use of pesticides and to develop targets and indices for assessing the effectiveness of this effort. In May 2010, the MoAg published a strategic plan for sustainable agriculture which includes a policy for reducing the number of approved pesticides and the amounts of applied pesticides. Promotion of methods like biological pest control and integrated pest management are expected to reduce pesticide use. In addition, a number of pesticides have been phased out in recent years (Table 1) and this trend is expected to continue. Carbamate pesticides were re-evaluated in 2014 and three additional active ingredients will be phased out (carbaryl, benfuracarb, and carbosulfan). www.krishijagran.com

Regulations from 1994 that are based on the Hazardous Materials Law address the issue of pesticide formulations for sanitation use.

Regulations from 1975 address pesticide applicators. New legislation on pesticide applicators was submitted to the Knesset in 2014.

The Pest and Pest Control Division at the MoEP is responsible for ensuring that only licensed pesticide applicators engage in sanitation pest control, that they use only permitted substances and that these substances be applied in accordance with the products’ labeled instructions. In 2007, the MoEP prohibited household use of pesticides that contain organophosphates, chlorpyriphos and diazinon. Two years later, the MoAg expanded the restriction on chlorpyriphos and diazinon to prohibit use in public and private gardens, parks, and in certain veterinary applications.

Substances in Contact with the Human Body Only one percent of pesticide formulations registered in Israel is for medical purposes (for example, lice treatment). The Pharmacy Department at the MoH is responsible for overseeing chemical preparations for the control of pests harmful to human beings. Their authority MAY 2018

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Pesticides

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SOURCE OF IMPORT OF PESTICIDES FROM ISRAEL

Common Name

Approved Israel Source for Import (M/s)

Ametryn 80% WG

AdamaAgan Ltd., P.O.B. 262, Northern Industrial Zone, ASHDOD, Israel

Atrazine Technical 80%, 92% min. and 95% min*.98% min

1.

Agan Chemical Mfrs.

Ltd., Israel

2.

MakhteshimAgan Beer-Sheva, Israel.

1.

*M/s ADAMA Makhteshim Ltd. (Formerly known as Makhteshim Chemicals Work Ltd.) P.O. Box 60 Industrial Zone Beer Sheva, 84400, Isreal. 96,5 % Min (ByM/s ADAMA Ma khteshim Ltd. Hyd.)

2.

**M/s. AdamaMakhteshim Ltd, PO Box 60, Industrial zone, Beer Sheva, 84100, Israel

Azoxystrobin Technical & 23% SC (FI) 96.5%* Azoxystrobin 7.1% + Propiconazole 11.9% w/w SE**

Supplier M/s Adama Celsius BV Curacao Branch, PosCabai Office Park Unit 13, P.O. Box-403, Curacao (By M/s ADAMA India Pvt. Ltd.) Mfd. By M/s. Makhteshim Chemical Works Ltd., P.O. Box 60, Beer Sheva-84100, Israel Bitertanol Technical 95% min.

for Bayer CropScience AG, Germany

1.

Captan Technical 90% min.

2.

94% min.

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Makhteshim Chemical Works Ltd., Beer ShevaIsrael.

ADAMA Agan Ltd. P.O.B. 262,Ashdod,

Clodinafop-propargyl Technical 95% min (Piroxofop - Propinyl ) Chlorpyriphos Technical

MakhteshimAgan, Israel

Israel 1.

Mekhteshim Chemical Works, Beer Sheva, Israel

is based on an ordinance from 1962.

The MoAg is responsible for sampling pesticide residues in food during the growing and packaging stage, while the MoH is responsible for sampling the produce during the sales and marketing stage. Ordinarily, there is no overlap between the sampling performed by the two ministries who do coordinate their efforts. Any irregular result found in the market is passed on to the MoAg for further investigation. The National Food Service at the MoH samples 800 to 1,000 items annually in accordance with its annual plan. The Plant Protection and Inspection Services have an annual program for field sampling and inspection of agricultural produce intended for the local market, with about 700 tests conducted each year.

A risk assessment published by the National Food Service in 2013 summarizes data on exposure to pesticide residues in food from 2006 to 2010, as sampled by the MoAg and MoH. Over 5,500 samples were tested in over 100 different food products. In 625 samples, which comprise 11.2% of all samples, pesticide residues were found in excess of the maximum permitted residue level. It is important to note that the risk assessment uses theoretical calculations of the adult Israeli diet based on market data.

In 2011–2012, the MoH tested over 1,300 food samples; pesticide residues in excess of the maximum permitted residue level were found in 13.5% of the samples. The findings are available on the National Food Service website. www.krishijagran.com

AG R I C U LT U R E

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SOURCE OF IMPORT OF PESTICIDES FROM ISRAEL Diazinon Technical

1.

Makhteshim Chemical Works, Israel. Name Change to M/s. AdamaMakhteshim Ltd., Israel.

95% min.

1.

Dichlorvos 92% min

MakhteshimAgan, Israel.

1.

Dicofol Technical

Agan Chemical Manufacturers Ltd., Israel.

2.

MakhteshimAgan, Israel.

82% min & 85% min 3.

Diuron Technical

Makhteshim Chemical Works, Israel.

1.

ADAMA Agan Ltd. P.O.B. 262, Ashdod, Israel.

1.

Bromine Compounds Ltd. P.O. Box No. 180, Beer-Sheva, Israel Or Dead Sea Bromine Co. Ltd., 84101Israel.

95% min. and 98% min.

Methyl bromide Technical 99%m min. & 98% min.

Novaluron Technical 96% min.,

Novaluron10% EC &

In 2011–2012, the MoAg Plant Protection Services tested about 1,500 plant samples; pesticide residues in excess of the maximum permitted residue level were found in about 6% of the samples.

In the Veterinary Services (MoAg) annual survey of pesticide residues in animal products in2011–2012, 14 types of products from eight different types of animals were tested. More than 2,000 samples were tested for pesticide residues; no excess level of pesticide residues was found in any of the samples.

Registered Pesticide Formulations An estimated 72% of all pest control formulations in Israel are used in plant agriculture and about 13% are for veterinary use (primarily for farm animals, but also for pets). As of the second half of 2014, there are 386 active ingredients permitted for use in agricultural pest control in Israel. In Europe by comparison, there are 449 active ingredients used as agricultural pesticides. No maximum permitted residue level has been defined for 130 of the active ingredients registered in Israel – either because the method of using them ensures that no residue will be found in the produce or because no level of residue in the produce is permitted. In 2010, maximum permitted residue levels were defined for 269 active pesticide substances as well as six additional substances that were used in the past and are still defined as environmental pollutants.

8.8%SC

Makhteshim Chemicals Works Ltd., P.O.Box 60, Beer, Sheva, 84100 - Israel Makhteshim Chemicals Works Ltd., P.O.Box 60, Beer, Sheva, 84100 - Israel

Oxyfluorfen Technical

1.

70% min.

Propanil Technical

1.

Monsanto Agricultural Products Co., USA

2.

MakhteshimAgan Beer Sheva, Israel.

88% min.

3.

Propaquizafop 91% Technical

ADAMA Agan Ltd. P.O.B. 262, Ashdod, Israel.

Rohm & Hass Co., USA

AdamaAgan Ltd., P.O.B. 262, ASHDOD, Israel ADAMA Agan Ltd. P.O.B. 262, Ashdod, Israel

Propaquizafop 10%EC (FI) WRT

Propaquizafop 5% + Oxyflurofen 12% EC

Source of supply: M/s. Quenna Plant Protection NV, kaya WFG, Mensing 34, P.O. Box-403, Curacao, Netherlands, Antilles.

AdamaAgan Ltd., P.O.B. 262, Northern Industrial Zone, ASHDOD, Israel Supplier: AdamaQuenna N.V. P.O.B. 403, Curacao

Tebuconazole Technical 93% min.97%min, Trifluralin Technical 85% min. 95% min

AdamaIrvita N.V. PosCabai office park 13, P.O. box 403, Curacao, Israel 1.

Agan Chemical Manufacturer Ltd., Northern Industrial Zone, P.O.Box 262, Ashdod 77102, Israel

Approximately 14% of all pesticides in Israel www.krishijagran.com

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Pesticides

AG R I C U LT U R E

A survey conducted by the MoH and published in 2013 measured exposure of the adult population in Israel to organophosphate pesticides, which have been linked to a range of negative effects on human health. The study found that exposure of the general population in Israel to organophosphates is higher than that of the general population in either the US or Canada.

are used for sanitation purposes. As of 2013, only 13 active ingredients were categorized as pesticides for medical purposes, including eight active ingredients for repelling mosquitoes and five active ingredients for treating lice.

that exposure of the general population in Israel to organophosphates is higher than that of the general population in either the US or Canada.

The scope of Use and Exposure to Pest Control Substances

The Beterem organization published a report on childhood pesticide poisoning in the period from 2008 to 2013. The data indicate that nearly 75% of the affected children were four years old or younger. Most of the cases occurred among Arab children, particularly Bedouins. The data indicate that most of the incidents occurred at home or adjacent to the home. According to data from the Israel Poison Information Center at Rambam Hospital there were over 550 cases of pesticide poisoning in 2013.

Israel is the record-holder among selected Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in the use of pesticides. According to data from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, 3.2 tons of active ingredients were used in Israel in 2010 per 1,000 dunams of agricultural land.

6,600–7,300 tons of active pesticide substances were sold in Israel from 2008 to 2010.During this period, there were only slight fluctuations in the amount of organo phosphate pesticides sold.

During 2008–2010, there was an increase of 8% in sales of active pesticide substances for sanitation.

The sale of pesticides for veterinary use rose from 11 tons in 2008 to 20 tons in 2010, an increase of more than 80%. Most of this increase is attributed to the use of veterinary pesticides for pets and for the poultry sector.

Geographic Proximity of the Population to Agricultural Areas In 2013, the extent of cultivated agricultural land in Israel was 4.2 million dunams (including buildings and farm roads), which comprises 19% of the total area of the country. A significant part of the cultivated land is near settled areas, with 13% in urban localities.

Biological Monitoring of Organophosphate Metabolites A survey conducted by the MoH and published in 2013 measured exposure of the adult population in Israel to organophosphate pesticides, which have been linked to a range of negative effects on human health. Six organophosphates metabolites (dialkyl phosphates) were measured in urine samples. Dialkyl phosphates were detected in each of the samples, with increased concentrations among individuals who reported higher consumption of fruits. The study found

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Pesticide Poisoning

Research on Health Effects of Pesticides in Israel a. Researchers from the Hebrew University Center of Excellence in Agriculture and Environmental Health(HUCEAEH) in collaboration with the National Food Service at the MoH are studying childhood exposure to pesticides in Israel. The study found that exposure of children ages four to seven is high compared to that of adults. b. Researchers from HUCEAEH are also studying the impact of organophosphate pesticides on the endocrine system and on fetal development. c. Researchers from HUCEAEH study the levels of organophosphate metabolites in agricultural products with the aim of determining the sources of organophosphate metabolites found in urine samples from the general population. d. Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Shaare Zedek Medical Center are studying the long-term health effects of environmental exposure to pesticides in children and adults in kibbutzim, such as the impact on the peripheral nervous system and on cognition. e. In 2015, the MoH plans to measure organophosphate metabolites in urine from a representative sample of adults and children in order to determine whether policy to reduce agricultural use of organophosphates has been effective in reducing public exposure. www.krishijagran.com

AG R I C U LT U R E

Progress and Challenges in Israel 1. Between 2012 and 2014, the MoAg phased out 18 active ingredients and limited the use of 10 additional active ingredients of organophosphate, triazine, carbamate and organochlorine pesticides.

2. In early 2014, the MoEP submitted new legislation to the Knesset addressing training and licensing of pesticide applicators. In addition, the MoEP is currently updating regulations that limit aerial and ground application of pesticides near residences. Enactment of this legislation and the institution of new regulations is expected to improve the regulatory framework for pesticide use in Israel.

3. There are four inter-ministerial committees responsible for providing recommendations on pesticide registration. The State Comptroller, in his annual report, noted in 2002 and 2011that consideration should be given to merging these committees in order to ensure uniform criteria for pesticide registration. As of 2014, unification of the committees has not been implemented.

4. Because of concerns regarding potential negative health effects, the inter-ministerial committees are developing a list of permitted co-formulants in pesticide formulations. www.krishijagran.com

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5. There are major challenges in the enforcement of proper pesticide use in Israel. The State Comptroller’s Report from 2011 addresses this issue at length, including the challenges involved in supervising the sale and use of agricultural pesticides in residential settings. Illegal use of an agricultural pesticide (phosphine) in a residential building in Jerusalem in 2014 led to the death of two children and the injury of two more children from the same family.

6. There is a need for data and monitoring regarding public exposure to pesticides. Such monitoring is needed in areas where there is geographic proximity between the treated agricultural areas and population centers, with an emphasis on sensitive populations (kindergartens, schools, etc.). The MoH will monitor the impact of the policy to reduce public exposure to organophosphate pesticides by continuing to test for pesticide residues in agricultural produce and by using biomonitoring.

7. Today, there is no database in Israel on poisoning from pesticides. At the Israel Poison Information Center at Rambam Hospital, data are collected on calls to the Center regarding poisoning. These data do not fully reflect the scope of pesticide poisoning due to incomplete reporting.

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Protected Cultivation

AG R I C U LT U R E

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Protected Cultivation Technology:

A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION Dr. Awani Kumar Singh and Dr. Naved Sabir Principal Scientist, Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi – 110012

A

griculture in India often finds itself confronted to various constraints under changing dimensions that are currently manifest in rapid climate change, soil degradation, population pressure, land fragmentation, water scarcity, marketing, entrepreneurship etc. Horticulture is fast emerging as one of the most dominant faces of Indian agriculture. India is second largest producer of the vegetable crops after China estimated to 146 MT from 8.4 MH area and highest producer of the fruit crops. There is little possibility of addition to the cultivable area though area under horticulture has been increased during the last two decades largely at the cost of other crops.

Of all the horticultural technologies, plasticul-

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ture-cum-protected cultivation is emerging as one of the most promising fields particularly in terms of higher productivity, quality, increased income, entrepreneurship etc. though the area coverage of about 60,000 ha alone appears abysmal. But the progress of area coverage under protected technologies in terms of percent coverage is highly satisfying. The other major reasons for higher adoption include – promotion of hi-tech horticulture by public financial institutions.

Although, despite the indubitable potential of protected cultivation, its spread has not been linked concomitantly with dissemination of technology, quality inputs, post-harvest management and processing units besides overall market linkages.

The net result is that despite the technology

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Being high-value crops with higher nutritional contents, besides with a higher demand in urban and peri-urban areas, horticultural crops provide a paradise for the progressive grower and marginal farmer.

performing exceedingly well by upto date farmers, the majority of them keep facing challenges to cope up with the demands of hi-end horticulture.

It can be safely presumed that if adopted, in right earnest, plasticulture in horticulture has immense potential in realizing the sustainable solutions for higher productivity, better livelihood and nutritional security to the farmers who adopt the technology, particularly as clusters of hi-tech farming cooperates.

Plasticulture in horticulture includes protected cultivation-cum-covered cultivation under greenhouses, polyhouses, net houses, tunnels, mulches etc. all of which include intelligent and exhaustive use of plastics in various forms depending upon the requirements, suitability of regions, climates, crops and technologies infrastructure or paraphernalia e.g. UV stabilized polythene sheets, insect-proof nets, shade nets, mulches, drip irrigation pipes, filters, tanks, plastic-lined water harvesting, etc. all are discretely made up of plastics.

What Agriculture Aspires & Protected Horticulture Delivers?

Policy initiatives for doubling the farmer income, Pradhan Mantri Sinchai Yojana invoking ‘more crop per drop’ and ‘Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana’ are some of the encores of the Government assertions in the quest for overall development of the nation including agriculture.

Incidentally, plasticulture or protected cultivation or covered cultivation can make a cognizable and tangible contribution in all of these policy initiatives of the Govt., both directly and indirectly, in the horticultural sector.

It is interesting to note that plasticulture including protected cultivation is apparently the only sector of agriculture which is a solution for most of the its inherent constraints into an ideal system which could address them as modules of systematic and sustainable farming including healthy planting material, quality seed production, conservation and optimization and input use efficiency of water and other resources, precision farming, GAP, IPM, INM, Grafting, soilless cultivation besides minimized impaction of climate change aberrations etc. which all find convergence to strengthen farming into a hub of profitable horticulture. Apart from this, the hi-tech agriculture encourages better yields from fragmented land, entrepreneurship potential, GAP produces, export potential etc.

It is by virtue of these strengths that protected cultivation technology can play a lead role in the overall gamut of horticulture. Plasticulture is, thus, the future of horticulture. The potential of addressing soil erosion, recycling abilities as well as amelioration of soil and water pollution are additional boons to overall ecosystem besides the economy of agriculture. Also, protected cultivation is most amenable to hi-tech supply chain networks in horticulture which ensures higher income to growers. Over and above of these advantages, plasticulture is very amenable to women workforce.

Scope and Advantages of Polyhouse Technology in Horticulture-based Farming System Two types of polyhouses are designed in Indian condition, one is called naturally ventilated polyhouse and the other is called force ventilated (fan-pad) polyhouse. Naturally ventilated polyhouses are used mainly in temperate and moderate climate conditions while force ventilated (fan-pad) polyhouses are suitable for tropical, sub-tropical and arid zone farming www.krishijagran.com

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Different crop cycles of polyhouse vegetables in a year

Returns/1000 sq.m. (Rs. In lakhs)

5-10 3-4 •

Year round Veg./fruits/flower crops nursery

•

Veg. Nursery + Cucumber or Capsicum or Tomato or bitter gourd or Musk melon or long melon

2-3

•

Spinach or Coriander leaf + Tomato (or Capsicum or Cucumber)

3-4

•

Cucumber + Tomato (or Capsicum)

4-5

•

Spinach or Coriander leaf + Cucumber + Cucumber + Cucumber

•

Cucumber + Strawberry + Cucumber (or Bitter gourd/ Muskmelon/ Leafy vegetable)

•

Veg. nursery or Spinach or Coriander leaf + Cucumber + Lettuce + Musk Melon

3-4

•

Spinach or Coriander leaf + Bitter gourd + Lettuce + Musk melon

3-4

•

Spinach or Coriander leaf + Bitter gourd + Lettuce + Bitter gourd

4-5

•

Spinach or Coriander leaf + Musk melon + Lettuce + Musk Melon

3-4

•

Spinach or Coriander leaf + Kakri + Lettuce + Musk melon

3-4

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Spinach or Coriander leaf + Summer squash + Lettuce + Musk Melon or Cucumber

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Nursery + Spinach or Coriander Leaf + Chilli or Brinjal

•

Veg. Nursery + Lettuce or Spinach or Coriander leaf + Cucumber or Musk melon

2-3

•

Vegetable Nursery + leafy vegetable + French bean (or okra) + Cucumber (or Musk Melon)

2-3

systems. Polyhouse is main structure of protected -cum-covered cultivation groups. It is made of GI pipe and covered by ultra-violet (UV) stabilized plastic sheet with a service life of 3-4 years. These sheets are generally available in 7 and 9 meter widths with 200 micron thickness.

Polyhouse technology is the most intensive form of commercial cultivation. Presently, various state governments extend financial support in the form of subsidies to the growers limited to a ceiling of 1 acre of structures costing approximately Rs 38-40 lakh of which about 50% of the cost is borne by Central Govt. with sizable and additional subsidies from State governments which include the cost of structure, drip irrigation and fertigation system and seed or planting material etc. Polyhouse structures provide favourable growing conditions to crop plants and protect them from extreme fluctuations in weather, especially temperature, rainfall and wind and also minimizing evaporation losses besides protection from birds, animals and insect pests and diseases to quite an extent. The polyhouse structures provide 4-5 time higher yields with export quality produce; high water and fertilizer use efficiency and round the year production facility in any part of the country.

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2-3

3-4

2-3

Drip irrigation is mandatory for polyhouse crop cultivation along with fertigation technique because drip technology enhances water and crop productivity and minimized diseases, weeds, moisture fluctuations, irrigation frequency and judicial use of water and fertilizer. Thus, polyhouse and drip-irrigation technologies are components of horticulture based-precision farming system for better livelihood and nutritional security in the farming society.

Suitable Horticultural Crops for Polyhouse Farming and their Seasonal Rotations for Profitable Farming Horticulture-based farming systems are highly diverse numbering more than 300 species, depending upon the climate, culture, season, size of landholdings, knowledge, market etc. Being high-value crops with higher nutritional contents, besides with a higher demand in urban and peri-urban areas, horticultural crops provide a paradise for the progressive grower and marginal farmer. Major crops for these systems are indeterminate tomato, cherry tomato, cucumber, capsicum, bitter gourd, musk melon, summer www.krishijagran.com

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squash, vegetable nursery etc. in vegetable groups.

Rose,gerbera,lilium,tulip,anthurium,carnations, orchids, chrysanthemum and their nursery among flower crops. Among fruit crops, strawberry, papaya and all fruit-nursery propagation or hardening are used for economically profitable horticulture based farming systems.

Orobelle, Bachata, Inspiration etc. in green, red and yellow colours produce 40-50 t/acre/crop yielding 6-7 times higher yield and income as compared to open cultivation of capsicum because the coloured capsicum cannot grown properly in open condition. This crop, therefore, demands to be produced under protected horticulture.

Crop Diversity and rotation for horticulture based polyhouse farming and their impacts:

Among vegetables, cucurbits appear most suitable for protected cultivation both in terms of season and number of crops for better utilization of structures. 2-3 crops per year of parthenocarpic cucumber (cv. Isatis, Kian, Hilton, Sun Star, Multistar, Fadia, Mini Angel etc), summer squash (cv Pusa Alankar, Pusa Pasand, Australian Green, Seoul Green, Kora, Yellow Zucchini, Himanshu, etc), bitter gourd (Pusa Rasdar) or musk melon (Pusa Sarda) and yellow musk melon can be taken in polyhouses during early and off-seasons.

Average production of 120-150 t/acre/year can be obtained in cucumber. These vegetables are transplanted during July to Aug. and harvested from May to June in the plain conditions.

However, in hill areas, transplanting is done in the month of February to March and harvesting during October. These vegetables result in better

Vegetables After years of field experiences and feedback from the farmers following the system reveals higher yield and better quality that ensure more income for improving livelihood and nutritional security.

Wherein, indeterminate tomato hybrids (GS-600, ID-32 and ID-37, Rakshita, Himsona, Himsikhar, Snehlata, Naveen etc.) on an average give quality yield of 80-100 t/acre/crop with net returns nearing Rs 3.0-4.0 lakh/acre/yr which is about 2-3 times higher yield and income as compared to traditional open farming systems. In the case of coloured capsicum (known as solanaceous apple) hybrids like Natasha, Swarna, Indra, Bombi, www.krishijagran.com

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Of all the horticultural technologies, plasticulture-cum-protected cultivation is emerging as one of the most promising fields particularly in terms of higher productivity, quality, increased income, entrepreneurship etc. though the area coverage of about 60,000 ha alone appears abysmal.

livelihood and nutritional security as compared to traditional vegetable farming in the open condition.

Flowers Polyhouse flower crops like rose, gerbera, tulip, Anthurium, carnations, orchids, lilium, and chrysanthemum and their nursery are mostly annual or perennial crops and hence seasonal crop rotations are not required. Most of these cut flowers required round the year as per market demand . Floriculture crops are highly remunerative as the quality, colour and shelf-life as well as freshness is very important and can give annual returns of 8-10 times more than the open field conditions. They are also more important from export perspective, so critically important in the country. Floriculture industry is led by produce from polyhouse growers mainly in Europe and developed nations. Thus, floriculture can ensure more income which in turn promotes better livelihood and nutritional security of farming families undertaking horticulture-based farming.

Fruits Major fruit crops recommended under polyhouse cultivation include papaya, strawberry, mango, guava, pomegranate and propagation materials of high value orchards or breeding material.

These fruits crop can be cultivated for fresh and disease-free seedlings or plant production.

Papaya fruits and seeds are in high demand in the market. Best quality papaya fruits yield on average 45-50kg/plant with net returns of about to Rs. 5-6lakh /acre. However, strawberry fruit yield of 15-20 tons/acre are harvested in the 10 plants per sq. meter.

All fruit crops are more effective in minimizing malnourishment being nutrient rich. Strawberry runners, virus-free papaya seed, budded and grafted plants and meadow orcharding fruits are more economically and safe produced for livelihood and nutritional security. Papaya can be cultivated in polyhouse as inter-cropping with leafy 64

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vegetable crops like spinach, coriander, lettuce, mustard or French bean and strawberry crops.

Strawberry transplanted in the August-September and harvested up in April followed by papaya transplanted in twice, either in July to August or later in Jan-Feb month per year. Crop rotation can be used with strawberry crop i.e. leafy vegetable or vegetables nursery or cucumber + Strawberry + cucumber (or bitter gourd or muskmelon or leafy vegetable) can be taken.

Crop diversity and rotations for horticulture farming under Net-built structures and their impacts Generally two types of net-built structures are used viz., shade-net and insect-proof net houses often termed synonymously, but indeed, a shade net is primarily a covering of UV stabilized coloured plastic net where main objective is to provide protection to the horticultural nurseries and plants from harsh sunlight and hot winds during summer seasons. On the other-hand, insect proof net houses are built for the primary objective of screening out the entry of insects or other pests by the physical barrier of nets of various mesh sizes depending upon crop and season. Both the net houses can be made by iron or GI pipe or bamboo or wooden or stone pillars etc. and are one of the most feasible forms of protected cultivation. Basic cost of fabrication of these structures may range from Rs 8-10 lakhs/acre.

Shade net Protected Structures Shade nets generally use two colour nets (green and black) in horticulture-based farming systems.

Both colour shade nets are available in 30, 50, 75 and 90% capacity of shading protection, wherein www.krishijagran.com

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I.P. Net Protected Structures Insect-proof nylon net based cultivation is newer concept more suitable for rainfed areas with much fewer days of precipitation. These structures make use of insect-proof screens of different intensities of perforations, ranging from 25 mesh to 60 mesh.

IPP nets of 40 or higher mesh are effective means to control entry of most flying insects and save the crop from diseases. As compared to polyhouses, these structures are almost equally capable of screening out the insects and birds thereby avoiding the use of pesticides. These structures permit early planting of tomatoes and cucumber, bitter gourd, musk melon, summer squash, brinjal,chilli etc. without the risk of vectors. Higher mesh size (i.e. above 50), however, reduces the air exchange of the structure. UV- stabilized white coloured nets are now available which have a longer life. This structure enhances 25-35% more yield as compared to traditional methods during peak summer season.

this percentage means the percentage of reduction in sunlight. In vegetable crops 30-50% capacity of either colour or 50-90%, shade nets are used for fruit-propagation in horticultural crops. Shade nets also cut down the sunlight, in turn minimizing evapotranspiration losses of moisture in general as well as reduced transpiration from plants. The total effect creates an altered relative humidity and temperature regime of microclimate favouring the plant growth. That is why these structures are especially useful for dryland and arid areas with water scarcity by increasing water use efficiency when used in combination with drip irrigation.

Shading nets are the perforated plastic materials used to provide relief to the plants from the scorching sunlight, hot winds, direct rainfall, hails, birds and animals as well as insects-pests. Nets of 25% to 75% shading capacity are being used for raising nursery, indoor plants, hardening of tissue-cultured plants and growing of vegetables.

During high light intensities, leafy vegetables and ornamental greens are recommended to be grown under shade nets. This structure enhances 25-35% more yield as compared to traditional methods during peak summer season. Suitable crops identified for shade net houses from economic viability include horticulture nurseries, leafy vegetables, summer tomato and capsicum. Because these systems are mainly used to grow off-season cultivation of crops, their produce fetches much higher prices in the market, hence providing good economic returns to growers, thereby improving livelihood and nutritional security to the farming families. Ornamental crops like lilium, tulip, anthurium and orchids can also be grown economically depending upon the suitability of different agro-climatic zones. Therefore, shade www.krishijagran.com

IP net structures can be used successfully for seed production in rainfed areas. Crops suitable for these structures include tomato, cherry tomato, cucumber, bitter gourd, musk melon, summer squash, papaya, meadow and high density orcharding of mango, guava and pomegranate and strawberry etc. besides very few flower crops. In irrigated areas, these structures may face problems during rainy season as it tends to flood the crop inside. Hence it is advisable to cover its roof by polythene sheets during rainy period. But this is possible only with small, half-moon type or gable type structures. Insect-proof covered cultivation technique give 2-3 times more yields and hence increase the income by about 30% normally but even more at times where insect damage is more.

Thus, farmers are able to save the crop hence being safer for farmers.

Tunnel Technology The plastic low tunnels are flexible transparent covering that is installed over the rows or individual beds of transplanted vegetables to enhance plant growth by warming the air around the plants in the open field during the winter season. These tunnels warm the soil and protect the plants from hails, cold wind injury and advance the crop by 30 to 45 days than the normal season.

This technology is quite economical for growing off-season vegetables in peri-urban areas of the northern plains of our country. The varieties suitable for poly tunnel cultivation are Himanshu, Seole green, Dokato, Pusa Alankar and Australian green.

Under northern Indian plains, summer squash crop can be transplanted even in first to the second week of December. Transplanting of the seedlings is done in a single row on each bed at a planting distance of 60-90 cm on drip system of irrigation.

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The distance between the rows is kept 1.5 to 1.6 meter. Transparent plastic (30-50 micron IR grade) is generally used for making low tunnels, which reflects infra-red radiation to keep the temperature of the low tunnels higher than open field. The plastic can be vented or slitted during the growing season as the temperature increase within the tunnels during the daytime. Generally, 3-4 cm size vents are made on eastern side of the tunnels just below the top on a distance of 2.5 to 3.0 m after transplanting and later on the size of the vents can be increased with rising in temperature and ultimately plastic is completely removed from the plants in month of February or March depending upon the crop, its growth and prevailing night temperature at that time.

Plastic Mulching Plastic mulching technology, also called surface covered cultivation, largely involves mulching with polythene sheets for addressing three major issues viz., soil and water conservation, leaching of nutrients as well as reduction of weeds and to some extent insect pest damage. Drip irrigation is an integral part of mulching technology. Mulching involves covering the soil around the plant bases with an organic or inorganic material which makes the condition more favourable for plant growth and development. Organic mulches, like leaves, straw, sawdust etc. adds nutrients and humus to the soil as they decompose, improving its tilth and moisture holding capacity. Synthetic or plastic mulches have various beneficial effects on crop production. Plastic mulch accelerates plant growth by increasing soil temperature, conserving soil moisture, weed control, production of quality produce and reduction in leaching of nutrients.

The plastic mulch is available in different colours.

Each colour has its own significance. Transparent polyethylene mulch raises the soil temperature by soil solarization used mainly for managing soil-borne diseases and nematodes. This effect derives mostly from the suppression of latent heat loss through evaporation. Black polyethylene film also gives effective weed control by cutting down solar radiation by more than 90%, resulting in etiolated growth and the eventual death of weeds under the film. The yellow plastic mulch attracts insects so it can be used to attract and kill insects. The silver-reflective type of plastic mulch associated with higher reflectance causes insect disorientation and repels aphids. The different types of mulches are reflective plastic mulches, infra-red transmitting mulches and biodegradable plastic mulches. There are different types of laying methods for plastic mulch but large area usage has to involve the help of mechanised and tractor operated mulch layers. Similarly, several low-cost hole cutting devices and transplanting devices are now pouring in the market.

Suitable horticultural crops that can take advantage of mulching include plants growing vertically by nature and not the creeping types e.g. solanaceous 66

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crops and cole crops. Although, cucurbits like summer squash can also be grown on mulching but with proper staking systems only for taking better advantage of the strengths of this type of cultivation. In fruit crops also the mulching is very important, especially in strawberry and gooseberry.

Other fruit crops like papaya, grapes, pomegranate, guava, mango etc. under high density and meadow planting methods do use the mulching technology strategically. This technology is again useful for areas with water scarcity or rainfed ecosystems and can conserve moisture to the extent of 50% water saving and 30% nutrient saving. Thus, we can conserve resources, economize input use and efficiency and harvest 25-30% higher yields as also the quality, playing a significant role increase in income and overall upliftment of livelihood of farming families.

Plasticulture Techniques for Healthy Planting Materials for Horticultural Crops Plasticulture based healthy planting material is

the backbone of the overall gamut of horticultural production systems. Nursery raising requires hi-end greenhouses with boom irrigation, glazing material, seeders, trays and cell pack for propagation, container carrying trays, polytube, bags, cups and labels for proper identification, ground cover and packing of planting material for long distance transportation.

As it is highly important to grow disease and pest free healthy planting material, soilless production of nurseries under greenhouses is very important.

Generally, plastic nursery trays or pro-trays having different cell sizes are used for raising vegetable and fruit seedlings. Different kinds of plastic pro-trays are used in raising flower seedlings. www.krishijagran.com

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Floriculture crops are highly remunerative as the quality, colour and shelf-life as well as freshness are very important and can give annual returns of 8-10 times more than the open field conditions.

These trays help in proper germination of seeds and cuttings and provide independent area for each seed and cutting to germinate, reduce the mortality rate, maintain uniform and healthy growth of seedlings.They are easy in handling and storing, reliable and economical in transportation. These plastic trays may be fixed in thermocol base trays having the same number and size of cavities before filling the media. Media used are mainly two types, viz., soilless media (3 parts of cocopeat + 1 part each of vermiculite and perlite) which costs about Rs 6000-7000 per 100 kg or indigenous media (2 parts cocopeat+1 part vermicompost/leaf compost and the other combination may include 2 parts

long duration so that even a single drop of water can be utilized preciously. This scheme provides subsidy and training from Govt. of India under the scheme of ‘Pradhan Mantri Sinchai Yojana’. In the present scenario, the concept of poly-tank cum micro-irrigation system can be employed in protected cultivation. Special polythene sheets of 300-400 gsm thickness, UV stabilized, cross-laminated in blue or black colours are utilized as standards. Life of water storage tanks so devised extends beyond 10 years easily. The additional advantage of these systems is their ability to withstand earthquakes.

Besides compensating the water scarcity, rainwater harvesting from polyhouse roofs can remediate water quality in areas where soil salinity and pH are inextricable . Such system is also the best way to provide irrigation, under low water availability areas like lower to high hills which face acute water shortage in spite of rainfall. Rainwater so harvested can be best used for life-saving irrigation strategies.

The micro-irrigation system saves water (40-50%), fertilizer (25-30%), labour expenditure (50%), soil-erosion cum fertility (90%), minimizes plant mortality (80%), enhances crop yield (25-75 %) and improves the quality of produce as compared to traditional pattern specially when employed under protected environment. Keeping this in view, storage of rainwater in low cost adequate capacity poly-tank and use of this water for irrigation of crop grown in protected environment (Polyhouse or Tunnels) through gravity based drip irrigation system. Cost of installation of this type of poly-tank is Rs 120-150/m3 including roof top, lateral pipes and storage tanks. If drip irrigation is integrated with these structures which in turn give additional advantage to the water-scarce production system. This can even lead to increase in area under cultivation for these areas.

vermicompost/leaf compost and one part each of sand and ash. These media may be enriched with Trichoderma). The cost of these media is only Rs 500-1000 per 100 kg. This media is not only cheaper but also has base nutrients available.

Overall, hi-tech nursery is a little capital and labour intensive or automation based yet highly remunerative to the extent that it can be adopted as entrepreneurial model by unemployed educated youth.

Rain Water Harvesting of Polyhouse Roofs with Plastic lined tanks Rain water harvesting of polyhouse roofs for storing in plastic lined tanks at the proper place for www.krishijagran.com

Water storage tanks can be additionally used for pisciculture or duck-fish or hen-fish farming in integration with horticultural production system as these cultures add nutrients to the water, minimizing nutrient requirements besides getting extra income from meat, fish, eggs etc. for livelihood betterment. Thus, this technology can play good role in livelihood cum nutritional security for difficult areas through horticulture based cropping system. This system has been amply demonstrated at KVK, Lohaghat, Champawat, Uttarakhand and CPCT, IARI, New Delhi.

Micro irrigation-cum-fertigation technique Micro-irrigation is classified mainly into two types; MAY 2018

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In future, there is need to encourage environmentally degradable material, developing plastic based system for storage and handling of vegetable produce, besides adopting good agricultural practices and IPM. There is need of developing technology for production of eco-friendly plastic and eco-friendly disposal of waste plastic. i) drip irrigation and ii) sprinkler irrigation. Drip irrigation is one of the best available tools made out of plastics in agriculture for the judicious use of water for growing various crops in large scale on sustainable basis. Drip irrigation is a low, labour intensive and highly efficient system of irrigation, which is also amenable to use in difficult situations and problematic soils, even with poor quality water. This technology is the practical example of “More Crop per drop� theme of agriculture in PMSY and has provision for 50-60% subsidy for the adoption of technology. Irrigation water savings through drip irrigation can be affected by adopting a suitable drip irrigation system ranging from 36-79%. In drip irrigation, water is supplied through a network of plastic pipes using dripper/ emitters. Water is supplied at a regular interval and at a required time/ quantity. Productivity gains vary from 20 % to 50 % depending upon the crop.

Drip irrigation works by applying water slowly and directly to the soil. It has high efficiency as there is no loss of water in form of evaporation or runoff and water is applied directly to the plant roots.

This is one of the major tools of precision farming which effectively increase water and nutrient use efficiency thus contributing significantly to water scare areas, increasing production and overall livelihood upliftment through horticulture based crops.

reduced by adopting improved packaging, handling and efficient system of transport. Plastic is used for packaging and storage of vegetable crops for extending storage life. The plastic bags, plastic sacks, plastic blow moulded containers are used for handling and storage. The cellulose film (cellophane), cellulose acetate, polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE), polystyrene, ethyl cellulose, polypropylene, PVC, edible plastic are used for packaging of vegetables. These technologies, minimize losses and add value, fetch higher price and also enhance the shelf-life of horticultural produce.

Plasticulture-cum-covered-cum-protected cultivation based horticultural production systems, thus, have immense uses in order to conserve the water, nutrient and energy resources besides increasing the production, generating additional income for the farmers, creating more employment opportunities in rural areas for the unemployed youth and women folk. In future, there is need to encourage environmentally degradable material, developing plastic based system for storage and handling of vegetable produce, besides adopting good agricultural practices and IPM. There is need of developing technology for production of eco-friendly plastic and eco-friendly disposal of waste plastic.

Similarly, sprinkler irrigation is one of the most effective tools of water conservation. It is used mainly in production of horticultural crops in the open type of cultivation mainly orchards. This is used mainly in carpet natured crops and high density crops and leafy vegetables like beans, peas, root-based crops like radish, carrot etc. and ornamental landscapes and lawns including early transplanted stages of fruit crops. This irrigation technique has given a flip to the intercropping system in horticultural crops. Currently, about 69.5 mha area is under micro-irrigation, of which drip irrigation covers about 27 mha. Lately, other cropping systems have also started to adopt the drip irrigation to finally taking agriculture to overall aim of rainbow revolution.

Farm Value Addition for Horticultural Produce In vegetable crops, around 28-30% losses take place during harvesting, grading, packaging, transportation and marketing. The existing post-harvest loss of vegetables can be considerably 68

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Tech Textiles

History of Garware-Wall Ropes Garware-Wall Ropes Ltd. (GWRL) is one of India’s leading players in the technical textiles sector, providing specialized solutions in the cordage and infrastructure industry. Established in 1976 by the visionary philanthropist Late Mr. B. D. Garware, a recipient of ‘Padmabhushan’ award, the company today is a multi-divisional, multi-geographical technical textile company.

With a mission to provide innovative, application focused solutions to enhance value of their customers globally, the company strives to manufacture and provide world class solutions in high performance polymer ropes, agricultural netting, fishing nets, sports nets, safety nets, aquaculture cages, coated fabrics and geosynthetics.

The company has state-of-art manufacturing facilities in Wai and Pune, India, providing solutions to diversified industries that include fishing, aquaculture, agriculture, geo synthetics, sports, coated fabrics, defense and many more. With international presence in more than 75 countries through 5 overseas offices across the globe, the company is the largest exporter of sports nets and a leading player in aquaculture segment.

It holds 65% of market share in the Indian mechanized fishing sector and in industrial segment it commands a market share of upwards of 50%.

In shipping segment for mooring ropes, the company is a leading player. In India ,the company has 7 offices, 12 depots, and a distribution network of more than 600 distributors.

Contribution of GWRL in the field of Agriculture Garware as a brand world-wide is known for the quality & application focused products introduced in the market. In the Agri sector as well products are developed keeping farmer’s value enhancement as its core. The Agricultural product basket includes: Shade Net, Insect Net, Pondliner, Polyfilm, Anti Hail Net, Anti Bird Net, Crop Support Net, Grape Net, Floriculture Net, Sericulture Net, Staking Cord, Mulch Film & Vermi Bag. Exploiting the vast knowledge base of seasoned R&D dept. along with the efforts of Quality dept, the products exhibits strength, perfect mesh sizes, accurate shade factors, high load bearing capacities coupled with various other features which facilitates in maintaining adequate temperatures, reduces pest attack, reduces crop gestation period thereby increasing yield quality as well as the quantity of crop.

We are proud to proclaim as ‘India’s only company to have received BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certificate for Monofilament Shade Net & Insect Net (for specific category)’, facilitating farmers in growing high value crops thereby increasing the lifestyle of Indian farmers.

Types of products that are manufactured by GWRL and their usefulness & uniqueness in a brief Monofilament Shade Net: UV stabilized Monofilament shade nets assuring

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High Strength & Durability providing optimum shade factor resulting in increased quality & quantity of yield.

stabilized for better durability

Available in various colours/sizes (length/ width) providing range of 35%-75% shade factor.

Facilitates in raisin making showcasing high strength to weight ratio, UV stabilized for higher durability, light in weight & easy to handle with no effect of chemical or salt.

Monofilament Insect Net: UV stabilized Monofilament insect nets assuring High Strength & Durability with perfect mesh sizes resulting in reduced pest attack.

Grape Net:

Crop Support Net:

Available in 15 to 50 mesh in natural white & milky white colour with sizes as per customer requirement.

Great support for various climber crops such as Cucumber, Gourd, etc. Can be used vertically or horizontally, exhibiting high strength, low weight, UV stabilized & easy to install properties.

Pond Liner:

Floriculture Net:

Understanding the imperativeness of the water for the farmers, Garware has made available PVC coated extremely durable, puncture resistant, soft & flexible pond liner for farmers.

To ensure support to the delicate flower crops in the field. Technically designed to be unaffected by chemicals, saline water with flower wise specific spacing.

Available in black colour & 350 – 1000 gsm or more as per customer requirement

Stacking Cord:

Polyfilm: Super strong property due to additional blend of additives, accurate thickness across the film, also featured with various properties of anti drip, anti mist, anti dust, etc. showcasing performance on all label claimed properties.

Available in White & Yellow colour, 200 micron & customizable sizes Anti Hail Net: Hail protection for high value horticulture crops exhibiting high strength, low weight, UV stabilized & easy to install properties.

Anti Bird Net: Crop protection from all type of birds demonstrating high strength to weight ratio with UV

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An economical substitute for GI Wire which is non rusting, having knotting capacity. 8-14 guage, UV stabilized, black coloured cord to support crops such as Tomato, Brinjal, etc. The high load bearing capacity also makes it usable as trellising in shade net house, poly house. Used in Y angle frame for Grape.

A brief quote from the management on outlook The need of the hour for a farmer today is ‘Increasing maximum yield in the available land holding’. This year’s Agritech Israel’s theme of Agriculture in Arid & Semi Arid regions is the perfect platform to raise awareness for protected cultivation. With the ever evolving technology, it becomes a responsibility for companies to make the technology available to the farmers thereby taking them to new levels in Agriculture.

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Biofortification to eradicate malnutrition in the masses C Tara Satyavathi and Bharadwaj. C

Project Coordinator, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur (csatyavathi@gmail.com) And Principal Scientist, Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa Campus, New Delhi (drchbharadwaj@gmail.com)

‘H

idden hunger’, is a term more often used to describe malnutrition due to micronutrient deficiencies in staple food diet caused due to non/poor availability of minerals in diet.

Malnutrition hinders the development of human potential and the nation’s social and economic development especially in women and pre-school children. Globally about 11% of all deaths under the age of five are attributable to micronutrient deficiencies. The diets of over two-thirds of the world’s population lack one or more essential mineral elements. This can be remedied through dietary diversification, mineral supplementation, food fortification, or increasing the concentrations and/or bioavailability of mineral elements in produce.

Humans require at least 22 mineral elements for their well being. These can be supplied by an appropriate diet. However, it is estimated that over 60% of the world’s 6 billion people are iron (Fe) deficient, over 30% are zinc (Zn) deficient, 30% are iodine (I) deficient and 15% are selenium (Se) deficient. In addition, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu) deficiencies are common in many developed and developing countries (Welch & Graham, 2002). Deficiency of iron and zinc is 72

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affecting more than two billion people worldwide and mostly victims are pregnant women and children below the age of five (WHO, 2012). The annual deficiency of Fe, Zn and Vitamin A in India is estimated to be 4.0milion, 2.8million and 2.3million diability-adjusted life years(DALYs) respectively. When observed with food intake, micronutrient malnutrition is more wide spread compared to low energy uptake (Stewart et al, 2010). Micronutrient deficiency is often referred as “hidden hunger” as its manifestation is not obvious except in extreme cases unlike observed in insufficient energy intake (Meenakshi, 2009).

Micronutrient deficiency especially in developing countries is the result of monotonous dependency on cereal based food. In developing countries over 330,000 child deaths every year are the result of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) at chronic level and it is also observed that 57% of pre schoolers and mothers have VAD. Currently, mineral malnutrition is considered to be among the most serious global challenges to humankind and is avoidable (Copenhagen Consensus 2004; http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com).

Mineral malnutrition can be addressed through dietary diversification, mineral supplementation, food fortification and/or increasing mineral www.krishijagran.com

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concentrations in edible crops. However, strategies to increase dietary diversification, mineral supplementation and food fortification have not always been successful. For this reason, biofortification of crops through the application of mineral fertilizers, combined with breeding varieties with an increased ability to acquire mineral elements, is advocated as an immediate strategy not only to increase mineral concentrations in edible crops but also to improve yields on infertile soils.

Furthermore, Zn deficiency in man has been linked to Vitamin A underutilization. Even in the developed countries, micronutrient deficiencies affect a significant number of the population. Taken together, micronutrient deficiencies affect a far greater number of the world’ population than protein-energy malnutrition.

Fe and Zn deficiency are the two most widespread nutritional disorders. It is estimated that two billion of the world’s population are Fe deficient, with consequent diminished work performance, impaired body temperature regulation, impaired psychomotor development and intellectual performance, detrimental behavioral changes (e.g. significantly decreased responsiveness and activity and increased body tension and fearfulness), decreased resistance to infection and increased susceptibility to Pb poisoning. Women and children are particularly at risk of Fe deficiency because of their elevated requirements for child- bearing and growth respectively. An estimated 58% of the pregnant women in developing countries are anaemic, and their infants are more likely to be born with a low birth weight. Zn deficiency, thought to be widespread, can express it’s symptoms as hypogonadism, dwarfism, heptosplenomegaly, anaemia and geophagia and mortality du ring childhood if it is prolonged.

Higher morbidity Higher mortality Lower cognitive ability Lower work productivity Impaired growth Impaired reproduction

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CONSEQUENCES OF MICRONUTRIENT MALNUTRITION

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES Micronutrient malnutrition can be alleviated either through diversification of food, supplementation, fortification or biofortification.

Among the ten strategies suggested the following offer major role

Dietary diversification: Fresh fruits, nuts, leafy vegetables, milk, meat etc., which are rich in micronutrients can be included in the food. Rural poor cannot afford for different foods and they mostly depend on cereals or millets for consumption compared to urban. Supply of micro nutrient rich foods to the poor is to be addressed to solve issues related to MAY 2018

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this. In Sorghum growing regions 35% of total intake of calories, protein, iron and zinc is from the sorghum consumption whereas in bajra predominant regions its consumption accounts to more than 20-40% of total intake of calories, protein and micronutrients in India. Poor farmers especially in dryland India have infertile lands, where only millets can grow and hence they entirely depend on the food grown there. So, they mostly depend on single source of food for which they are accessible and affordable.

2. Supplementation: Oral administration of micronutrients either in the form of pills or syrup is called supplementation. This approach is useful for nutrients like vitamin A and also can be used for rapid improvement in Fe status in anemic individuals. Government started taking some steps especially in providing vitamin A tablets as early as 1970, but it is hardly successful. This is not advisable all the time but in some cases like persons who are suffering from chronic deficiency, supplementation with micronutrients is the best method and also pregnant women are to be given Iron pills. It can be used as short term measures and is to be replaced with long term food based measures.

3.Fortfication: External addition of nutrients to food at the time of food processing is known as fortification. Most commonly known is that of iodine added to salt and wheat flour with iron . Fortification differs for different micronutrients and different foods.

But, there are some problems with fortification of food. It is difficult for Fe fortification due to its rapid oxidation. Another problem faced with fortified food is that the stability of the micronutrients added to the food is only for certain period and most of micronutrients are lost during processing . For fortification of food with vitamins and minerals the cost of food increases, which is not affordable by everyone .

through foliar spray or can be delivered through irrigation water. Several factors such as soil pH, temperature, rainfall, texture and structure of soil have influence on the uptake of minerals from soil by plant roots. Genetic and agronomic biofortification approaches are complementary and synergistic and both are needed for fighting malnutrition.

Transgenic approach Biofortification through Genetic Engineering may involve insertion of genes responsible for increasing trace mineral element binding proteins, over expression of storage proteins or expression of other proteins that are responsible for uptake of elements or proteins that suppress some antinutrient factors like phytate. Biofortification through transgenic approach is not new to us because it started long back with “ Golden Rice” and Syngenta Golden Rice for vitamin A, High Lysine potential of opaque2 mutation was combined with genetic endosperm modifiers led to the formation of QPM Maize. NARS in India released several QPM cultivars. In rice ferritin gene transformation, metallothionin hyper-expression and phytase gene transformation was done for iron biofortification. Increase in grain Zinc content by over expression of a zinc transporter gene from Arabidipsis thaliana was also achieved. While targeting biofortification of micro nutrients in crops ,few things are to be kept in mind such as the plants are to be enhanced for uptake of minerals from soil by increased solubilization(since plants cannot synthesise minerals instead they are to be taken from their surroundings and accumulated in their plant parts), increased transport of these micronutrients to grains rather than accumulating in leaves, increased sequestration of minerals in endosperm rather than husk or aluerone, reduction in anti nutritional factors in grain and increasing

4. Biofortification: The term ‘Biofortification’ is coined by CIAT, Columbia , January 2001during a meeting of the representative of Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation Initiative IMI on aspect of Plant breeding strategy for micronutrient enrichment.

It can be achieved either by external addition of micronutrient fertilizers to the crops or by inserting genes responsible for increased levels of bio available micronutrients through transgenic approach or by mutation or by simple plant breeding methods (Zhu et al, 2007).

Agronomic approach: Along with NPK fertilizers, micronutrient fertilizers can be applied to plants in their readily available forms which are taken up by plant roots and finally will be stored in the grains. These fertilizers can be applied to soil or 74

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promoters of mineral bioavailability in grains.

Breeding approach There is a lot of genetic variability existing in the crops. By screening of the germplasm and cultivars for micronutrient density, those lines which exhibit more micronutrient content can be exploited in further breeding into elite lines through simple crossing or through genetic enhancement. Genetic methods offers a sustainable solution by exploring natural genetic variation to develop mineral dense varieties.

Whenever there is not enough variation, one can approach for mutation breeding for creation of artificial variation. As early as in 1920, opaque-2(o-2), a natural mutant was identified in Maize which is rich in Lysine (twice as much compared to normal). Later on other mutants such as fluory-2, mucronate (mc) and defective endosperm B30 (DEB30) were identified which lead to maize nutrition improvement, later on with some transgenic interventions lead to Quality Protein Maize (QPM). Target for breeding micronutrient varieties should be based on the bioavailability %, daily intake of food per capita, the form in which consumed and estimated average requirements (EAR). Based on these criteria, the level of concentration needed in varieties differs for different nutrients, for eg., in case of zn 10mg/Kg would be sufficient for varieties bred for Northern India, whereas the concentration of Fe should be more as its bioavailability is less. Detection of markers which are tightly linked to Fe and Zn content enhancing genes or the genes responsible for this biofortification of micronutrients would hasten up the breeding process of selection. A major limitation in transgenic approach is that it is not preferred by the public and also there are regulatory problems or lack of biosafety regulations observed in the case of vitamin A enriched golden rice and also

WORLD Bt brinjal in India are not cultivated though they are released a long back.

The cheapest and the best method, easily accepted both by farmers and rural poor consumers and sustained for a longer period is to provide them with a variety which is enriched with micronutrients. Plant breeding is most sustainable as farmers can reuse the same seed (when bred as variety or open pollinated variety) every year and they need not buy again and again unlike transgenic crop.

RATIONALE FOR BIOFORTIFICATION Modern agriculture has been largely successful in meeting the energy needs of poor populations in developing countries. In the past forty years, agricultural research in developing countries has met Malthus’s challenge by placing increased cereal production at its center. However, agriculture must now focus on a new paradigm that will not only produce more food, but deliver better quality food as well. Through plant breeding, biofortification can improve the nutritional content of the staple foods poor people already eat, providing a comparatively inexpensive, cost-effective, sustainable, long-term means of delivering more micronutrients to the poor. This approach will not only lower the number of severely malnourished people who require treatment by complementary interventions, but will also help them maintain improved nutritional status. Moreover, biofortification provides a feasible means of reaching malnourished rural populations who may have limited access to commercially marketed fortified foods and supplements. Unlike the continual financial outlays required for traditional supplementation and fortification programs, a one-time investment in plant breeding can yield micronutrient-rich plants for farmers to grow around the world for years to come. It is this multiplier aspect of biofortification across time and distance that makes it so cost-effective.

ADVANTAGES OF BIOFORTIFICATION

Reaching the Malnourished in Rural Areas The biofortification strategy seeks to put the micronutrient-dense trait in the most profitable, highest-yielding varieties targeted to farmers and to place these traits in as many released varieties as is feasible. Moreover, as marketed surpluses of these crops make their way into retail outlets, reaching consumers in both rural and urban areas. The direction of the flow, as it were, is from rural to urban in contrast to complementary interventions that begin in urban centers.

Cost-Effectiveness and Low Cost Biofortified staple foods cannot deliver as high a level of minerals and vitamins per day as supplements or industrially fortified foods, but they can help to bring millions over the www.krishijagran.com

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CURRENT STATUS OF BIOFORTIFIED CROPS (Saltzmann et al., 2014) Crop

Nutrient

Target country

Year of Release

Lead institutions

Bangladesh, Zinc (Iron)

2013 IRRI, BRRI, Embrapa

Brazil Rice

Wheat

Maize

Provitamin A *

Philippines, Bangladesh

Iron*

Bangladesh, India

University of bourne, IRRI

Iron

China

Institute of Crop Sci2010 ence, CAAS

Zinc (Iron)

India, Pakistan

CIMMYT

Zinc (Iron)

China

Institute of Crop Sci2011 ence, CAAS

Zinc(Iron)

Brazil

Embrapa

2016

Zambia

CIMMYT

2012

Nigeria

IITA

2012

Brazil

NARES

2012

India

ICRISAT

2012**

Provitamin A

Pearl millet

Iron (Zinc)

Uganda Mozambique Sweet Potato

Provitamin A Brazil

Network, Mel-

???

2022

2013**

CIP, NaCRI

2007

CIP

2002

Embrapa

2009

China

Institute of Sweet Potato, CAAS

2010

DRC

IITA, CIAT

2008

Nigeria

IITA, CIAT

2011

Brazil

Embrapa

2009

Nigeria, Kenya

Donald Danford Plant 2017 Science Center

Rwanda, DRC

CIAT, RAB

2012

Brazil

Embrapa

2008

Provitamin A*

Kenya, Burkina, Faso, Nigeria

Africa Harvest, Pioneer Hi-Bred

2018

Zinc, Iron

India

ICRISAT

2015

Provitamin A Cassava Provitamin A Iron* Beans

2014 Golden Rice IRRI

Iron (Zinc)

Sorghum

India Cowpea

Iron , Zinc

Brazil

GBPUAT

2008

Embrapa

2013

China

Institute of Crop Science, CAAS

2015

Banana

Provitamin A

Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Burundi, DRC

IITA, Bioversity

-

Lentil

Iron & Zinc

Nepal

ICARDA

2011

Potato

Iron

Rwanda, Ethiopia

CIP

-

*- Transgenic

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** - Commercial cultivation

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Malnutrition hinders the development of human potential and the nation’s social and economic development especially women and pre-school children. Globally about 11% of all deaths under the age of five are attributable to micronutrient deficiencies.

threshold from malnourishment to micronutrient sufficiency.

Sustainability of biofortification Once in place, it is highly sustainable. The nutritionally improved varieties will continue to be grown and consumed year after year and hence, recurrent expenditures are low .

Rice: Carotene (provitamin A) is present in significant quantities in vegetables like carrot, green leafy vegetables, while foods like milk, meat and fish are rich source of Vitamin A. However, the poor masses of the country cannot consume a rich and varied diet as mentioned above and most of the poor people in our country eat rice based diet, which is poor in several essential micronutrients and vitamins (particularly pro-Vitamin A). This is because; there are no natural provitamin A-containing rice varieties. In rice-based societies like India, the absence of beeta-carotene in rice grains manifests itself in a marked incidence of blindness and susceptibility to diseases, leading to an increased incidence of premature death of small children, the weakest link in the chain. Rice plants produce beeta-carotene (provitamin A) in green tissues but not in the endosperm (the edible part of the seed). The outer coat of the dehusked grains, the aleurone layer contains a number of valuable nutrients, e.g. vitamin B and nutritious fats, but no provitamin A. These nutrients are lost with the bran fraction in the process of milling and polishing. While it would be desirable to keep those nutrients with the grain, the fatty components are affected by oxidative processes that make the grain turn rancid when exposed to air. Thus, unprocessed rice, i.e. brown rice cannot be stored for long time. Even though all required genes to produce provitamin A are present in the rice grain, some of them are turned off during development and hence rice grains are devoid of beeta-carotene.

In order to enable rice grains to produce beetacarotene, the research groups led by Prof. Ingo Potrykus (from Swiss Federal Research Institute, Switzerland) and Prof. Peter Beyer (University of Frieburg, Germany) introduced through genetic engineering, three genes for biosynthesis of beeta-carotene in the rice grain. The transgenic rice, which is popularly called Golden rice is easily recognisable by its yellow to orange colour.

Since 2000, several improved versions of Golden rice has been developed by the inventors and www.krishijagran.com

latest version called GR2R was developed and characterized to possess > 20 µg/g of total carotenoids in the endosperm, in the genetic background of an American rice variety named Kaybonnet.

Maize: Quality Protein Maize (QPM): Bulk of the proteins in a mature maize kernel is in the endosperm (80%) and the endosperm protein is defcient in two essential amino acids viz. lysine and tryptophan. This is mainly because of dominance of zein fraction of protein, imposing unbalanced amino acid content in endosperm. This leads to poor protein quality and low biological value of the maize protein in humans. The discovery of nutritional value of the opaque2 (o2) mutant in maize was a significant breakthrough, as it resulted in enhanced concentration of lysine and tryptophan. Homozygous recessive o2 allele leads to doubling of lysine and tryptophan compared to wild type, due to accumulation of low levels of zein proteins and higher levels of non-zein proteins that impart a good balance of all essential amino acids. However, pleiotropic effects of o2 mutant such as soft texture, lower seed density, brittleness and insect susceptibility, breakage of kernel during mechanical threshing, decreased the value of the grain. These negative features of the mutant could be ameliorated by introduction of o2- modifier genes, located throughout the genome, having complex phenotypic effects.

The modified-o2 genotypes rich in lysine and tryptophan, resemble normal maize both in kernel phenotype and agronomic performance, were developed by breeders at CIMMYT through introgression of genetic modifier genes, popularly phrased as ‘Quality Protein Maize’. CIMMYT has played vital role in disseminating nutritionally enriched QPM germplasm, worldwide that resulted in release of QPM varieties/synthetics and hybrids in many countries.

India released its first series of biofortified maize composites viz. Shakti, Rattan and Protina in 1971. These were rich in protein quality but were having soft endosperm, thus could not become popular. In 1997, accumulation of modifiers from CIMMYT germplasm led to the release of first hard endosperm-based o2 composite/ QPM composite, Shakti-1. The first QPM hybrid in India, ‘Shaktimaan- 1’ MAY 2018

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Biofortification can be achieved either by external addition of micronutrient fertilizers to the crops or by inserting genes responsible for increased levels of bio available micronutrients through transgenic approach or by mutation or by simple plant breeding methods

(a white kernel-based three way cross) was released in 2001, followed by ‘Shaktimaan-2’ (a white kernel-based single-cross hybrid) in 2004. The first yellow-kernel based single cross hybrids, ‘Shaktimaan-3’ and ‘Shaktimaan-4’ were developed together during 2006, followed by ‘Shaktimaan-5’ in 2013. These QPM hybrids are specifically adapted to Bihar. Later, a number of single cross QPM hybrids viz. HQPM-1, HQPM-4, HQPM-5, HQPM-7 and Pratap QPM Hybrid-1 were released with wider adaptability to different agro-ecologies of the country.

Several of experimental QPM hybrids under different maturity groups are in progress under AICRP programme.

Provitamin A: Although maize is major source of carotenoids among cereals, traditional maize cultivars possess less proportion of beeta-carotene, a major precursor to vitamin A in humans. In Zambia, first generation CIMMYT developed provitamin A enriched hybrids were released in September, 2012 that have 5-9 µg/g of provitamin A. Scientists from IARI using MAS, introgressed the favourable crtRB1 allele to enhance Beeta-carotene concentration in seven elite parental inbreds viz. VQL1, VQL2, V335, V345, HKI1105,HKI323 and HKI161. The improved inbreds had kernel beeta-carotene concentration from 8.6 to 17.5 µg/g; much closer to 15 µg/g, the target level set by HarvestPlus for alleviating vitamin A deficiency. The reconstituted hybrids developed from improved parental inbreds also showed enhanced kernel beeta-carotene as high as 21.7 µg/g, compared to 2.6 µg/g in the original hybrid (Muthusamy et al. 2014). Improved version of Vivek QPM 9 possesses high beeta- carotene coupled with higher lysine and tryptophan, thereby providing multi-nutrients in the maize- based diet.

Fe and Zn: Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes are reported to have higher concentration of Fe and 78

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Zn, which can also be explored to develop multi-nutrient rich maize through a systematic breeding approach. Mallikarjuna et al. (2014) identified promising QPM inbreds with high Fe and Zn. Although the primary function of the phytate in seeds is to store phosphorus as energy source and antioxidants essentially required for the germinating seeds, the negative charge of phytic acids significantly chelate positively charged minerals and forms insoluble complexes in the gut. Hence breeding for low phytic acid assumes significance. Research efforts at TNAU, Coimbatore successfully introgressed low phytate mutants (lpa2-2) into elite normal maize inbreds (UMI395 and UMI285). Marker-assisted introgression of lpa1 and lpa2 mutants in early maturing inbreds viz. CM145 and V334, respectively has been recently carried out at VPKAS, Almora. These newly derived low phytate maize genotypes hold promise as they increase bioavailability of Fe and Zn in maize, and enhance phosphorous availability for growth in monogastric animals such as poultry that digest phytate poorly. Further, phosphorous level in the environment and water is increased due to higher concentration of undigested phytate eliminated by the monogastric animals.

Thus newly developed low phytic acid genotypes of maize can effectively reduce environmentaland water- pollution.

Pearl millet: •

Iniadi germplasm from West Africa having www.krishijagran.com

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variability for high Fe and Zn are being used by both private and public sector.

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Pusa pearl millet inbred (PPMI 904)-Fe (91ppm).

Examining variability among existing hybrids and those in pipeline for release for Fe and Zn density. High priority for genetic improvement of Fe density with Zn as an associated trait.

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Work is also going on Association Mapping for grain Iron and Zinc content in Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L). R. Br].

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Breeding approach-total efforts have been through conventional breeding than genomic approaches due to former’s greater cost effectiveness and short time frame for biofortified cultivar development and delivery.

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The quantitative inheritance of Fe and Zn density and hence the resultant genotype × environment interaction, a broad-based partnership with the public and private sector breeding programs was developed for multilocation testing to accelerate the biofortification breeding process.

Efforts from IARI •

Screening for variability for iron and zinc density.

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Development of mapping population to map QTL for Fe and Zn density.

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2 lines having high Fe and Zn density have been identified for registration at NBPGR.

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Pusa pearl millet inbred (PPMI 903)-Zn (72ppm).

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Variety release The new bajra variety, called Dhanshakti, has been developed through biofortification by the International Crops Research Institute for SemiArid Tropics (ICRISAT) in collaboration with HarvestPlus, a Washington based NGO. Biofortification involves enhancing the nutritional value of staple crops through selective breeding or genetic modification

Sorghum: In India, sorghum is the fourth most important cereal consumed. Sorghum is the staple of central and western regions of Maharashtra and the northern regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Though over India as a whole the consumption of sorghum has declined , in inland regions of Central, Eastern and Western Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka sorghum is still an important crop with annual per capita consumption in rural areas ranging from 31.8 to 54.2 kg and in urban areas from to 34.0 kg.

Maharashtra (47%) and Karnataka (20%) grow a large proportion of sorghum compared to Andhra Pradesh (undivided) (9%) and other states. In terms of nutrient intake, sorghum MAY 2018

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accounts for about 35% of the total intake of calories, protein, iron and zinc in the dominant production/consumption areas (Parthasarathy Rao et al., 2006). Sorghum is a cheap source of energy, protein, iron and zinc next only to pearl millet among all cereals and pulses.

Under the aegis of HarvestPlus, sorghum biofortification research gained momentum in the last few years. Large genetic variability for grain iron and zinc concentrations has been reported in sorghum recently. Over the years ICRISAT has evaluated a large number of landraces (2246), hybrid parents (>500 B-lines and 100 R-lines), breeding lines and commercial sorghum cultivars (67) for assessing grain iron and zinc concentrations and important agronomic traits, and the vast variability observed has been put on public domain in the form of a database.

Characterization of popular Indian cultivars, hybrid parents, elite breeding lines and some selected germplasm accessions collected from the major sorghum growing states indicated sufficient variability for grain iron (12-83 mg/ kg) and zinc (6-51 mg/kg). Based on the grain

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iron and zinc concentrations observed in the commercial cultivars and ICRISAT bred parental lines, the base level estimated is 30 mg/kg for iron and 20 mg/kg for zinc. The target level for genetic enhancement has been put at 60 mg/ kg for grain iron and 32 mg/kg for zinc at ICRISAT. The landraces identified can be used in the crossing programmes as donors for grain iron and zinc to develop improved varieties and hybrid parents.

PROGRAMS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES FOR BIOFORTIFICATION Country programs in Brazil, China, and India work to biofortify a wide array of staple food crops. This “food basket approach�, favored particularly in Brazil, is useful for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in populations that consume smaller amounts of several staple crops, rather than deriving most of their nutrition from a single staple crop. BIOFORT Brasil is coordinated through the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) and is developing nutrient-rich varieties of eight crops: rice, sweet potato, bean, cowpea, cassava, maize, wheat,

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In rice-based societies like India, the absence of beeta-carotene in rice grains manifests itself in a marked incidence of blindness and susceptibility to diseases, leading to an increased incidence of premature death of small children. In order to enable rice grains to produce beeta-carotene, the researchers introduced transgenic rice, which is popularly called Golden rice

and pumpkin. Ten varieties have been released: three each of cassava (up to 9 ppm provitamin A); beans (up to 80 ppm iron and 50 ppm zinc); and cowpeas (up to 77 ppm iron and 53 ppm zinc); and one sweet potato variety (up to 115 ppm provitamin A). Furthermore, a provitamin A maize variety (up to 7.5 ppm) was released in 2012.

China’s biofortification program began in 2005 and research focuses on increasing iron, zinc, and provitamin A contents in rice, maize, wheat, and sweet potato. Released varieties include: a wheat cultivar, “Zhongmai 175”, with 44 ppm zinc and 38 ppm iron; a rice variety, “Zhongguangxiang”, with 6.5 ppm iron; and a sweet potato variety, “Nanshu 0101”, with 93 ppm provitamin A. Additional promising provitamin A-rich sweet potato and maize varieties are in multilocational trials.

The Indian Government’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have joined efforts to achieve high-quality research and accelerate the development of biofortified varieties in India.

The India Biofortification Program, a long-term project of the DBT, focuses on rice, wheat, and maize. HarvestPlus is a collaborator in the development of these crops and also focuses on biofortified pearl millet and sorghum in collaboration with ICRISAT

for use in human trials.

African Biofortified Sorghum Africa Harvest and Pioneer lead a consortium of institutions genetically modifying sorghum.

Transgenic sorghum has elevated levels of provitamin A (up to 21 ppm), reduced phytate (35-80 percent), and an improved protein profile.

Transgenic plants are currently in greenhouse trials; release is expected by 2018. Sorghum has lower relative bioaccessibility in transgenic varieties, but the higher levels of carotenoids in the grain increased the overall levels of accessible total and provitamin A carotenoids. Additional bioavailability studies have shown increased zinc absorption of 30-40 percent and increased iron absorption of 20-30 percent when phytate levels are reduced.

PERSPECTIVES •

Major gaps in knowledge with respect to biofortification exist: more efficacy trials and effectiveness studies are needed to confirm and augment the promising evidence thus far obtained.

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Scientists must further refine indicators of individual micronutrient status and better understand the importance of cross-nutrient synergies.

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Additional delivery and marketing research will improve the effectiveness of delivery and marketing strategies in ensuring maximum adoption and consumption of biofortified crops.

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Breeding can be made more cost-effective using marker-assisted selection to breed high levels of several minerals and vitamins in a single variety, and transgenic methods may prove to be more effective in accomplishing this than conventional breeding.

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To mainstream biofortified traits, agricultural research centers must adopt breeding for nutrient density as a core activity.

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National varietal release committees should be encouraged to set minimum standards for nutrient densities in the crops that are released; currently only agronomic standards are considered.

BioCassava Plus The BioCassava Plus (BC+) program genetically engineers cassava with increased levels of iron and provitamin A. Additional traits addressed by BC+ include increased shelf life, reduced cyanide levels, and improved disease resistance. The first field trials for a provitamin A biofortified cassava began in 2009, followed by trials for high-iron cassava (Sayre et al. 2011)

Banana Biofortification Queensland University of Technology and the National Agricultural Research Organization of Uganda are developing transgenic provitamin A and iron bananas for Uganda. Bananas with up to 20 ppm provitamin A have been developed and trials have commenced in Uganda (Namanya 2011). Provitamin A bananas are expected to be released in 2019. A human bioavailability study using transgenic provitamin A banana will begin in early 2013. High-iron bananas are not yet ready 82

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indian agriculture the monsoon myth

S.Ganesan

Vice President – Agri Policies and Outreach UPL Limited s.ganesan@uniphos.com / ganesanicc@uniphos.com

T

he English word “monsoon” first used in British India comes from the Arabic word “mausium” meaning season. It describes the seasonal wind shift over a region that is usually accompanied by rains. Monsoon refers to copious rains received from June-September (South West monsoon) in most parts of India and from October-December (North East monsoon) mainly in south India especially Tamil Nadu.

A Google search for “Indian agriculture is a gamble on the monsoon” fetched 63,800 responses. The whopping popularity of this adage over the World Wide Web is worrisome. It shows that the people at large continue to hold Indian agriculture to be highly variable and unpredictable. It is still doing active rounds in the policy circles, media and sadly so in agricultural universities, too. A tragic misconception!

India suffered two successive droughts in 1904 and 1905. In 1909 Sir Guy Fleetwood Wilson, a British public servant then working in India observed that agriculture in India is largely a gamble in rain.

Probably, this had subsequently evolved into the adage “Indian agriculture is a gamble on the monsoon” which is popularly used even after 100 years.

Admittedly, the Indian Agriculture was a gamble on the monsoon in the past when the crop cultivation was confined to the rainy season, mainly of food grains with very little commercial horticulture and animal husbandry. But, contemporary Indian agriculture is not a gamble on the monsoon. Indian agriculture is now very different from the traditional one practised several decades ago. True, a timely and good monsoon does give agriculture a head start. But a delayed or deficient monsoon does not lead us to disaster on the 84

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food front nowadays.

Here is an analogy. Animal-drawn carts were widely used as means of transport until 60- 80 years ago in India. But it is plainly absurd to say that Indian transport system continues to be the same. Things have changed irreversibly and progressed a lot. In fact, it is very rare now to see animal-drawn carts! Similarly, things have changed and progressed a lot on the agricultural front, too.

The irrigated agricultural area was only 23 million hectares in India in 1951. It now exceeds 91 million hectares (gross). India has the largest irrigated area in the world now - a fact most Indians do not know at all.

In the 1950s, our agriculture was predominantly food grains based, monsoon-dependent and Kharif was the main season of production. Both the production and consumption remained local with very little interstate trade.

Indian agriculture is structurally different and multifaceted, thanks to the ascendency of horticulture and livestock sectors. These two sectors contribute to over 60% of India’s agricultural GDP. Because a significant part of Indian agriculture comes from horticulture (vegetables, fruits, flowers, etc.) and livestock sectors (milk, fish, eggs, and meat) the agricultural output now extends all around the year.

Consequently, the traditional divide between the Kharif and the Rabi season has disappeared.

In the year 1999-2000, India’s agricultural production expanded by 2.1% despite monsoon shortfall of 8.5%.

In 2009-10, the monsoon was deficient by 22% ,but the agricultural production declined only by 0.2%. As recently as (2015-16), the monsoon was deficient by www.krishijagran.com

AG R I C U LT U R E

WORLD India is a multi-product agricultural powerhouse. No other country in the world grows as many food crops as we do. Round the year sunlight, small land holdings and family labour help heterogeneous production systems.

14%. But, is there any shortage of food now?

Our farmers are good at multi-tasking. Their desi ingenuity drives crop diversification, crop-livestock mixed farming, and diverse output growth much beyond the grasp of campus confined agricultural scientists and traditional economists.

There are a few exciting facts that would startle many.

With agricultural production of $367 billion (2014), India ranks second in the world. The value of India’s agricultural production is much higher than the USA. India is a multi-product agricultural powerhouse. No other country in the world grows as many food crops as we do. Round the year sunlight, small land holdings and family labour help heterogeneous production systems. The growth in Indian agriculture has shifted from food grains to horticultural crops since 2010.

Just six states -Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh (undivided), Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan account for 55% of India’s agricultural production in terms of value. Their dominance is driven by the horticulture and livestock sectors.

India ranks first in the world in milk production with 163 million tons (2016-17). The value of milk production in India exceeds the value of rice production!

India’s livestock sector mostly utilizes non-edible agriculture by-products unlike in the West. While the water-rich West Bengal produces only 5 million tons of milk/year, the arid state of Rajasthan produces 19 million tons.

India is the second largest producer of flowers (cut and loose) in the world. West Bengal is the largest cut flower producing state in India while Tamil Nadu is the largest producing state for loose flowers.

India ranks second in global fish production with over 10.8 million tons. Inland fish production (mainly aquaculture) outperforms marine capture by 1:3 ratio.

Andhra Pradesh leads in aquaculture and Gujarat in www.krishijagran.com

the marine capture. The agricultural GDP of Gujarat is 50% higher than Punjab. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu account for more than 50% of India’s egg production.

The co-existence of aquaculture, dairy, poultry and horticulture makes Andhra Pradesh (undivided) the second largest in agricultural production in India next only to U.P. Paradoxical, yet true the percentage of population living below the poverty line is higher in high rainfall states such as Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Manipur, etc.

The average annual precipitation in India is higher than China, USA, Australia, etc. These countries which receive much less rainfall do not rue that their agriculture is a gamble on monsoon. But, we do!

Besides, contrary to the popular perception, the rainfed agriculture is neither inferior nor less common.

Out of 1.5 billion hectares of cultivated lands in the world today, only 301 million hectares are irrigated. In other words, globally 80% agricultural land is rainfed.

Rainfed agriculture contributes to about 60% of world food basket, according to the FAO. According to National Centers for Environmental Information, USA the average annual precipitation of California State is 563 mm, about 50% of India’s average annual precipitation 1083 mm. But the GDP of the state of California at $2031 billion is higher than that of India’s GDP of $2005 billion (Source: IMF). There are several such jaw dropping examples concerning rainfall and rainfed agriculture. However, they remain little known.

There is a Latin phrase “Repetito est mater studiorum” which means repetition is the mother of learning.

In public discourse, however, repetition retards the ability of people to learn new and unfamiliar facts.

Repetition only sustains the past beliefs. It does not help unlearning. It does not help rewiring our brains.

The hundred-year-old adage “Indian agriculture is a gamble on the monsoon survives and sustains itself because of our thoughtless and moronic repetition.

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FSSAI

AG R I C U LT U R E

FSSAI REQUIREMENTS FOR START UP & ENTREPRENEURS Pradip Chakraborty

Former Director, FSSAI Email: pradipchakraborty91@yahoo.com Mob: 9953689010

N

owadays, a very common word is uttered by the educated youngsters “Start-Up “. What’s the actual meaning of Start-up? It is actually a young developing company, less than seven years old, usually small and initially financed and operated by an individual or a handful of founders. It’s a newly emerged, fast-growing entrepreneurial venture involving innovative products and services. Its annual turnover should be less than INR 25 crores. Startup companies shall be working towards innovation, improvement or development of the existing products or processes or services. It will create wealth and has a high potential for employment generation.

So startup is different from traditional small businesses.

Startup in Agribusiness Sector Agribusiness sector in India appears to be a prospective sector for the Startup companies as 86

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India has a major agribusiness sector which is highly untapped. Segments like processed fruits and vegetables, cereal-based products, meat, poultry and fishery products, dairy products, beverages and confectionery, snack foods offer a huge potential. At present, Indian food processing industry is growing at 14percent per annum. Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India has formulated a vision 2015 to triple the size of the food processing industry from the current size of 70 billion USD to around 210 billion USD. The government of India has taken up various measures to doubling the farmers’ income for their survivability. There is an urgent need to set up more and more agro-based industries so that farmers can get remunerative price for their produce. In the last ten years, a number of innovative food products have been introduced in the Indian market. Fruits and vegetables, www.krishijagran.com

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Agribusiness sector in India appears to be a prospective sector for the Startup companies as India has a major agribusiness sector which is highly untapped. milk and milk products, meat, poultry and fisheries products, packaged or convenience foods, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, cereal grains are important sub-sectors. Health or Food Supplements, snack foods, organic foods are other rapidly growing segments. Hence, the entrepreneurs who are willing to startup in the field of food processing have ample opportunities, both for domestic and overseas markets.

are considered either as proprietary food or novel food. As per section 2.12.1 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (Food Products Standards and Food Additives), 2011, proprietary food means a food that has not been standardized under these regulations. Hence, all non-standardized food products come under the category of propriety food.

Regulatory Compliance

Operationalisation of standards for proprietary food has been notified by the FSSAI on 13.01.2016. As per the notification, Proprietary food means an article of food that has not been standardized under these regulations but does not include any novel food, food for Special Dietary Use, Functional food, Nutraceutical, Health Supplements and such other articles of food which the Central Government may notify in this behalf.

As per section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, no person shall commence or carry on any food business except under a license. As per section 63 of the FSS Act, 2006, if any food business operator himself or by any person on his behalf, manufactures, sells, stores or distributes or imports any item of food without license, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and also with a fine which may extend to five lakh rupees. Hence, the entrepreneurs will have to obtain the license before starting a food business.

Since the Startup company is typically a newly emerged business and deals with innovative food products or processes, these products www.krishijagran.com

Regulations for Proprietary Food

Proprietary food shall contain only those ingredients other than additives which are either standardized in these regulations or permitted for use in the preparation of other standardized food under these regulations.

Proprietary food shall use only such additives as specified for the category to which the food belongs. Such category shall be clearly MAY 2018

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Regulatory issues are a key area of concern for both investors and traders in a food business. To ensure transparency, consistency, and predictability of business environment, the food regulatory ecosystem has to be based on the principle of one nation, one food law. mentioned on the label along with its name, nature and composition.

across States and Union Territories remains fragmented.

Proprietary food product shall comply with the food additives provisions as prescribed in Appendix A and the microbiological specifications as prescribed in Appendix B of these regulations and all other regulations made under this act.

The reason behind fragmented implementation is largely due to legacy issues. Before 5th August 2011, we had eight different acts spread over various ministries and departments. Each state has its own individual structure was cobbled together under the new system, resulting in several legacy issues. There is a paradigm shift in policy in the FSS Act, moving from prevention of adulteration to ensuring safe and wholesome food. The result has been fragmented and weak system and structure in many states and UTs.

The Food Business Operator shall be fully responsible for the safety of the proprietary food.

Regulations for Novel Food If any of the ingredients or additives is not approved in any of these regulations, then the ingredient or the product will be considered as Novel food or Novel ingredient. A Novel food is a food that may not have a history of human consumption or may have any ingredient used in it which or the source of which from which it is derived, may not have a history of human consumption or a food or ingredient obtained by new technology with innovative engineering process.

No Novel food shall be manufactured or imported for commercial purpose without the prior approval of the FSSAI by filing an application along with all relevant documents and detail as specified by the FSSAI. Hence, the Startup entrepreneurs willing to manufacture or import Proprietary food will have to comply with the regulations of the proprietary food and obtain a license from the FSSAI before starting a business. For manufacturing or import of Novel food or Novel ingredient, they have to submit an application to the FSSAI in the prescribed format along with requisite fees. Once the Novel food or Novel ingredient is approved by the FSSAI, entrepreneurs will have to obtain the license from the FSSAI and then only they can start the business.

One Nation One Food Law Regulatory issues are a key area of concern for both investors and traders in a food business.

To ensure transparency, consistency, and predictability of business environment, the food regulatory ecosystem has to be based on the principle of one nation, one food law.

Though the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is applicable throughout the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, implementation 88

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The objective of the FSSAI has been on ensuring consistency in enforcement of the act across the States and UTs. For this purpose, a single nationwide manual for food safety officers has been created. A nationwide systematic training program for regulatory staff has also been initiated.

For transparency, a digital inspection platform has been created for use by all states and UTs. This system is called Food Safety Compliance through Regular Inspections and Sampling (FoSCoRIS). It can be used on handheld devices like mobile phones and tablets by food safety regulatory staff. Standard inspection checklist has been prepared. Food Safety Commissioner of the state can monitor inspection live.

Other major steps taken towards bringing One Nation One Food Law includes a nationwide integrated network, connecting all food testing labs notified by the FSSAI on a single technology platform through InFoLNet. This would ensure standardization and transparency in Food Testing.

FSSAI notified standards for a number of food products. There is a need that a user can access all information relating to product standards at a glance. For this purpose, Indian Food Standards Quick Access (IFSQA) system has been created which collates and catalogues vertical and horizontal standards of food products.

While FSSAI is the principal regulatory authority for food, other organizations like Legal Metrology, Customs, Plant and Animal Quarantine, Bureau of Indian Standards and AGMARK are also involved for specific purposes. Food Regulatory Portal hosts important information and links to all the agencies. www.krishijagran.com

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KVK

World’s Agricultural Institutional Innovation

Ananth, P.N1, Sundaray, J.K2 and S.K. Samantaray3 1KVK-Khordha, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture 2ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture Bhubaneswar, Odisha 3 KVK-Ganjam-I, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Ganjam, Odisha Email: ananthkvk100@gmail.com

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he Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations claims that the Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (farm science centre) of India is one of the world’s institutional innovations of the 21st Century (ICAR, 2012).

The first KVK was established in 1974 at Pondicherry, today the number is 680 covering rural and urban districts (Table: 1). The country has KVKs covering most of the districts. Centres are fully funded by Indian Council for Agricultural Research, New Delhi and managed by diverse 90

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organisations like state agricultural universities, ICAR institutes, NGOs, state governments, public sector undertakings, central universities, deemed universities and other educational institutions.

During the 12th five year plan, additional KVK has also been established in larger districts. India has 709 districts and there are 680 KVKs established. It is one of the largest extension networks in the world and no country has an institution at the lowest level (district) to organise adaptive research and developments. www.krishijagran.com

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Table: 1 Spread of KVK in India under diverse host institutions S.No

Host organisation

KVKs

1.

SAU/CAU- State/Central Agricultural University

460

2.

ICAR Institutes

64

3.

Non-government Organization

102

4.

Public Sector Undertaking

3

5.

State Govt.

36

6.

Central University/Deemed University/Other Educational Institution

15

7.

Total

680

There have been frequent evaluations of KVKs since its inception like the routine Quinqunial Team Report (QRT), travel workshops, high power committees, and independent evaluation through internal and external agencies. One of the recent evaluations of the KVKs by NILERD( National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development),an institute of NITI Aayog, lists out as below: •

On an average, each KVK covers 43 villages and 4,300 farmers

•

About 80% of villages covered by KVK are over 10 Km away from the KVK

•

Off-Campus activities are more than On Campus

•

96% of farmers’ requests were attended by KVKs

•

42% of technologies adopted by farmers resulted in higher productivity

•

On an average, each KVK trained about 100 persons annually on agri-preneurship

•

About 25% of the persons trained started self-employment venture

•

KVKs reported an edge over other organizations providing technology services

•

(Source: Evaluation of KVKs by NILERD)

For each output of the above, the KVKs have innovative extension approaches employed even to reach the targeted villages. The mandates of KVK have been constantly changed since its inception from vocational training to become a knowledge resource centre of the district. The KVKs work with a mandate of technology assessment and demonstration for its application and capacity development employing different extension approaches. With the mandates and the activities, the KVKs are truly a semi-extension agencies catering the role of resource centre as state extension system predominantly takes care of extension services.

The mandate of technology assessment is the core for KVK which gives a lead for all the activities to which successful extension approaches emerge.

The difference between state extension system and KVK differs with the mandate of technology assessment. By and large, the KVK has to assess any technology generated in agriculture and allied

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KVK is one of the largest extension networks in the world and no country has an institution at the lowest level (district) to organise adaptive research and developments. sectors for its suitability in the micro-farming system i.e. farmer’s field. These results have to be transferred to the district level extension system for scaling up. However, there are few instances that KVKs also take up proven technologies for scaling up in the district and it is in this context that KVK emerges with an extension approach that is innovative.

Innovative Extension Approaches of KVK Extension approach of each KVK differs though the mandate is uniform and the reason being the diverse situation i.e. the operating environment of the KVKs. Scaling up of technologies is a constraint by KVK though technologies are assessed and found to have potential and viable for adoption by farmers. The reason being KVKs are operated with a meagre manpower of 10 experts Senior Scientist and Head (1), Subject Matter Specialists (6), Farm Manager (1), Computer Programmer (1) and Lab technician and with a minimal budget. Due to this KVK reaches only to few villages in the district, however, the farming system models developed, technologies assessed and demonstrated in those villages by the KVKs have to be replicated to other villages. State extension linkage, especially with ATMA, will be key for KVKs to scale up to create a larger impact.

It is in this context KVKs innovate extension approaches for enhancing the reach to improve the socio-economic status of farmers. Some of the prominent innovative extension approaches of KVKs are given below: MAY 2018

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In the changing agricultural situations there is a need for institutional innovations in the form of extension approaches to foster the faster reach of innovations.

•

KVK-Thiruvananthapuram - Rural Extension Sub Centre KVK-Thiruvananthapuram works on imparting three month training for rural youth on artificial insemination(AI) to develop para technicians to bridge the larger gap between the number of veterinary surgeons and animal growers.

These trained para technicians upon completion of the training establish a Rural Extension Sub Centre (RESC) in the village and provide AI and other services to animal growers

•

KVK-Kannur - Paddy Task Force The approach ‘Paddy task force’(PTF) is by KVK- Kannur in the state of Kerala to combat labour shortage in the region. The approach involves a 16-member group with a disciplined professional team of paddy field workers skilled in scientific production of rice, at lower costs, by using modern machinery. The PTF will assist and work when contacted by farmers.

•

KVK-Erode- Rosemary as an Alternative Crop Bargur hills is a cluster of 33 hamlets in a total area of 5000 ha. These hamlets are surrounded by reserve forest and wild animal menace is a regular phenomena. Sometimes the farmers are deprived to get viable yield from the crops, even after watching during night hours. KVK established Rosemary as an alternative crop through institutional approach. The impact created in promotion of aromatic crops in Bargur hills: Increase in farmers enrolment in rosemary growers association and 280% increase in farmers enrolment in Rosemary grower association

•

KVK-Mysuru – JSS Agri clinic KVK-Mysuru district of Karnataka state started the pilot programme “JSS Agri Clinic” in 2013 at Suttur village, about 30 km from Mysuru city. The naming of the centre as ‘Agri Clinic’

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and a tagline, ‘A health centre for crops’, in local language, was specifically meant to communicate a strong message that there is now a clinic for plants •

KVK-Khordha - People and Partnership KVK-Khordha initiated “People and Partnership”. Basically it is partnering with organizations of almost similar mandate to enhance reach of activities by keeping interests of people successfully achieved through development interventions. People and partnership has different forms and crafted generously by different set of organizations.

With this initiative KVK is at present has worked/working with 12 partners

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WORLD The innovative extension approaches of KVK are self-induced and emerge through a team of experts within the system who devise the style of functioning for developing an innovative extension approach. sala powder, sweets, soaps, agarbatties and others. About 90 SHG members and 50 individual entrepreneurs from nine villages and buyers from six villages participate in the Market •

KVK, Nandurbar- Three- Tier Extension System The KVK has innovated a three tier system having Krishak Mandal at district level (farmer-to-scientist interaction, feedback from farmers), a crop-wise farmers group at block level & Technology Transfer Clubs at Village level

•

KVK, Ganjam-I- Bare Foot Extension Workers KVK devised a Farmer to Farmer Extension approach with an aim to create a cadre of Bare Foot Extension Workers(BFEWs) who can cater the extension needs of the farming community. BFEWs are selected from Farmers Clubs (formed by NGOs/ Banks/ NABARD) and trained to provide location-specific extension services that can increase farm income, especially among small- holders and women farmers.

•

KVK-Namakkal - PPP model for promotion of fodder production Keeping the demand for fodder, KVK-Namakkal initiated public-private partnership model in fodder seed production. The model was initiated in 2012 by signing MoU between farmers – KVK - Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Tamil Nadu. The roles of the partners are: farmers are fodder seed producers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namakkal as Co-ordinator, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Tamil Nadu as purchaser

•

KVK-Hulkoti- Wednesday Bazaar KVK in collaboration with gram panchayat, Hulkoti started Wednesday bazaar during 2006. The products sold in the market are vegetables, fruits, food items, vermicompost, crisp roties, ma-

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The innovative extension approaches of KVK are self-induced and emerge through a team of experts within the system who devise the style of functioning for developing an innovative extension approach. It is evident that extension approaches are derived by individuals or by a group of experts administering standard extension methods. In the changing agricultural situations, there is a need for institutional innovations in the form of extension approaches to foster faster reach of innovations. Designing an extension approach and further scaling up the approaches is also a prerequisite for organisations. Though innovative extension approaches are not so important compared to the technology or innovation involved in the process it has become mandatory in the changing technology transfer paradigm.

References ICAR (2012), Proceedings of the 7th National Conference on KVK, Indian Council for Agricultural Research, New Delhi: 294 pp MAY 2018

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Blue Revolution

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RASponic

Exploring the Potential of Blue Revolution

R

ASponic Technology is Indo Israel Startup Company registered under Startup India Program in Modern Aquaculture Technology Centre.

Main objective of RASponic projects is to start world class Zero Discharge RAS System Hatchery with Nursery & Quarantine , Best Training Centre, Best Fish Fingerling, Best Technology for Indian fisherman society with low price.It will help fisherman society to double their income.

For exploring the potential of Blue Revolution and making immediate visible impact on ground, RASponic has proposed a scheme. It promotes the investment for setting up RAS Aquaponics projects by facilitating transfer of technology from globally competitive suppliers from various advanced countries (i.e. Norway, Israel, US, Canada, Japan, Australia etc.) and at the same time guiding and supporting indigenization efforts through the process of innovation and re-engineering.

The salient features of the proposed scheme The scheme is under the Government of India, Fisheries Department which considers funding, setting up of Center of Excellence in PPP mode in each State for innovating new products and processes, showcasing the RAS Aquaponics Technology and training farmers interested in setting up such plants.

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fingerlings, buy back of the harvested fish and vegetables and marketing the produce under a single brand.

The farmers trained at the Center of Excellence should be eligible for availing 50% financial assistance amounting to approximately 100 to 150 lakhs to set up RASponic System 100% close loop RAS with tunnel farming of 20 & 50 MTPA capacity for farming value added freshwater fish and simultaneous cultivation of exotic leafy & other vegetables.

State & Central Governments should contribute 35% financial assistance to such plants. The Center of Excellence is asked to contribute 10% of equity towards the cost of each plant installed.

Farmers will have to contribute one acre of owned or leased land and invest 15% of the cost of the plant either from his own sources or by raising debt/equity under the funding schemes of NABARD or Bank.

These Center of Excellence would guarantee an assured monthly income of at least Rs.1,50,000 to 3,00,000 to the farmers from each such plant. Late for moving up the value chain by integrating processing technologies, this scheme can be further dovetailed with the incentive schemes of ministry of food processing.

Arvind Dubey

CEO & Director RASponic Technology Pvt Ltd p: +91-7208200300 m: +91-8108200300 a: Mumbai (Maharashtra) w: www.aquagreenfishfarms.com e: rasponic.in@gmail.com

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HAITECH SOLUTIONS

A

griculture is a science. The days of plowing the field, seeding, and waiting for rain to come, is long gone. In order to meet the challenges of growing population, increasing biological threats, lack of clean water and huge post-harvest losses; methodical implementation of knowledge is required. Israel, having a scarcity of arable land, had to meet these challenges early in its life, and with the knowledge acquired Israel firms now join forces with India with the highest area of arable land, to increase the yields and reduce the post-harvest losses for the benefit of India, Israel and the entire world population.

Haitech Solutions, established by Raviv Byron - an Israeli businessman, aims at developing bi-lateral relations between Israel and India mainly in the fields of agriculture and medical equipment.

Products StePac Xtend - Modified Atmosphere Packaging that increases the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables (for example - Pomegranates that can be stored for 3-4 months in their bags instead of one month without their bags.

Water storage tanks - high quality, easy to install, reliable and very cost effective solutions for water storage of 50,000 litres and upto 25 lakh litres and it is also perfect for rain water harvesting, greenhouse irrigation solutions, livestock sheds and more.

Future Goals Haitech is working on a knowledge centre that will combine an online portal as well as a telephonic help line where the experts could give valuable advice to the customers as well as to farmers, exporters, agronomists and other professionals in the Agri industry free of charge. This will help bring advanced knowledge to India as well as help establish a reputation as a highly knowledgable organisation which is aiming at improving the world we live in.

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Irrigation Control

AG R I C U LT U R E

Galcon Dynamic Solution for better yield and quality

Swapnil S. Ingole, Country Manager, Galcon-India Contact: +91-9921004664/ +91-9421090838 swapnil@galconc.com

G

alcon is a leading manufacturer of computerized irrigation controllers, Fertigation Machines and Climate Control Systems for Agriculture, residential and professional gardeners, landscapers and municipalities and Water works projects. Years of hands-on expertise, research and development make Galcon a world leader in computerized irrigation controllers and systems that are known for their reliability and durability even under the harshest weather conditions.

controllers. These state-of-the-art agricultural irrigation systems are designed for open fields, greenhouses, and climate control.

Galcon has a suitable solution for all demands from straightforward to extremely complex applications.

Residential Gardening

Main divisions

For home gardening, Galcon offers a wide range of battery-operated controllers as well as AC controllers. All residential gardening controllers are easy to install and use.

Agriculture

Turf & Landscape

For agricultural applications, Galcon has developed an extensive series of irrigation

For professional gardening, Galcon provides an extensive array of specialized AC-electric and DC

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AG R I C U LT U R E

-battery operated controllers. For municipalities and public gardening, Galcon offers its G.S.I irrigation controller, which is the perfect web-based system to centrally control irrigation and water budgeting. It continues the legacy of Galcon irrigation products that are famous for their simplicity, efficiency, and reliability at reasonable cost.

Waterworks For water pressure management, Galcon supplies its cutting-edge controller and solution. All

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of systems are quite popular in other developed countries. Today in India inclination towards atomization of drip/micro irrigation is gaining momentum due to several reasons including conservation of water and labour, flexibility, adoption of advanced crop systems and new technologies, increased efficiency of water and fertilizer use and savings in time and energy costs etc.

Scope for Foreign Companies in India Considering developing India there is the scope for foreign companies to bring the technologies in India and to start the business with Indian companies. Especially for agriculture sector, Israeli companies can grab the change to pick up the potential market of India.

Since more than 20 years Galcon has been a strong presence in India. In the past Galcon were working and selling systems through distributor’s network only. In 2013 the company has started its direct office in Pune-Maharashtra and started to spread network all over India with technical support and marketing team.

solutions are designed to optimize the pressure level in water supply networks of utilities, municipalities and public works. Galcon’s systems comply with the IWA (International Water Association) standard.

The late seventies saw the rapid development of agriculture in India as the concept of Micro Sprinkler Irrigation started growing among the Indian farmers. Applying water directly near to the root zone of plant switching on the pump is itself the step towards the automation of irrigation systems. Even then complete automation of drip/ micro irrigation systems is a relatively new concept in India, though such types www.krishijagran.com

Galcon has systems which can control from Cloud (Web Based) with Graphical animated software. It has Tap timers for home gardening which can program from any smartphone device using Bluetooth. Galcon also owns products like GALILEO (Green House & Open Field) Top of the line modular irrigation and climate controller operating remote terminal units for open field, farms and greenhouses. Also possesses world’s best proven Fertigation machines like Fertijet-bypass type Machines, Fertigal-Online mixing machine, Fertimix-Inline tank mixing machine which is specially designed for Hydroponics and NFT type projects.

By using Galcon systems, farmers will get the further benefits that substantial increase in crop yield and quality. With higher yield and better quality of produce, one can ensure much better profits in the market.

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