Conference on Development of Cooperative Fish Marketing & Achievements on Insurance of Fishers held at New Delhi on 20th November 2009

At the outset, I would like to express my deep sense of happiness and pleasure to be here this afternoon on the occasion of the inauguration of the conference on “Development of Cooperative Fish Marketing & Achievements on Insurance of Fishers”.

2. At present, cooperative movement in India is the largest in the world having more than half a million cooperative societies with a membership of 230 million. The cooperatives cover 100% of villages and 71% of rural households. Specialized agriculture cooperatives are operating in the fields of credit and banking, fertilizer, sugar, dairy and marketing etc. Cooperatives are advancing about 20% of total rural credit. They are distributing 36% of total fertilizer consumption and producing 27% of fertilizer output. 46% of sugar output is also being produced by sugar cooperatives. Agriculture cooperatives in India have helped in the generation of Green Revolution through supply of critical agricultural inputs to the farming community. Dairy Cooperatives have helped in generation of White Revolution and have facilitated attainment of top milk production in the world.

3. The present government is committed to the growth and development of the cooperative sector, as cooperatives are regarded as one of the pillars of democracy and a preferred instrument of planned economic development particularly in the areas which required people’s participation and community efforts. Cooperatives are visualised not only as an economic organization but also as a vibrant instrumental frame-work to promote equity and social justice. Within the cooperative sector, the fishery cooperatives represent the interests of the poorest of the poor, needing our special attention.

4. My Ministry accords priority attention to the development of fisheries sector in general and to ensure sustainable livelihood and welfare of fishermen in particular. With these objectives in view, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was established in 2006. I urge FISHCOPFED to not only implement some of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the Ministry but also some programmes of NFDB as well. I am happy to know that FISHCOPFED has accessed funding from NFDB to undertake training programmes for fishers. Keeping the vast membership of fisheries cooperatives of over 2 million, FISHCOPFED needs to train at least 10,000 fishers per year with an aim to build capacity of fishers, enhance the production and thereby provide economic empowerment and livelihood support to the poor fishers which is the ultimate objective and mandate of FISHCOPFED. This calls of enhanced involvement of FISHCOPFED in the programmes of the Ministry as well as NFDB, not only for training component alone but also direct implement of certain other programmes leading to empowerment of fishermen and fisherwomen in the country.

5. A majority of fisheries cooperatives are financially weak in the absence of any economic activity being undertaken by them. Capacity building of such fisheries cooperatives is very much essential. There is a need for revitalization of fisheries cooperatives for which FISHCOPFED must take the lead, its activities being an interface between the governmental programmes and fisheries cooperative activities on the ground. An action plan has to be devised by the federation with an aim to explore ways and means of strengthening and capacity building of the fisheries cooperatives on a priority basis. It is hoped that the Conference will deliberate on these important issues at length and come up with certain pragmatic recommendations.

6. The working group on fisheries for the 11th Five Year Plan constituted by the Planning Commission, has recommended several social security measures for poor fishers such as introducing hut insurance scheme and mediclaim policy for poor fishermen policies. Besides that, the cooperative fish marketing networking is another important issue on which the conference will deliberate at length. Database of fisheries cooperatives is also an important task. I would request FISHCOPFED to interact with my Ministry and NFDB on all these important issues and come up with practical recommendations.

7. FISHCOPFED has to strongly focus on professionalized management of its activities and undertake a lead role in providing directions to the fisheries cooperatives in the country on a continuous basis. The fisheries cooperative census in the country doesn’t give a clear picture of various related but important socio-economic parameters. There is, therefore, a need for a baseline survey of such societies, which could be undertaken by FISHCOPFED. FISHCOPFED implements the programmes/projects at the grassroots level with financial assistance of Govt. of India as well as the NFDB. Its grass-root presence constitutes its real strength. The linkages developed through cooperative networking can go a long way in effective implementation of the programmes such as social security measures, training and even inter-state marketing activities. The Federation is an ideal forum to create, disseminate and manage an integrated database and information networking on fisheries cooperative sector to benefit all stakeholders at large. It can productively provide market intelligence activities, which will benefit the poor fishermen in many ways. FISHCOPFED in turn needs to build and upgrade its own capacity to qualitatively deliver these services more effectively.

8. Last but not the least, I hope that the recommendations of the conference would indeed be fruitful for development of better policies for the fisheries sector in general and fisheries cooperatives in particular.

I wish the conference all success.

*******

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON WORLD STANDARDS DAY CELEBRATIONS ON 14TH OCTOBER 2009 AT NEW DELHI

Dr R A Mashelkar, CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, DG, Bureau of Indian Standards, ADG, Bureau of Indian Standards, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my pleasure to be present here with you on the occasion of celebrations of World Standards Day. This year’s theme is ‘Tackling climate change through standards’.

Today, climate change is being talked about by almost every­one – business, government and society at large. While, no one event can be conclusive evidence of climate change, certain global happenings like—prolonged droughts, intense heat waves, violent windstorms, wildfires and frequent floods which are indicative of a changing climate.

Some changes in climate can be attributed to natural cycles and disturbances in the earth’s climate system but the general warming trend over the last century is human induced through increased green house gas emissions during various industrial processes, burning of fossil fuels, and land-use change.

The climate change threat is a worrying scenario for the future - a concern for our grand children or rather great grand children. It will affect us all, although developed industrialized world has mainly contributed to it. Climate change is no respecter of national boundaries. Climate change and warming may lead to less fish in the sea, less fresh water, less food, less rain forest, fewer glaciers, less plants and animals’ species. It may also impact public health further, by increase in diseases such as thermal stress, respiratory diseases & diseases spread by mosquitoes etc. Harmful effects of climate change, with rise in temperature are likely to affect our agricultural production with reduction in total crop cycle duration and lower yield per unit area.

To tackle many Inter-related effects of climate change, all the countries need to take actions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The key to UNFCCC are the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibility under which the developed countries who caused global warming and the developing countries like India, who would be the major victims have to cooperate. India as a responsible major country is playing its own role in this global cooperative regime and Prime Minister is him-self chairing the National Council on Climate Change, to underscore the importance of climate change impacts on our national developments.

On the sustainable development path to be taken by our country, we would need to conserve our resources, including fossil fuels and promote energy efficiency. As renewable energy assumes a crucial role for adaptation to climate change, new technologies for conservation of water, drought proofing agriculture, more accurate modeling of monsoons etc. would be required. In this backdrop, standards assume great importance in the dissemination of new technologies, new business methods, good management and conformity assessment practices, making them an invaluable source of knowledge and technological know-how.

Impact on the environment can be reduced by efficient use of energy and other natural resources, increased use of renewable raw material, increased reuse, recycling and recovery, greater use of non-conventional energies like solar and wind, use of alternative bio-fuels, CNG etc. Standards have actively propagated use of new energy-generation and efficiency-enhancing technologies like CFLs, involving green buildings, solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, hybrids and combined cycle energy systems, which can become the engines of growth for this century, while efficiently combating climate change.

I am glad that as the National Standards Body, the Bureau of Indian Standard’s commitment in increasing the effectiveness of their procedures and initiatives for identifying national as well as market needs and opening new work areas has led to the formulation of a number of Indian Standards on these aspects. For example, standards on CFLs and bio-diesel have already been formulated while those on CNG are in advanced stages of development. I’m happy to note that standards for energy efficiency in electrical appliances and buildings and their labeling system have been initiated in the country. The total expected savings by these are likely to be more than 11,000 million kWh annually in the first 5 years of their operation.

I’d like to make use of this forum to stress on the fact that although many low-carbon technologies exist which have the potential to significantly reduce global emissions, we still need more enabling frameworks like pertinent technical standards and specific policy responses to support their rapid deployment.

We have a shared responsibility to ensure sustainable development. Companies can develop and deploy technologies and products that are more environmentally- friendly than today, and incorporate environmental considerations into their operations and procedures. Citizens can do their share by embracing a lifestyle that considers the environment and limits resource consumption in their daily lives.

As such, this framework involving both policies and standards needs to be developed in coordination with, and integrated within other public policies, such as those dealing with energy management, urban planning, and economic development. Public education, awareness raising and the development of new competencies will also be required. This assumes strong and long-lasting cooperation between all stakeholders, which is a challenge that is not to be underestimated. Only under these conditions will the current sense of urgency related to the climate-change-challenge be translated into actions at the appropriate scale by all concerned.

I realize that this change will take some time, but by leveraging effort, I am in no doubt that technical standards can play a more pivotal role in achieving a low carbon and sustainable energy future.

I call upon the stakeholders present here to collaborate in drawing a future framework, which will facilitate research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies combating climate change and their economic implementation.

I wish all success for the seminar and hope that the discussions here would guide us in effective Standards Formulation and efficient policy related to climate change at the national level.

I once again wish you all on the occasion of World Standards Day.


THANK YOU

MOS India Meeting with MOS Uganda

The Minister of State of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Professor K.V. Thomas meeting the Minister of State for Agriculture of Uganda, Mr. Rwamirama K. Bright, in New Delhi on October 08, 2009.

Prof K V Thomas Office on Thekkady boat capsize

Prof K V Thomas launching Cartoonist Sudheernath's Web Site

Hon’le MOS Prof K V Thomas launching Kerala Cartoon Academy Secretary

Cartoonist Sudheernath's Web site http://www.sudheernath.com/ at his residence today.

VISIT OF PROF. K.V. THOMAS @ SPAIN FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF FISHERIES MINISTERS

VISIT OF PROF. K.V. THOMAS, HON’BLE UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION TO SPAIN FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF FISHERIES MINISTERS, 14-16 SEPTEMBER, 2009

Prof. K.V. Thomas, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, led a Delegation to Spain for the Fifth Fisheries Ministers’ Conference and Fist World Summit on Fisheries Sustainability, along with the World Fishing Exhibition organized by the Spanish Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs at Baiona and Vigo during 14-16 September, 2009.

Meetings with the industry were organized at Madrid, along with a visit to the main agricultural market on 14 September, 2009. A visit was made to the mariculture farm dealing with mussel farming in Gelicia on 15th September, 2009.

A special meeting was held with Ms.Elena Espinosa, Minister for Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs, Govt. of Spain at Baiona, Gelicia Spain, on 15th September,2009. The discussions pertained to the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries with regard to agriculture and trade. Prof. Thomas emphasized on potentials of cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture. He made a special mention of collaboration with regard to marine fisheries management and aquaculture, the latter pertaining to mussel farming. It was agreed the discussions could be taken forward in specific areas with the concerned institutions in the two countries.

The Fifth Conference of Fisheries Ministers held at Baiona, Gelicia, on 16th September,2009, addressed fisheries sustainability within the framework of fisheries management policy, with the participation of over 40 country governments, leading fisheries organizations, the FAO, the European Commission, NGOs and the scientific community. Prof. Thomas addressed the Conference, highlighting India’s status and capabilities in fisheries, issues of overfishing and regulations, measures taken to conserve the resources and control Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM), Ecofriendly fishing gears incorporating Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs), fish stock enhancement with Fish Aggregating Devices(FADs), new efforts at fishing vessel registration and vessel monitoring system, compliance with international agreements, efforts at monitoring and mitigating the impact of climate change, potential of aquaculture practices and formulation of policy frame work in the country. The Minister also emphasized on the regional cooperation in management of marine fishery resources, that are common property resources.

This was followed by a visit to the port of Vigo for the launch of Intermares, the fisheries cooperation training ship of the Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs. Further, the Delegation participated in the World Fishing Exhibition at Vigo, comprising the fishing and fish processing machinery and equipment. The Minister visited some of the exhibits and discussed the recent trends in the area with leading manufacturers from all over the world.

Prof K V Thomas @ Lourdes Basilica

Prof K V Thomas chatting with Malayali Priest and Sister at Lourdes Basilica. He is on the way back to India after attending International Conference of Fisheries Ministers at Vigo, Spin.

International Conference of State Fisheries Ministers,Spin.

World Fishing Exhibition Vigo'09

Vigo Mayor and President of the Organisation Commission of the World Fishing Exhibition Vigo'09,Mr Abel Caballeo Welcoming Prof K V Thomas MOS and Indian delegation Leader to the Vigo'09.

Minister Prof. K.V. Thomas, leading the Indian delegation to Vigo (Spain) held meetings in Madrid at the Confederation of Employers´ and Industry (CEOE) [counterpart of CII of India] with Spanish companies in agriculture and fisheries sector and the Associations. The companies evinced interest in industry to industry cooperation in food processing, fisheries, research and development and more information sharing. The Minister also visited Europe´s second largest wholesale market for agriculture commodities – Merca Madrid which sells fruits, vegetables, fish and meat products. MercaMadrid is the central distributing market servicing Spain and Portugal.
The Minister had an in-depth discussion with the Spanish Minister for Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs, Ms. Elena Espinosa.
The discussions covering wide range of subjects focused on bilateral cooperation on agriculture and food processing, dairying and poultry and decided to expedite the operationalization of the MoU concluded between Spain and India in April 2009 coinciding with the visit of President of India to Spain. A Committee of experts will be constituted to monitor the progress of proposed actions.
The Indian Minister visited a Mussel Technology Centre in Vigo in the morning. He also paid a visit to Santiago de Compostela, the Capital of Galicia Region. He was received by the Mayor and paid a visit to the Santiago Cathedral in the evening. The Cathedral is a listed world heritage site and the name is derived from St. James, whose holy relics are believed to be enshrined in the basement. He will address the Ministerial meeting tomorrow.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF FISHERIES MINISTERS, PONTEVEDRA, SPAIN

Ona Sadya @ Kerala House on 10th September 2009

Prof K V Thomas house warming function on 10th September,2009

MOS Prof K V Thomas at a Function organized by ASSOCHAM on FOOD AND AGRI EXPORTERS CONCLAVE in Delhi on 9th September,2009

MOS Prof K V Thomas at a Function organized by ASSOCHAM on FOOD AND AGRI EXPORTERS CONCLAVE in Delhi

STATE AGRICULTURE MINISTERS’ MEETING BEGINS

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Agriculture, Shri Sharad Pawar chaired the Meeting of State Agriculture & Horticulture Ministers on Managing Agriculture in the context of deficient rainfall, in New Delhi on August 21, 2009. The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee ,The Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri C.P. Joshi and the Minister of State of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Professor K.V. Thomas are also seen.

Shri Pawar asks states to focus on rabi to offset production loss in Kharif

STATE AGRICULTURE MINISTERS’ MEETING BEGINS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agriculture and Food Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar today asked the States to work for maximizing rabi production while taking all steps to protect the standing crops and plant alternate crops where sowing has not taken place in the current season.

Shri Pawar was addressing State Agriculture and Horticulture Ministers who have assembled here at a meeting on ‘Managing Agriculture in the Context of Deficient Rainfall’.

Shri Pawar said that focusing on rabi would offset the production loss in the present Kharif season. He said: ‘I anticipate early and higher coverage of Rabi crops this year. This is a good opportunity to ensure that the wheat is sown in time particularly in Eastern UP, Bihar and West Bengal. There is a need to take up an intensive campaign in the Eastern Region for ensuring that the farmers are able to sow their wheat in time by 15th November. Timely sowing of wheat and support of the Government in arranging needed inputs like seeds, fertilizers, credit to the farmers would help increase the productivity of wheat crop. This would cover up the likely kharif production losses to some extent. Additional area could also come from Boro Rice in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Eastern UP and Orissa. There is good scope to take up more area under Gram, Pulses and Mustard in the rice fallow lands especially in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand and Orissa.’

On protecting the standing crops, the Minister talked of the decisions taken recently by the Government including subsidy on diesel and making available additional power out of the central reserve.

Shri Pawar also informed the States about the support being given by the Centre towards promoting alternate crops in areas where no sowing could take place due to deficient rainfall. He said: ‘There is an urgent need to promote alternate crops like toria, pulses, sunflower, bajra, or fodder & vegetables. I am informed additional seeds needed to support the alternate crops are available in the country. I expect concerned State Agriculture Departments to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the seeds and other inputs reach the farmers immediately. We have already relaxed several criteria relating to age of the seed and also on the promotion of truthfully labelled seeds from public, private or university sources. I take this opportunity to urge the States to take up compensatory seed production programmes where required well in advance for the Rabi and summer seasons. The Government of India agencies – NSC, NAFED etc. have been directed to fully support the State governments in this regard.’

The other areas highlighted by the Agriculture Minister for States’ attention included making use of weather based advisories issued by ICAR, making provisions for fodder and taking care of animal health, and using NREGS funds for creation of water conservation structures.

The special meeting on agriculture was also addressed by Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee , Rural Development Minister Dr. C.P. Joshi and MOS, Agriculture Prof K V Thomas.

Haritholsavam 2009

The Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India in partnership with the Govt. of Kerala, is organizing a mega Agricultural and horticultural exhibition, Haritholsavam 2009 in Kochi from 28th - 31st Aug 2009 at the Agricultural Wholesale Urban Market [EEC Market], Maradu.

The Event website http://www.haritholsavam.org/ was launched today in Kochi by Justice VR Krishna Iyer, Retd. Supreme Court Judge, at a simple function presided over by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Govt. of India. Justice Iyer also released the Brochure of the event, by handing over the first copy to Shri. TP Antony Master, Block Panchayat President, Vytilla

Timed to coincide with Kerala’s traditional harvest festival of Onam, Haritholsavam 2009 has been formatted as a Farmer to Consumer meet, and will showcase fruits and vegetables from different parts of India as well as enable them to sell their produce at a remunerative price. The event aims to encourage the farming of fruits and vegetables, and give an impetus to the upliftment of the agricultural sector, while providing the farmers with a platform to update them about the latest technological advancement. The event is a concerted effort to put the food processing industry on the spotlight and to enable this sector to arm itself to meet the challenges of the future.

Commodity boards, scientific institutions, fertilizer and seed companies, food processing units and allied segments of the agricultural sector will be participating in this 4 day event. The event will be a perfect opportunity for related segments and organizations in the Agricultural sector to showcase their products and services. Haritholsavam 2009, being held in Kochi for the first time ever, will see various participants from across the country displaying vegetables, fruits and flowers of different types and sizes, in close to around 80 stalls. The National Horticulture Mission will also be putting up a special theme pavilion which promises to be a major attraction of the exhibition.

The event, being held just prior to Onam - Kerala’s most important festival, will also feature interesting cultural events daily and other events like vegetarian food and dessert festivals, vegetable carving and fruit displays. A Painting competition for School Children is also being planned at the venue.

As a concurrent event, ICAR will be organizing a National Seminar on Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Profitability on 29th & 30th August 2009 at the CMFRI, Cochin. Eminent scientists & academicians from the Agricultural Sector, including Shri. Mangala Rai, Director General, ICAR, will present papers on various related topics. Around 200 delegates from the Agricultural and Fisheries sector will participate in this 2 day seminar, which will see papers being presented on such diverse topics like “Profitability & Production of Quality Rice in Kerala”, “Improving Productivity & Profitability of Horticultural Crops”, “Fisheries & Animal Sector” and “ Enhancing Water Productivity, “Fertilisers – Use, efficient & diversified value added product development.

Haritholsavam 2009 and the concurrent National Seminar will go a long way in enhancing agricultural efficiency through product development, transfer of technology and market intervention.

Malayalam New Year

Haritholsavam 2009 - Logo Release

Haritholsavam 2009
28th – 31st August, Kochi
The Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India in partnership with the Govt of Kerala, will be organizing a mega Agricultural and horticultural exhibition, Haritholsavam 2009 in Kochi,Kerala from 28th - 31st Aug 2009 at the Agricultural Wholesale Urban Market, Maradu.

Timed to coincide with Kerala’s traditional harvest festival of Onam, Haritholsavam 2009 has been formatted as a Farmers to Consumer meet, and will showcase fruits and vegetables from different parts of India as well as enable them to sell their produce at a remunerative price. The event aims to encourage the farming of fruits and vegetables, and give an impetus to the upliftment of the agricultural sector, while providing the farmers with a platform to update them about the latest technological advancement. The event is a concerted effort to put the food processing industry on the spotlight and to enable this sector to arm itself to meet the challenges of the future.
Commodity boards, scientific institutions, fertilizer and seed companies, food processing units and allied segments of the agricultural sector will be participating in this 4 day event. The event will be a perfect opportunity for related segments and organizations in the Agricultural sector to showcase products and services and will help empower and enable farmers from different parts of the country through transfer of technology, post harvest management practices and market intervention.
The event, being held just prior to Onam - Kerala’s most important festival, will also feature interesting side events like vegetarian food and dessert festivals, vegetable carving and fruit display contests and various other cultural programmes to draw in the crowds.

As a concurrent event, ICAR will be organizing a National Seminar on Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Profitability on 29th & 30th August 2009 at the CMFRI, Cochin. Eminent scientists and academicians from the Agricultural Sector, including Shri. Mangal Rai, Director General, ICAR, will present papers on various related topics. Around 200 delegates from the Agricultural and Fisheries sector will participate in this 2 day seminar which will see papers being presented on such diverse topics like “Profitability & Production of Quality Rice in Kerala”, “Improving Productivity & Profitability of Horticultural Crops”, “Fisheries & Animal Sector” and “ Enhancing Water Productivity, “Fertilisers – Use, efficient & diversified value added product development.
Haritholsavam 2009 and the concurrent National Seminar will go a long way in enhancing agricultural efficiency through product development, transfer of technology and market intervention.

Condolence Message-Actor Murali

Prof K V Thomas A R Rehman and Resul

Oscar Award winners A R Rehman and Resul Pookutty at a courtesy visit with MOS Prof K V Thomas in Delhi.

Prof K V Thomas gives a push to Kuttanad-Idukki Package

Government of India constitute a Coordination Committee headed by Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation for reviewing the progress of sanction of detailed project reports under Kuttanad-Idukki Packages by various Ministries including Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Environment and Forests and Ministry of Commerce.

The Coordination Committee comprises representatives of Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Ministry of Commerce etc. Principal Secretary, Government of Kerala has also been included as a Member.

It may be recalled that Government of India approved the package for Kuttanad Wetland Eco-System and mitigation of agrarian distress in Idukki district involving an amount of over Rs.1840 crore and Rs.764 crore respectively.

It goes to the credit of Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution who after assuming office called a meeting to review the progress. Sequel to the review the Coordination Committee has been suggested.

O/O MOS Prof K V Thomas

Rajan P Dev-Condolence Message from MOS Prof K V Thomas

Programmes and Appointments of Prof. K V Thomas are cancelled till 20.7.2009.

Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas hospitalized yesterday in R.M.L. Hospital, New Delhi as he was sufferring with high fever. Doctors have advised him to take rest for at least a week. Hence, all the programmes and appointments of Prof. Thomas are cancelled till Monday i.e. 20.7.2009.

Office of MOS (Prof. K.V. Thomas

Extension Counter of Nafed Bazaar

The Government to address the problems of coconut farmers.

Government of India will take necessary steps in addressing the problems faced by the coconut farmers in the country. This was stated by Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon'ble MOS (A,CA,F&PD), Govt. of India while chairing a high level committee meeting to discuss the problems of coconut farmers in his office.
The main issues discussed in the meeting included the procurement of copra by the state agencies and NAFED at MSP, impact of central excise duty on packaged coconut oil in containers upto 200 ml. innovative technologies to develop new value added coconut based products, besides, the issue of enhancing productivity of coconut crop.
It was proposed to involve more agencies in the state of Kerala for procurement of copra at MSP. Chairperson, Coconut Development Board pointed out that the moisture contents in the copra procured at this time of season was more than the FAQ and it was not possible to bring it down as the monsoon had already set in coconut growing regions in India.
Similarly, some of the participants suggested alternative products for value addition to coconut farmers which included blending of oil, use of coconut oil in Vanaspati, sale of Neera etc. It was pointed out that the subsidy on copra drier had been reduced to 25% from 50% given earlier.
It was decided that the Ministry of Agriculture would initiate action on all the points discussed during the meeting and would take necessary action in order to help the coconut farmers.
The Meeting was chaired by Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon'ble MOS (A,CA,F&PD), Govt. of India .

AGRI-FEST-2009 IN AUGUST IN KOCHI

Government of India has proposed to organize an Agricultural Festival cum exhibition titled 'Agri-Fest-2009' in the last week of August 2009 in Kochi. This was announced by Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon'ble MOS ( A,CA,F&PD) during a meeting in this regard was convened in New Delhi today to discuss the modalities for organizing the event. Agri-Fest-2009 will be organized on the eve of ONAM celebrations in Kerala.

The AGRI-FEST-2009 will aim to showcase fruits and vegetable production, processing & marketing technologies. There will be Seminars on the issues concerning Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry and competitive events like foodfests, vegetables and fruits and competition for school children. The event will hold various cultural programmes by participating artists from various parts of India and Kerala.

Various Government organizations like ICAR, National Horticulture Board, Department of CA, Department of Food & PD, CWC, FCI, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, National Seeds Corporation, various commodity boards like Spices Board, Coconut Board, Rubber Board and State departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and agencies of Kerala government like Keralafed, Rubbermark, State Horticulture Corporation etc. will participate in the event.

An executive committee has been constituted for proper arrangements for organizing of Agri-Fest-2009 in a befitting manner. The District Collector, Ernakulam, will be the Convenor of the committee and MD, National Horticulture Board will be Chief Coordinator for organizing the event.
In the meeting, it was proposed to request Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar, Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V.S. Achutanandan, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Prof. K. V. Thomas and Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Kerala Shri Mullakkara Retnakaran to be the Chief Patrons of Agri-Fes-2009. The event will be organized in the last week of August 2009 in Kochi.
The Meeting was chaired by Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon'ble MOS (A,CA,F&PD), Govt. of India and attended by Shri Mullakkara Retnakaran, Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Kerala, Dr. Mangala Rai, DG, ICAR, Smt. Minnie Mathew, Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Shri C. V. Anand Bose, Addl. Secretary (Agriculture), Dr. S. Rajan, ADG (Horticulture), ICAR, Shri Bijay Kumar, MD, NHB, Shri S. K. Pattanaik, JS (National Horticulture Mission), Shri P. K. Mohanty, Principle Secretary (Agriculture), Govt of Kerala, Shri Febi Varghese, MD, Kerafed and other Central government officers.

Extension Counter of Nafed Bazaar

Dr. Bijender Singh, MLA
Chairman-NAFED
National Agricultural Cooperative
Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (Nafed)
Cordially Invites You On The Occasion Of Launch Of
Extension Counter of Nafed Bazaar
For Sale of Kerala Agri-products
By
Shri Sharad Pawar
Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs,
Food & Public Distribution,Government of India
At
Krishi Bhawan, C-Wing, New Delhi
At 10.15 AM On Wednesday, the 15th July, 2009
In the presence of
Prof. K.V. Thomas
Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture,
Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Government of India

Sir,
Kindly assign a Reporter and Photographer to cover the event.
Office of MOS, Prof. K.V. Thomas

Indian Fish Festival (INFISH), 2009 at Hyderabad

Agriculture and Food Minister Shri Sharad Pawar today reiterated Government’s high focus on the fisheries sector and said that the Government was exploring all possibilities for integrated development of this sector. The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the Indian Fish Festival (INFISH), 2009 at Hyderabad. INFISH has been organized jointly by the National Fisheries Development Board and Government of Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Dr. Y. S. Rajashekara Reddy, Union Minster of State for Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Professor K.V. Thomas, and Andhra Minister for Animal Husbandry Dairying & Fisheries Shri Parthasarathi also addressed the gathering. Shri Pawar informed that such exhibitions would be organized in different places in the country every year so as to reach out to large sections of stakeholders. The Minister also laid the foundation stone of the new NFDB office complex at Hyderabad. Informing that fisheries sector was being targeted as an important area for national development, Shri Pawar said: ‘With a view to focus exclusively on production, processing and marketing of fish and fishery products and position a national level coordinating body between state governments and various research institutions, we have established the National Fisheries Development Board at Hyderabad as an autonomous body under our Ministry.

The annual growth rate of over 4% in fisheries is indicative of the immense opportunity in the coming years. It is in this context that the Government of India is exploring all possibilities for integrated development of fishery sector and establishing NFDB is one major step in this direction.’ The Minister said that while focusing on production, there was also a need for promotion of domestic market for ensuring remunerative prices to the producers. This could be achieved by educating the general public on the nutritional and medicinal values of fish by conducting seminars and recipe competitions and other awareness programs. INFISH 2009, he said, was focusing on promoting fish as a health food by encouraging setting up of food courts exclusively dedicated to fish and fishery products. The Minister appealed to the Chief Minster of Andhra Pradesh to focus on women self-help groups as an important livelihood promotion opportunity in the State. He expressed happiness over the fact that about seven lakh women self help groups were financially well supported through several banks in Andhra Pradesh. The Minister also advised MPEDA to focus on export of ornamental fish. Elaborating on the vast potential of fisheries in India and the need for promoting new technologies through fish festivals, Shri Pawar said: ‘India is not only a maritime country but also an important aquaculture country in the world, holding third position in global production and second place in aquaculture, next only to China. The contribution of Indian fish to the food basket of the world has been substantial. Fishery products also constitute the largest group of our agriculture exports. We have 17% of the global population to sustain, with only 2.3% of land, but about 4.2% of water. Providing nutritious food and gainful employment are the foremost challenges in the country today. With increasing pressure on land for various human activities, water resources in different forms are an option and opportunity for enhancing food production through fisheries. 4. India has 8118 Km. of coastal line covering about 2.00 million Sq Km of EEZ and 0.50 million Sq Km. of Continental Shelf, From these resources India has an estimated potential of four million tons from the marine sector.

Similarly, 3.15 million hectares reservoirs 2.36 million hectares of ponds and tanks and 1.2 million hectares of brackish water area offer a production potential of more than 9.5 million tons. As against total potential of 12 million tons, we are planning to achieve a modest production level of 10 million tons towards the end of this plan period. In this context, optimum utilization of resources becomes pivotal to achieve the targeted production. While the required financial support is being provided to the farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs connected with fisheries sector through various ongoing programs of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes, NFDB, RKVY etc., enhancement of productivity and production are the key challenges to achieve the targeted production… ‘Various ICAR research institutes in India as well as the other research organizations have been able to develop new technologies which have the potential for enhancing productivity and production of various aquaculture and fishery resources. To make this happen technology has to be brought to the doorstep of user community. This calls for training and demonstration of the available technologies to the users. With a view to take the technology to the doorstep of the users, it is necessary to have such exhibitions at frequent intervals, in which the latest technologies are showcased and the technical aspects are discussed with the stakeholders. ‘I am glad to see the variety of technologies displayed by the ICAR Research Institutions, the Fisheries Institutions of Government of India, Universities, private sector etc. The display of various species of fishes along with feeds and feed supplements and culture practices would help the farmers in choosing the right candidate species for intensive and extensive aquaculture in tanks, ponds and reservoirs.’

Central Government largesse to Kerala on the eve of ONAM.

Central Government has released an amount of Rs.52.48 Crores as Provisional Subsidy for April 2008 to March 2009 to Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd. (KSCSC) on 15.06.2009.

Allocation of APL rice during 2008-09 was made to States/UTs including Kerala on the basis of average of offtake level during 2006-07 and 2007-08. However, allocations of wheat under this category were maintained at the level of 2007-08. Accordingly, 2.05 lakh tons of rice were initially allocated last year.

Considering various representations from the State Chief Minister, Food Minister and other leaders from the State, adhoc/ additional/ festival allocation of 1.46 lakh tons of APL rice and 0.20 lakh tons of APL wheat were made to Kerala during 2008-09. The annual APL rice allocation to Kerala was thus 3.51 lakh tons as against previous year’s allocation of 3.07 lakh tons and offtake of 2.94 lakh tons. Besides, 60,000 tons of wheat were also allocated under Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) for sale to retail consumers.

For 2009-10, adhoc additional allocation of 19,000 tons of APL rice per month has been continued till March 2010 over and above existing monthly allocation of 17056 tons of rice under this category. Thus, the total allocation of APL rice has been substantially increased during the current year to 4.33 lakh tons as compared to last year’s allocation of 3.51 lakh tons. The State is also being made normal monthly allocation of 11777 tons of wheat per month for this category.

As per the current allocation policy, over and above the already issued APL allocations, any additional allocation of APL rice can be considered at applicable economic cost and of wheat at MSP based issue price of Rs. 10800 per ton. The State Government may accordingly send a request for such allocation.

MOS, Prof. K. V. Thomas has, at the outset nominated Shri G.C. Pati, IAS, Additional Secretary (Agriculture) to coordinate the activities of Kuttanadu Wetland Eco-System and Idukki Package and attend meetings as Government of India representative in the Committees chaired by Chief Minister and Chief Secretary. This would quicken the process of implementation, after all, the proof of pudding is in eating.

Highlighted points from MOS speech on Foundation stone laying ceremony of the International and National centre for Foot & Mouth disease at Orrisa

Highlighted points from MOS speech on Foundation stone laying ceremony of the International and National centre for Foot & Mouth disease at Aragul, Bhubaneswar.

The country is the home of around 200 million people living below poverty line, 80 million protein-energy malnourished children and a sizeable women population suffering from anemia.

All out efforts are required to boost up livestock sub sector where 70 million population is directly involved to produce quality food of livestock origin both for domestic consumption and export.

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India in their vision document calculated the need of 20 gram of protein per person per day in addition to protein sources from cereal and other sources.

Out of this requirement, 50% i.e. 10 gram is targeted from milk, 20% i.e. 4 gram from each of meat and fish and 10% i.e. 2 gram from eggs.

To achieve this, milk production (@ 250 ml per day for non-vegetarian and @ 500 ml for vegetarian population) has to go up to around 160 million ton from the present level of 100 million ton by 2020.

The requirement of meat and eggs are estimated to be to the tune of 10.58 million ton and around 90 - 120 billion eggs respectively.

In order to achieve the target, suitable technologies to support livestock production optimization will have to be put in place.

We are also building up our capabilities and competitiveness to manage the import diseases specially after the complete eradication of disease like rinderpest.

FMD is one such disease which is causing severe economic loss to the poor livestock grower.

In order to develop suitable diagnostic tools and vaccines, ICAR established a Project Directorate on FMD at Mukteswar which has been providing technology backstopping to the development departments to control this disease.

Considering the capacity that has been built in the country on surveillance, monitoring and control of FMD, International organization like OIE desired that India takes a lead in facilitating competence development on FMD in the SAARC region. Accordingly, ICAR approved the plan of establishing such a centre during XI plan period and here we are today laying the Foundation of this centre.

While complimenting the scientists on their achievement thus far, I look forward with interest the success emanating from this newly planned centre as controlling this disease will tantamount to saving around Rs.20,000 crores annually.

Two day conference of state fisheries ministers at Bhubaneswar,Orissa

Two day conference of state fisheries ministers started at Bhubaneswar,Orissa today. Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Sharad Pawar, MOS Prof K V Thomas, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Orissa, Naveen Patnaik , Hon'ble Ministers for Fisheries from States, Experts, Officials of Central and State Governments are also attending the two day conference. Conference of State Fisheries Ministers will discuss various important issues pertaining to the fisheries sector development in the country.
Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Sharad Pawar said that India has play important role in global fisheries and now become third largest producer in the world and second largest producer from aqua culture. Minister also added that India made significant progress in different sectors such as marine capture, aqua culture, island capture fisheries and fresh water aqua culture resulting production of 7 million tones.
Prof K V Thomas, MOS, pointed out the following points in the conference today. While the fisheries sector in a few States is developing rapidly, the performance in other states requires tremendous improvement. There is a wide gap between the States and the regions of the country in terms of their level of development of this sector, and this gap needs to be bridged. We need to take stock of the success stories and try and replicate them in other places for increasing production and productivity in the fisheries sector. There is a need to identify the critical success factors, which would enable the sector to rejuvenate in accordance with a well thought out road map. We need to identify the kinds of interventions required in areas of technology, infrastructure, marketing and capacity building. Given the uneven levels of development in the sector in many states at the moment, no pan Indian solution would be applicable to all states. While policy guidelines could be laid down for the country as a whole, States will have to find State specific solutions to deal with local problems in this sector. This is essential also because, fishery is a State subject and the responsibility for the development of this sector primarily rests with the State Governments.
The Eleventh Plan objective of inclusive growth necessitates priority attention to the agriculture and allied sectors. Additional central Assistance (ACA) to the tune of Rs.25,000 crore has been allocated to these sectors through the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) launched during 2007-08. Prof K V Thomas urges the States to access funding for the fisheries sector from this scheme. The importance placed on the implementation of the scheme can be judged from the fact that there is no State-matching share to be provided for the scheme and 100 per cent outlay is provided by the Centre as ACA for various sectors within agriculture and allied sectors. RKVY provides an opportunity to complement the resources of the States for the fisheries sector.
The Eleventh Five Year Plan has targeted a growth rate of 6 per cent for the fisheries sector. This requires resources and investments. Our fish farmers need to be convinced through training and demonstration activities that fishery is a highly profitable activity. Many a time it has been seen that the technology, perfected in our laboratories has not reached the intended beneficiaries in the field. The transition of technology from the lab to the field has to be managed in an efficient manner. A host of activities need to be undertaken to perfect this transition. The efficacy of the extension services in Agriculture Sector in general and fisheries in particular must be improved. A fish farmer must be convinced of the economic viability of his project before he decides to embark on aquaculture.
Prof Thomas also added that the fish farmers in the country by and large belong to the weaker sections of our society. In most cases, a large segment of the fishing community, belongs to the Below Poverty Line households. Despite their hard work, many a times not enough remuneration is received by the fishermen to guarantee a comfortable livelihood for their families. Prof Thomas, therefore urge the State Governments to put greater emphasis on the welfare of fishermen apart from making adequate efforts to access funding and efficiently implement the centrally sponsored National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen.

Centre approves Rs. 214.54 lakhs for Fishermen's Welfare

Centre approves Rs. 214.54 lakhs for Fishermen's Welfare
(26-June-2009)
Government of India has approved a relief of Rs.214.54 lakhs to the State Government of Kerala as Saving-cum-Relief scheme for fishermen's welfare. This will benefit nearly 1.5 lakh fishermen in the State of Kerala.
Government of India has also enhanced the assistance under the scheme from Rs.1200/- to Rs.1800/- per fisherman from this financial year.
Under this scheme, relief is given to fishermen for 3 months of fishing ban period while savings are collected from them over 9 months of fishing period. Fishermen's contribution of Rs.600/- is matched (Rs.600/- each) equally by the Centre and the State. Thus the total contribution of Rs.1800 is distributed to the fishermen in 3 equal monthly installments of Rs.600/- each. The interest accrued on the savings of the fishermen is also distributed to them with the 3rd and last installment of relief.
For purpose of this component, an eligible fisherman means a person who is professionally engaged in full time fishing is a member of Co-operative Society / Federation / Welfare Society, lives below poverty line and is below 60 years of age.

AGRICULTURE FAIR CUM EXHIBITION IN KOCHI DURING ONAM

AGRICULTURE FAIR CUM EXHIBITION IN KOCHI DURING ONAM
(24-June-2009)

Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India will assist in organising an Agriculture Fair cum Exhibition at Kochi during ONAM this year. This was announced by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
The Fair will showcase various products and services available through different Central and State agencies dealing with agricultural and allied sectors for the benefit of farmers and general public. The fair will also provide opportunity for bringing together farmers of various states for interaction for mutual benefits.
The exhibition will showcase achievements, products, technologies available, market opportunities and new areas of cooperation and Technology exchange available in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, storage and post harvest management. It will be unique opportunity to bring together an entire spectrum of agricultural products in one place. Central agencies like National Horticulture Mission, State Horticulture Missions, National Seed corporation, NAFED, CWC, FCI, Ministry of Consumer Affairs and state agencies will participate in the event.
Addl. Chief Secretary and APC, Govt. of Kerala, Secretary(Food) & Secretary (Consumer Affairs), Govt. of India besides senior officers of the Ministries of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India attend the meeting.

RUPEES 246 CRORES SANCTIONED FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF IDUKKI AND DEVELOPMENT OF KUTTANAND WETLAND ECO-SYSTEM.

RUPEES 246 CRORES SANCTIONED FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF IDUKKI AND DEVELOPMENT OF KUTTANAND WETLAND ECO-SYSTEM.
(24-June-2009)
Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution announced approval of a package of Rs.246 crores under the Idukki and Development of Kuttanand Wetland Eco-system.
He also announced that a Coordination Committee would be constituted in the Ministry of Agriculture for reviewing the progress of sanctions of projects under both the packages by different departments and Ministries of Government of India.
The Government of India has sanctioned a project for Rs 230 crores for PEPPER rejuvenation in Idukki funded by National Horticulture Mission which will be implemented by the Spice Board. It was decided that the State government and its various committees constituted for implementing Idukki package will monitor the implementation of this project.
A project for Coconut rejuvenation in Idukki at an estimated cost of Rs. 63 crores is under considered of the Coconut Development Board.
Ministry of Environment and Forest has already sanctioned Rs.50 Lakhs to the Department of Forest, Govt. of Kerala for augmenting bio-diversity at Vembanad lake for Kuttanand Wetland Eco-system. Ministry of Water Resources has already sanctioned Rs. 45 lakhs for undertaking the scientific study of the Thaneer Mukkam Barrage through IIT Madras and CWRDM Kozhikkode. Department of Animal Husbandry has already approved an outlay of Rs.10 crores towards various intervention in the Animal Husbandry, Dairy and fishery sector for Idukki package and Kuttanand Wetland Eco-system for the current year. Detailed project report will have to be submitted by the State government
Under the Seed Village Programme, a project to the tune of Rs. 5 crores is being considered for approval. It has been decided to resubmit the scheme for establishment of Soil Testing laboratories within the existing guidelines. It was further decided to consider introduction of floating soil testing laboratories particularly for Kuttanad.
A special scheme for training unemployed agriculture graduates and assisting them for setting up agri clinics/small business in agriculture will be drawn up by the State Government in association with Central government and submit for approval. Government of India has agreed to provide sufficient financial assistance for such projects. Special workshop for this will be convened in Kerala in the first half of July where Government of India’s representative will also participate.
A Joint project with the Central Warehousing Corporation for setting up warehousing facilities for Kuttanad project will be taken up provided the state government agrees to participate in the joint venture by providing land. It was decided that state will submit a proposal to the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the National Wetland Convservation Programme to control the aquatic weeds at Kuttanad.
After discussion it was decided that the state government would submit a revised project under the ongoing scheme like NHM, MMA and RKVY which is estimated to the tune of about Rs. 100 crores.
Any resource gap after submitting these proposals will be considered separately if the state government submits a detailed proposal to that effect seeking additional funds.
A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture will be a special invitee to the Executive Committee meeting of both the packages headed by the Chief Secretary in Kerala.