Paddy

India is the largest exporter of Basmati rice in the world. It exports about 80 percent of its produce. India has exported approximately 4.6 million tonnes of Basmati rice in the year 2022-23. The arrival of Basmati rice has started in the markets of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. But, this time farmers are getting lower price of Basmati rice as compared to last year. Farmers say that they are incurring huge losses in the sale of Basmati rice this year. If farmers are to be believed, this time they are getting Rs 400 to Rs 500 less per quintal. Also, farmers allege that due to the central government setting the minimum export price of Basmati rice at Rupees 1,200 per tonne, they are suffering huge losses.

India is the largest basmati exporter in the world

India is the world's largest exporter of Basmati rice. It exports 80 percent of its production of basmati rice. In such a situation, its price keeps rising and falling due to exports. If the minimum export price of Basmati rice exceeds $ 850 per tonne, then in such a situation traders will suffer huge losses. Farmers will also have to suffer huge losses due to this. Because traders will buy Basmati rice from farmers at lower prices. Meanwhile, there is news that the prices of new crop 1509 variety of Basmati rice have fallen significantly. Last week, a decrease of Rs 400 per quintal was recorded in its price.

Also read: 20% fees on export of non-basmati crops

Farmers are facing losses

Farmers Welfare Club President Vijay Kapoor has said that millers and exporters are not giving the right price to the farmers. He is putting a lot of pressure on the farmers to buy Basmati at a lower price. According to him, if the government withdraws the minimum export price after October 15, then farmers will get very good profits. He has said that traders of Punjab are purchasing 1509 Basmati rice from Haryana at lower prices. Due to this, farmers are facing huge losses.

Farmers will suffer a loss of Rs 1,000 crore

Basmati rice is cultivated in a total area of ​​1.7 million hectares in Haryana. Of this, about 40 percent share is of 1509 variety. According to Vijay Setia, former president of All India Rice Exporters Association, if Basmati prices continue to rise like this, farmers will suffer a total loss of Rs 1,000 crore.

Bacterial leaf blight disease is a major threat to rice production worldwide, as rice is the staple food of more than half of the global population.

Following are the symptoms, causes, epidemiology, various management measures of Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB)

Introduction

Bacterial leaf blight in rice produced by Xanthomonas oryzae pv.oryzae .This disease is one of the most damaging ones  to paddy plants. Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) predominantly affects the leaves of rice plants and can cause severe output losses if not carefully handled.

Also  read: Steps towards a vaccine to reduce rice yield losses due to diseases

Symptoms of BLB

BLB symptoms usually start as tiny, water-soaked lesions on the leaves and progress to elongated, yellow to brown stripes. These stripes are generally wavy and run the length of the leaf blade. As the illness advances, tiny spots combine, causing entire leaves to perish. In extreme circumstances, BLB also damages leaf sheaths and panicles, resulting in significant yield losses.

Causes and pathogens

BLB is caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae, which lives in the intercellular spaces of rice plants. It penetrates the plant via wounds or natural pores and multiplies inside the plant tissues, resulting in disease symptoms. The causative agent of this illness produces a number of virulence factors, including extracellular enzymes and toxins, which contribute to its pathogenicity.

Epidemiology

BLB thrives in warm, humid settings, making it most common in tropical and subtropical locations. Raindrops, wind-blown rain, irrigation water, polluted agricultural equipment, and plant debris all contribute to the disease's spread. The presence of the infection in seeds also causes the spread of BLB to new locations.

Also read: Know about major diseases in paddy crop and how to control them

Disease cycle

Understanding the disease cycle is critical for effectively managing BLB. It starts with the pathogen being introduced into a paddy field and then spreads to host plants. Infected plants discharge bacterial cells into the environment, infecting adjacent plants. Environmental elements including temperature and humidity impact the disease's progression.

Impact of BLB on paddy production

BLB leads to considerable economic losses in paddy production. Yield losses in highly damaged areas might vary between 20% and 50%. These losses have an impact not just on food security, but also on rice farmers' livelihoods, particularly in places where paddy is the predominant staple crop.

How to control BLB?

Let's talk about the solutions

Use of resistant varieties: Breeding programmes have produced rice cultivars with varied levels of resistance to BLB. These resistant types can significantly lower the severity of the illness.

Crop rotation:which includes non-host crops, helps to prevent pathogen buildup in the soil.

Hygiene: Proper sanitation practices, such as eliminating contaminated plant debris and sanitising agricultural implements, help to prevent the infection from spreading.

Chemical control: Copper-based bactericides and antibiotics can be used in conjunction to reduce BLB, although their efficacy may decline over time owing to resistance. To treat this illness, spray 2.5 grammes of copper oxychloride per litre of water and 0.5 grammes of streptomycin per litre. From a distance, the signs of this condition appear to be zinc insufficiency. If zinc (Zn) deficient symptoms are present, spray the paddy with a mixture of 5 grams of zinc sulphate and 2.5 grams of slaked lime per litre of water. Zinc insufficiency is readily handled.

Biological control: Beneficial bacteria and biocides are being investigated as environmentally beneficial alternatives to BLB management.

Also  read: You can reduce your agricultural costs by adopting organic pest control tips.

Challenges and possible future

Despite efforts to manage BLB, issues persist. The introduction of new disease strains with higher virulence has the potential to overcome previously resistant kinds. Furthermore, there is a need to establish sustainable and eco-friendly management approaches to lessen the environmental effect of chemical control techniques.

To summarise, bacterial leaf blight of rice is a devastating disease that has a significant impact on rice production and food security in many regions of the world. Understanding its origins, symptoms, and management measures is critical to mitigating its impact and ensuring a steady supply of rice for the world's rising population. Continued study and collaboration among scientists, farmers, and policymakers is critical in the ongoing fight against BLB.

Haryana government has started the process of procuring millet.FED (Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited) will first purchase millet in the mandis of Rewari, Kanina, Charkhi Dadri, Bhiwani and Kosli.It is said the procurement process would last commence from 1st October.

Following Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's directives, the government has begun millet procurement. However, farmers are still waiting for the government to acquire their paddy. Paddy procurement may begin as early as October 1. Let us inform you that the millet purchase will be paid for under the state government's Bhavantar Bharpayee Scheme. The crop purchase funds will be sent straight to the farmers' bank accounts within 72 hours. Additionally, purchase of superior and average quality (FAQ) millet will be at the current market price. Additionally, this purchase will be made from farmers who are registered and validated on the Meri Fasal-Mera Byora site.

Payment will be made under Bhavantar Compensation Scheme

Under the state government's Bhavantar Bharpayee Scheme, farmers would get the difference between the current market prices and the MSP. The crop purchase amount will be remitted straight to the farmers' bank accounts.

Paddy procurement to begin from October 1

Millet will cost Rs 1,900 per quintal, rather than the MSP of Rs 2,500. So far, private traders have maintained their procurement of Basmati rice of the 1509 kind at Rs 3,000 per quintal. Government acquisition of Parmal type paddy is expected to begin in the second week of October.

Also to read: Paddy procurement date might postpone after set date of 1st October

Purchasing is not possible in the markets of the district

According to a Market Committee representative, orders were provided to begin announcing market and paddy purchases on September 25th. However, the procedure has not yet been initiated by government entities in the mandis of various districts. The minimum support price for millet procurement is Rs 2,200. However, individual dealers buy millet at a rate of Rs 1,900 per quintal.

Farmers to bear loss of 300 rupees

Gaurav Tewatia, a Commission Agent Association official, criticised the officials for the delay in acquiring the Kharif crop. He claims that no formal agency has been selected to acquire millet. Because of this, farmers are losing Rs 300 each quintal. Farmers are also concerned about whether their losses would be paid under the Bhavantar Compensation Scheme.

Also to read; Learn how to take care of paddy crop in Kharif Season,would generate more profits

Reason why millet would be bought at less prices

The registration system 888999 on the government's agricultural sale site has a mistake. At the same time, just 35% of paddy growers have been registered. As a result, most individuals may sell millet and paddy at a lower price than the MSP. Around 2,200 quintals of millet, 5,400 bales of cotton, and more than 20,000 quintals of Basmati paddy have arrived at the mandis. 

For your information, let us tell you that the procurement of paddy will start from November 1 in various districts including Rae Bareli, Unnao, Chitrakoot and Kanpur in the Eastern Zone. Which will continue till 28th February next year. Also, so far 1 lakh 66 thousand 645 farmers have registered in the entire state for selling paddy. Procurement of paddy at minimum support price has started in Uttar Pradesh. The government has made concrete arrangements at the paddy purchasing centre. However, very few farmers are coming to the purchase center to sell paddy. Now in such a situation it is being said that after the next one week there will be intensity in the procurement of paddy. Because this time due to late arrival of monsoon, farmers had started planting paddy late. In fact, till now the paddy crop has not been completely ripe in many areas. At the same time, farmers in western Uttar Pradesh were successful in early planting of paddy. Now in such a situation they are reaching the purchasing centers to sell paddy.

4000 purchasing centers have been established across the state for paddy procurement.

Also, complete preparations have been made by the administration to ensure that the farmers do not face any kind of problem at the purchasing centers. According to the government of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, two categories of paddy will be purchased from farmers for the crop season 2023-24. This includes ‘common’ and ‘grade A’ paddy. The special thing is that the MSP of 'Dhan Common' has been fixed at Rs 2183 per quintal. Whereas, ‘Grade A’ will be purchased at the rate of Rs 2203 per quintal. The special thing is that 4000 purchasing centers have been created in the entire state to purchase paddy.

Also read: Large scale procurement of paddy in UP, where can you sell

Farmers will have to register

If farmers want to sell paddy on MSP, they will have to first register by visiting the official website https://fcs.up.gov.in/ or mobile app UP KISAN MITRA.

Last date for purchasing paddy on MSP

Also, for the information of farmers, UP government will purchase paddy in two phases in different zones. Under the first phase, paddy will be procured in the western zone. It includes all the districts of Bareilly, Agra, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Aligarh, Meerut, Hardoi, Sitapur, Lakhimpur and Jhansi divisions of Lucknow division. In these districts, paddy will be purchased at MSP from October 1 to January 31.

Farmers use many types of expensive equipment to harvest crops. But, Chhotu Reaper machine is the cheapest and best paddy harvesting machine in the market. You can earn more income along with harvesting your crops. Farmers buy various types of expensive equipment from the market to harvest crops. But, small and marginal farmers are not financially capable of purchasing expensive agricultural equipment, due to which they use sickles etc. Keeping this problem of farmers in mind, companies in the technical sector have also started preparing equipment according to the budget of the farmers. Actually, the name of reaper machine is heard the most in crop harvesting. Let us tell you that this machine harvests wheat, paddy, coriander and jowar crops very easily. The specialty of this machine is that farmers can easily harvest other crops by changing the blades. There is a wide range of excellent machines for crop harvesting in the Indian market, which are quite economical for the farmers. Not only this, farmers can also buy these machines through online mode sitting at home.

The price of Chotu Reaper machine is quite economical

The use of Chhotu Reaper machine for harvesting crops is very beneficial for the farmers. Let us tell you that with this machine, harvesting of gram, soybean and berseem crops can be done very easily. This machine can easily harvest plants up to 1 foot tall. Also, if we talk about the engine of this machine, it has a 50cc 4 stroke engine. Along with this, other information is provided to the farmers through electronic display.

Also read: 40% subsidy on combine harvester, farmers can buy it for kharif crops

The Chotu Reaper machine is quite light in weight. Let us tell you that its total weight is only 8-10 kg. If the calculations are done, then the labor cost for harvesting wheat crop with this machine is up to 4 times less. Also, the amount of fuel consumption in this machine is negligible. The Chhotu Reaper machine in the field consumes less than 1 liter of oil per hour. In this machine, farmers can easily harvest other crops by changing the blades. If seen, blades with more teeth are used to cut thick and tough plants.

There will be excellent earning through Chhotu Reaper Machine.

If you use this machine in any other field of the farmer also, then good income can be earned from it per day. According to the information received, the rent of a Chhotu Reaper machine is up to Rs 300 for one bigha field. At the same time, if you harvest crops from 1 acre field in a day, then you can easily earn Rs 1500 to 1800 in a day. Also, this machine requires a minimum of half a liter of diesel for 1 bigha field. Apart from this, after taking out the expenses of its maintenance etc., Rs 200-300 are saved from your income. Now in this way this machine also provides employment opportunities to the farmers.

Only the microorganisms (microbes) found in the upper surface of your soil determine that your soil is alive or lifeless, lifeless soil is called barren land. Due to burning of paddy straw, the microorganisms found in the soil die due to excessive heat, due to which the soil becomes barren. This fact needs to be promoted to reduce the problem of stubble burning. No smart and conscious farmers will make their soil barren themselves. For immediate benefits and due to lack of information, they are causing their own loss. In determining that the soil is alive or lifeless, it involves assessing its biological, chemical and physical characteristics. The soil is a complex ecosystem that is formed by combining diverse communities of organisms, from microorganisms to large organisms. This dynamic environment plays an important role in supporting the life of plants and maintaining ecological balance. We will detect various indicators and factors that help us understand the living nature of the soil.

1. Biological indicators

The soil is full of life, and a major indicator of its life is the presence of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes are essential components of soil health. These organisms contribute to nutritious cycles, organic matter decomposition and disease suppression. Soil tests, such as microbial biomass and activity assay, provide insight into the abundance and diversity of these microorganisms.

Also read: The importance of natural farming and what are its benefits.

 Earthworms are another important biological indicator. Their hole digging activities increase soil composition, aeration and water infiltration. The presence and variety of earthworms indicate a healthy and biologically active soil.

2. Chemical Indicators

The chemical composition of the soil also reveals its vibrancy. The characteristic of living soil is a balanced nutrient that supports the growth of plants. PH, nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.), and soil testing for organic matter content helps to assess soil fertility and the ability to maintain the life of plants. Organic matter derived from disintegrated plants and animal materials is a major component of living soil. It provides nutrients, improves water retention and supports microbial activity. High organic matter material is a sign of lively and biologically active soil.

3. Physical Indicator

The physical structure of the soil affects its vibrancy. The structure of a healthy soil allows proper drainage, root entry and air circulation. Soil sets formed by binding of particles contribute to a well -structured soil.

Also read: In the country of diversities, soil is also found separately, know which soil is the most fertile? 

By observing the soil texture (sand, silt, soil), information about its physical properties can be found. Living soils often have diverse textures, which promotes a balanced mixture of drainage and water retention. The narrow or poor structured soil indicates a lack of biological activity.

4. Health of plants

The health and vitality of plants growing in the soil is a direct indicator of the vibrancy of the soil. The growth of green and vigorous plants indicates rich and biologically active soil. In contrast, stagnant growth, yellow leaves, or increasing sensitivity to diseases indicate soil problems. Mycorrhiza plays an important role in taking nutrients, creating a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants. The presence of mycorrhiza is an indicator of a living soil ecosystem that supports plant-length interactions.

Also read: Our soil growing towards better production from less fertile power

5. Soil respiration

Measuring soil respiratory rate provides direct evaluation of microbial activity. Microorganisms consume organic materials in the soil, release carbon dioxide through respiration. The high soil respiratory rate indicates an active microbial community and contributes to the cycle of nutrients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to determine whether the soil is alive or not, it involves a comprehensive analysis of its biological, chemical and physical characteristics. Organic indicators such as microorganisms and earthworms, nutrient levels and organic matters such as chemical indicators and physical indicators such as the structure of soil collectively contribute to the evaluation. Additionally, observing the health of the plant and performing soil respiratory testing provides valuable information about the dynamic and living nature of the soil. Overall, a holistic approach that considers multiple indicators is necessary for the intensive understanding of the soil livelihood.

The administration has stopped purchasing parmal paddy through the e-Kharid portal due to the possibility of the varieties parmal paddy from other states in grain mandis. Because of this, the farmers whose parmal paddy is still lying in the fields are quite upset. The administration has stopped the purchase  of parmal paddy through the e-Kharid portal due to the arrival of parmal paddy varieties from other states in the grain mandis of Karnal district in Haryana. For this reason, the farmers whose parmal paddy is still lying in the fields, are stuck in a lot of difficulty. According to media reports, the farmers have alleged that this step of the administration can force them to sell to sell their crops at very less prices to private buyers. Also, the authorities have claimed that the work of harvesting in the district has been completed.

 Also, they feared that some traders in the district's grain mandis can bring paddy from other states and sell it on MSP. There is a demand of farmers, whether the paddy crop is lying in the fields or not, after examining this, the officers should start purchasing paddy. According to the report, the registration of Parmal Paddy (MSP Rs 2,203 per quintal) is currently being registered on the e-NAM portal instead of e-Kharid. In place of government agencies, their production is currently being purchased by private buyers.

97 lakh quintals of Parmal Paddy have arrived

So far, about 97 lakh quintals of Parmal paddy have come in Karnal district. At the same time, the arrival of last year was about 107 lakh quintals. Puneet Goyal of Zarifabad said that, "After the flood, I cultivated the parmal type of paddy on nine acres. Currently, during harvesting, I came to know that the purchase has been stopped. The government should come to the ground and look at the paddy which is still in the fields, it should be purchased. ” Another farmer Nirvar Singh said that the harvesting of the parmal type of paddy is yet to be harvested in eight acres. He alleged that private buyers will buy production below MSP

Also read: good harvesting of crops, just have to take care of these things

Paddy purchase will be in less MSP

According to the news, a senior official said that this step has been taken to prevent traders from bringing paddy from outside the state. "We will ensure that no paddy is bought below MSP. Instructions have been given to the officers in this regard." He said, "There is hardly any crop in the fields across the district." Significantly, to sell Parmal Paddy, currently farmers have to register on the e-Nam portal instead of e-Kharid portal. Also, instead of government agencies, the produce is now being purchased by private buyers.

Food yields are getting enough in India and this yield is also increasing year by year. Tell me that even then, farmers do not get the right price for their crop. Millions of people in India are compelled for hungry gold. The reason for this is the absence of magnificent and well -organized facilities for storage somewhere.

Most of the reports are heard, that millions of tons of grains kept under the open sky got wet with unseasonal rain, the grain of crores of rupees was completely rotten and washed away. This causes water to reinforce the hard work of poor farmers. In addition, insects, rodents (rats, squirrels), micro -organisms and unscientific storage etc. are also plenty of crop loss. The government tells about the growth in yield, but does not explain how food will be kept safe and protection.

The government itself provides storage

In India, the government itself provides storage by unscientific methods. Everyone has generally seen the grain lying in sacks without covered under the open sky. Statistics at the Indian Grain Accumulation Management and Research Institute (IGMRI), Hapur (U.P.) say that the annual storage loss is about Rs 7,000 crore, with 14 million tonnes of food grains destroyed, with about 1,300 due to the sole insects about 1,300 Loss of crores of rupees is shambled. Due to micro -organisms, insects, rodents and unscientific storage etc., there is about 10% percent loss of total food grains after harvesting.

Capacity to store merely 45 per cent

India has an estimate of 3,235 lakh tonnes of food grains in the financial year 2022-23. However, according to government data, the total grain storage capacity in India is 1,450 lakh tonnes. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), only 45 percent of annual grain production in the country has the capacity to store only 45 percent. Apart from this, the government also hesitates to answer what the remaining grains are.

What do you understand from the food saving program

The 'KhadanBachao' program was started in India in 1979. Under this scheme, a target was set to generate awareness among farmers and provide tanks for storage at affordable prices. However, even today millions of tons of grains are wasted.

Work to reduce wasteful expenses

A plan to develop the world's largest storage capacity in India has been started. The government is spending about 1 lakh crore rupees on this scheme. This will increase the storage capacity of 2,150 lakh tonnes in 5 years. In addition, there are plans to construct 500 to 2000 tonnes of godowns at the block level. How much grain will be saved from being ruined by these efforts, it is dependent on the future.

The cost of paddy has significantly increased, with it being sold in many mandis across India at the rate of Rs 7 thousand per quintal, which is three times more than the minimum support price. The price of all the mandis in India can be found, and paddy arrival continues in mandis across the country. In the middle of this, paddy prices have increased again due to continuous demand in the international market. The news is that in many mandis, paddy is being sold at three times the minimum support price which is great news for the farmers but has resulted in inflation for the general public.