Nandini Kushwaha has been awarded for devising a smart data-based AI tool that identifies the most suitable crop for soil by analysing the various nutritional components present in it.
Category: Agriculture
** Scientists develop customized fertilizer, micronutrients for Chinese potato
The Thiruvananthapuram-based Central Tuber Crops Research Institute that introduced high-yielding Chinese potato and elephant foot yam to the farmers of Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts in last February, has developed tailor-made fertilizer and micronutrient formulations for Chinese potato, a tasty much sought-after tuber variety in the southern districts.
** New tree species named after Muthuvar tribe
Cryptocarya muthuvariana’ spotted in Edamalakkudy
A new tree species of the genus Cryptocarya spotted in Edamalakkudy in Idukki district has been named after a tribe from the locality.
‘Cryptocarya muthuvariana’ has been named so to honour the Muthuvar tribe and as it was discovered in their neighbourhood, researchers responsible for the identification said.
Kerala
** India gets first ‘Grass Conservatory’ in Uttarakhand’s Almora district
India’s first ‘Grass Conservatory’ was inaugurated by the research wing of Uttarakhand forest department on Sunday in Ranikhet of Almora district.
** And now, a GI tag adds more vibrancy to Rajasthan’s Sojat Mehndi
Known for its entrancing, deep burnt-red stain, the world famous Sojat Mehndi of Rajasthan got its due on September 14. We explore its harvesting, manufacturing and various art and medicinal forms — as well as the issue of adulteration
“Our women apply it on their hands and even our men put it on their fingertips,” says Mukesh Heerani, whose family has been in the mehndi business since it began in 1969. “Mehndi has been our lifeline for generations and the new GI (Geographical Indication) status for Sojat Mehndi will only increase its brand value and the customer’s faith in us.”
** CFTRI Scientist Develops New Beverage From Coffee Leaves
However, some producers have decided to diversify the crops that they grow and sell. As coffee leaves are constantly being produced, growers can harvest them in the off-season if there is demand, according to Pushpa S. Murthy, Principal Scientist (Spice and Flavour Science Department) of CFTRI.
** Engineer’s experiment with Boer goat
T.S. Umesh crosses the Boer with the native Talcher breed and they fetch a good price
T.S. Umesh, 47-year-old from Tarabenahalli of Tumakuru district, chose agriculture instead of office soon after completing his engineering degree in 1990.
Karnataka
** Scientists introduce new variety of red-petaled jackfruit
Named Bhyrachandra, it gets its name as the petal’s colour resembles the full moon. It bears fruits twice a year.
Karnataka
Nattu Manchottil Educational and Indigenous Fruit Plants Conservation and Research Trust wins Plant Genome Savior Community award
The group initiated the mango conservation programme during 2016 with the conservation of a 200-year-old tree of mango cultivar Vellathan
Nattu Manchottil Educational and Indigenous Fruit Plants Conservation and Research Trust has won the Plant Genome Savior Community award instituted by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Right Authority (PPV&FRA), New Delhi.
The group initiated the mango conservation programme during 2016 with the conservation of a 200-year-old tree of mango cultivar Vellathan. During 2017, Nattu Manchottil adopted activities for the conservation of 35 indigenous varieties of mango in Kannur district. It is now conserving around 200 varieties of mango trees collected from different parts of Kannur district.
** This farmer promises better income, health from black wheat
A builder-turned-farmer in Punjab is growing black wheat, a variety of the foodgrain developed by National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) based here, for health benefits and better earnings.
Forty-five-year-old Amarpreet Singh Hira, who is a builder by profession but has a passion for agriculture, is growing the black wheat for the second consecutive year in his farm in Saifalpur village of Ropar district.
Punjab