The Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) is researching how PHL could prove to be detrimental to the growth of food processing in the country. Some experts are calling for a “second green revolution with a focus on value-addition and processing” as the key to solving this issue. There is currently a loss of about […]
Archive | March, 2012
Post Harvest Losses of Foodgrains Decline
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In the results of two published surveys, India has announced that its PHL of foodgrains has declined. The data comparison on storage losses from a 2004 Millennium Survey with a 2010 ICAR study shows that wheat PHL has been reduced from 8% to 6%, rice has gone from 11% to 5.2%, and maize from 7.5% […]
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Storage Insect Pests of Maize and Methodologies for Mininmizing Postharvest Losses
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Slides on the topic of “Storage Insect Pests of Maize and Methodologies for Minimizing Postharvest Losses” (PDF) by Stephen Mugo at a recent conference have been published online. http://conferences.cimmyt.org/downloads/crp2012/03-CRP-Wednesday-Jan-18/Session-M3(Caza%20A)/09-Mugo-SI6-Storage-insect-pests-of-maize.pdf
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Neglecting Prominent Role of Women in Agriculture Hindering Solutions to Food Security
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India is targeting the development of women farmers in order to achieve better food security and decrease malnutrition. In an all-ecompassing article, IFPRI, ICAR, GFAR, and other such institutions’ endeavors are highlighted, including reasons for why involving women in agriculture is crucial to food security and malnutrition. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-03/bc-npr031212.php
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Producers Invest Profits in Bins, Other Large Items
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The U.S. grain bin business has been promoted through “monster harvests, strong crop prices, and favorable tax policy.” Farmers are investing more into giant grain bins, machinery, and buildings. As farmers make additional money, they spend it on infrastructure that helps them to diminish the waiting time at grain elevators and also enables them to store quickly […]
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Japan to Fund UNIDO Projects in Africa Worth over USD 7 Million
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The government of Japan will fund UNIDO-based projects in Africa in order to provide training and equipment to various groups in different countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, US $1.3 million will be used to help improve the local agro-processing sector, expecting to benefit 4,000 people. In Kenya, US $1 million will be used to aid […]
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Balanced Application of Fertilisers, Use of Quality Seed
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Pakistani farmers lack in knowledge about proper application of fertilizers, quality seed, and efficient use of water, as well as better farm management practices. “Not a single professional farm manager is available in the country.” Food processing industries need to be pushed to ensure return to farmers and maintain a market price equilibrium. Helpful governmental policies […]
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Group Storage to Earn More from Maize
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Rwandan maize farmers are benefiting from a system called warrantage, which allows them to earn double the normal price offered by traders at harvest. Farmers deposit their maize in a group storage shed and can receive 60% of the crop’s value as a low-interest loan. A local bank has partnered with the group and helps to […]
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For More Focus, Restructure and Reduce Agriculture Schemes
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The agriculture ministry plans to reduce and restructure the 53-odd welfare schemes in the country. Of programs to stay is the “Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana” (RKVY)- which is an assistance scheme to motivate states to take more steps toward improving agriculture. States are allotted grants, disbursed by the state’s chief secretary. A priority is to form […]
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Food Price Escalation in South Asia – A Serious and Growing Concern
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The Asian Development Bank recently published ‘Food Price Escalation in South Asia – A Serious and Growing Concern‘, examing the reasons for food price increases and the impact of raised food prices on poverty and economic stability in the region. It also provides policy responses, recommendations, and practical solutions. http://www.adb.org/publications/food-price-escalation-south-asia-serious-and-growing-concern
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