Tag Archives | Asia

The Food Security Bill Takes Us Back to the 1970s as Lessons of History Are Ignored

“The passage of the Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha is reminiscent of the early 1970s, when the simultaneous left-right lurch ended with the economy contracting by the end of the decade and subsequent help from the IMF.” http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-28/edit-page/41499945_1_food-security-bill-finance-minister-open-defecation

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Food Security a ‘Historic Opportunity’ or Mere ‘Vote Security’?

“Opposition party, BJP, labeled the bill more as “Vote security” than food security, but stopped short of opposing it.” http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/food-security-a-historic-opportunity-or-mere-vote-security-113082600926_1.html

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The Mud on Their Legs – Farmer to Farmer Videos in Uganda

Paul Van Mele and colleagues created eleven farmer-to-farmer learning videos in Bangladesh and West Africa about growing rice from seed to postharvest beginning in 2003. The USAID funded project, Modernizing Extension and Advisory Systems (MEAS), funded this case study analysis in Uganda describing what researchers observed during a return visit in November 2012. http://agrilinks.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/MEAS%20CS%20Uganda%20-%20Farmer%20to%20Farmer%20Videos%20in%20Uganda%20-%20Bentley,%20J%20and%20P%20Van%20Mele%20-%20July%202013%20-%202.pdf

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ICT Could Become Key Influencer Across Agri Value Chain: Nasscom

The National Association of Software Services Companies in India says increased use of ICT is key to the country’s agricultural productivity and food security success. Expansion of technologies that can support initiatives in precision farming, extension, marketing, and supply chain management is expected to increase. http://www.domain-b.com/economy/agriculture/20130813_mobile_internet.html  

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DA-12 Allots P848-M to Cut Palay Postharvest Losses

The Filipino Department of Agriculture will invest at least P848.4 million in postharvest facilities and related infrastructure in a region comprised of 4 provinces over the next 4 years. A recent government assessment finds the region’s postharvest losses of palay to currently reach around 12%. http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/08/22/da-12-allots-p848-m-to-cut-palay-post-harvest-losses/

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India Prepares to Guarantee Right to Food for 800 Million People

The National Food Security Act is heavily criticized by policymakers and academics who disagree with the decision to expand a grain program already riddled with fraud and waste. In India, it is widely known that about 40% of grain in the supply chain doesn’t reach its intended end, instead rotting in storage, eaten by rodents, […]

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Two Millers Under Scanner for ‘Missing’ Paddy Worth Rs. 3 cr

Two rice millers in Punjab, India allegedly misappropriated government paddy worth more than Rs 30 million. Cases of fraud have been filed against the owners of two mills, and are under investigation by special police. http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Bathinda/Two-millers-under-scanner-for-missing-paddy-worth-Rs-3-cr/SP-Article1-1108222.aspx  

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TNAU Scientists Inspect FCI Godown in Coimbatore

Scientists from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University responded to pest problems at a Food Corporation of India site in Peelamedu. While not cause of direct harm to human beings, the pests feed and multiply on stored grains and cause damage to harvests. The scientists recommended storage methods to keep the insect population from increasing. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/tnau-scientists-inspect-fci-godown-in-coimbatore/article5002854.ece

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Forum to Focus on Food Loss and Security Issues

A three-day seminar on postharvest loss issues will take place as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Taipei, Taiwan, in August. Organizers says the forum is a part of efforts to achieve a sustainable environment. http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/local/taipei/2013/07/30/385048/Forum-to.htm

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Asia Works on Regional Rice Stragey to Address Changing Conditions

Rice exports from Asia continue to increase in line with demand from markets in Africa and the Middle East. The FAO, in collaboration with the World Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank, will develop a regional strategy that addresses production efficiency, postharvest losses, trade patterns, nutrition, and eating habits, among other topics. The report […]

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