BioVoice News June 2016 Issue 2 Volume 1 | Page 22

BV SOCIAL MEDIA POLL

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various mandis in various states . Most of the states have expressed willingness to participate in this project . As of now , proposals of 365 mandis in 12 states have been sanctioned . Ministry of Agriculture has set a target of establishing unified e-trading platform in 585 mandis throughout the country by 2018 .
To promote agricultural sector the government has enhanced the allocation to this field from Rs . 15809 crore to Rs . 35984 crore which is more than as double . The government has made an allocation of Rs . 9 lakh crore to provide farmers cheap and concessional loan while accelerating the inflow of agricultural credit . The government has made provision for farmer credit cards as well as relaxation in payment of interests at the time of calamities .
The government is also imparting priority to the ancillary areas of agricultural sector . Under this , horticulture , livestock , dairy , beekeeping as well as poultry have been promoted . A new scheme called National AgroForestry has been initiated for planting trees over the meadows . The dairy and fisheries sectors have made greater strides in terms of growth and development . The government has accelerated second green revolution in the North Eastern region to achieve food security in the country which will lead to enhancement in the agriculture productivity on the one hand and on the other will result in improvement of the farmers ’ economy in North Eastern region . A number of schemes have been launched to promote the production of pulses and oilseeds so that dependence on imports can be reduced .
The govt has expedited the efforts to ensure better storage of perishable agricultural products so that the farmers may get better return of their produce by adopting better market practices . During last two years , India has acquired largest cold storage capacity in the world which is 32 million tones . Nearly 250 projects comprising of more than one million capacities have been developed .
To remove the scarcity of manpower in agricultural sector , the government has opened two central agriculture universities , 14 agriculture colleges and various agriculture research institutes . Recruitment of scientists has been increased . All agriculture science centers established in nearly all rural districts are being equipped with sophisticated and scientific facilities throughout the country .
The crop research in India has been promoted at huge scale but the genetically modified crops are under tremendous distress . The moratorium on Bt brinjal and the now the indecisiveness on GM Mustard is a live example . The Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises- Agriculture Focus Group ( ABLE-AG ) feels that it is huge blow to the innovators in agri-biotech industry . Dr Shivendra Bajaj , Executive Director , ABLE-AG , says , “ It is unfortunate that while in India GM Brinjal got caught in politics , Bangladesh has entered into its 3rd year of commercialization . We hope that there will be some positive movement on the issue this year The scientific basis and data gathered over the years can ’ t be ignored just due to emotions running high .”

BV SOCIAL MEDIA POLL

BioVoice News did a poll on the social media platforms including facebook and twitter to know the opinion on government ’ s performance from the bioscience sector . The majority of respondents were satisfied with the Modi government but a significant chunk seemed disillusioned as well . Close to 65 % were satisfied or partially satisfied and at the same time 35 % appeared dissatisfied with the pace of work so far .
Are you satisfied with this govt ’ s performance in the bioscience sector ?
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BioVoiceNews | June 2016