Revised Minimum Wages in Chhattisgarh: Effective October 2024
The new wage structure is for 45 scheduled employments across various sectors, including government departments and agricultural employment.
Extension of Validity Order of Mandatory Jute Packaging of Foodgrains and Sugar
The Central Government has extended the validity for mandatory use of jute packaging materials for sugar and food grains up to December 31, 2024. Moreover, the notification also states that initially, 10% of foodgrain indents must be placed through reverse auction on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
Government Amends Plant Quarantine Rules to Strengthen Import Regulations
Imports of seeds, plants for propagation, and regulated articles like insects, microbial cultures, and soil must now be made through specific Regional Plant Quarantine Stations (RPQS) in Amritsar, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kandla, or other notified points of entry. Imports of germplasm, transgenic plant material, and genetically modified organisms are now restricted to New Delhi Airport only.
India Introduces Ecomark Certification Scheme to Promote Environment-Friendly Products
The Government of India has introduced the Ecomark Certification Scheme to encourage the production and consumption of environmentally friendly products. This scheme was introduced through the Ecomark Rules, 2024. Under these rules, products eligible for Ecomark certification must meet specific criteria related to resource consumption, waste generation, emissions, and overall environmental impact.
From Agriculture to Water Quality: New Standards for a Better India
The Bureau of Indian Standards issued the date of establishment and withdrawal for Indian Standard Particulars related to Ammonium Chloride, Fertilizer Grade etc.
Employment Subsidy Scheme for Cashew Industry: First Amendment 2024
The Government of Goa issued a notification regarding the Employment Subsidy Scheme for Cashew Industry (First Amendment) 2024 further to amend the Employment Subsidy Scheme for Cashew Industry.
BIS Organizes Workshop to Accelerate Development of National Agriculture Code
Recognizing the pivotal role of agriculture in India’s economy and the need for optimal resource utilization and technological advancements, the BIS aims to create a comprehensive code that ensures best practices across the agricultural value chain. A press release on the workshop was issued on September 27, 2024.
New Agricultural Produce Regulation in Punjab
The Government of Punjab announced a significant regulatory measure concerning the purchase, sale, storage, and processing of various agricultural products in the state.
New DUS Test Fees and Time Limits Announced for Plant Variety Protection
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) has made updates regarding DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) testing fees and registration time limits for certain crop species.
Government Approves Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi Season 2024
The approved NBS rates for Rabi 2024 (October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025) will be implemented to ensure smooth availability of fertilizers to farmers. Fertilizer companies will receive the subsidy based on the approved rates.
