Ministry of Animal Husbandry & Dairying reconstitutes the Coastal Aquaculture Authority
These amendments signify a restructuring of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and the inclusion of key stakeholders in decision-making processes. The changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the authority in regulating and managing coastal aquaculture activities in India.
Plant Quarantine (Twelfth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth) Orders
These Amendment Orders have revised the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. The Twelfth Amendment Order has revised the points of entry for imports of plants/plant materials and other articles. The Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendment Orders have revised the list of plants/plant materials permitted import with additional declarations and special conditions.
Govt. notifies Enforcement Date for Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023
The Central Government has notified the date on which the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 shall come into force. This date has been fixed as 1st December, 2023.
Service Conditions of Secretary of Coastal Aquaculture Authority Modified
The Central Government has issued a notification modifying the terms and conditions of service for the Secretary of Coastal Aquaculture Authority. The appointment shall initially be for a period of 3 years and may be extended for a further period up to 3 years.
Government Increases Wheat Availability in Open Market Sale Scheme to Stabilize Prices
Effective from November 1, 2023, the maximum quantity of wheat that a bidder can acquire under OMSS (D) has been doubled from 100 Metric Tonnes (MT) to 200 MT. Additionally, the total quantity offered per e-auction across India has been increased from 2 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) to 3 LMT.
First Advance Estimates of Major Kharif Crop Production for 2023-24
For the 2023-24 season, the production of Kharif Nutri/coarse cereals is estimated at 351.37 LMT, slightly higher than the average coarse cereals production of 350.91 LMT. The production of Tur is estimated at 34.21 LMT, which is approximately on par with last year’s production. However, the total Kharif pulses production for 2023-24 is anticipated to be lower than the previous year due to climatic conditions, with an estimated total production of 71.18 LMT.
Union Cabinet Approves Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi Season 2023-24
The primary objective of this decision is to ensure the availability of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized, affordable, and reasonable prices, fostering agricultural productivity and growth. The decision also comes in response to recent trends in international fertilizer and input prices, including Urea, DAP, MOP, and Sulphur.
‘Ayurveda Day’ event on 10th November 2023
Under the ‘Ayurveda for One Health’ campaign, farmers across the country are being sensitized through meetings, interactions, events and using various means of communication. A micro website www.ayurvedaday.org.in has been developed by CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences), the nodal agency for organizing the Ayurveda Day. Visitors across the globe can visit the website to get information about ‘Ayurveda Day’ and become a part of various running activities related to the ‘Ayurveda for One Health’ campaign.
Draft Non-Basmati Aromatic Rice Grading and Marking Rules, 2023
These proposed rules are poised to contribute to the assurance of the quality, safety, and labeling standards of Non-Basmati aromatic rice intended for human consumption. It is expected that they will have a positive impact on consumer confidence and the overall rice industry in India, fostering improved quality and trade practices in the sector.
BIS revises Standards for Crop Protection Equipment
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised standards for Crop Protection Equipment. The BIS has established IS 1971 : 2023 Crop Protection Equipment — Hand- Operated Stirrup-Type Sprayer — Specification (Sixth Revision) on 13th October, 2023.
