Government Monitors Wheat Prices To Prevent Hoarding Of Stocks
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is closely monitoring wheat prices to ensure market stability and prevent hoarding. As of January 1, 2024, wheat stocks were well above the prescribed buffer norm. Currently, there are no plans to alter import duties on wheat.
Seed Import To Get Easier In India
Previously, seeds of coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder plants, and fruit species could only be imported based on the recommendations of EXIM Committee of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW). Now, by the present amendment order, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has eliminated this requirement.
New Draft Rules To Protect Camels During Transportation in India
During hot weather between 12 deg. C to 30 deg. C, camels must be transported at night to minimize heatstroke risk. A valid health certificate as specified in Schedule M shall accompany with each consignment camels and a certificate as specified in Schedule L shall accompany each consignment of poultry.
New Plant Quarantine Stations Established at Key Border Points in Northeast India
The Central Government has announced the establishment of nine new Plant Quarantine Stations (PQ Stations) at strategic border points in Northeast India. These PQ Stations have been established in Meghalaya, Tripura, West Bengal and Assam.
BIS Revises Standards On Salts, Flour, Food Dyes and Cutting Tools
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued revised certain standards on Salts, Flour, Food Dyes and Cutting Tools. These standards were established in May 2024 and their previous versions will be withdrawn from August 2024.
Mizoram Ramps Up Efforts to Contain African Swine Fever Outbreak
A complete ban has been imposed on importing live pigs, fresh pork, and all pork products (including frozen) from other states and countries. The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department will enforce mandatory disinfection of pig farms and implement strict hygiene protocols. Additionally, suspected pigs will be isolated.
Updates On Wheat And Rice Procurement
With a combined wheat and rice stock exceeding 600 LMT in the Central Pool, the country is well-positioned to meet requirements under government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare programs, besides market interventions.
India Boosts Animal Health with Digital Vaccine Management
The initiative aims to implement a digital system to track vaccine stocks, flow, and storage temperatures. It shall also utilize UNDP’s Animal Vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN) for monitoring with new technologies like AI.
List Of Contesting Candidates For Election To The Veterinary Council Of India
The Returning Officer for the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) elections has published the list of validly nominated candidates. This list includes individuals who met all nomination requirements and did not withdraw their candidacy before the deadline.
Amendments Made To Specifications In Respect Of Biostimulants
he amendment states that biostimulant specifications shall include tracer molecules in addition to active ingredients. The order also introduces ‘live micro-organisms excluding biofertilizers and biopesticides’ as an additional category of biostimulants specified under Schedule VI. Additionally, the amendment order also increases the permissible limit of pesticide in biostimulants from 0.01ppm to 1ppm.
