Two new recent updates w.r.t initiatives for doubling farmer income by state government.
Quinoa processing units to be established in Udaipur & Tonk
State Agriculture department in Rajasthan has entered into an agreement with a private company, according to which, two quinoa processing units will be set up in the state (Udaipur & Tonk) and quinoa will be bought back from farmers. As per official data, quinoa is being cultivated on 3,300 hectares in 11 districts of agriculture divisions including Bikaner, Bhilwara, Jalore and Udaipur by 10,000 farmers. Its production is 60,000 quintals. Quinoa is cultivated in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Australia, China, Canada, England and many other countries.
It can be grown on alkaline and barren lands and it can sustain drought and ground frost. It comes with the added incentive of being insect-resistant. Quinoa is suitable to climatic conditions of Rajasthan. Quinoa is also called as a super food and mother grain due to its nutritious values. Quinoa, being gluten-free will prove to be a boon for those who suffering from celiac disease. “Around 10,000 children in Rajasthan have gluten allergy. Quinoa is a better option for people with this allergy who cannot consume gluten, one of the proteins found in wheat, barley and rye.
Introduction of Nanotechnology based Pesticides in farming sector in Rajasthan
Rajasthan agriculture department is planning to introduce nanotechnology based products in farming. Using nanotechnology based products will help to reduce expenditure on pesticides and fertilizers, maintaining soil health and will improve quality of agriculture products as well. A private company has offered nanotechnology based products to make crops pest free and to increase production by reducing the use of fertilizers. The agriculture university has been asked to use these products in farms at agriculture research centres and centres of excellence on an experimental basis to know the results.
Nanotechnology based pesticide is made from the extract of coconut, potato, corn, soy, sugarcane, and vegetables. This product is environmental friendly and pure. The most important thing about this is that it will kill only the enemy pests and not friendly insects.
Nanotechnology based fertilizer are made of nano-sized nitrogen molecules coated in a polymer coating that protects the fertilizer from the elements. This coating contains nano-sized ‘biosensors’ made up of a very specific chemical compound that allow the fertilizer to be released into the soil when the plant needs it. The product is made from the extract of vegetables and cereals, and it will bring down the consumption of fertilizers by 40 per cent.
