Category Archives: Green Initiatives / Environment

Ryots get access to ‘dry chain’, a cost-effective technology

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

It helps in getting seed moisture at desired level

Dry chain, a sustainable farm production model, offering simple and cost-effective technology to ensure safe, dry and high-quality staple food, is now available to the farmers of Chittoor district. The technology helps reduce aflatoxin levels in groundnut, which is one of the major crops in the district.

Vivia Foundation, a Netherlands-based public benefit organisation, launched the ‘Dry chain for groundnuts’ post-harvest programme during the current kharif season at Renuka Bio Farms unit in Routhusuramala village near Srikalahasti recently, where the solar drying chambers were inaugurated. The technology was co-developed at the University of California, Davis. Grameena Vikas Samithi (GVS), a voluntary organisation accredited with the United Nations Conventions, extended support in establishing the ‘Clean works’ rural pilot project.

Dry chain is a technology aimed at getting seed moisture at the desired level, which is 9% for groundnut. “While solar drying is the optimal option for groundnut, using zeolite beads is suggested for absorbing moisture in high-value seeds”, says Rajendranath Reddy, founder of Renuka Bio Farms.

Field-tested

Kent J. Bradford, Director of Seed Biotechnology Centre at University of California, Davis, who inaugurated the facility, dubs it the first comprehensive field-tested ‘dry chain’ system in India, applied to pre-harvest and post-harvest crop processing. Future demonstrations and training programmes are being planned to showcase dry chain technologies at the farm.

“The research study for groundnuts will continue till the next rabi season ending next spring, in which farmers from across the State will be involved”, explains GVS director L. Suryanarayana Reddy. The pilot project utilised ‘Kalgudi’, a mobile application as the platform for farmer training, data collection, transactions and supply chain traceability. The technology will be passed on to local farmers so as to improve yield quality and increase overall farm revenue.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by A.D. Rangarajan / Tirupati – November 12th, 2018

Tribal farmer reaps it rich in ‘sama’ cultivation

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All
Adviser and Co-Vice Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Ryhtu Sadhikara Samstha T. Vijaya Kumar having a look at the sama crop cultivated under ZBNF at Baliyaguda in Araku mandal in Visakhapatnam district on Friday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangment
Adviser and Co-Vice Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Ryhtu Sadhikara Samstha T. Vijaya Kumar having a look at the sama crop cultivated under ZBNF at Baliyaguda in Araku mandal in Visakhapatnam district on Friday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangment

Sonnu gets yield of 6.5 quintals an acre

Following zero budget natural farming, Pangi Sonnu of Araku Valley mandal cultivated sama (little millet) got a yield of 6.5 quintals an acre.

The crop-cutting experiment in a 5×5 square metre plot was conducted at the ZBNF Sama festival at Baliyaguda village on Friday.

The festival was organised by Agriculture Department, Andhra Pradesh  Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, Sanjeevini Rural Development Society, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources and Watershed Support Services and Activity Network (WASSAN).

The yield in broadcast farming was only between 2 and 2.5 quintals. Because of transplantation, weeding twice and using ‘jeevamrutham’ (bio fertilizer) following ZBNF the yield has gone up, a press release said.

‘Grow pulses’

Adviser and Co-Vice Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Ryhtu Sadhikara Samstha T. Vijaya Kumar suggested that farmers should grow pulses like red gram and cow pea between rows of millets to enhance soil fertility.

Programme Manager from WASSSAN Sanyasi Rao said sama productivity could go up to six quintals in ZBNF.

State Resource Person (ZBNF) for promoting System of Millet Intensification (SMI) P. Devullu said plans were ready to convert 5 % of sama farmers into SMI. In the tribal region of Visakhapatnam, sama is cultivated in 5,319 hectares.

At a farmers interactive session organised as a part of the event farmers who had grown ragi under ‘Guli’ system shared their experiences.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – November 10th, 2018

ZBNF revolution sweeps village in Andhra Pradesh

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
ZBNF growers preparing cow-based fertilizer at Padarthi village in Prakasam district. | Photo Credit: KommuriSrinivas
ZBNF growers preparing cow-based fertilizer at Padarthi village in Prakasam district. | Photo Credit: KommuriSrinivas

Farmers on cloud nine over dramatic turnaround in fortunes

D. Rama Rao, like other farmers, had been using chemical fertilizers and pesticides recommended by shopkeepers at Kothapatnam. Despite heavy investments, the yield had not improved and his losses kept mounting.

However, after attending a workshop on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) at Kakinada a couple of years ago, the farmer from Padarthi village in the coastal Kothapatnam mandal switched to the environmentally-friendly practice.

Seeing for themselves the result, a majority of the farmers in the village also returned to the traditional way of cow-centric agriculture made popular by Subash Palekar.

“About 70% of the villagers have now turned ZBNF farmers. We will make our village a model one by persuading the rest of the farmers to take to chemical-free agriculture,” he says in a conversation with The Hindu.

“Now, we prepare cow dung and urine-based concoction with ample use of neem and other natural products for various purposes starting with seed treatment to plant protection,” says another progressive farmer Koteswara Rao, who has taken up groundnut cultivation in sandy loam.

Undoing the damage

“We spray diluted cow urine to get blemishless colocasia crop,” says yet another another armer, Srinivasa Rao. It took two years to restore the soil health damaged by use of chemical fertilizers, adds the proud farmer showing the good number of earthworms in his farm, thanks to adoption of mulching technique.

Large tracts of land once used to be fallow in the village in the absence of assured irrigation.

Now, a variety of crops, including organic vegetables, are grown throughout the year by installing micro irrigation system, they say, adding “we are able to get a better price for the produce from the ZBNF store in Ongole and other places.”

“We will take the natural farming movement to other villages in the mandal,” they say, adding that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who wants to bring six million farmers under ZBNF fold, is their inspiration.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by S. Murali / Ongole – October 31st, 2018

Blazing a trail for organic cotton farming

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nature, World Opinion
Marci Zaroff, an American and founder-CEO of MetaWear.
Marci Zaroff, an American and founder-CEO of MetaWear.

An American decides to use blockchain technology to promote ‘ECOfashion’

Setting a trend, she has become an ambassador for eco-friendly textiles. Meet Marci Zaroff, who after completing her specialisation in business management from University of California, Berkeley, coined the term ‘ECOfashion’ by promoting various lifestyle brands.

The American, who is the founder-CEO of MetaWear, a leading sustainable fashion manufacturer, has now decided to use blockchain technology in Andhra Pradesh from sowing seeds to the final product to prove genuineness on organic cotton-growing. She also has plans to replicate it in China, Turkey, Pakistan and Africa in future through partner-NGOs. She is involved in promoting cultivation of organic cotton in various parts among marginalised sections mainly women and tribal people through Chetna, an NGO in Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and Grameena Vikas Kendra in Andhra Pradesh.

During the past one and half decades, through Chetna, 2,500 tonnes of processed cotton was procured and supplied to 30 popular brands in the United States. The value of cotton was put at $5 million. The value of final product was in the range of $30 million to $40 million.

In Andhra Pradesh, she is supporting the launch of a pilot project involving 250 tribal farmers in Gummalakshmipuram in Vizianagaram district.

Expansion plan

Ms. Zaroff has plans to expand it to over 15,000 farmers in five years. During her recent visit, she told The Hindu that they wanted to sequestration of 80,000 to 160,000 tonne of carbon by 2022.

She said implementation of eco-friendly best practices would not only benefit the farmers in getting higher yield but also reduce cost of operation and ensure climate resilient cotton farming.

Ms. Zaroff said the total organic cotton produced in India was 59,470 tonne during 2016-17 growing season. India is on top in the world in organic cotton production followed by China, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Tajikistan.

“We have been successfully selling T shirts, neckwear, legging, bedding, summer clothes and undergarments through various brands by associating at various stages of supply chain be it retailer, branding and stockists,” she said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Santosh Patnaik / Visakhapatnam – October 23rd, 2018

Telugu Ganga enters Kadapa district

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All
Kadapa Collector Ch. Hari Kiran inspecting the water flowing into Telugu Ganga Canal from Srisailam project near Chinnavangali at Kadapa-Kurnool district border on Friday.
Kadapa Collector Ch. Hari Kiran inspecting the water flowing into Telugu Ganga Canal from Srisailam project near Chinnavangali at Kadapa-Kurnool district border on Friday.

‘Reservoirs will be filled on a priority’

Water released from Srisailam project entered Kadapa district through the Telugu Ganga Project (TGP) canal on Friday. The entry was observed at the 96th km point at Chinnavangali (Kurnool district) at the inter-district border.

Collector Ch. Hari Kiran observed the flow of Krishna water at the regulator, monitored the escape and water levels. TGP Superintending Engineer Sarada explained to him details such as the water flow rate at 1,224 cusecs and the quantity stored at various locations.

The Collector pointed out that water should be released to Kadapa immediately after fulfilling Kurnool district’s requirements, instead of storing excess water in canals and sluices. “Filling Pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Sagar will benefit farmers of Mydukur and Badvel constituencies,” he said, while announcing to fill up SVBR, Sarvaraya Sagar, Gandikota, Mylavaram and Vamikonda reservoirs etc on a priority basis. EE Prabhakar Rao and DE Nagi Reddy were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Kadapa – September 15th, 2018

In the city of saris, Khadi goes organic

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
Threads of nature: Eco-friendly khadi dress material put on display by a group of weavers in Chirala.
Threads of nature: Eco-friendly khadi dress material put on display by a group of weavers in Chirala.

Traditional weaving is fading, but enterprising producers in Chirala have taken a green turn

Weavers from Chirala, which derives its name from word chira (sari), have carved a niche for themselves, making silk and cotton fabrics for men and women for centuries.

But the going has been tough in the era of global textile competition, and members of GenX from the community from across the State have been quitting the profession. Many weavers have also been hurt by the GST regime.

But a group of enterprising weavers in the handloom town want to show that some innovation can make things different. They have taken to making organic Khadi dress material for women in a big way.

Even if the khadi dress material is a bit costly, they are in great demand as they are free from chemicals that harm the skin. The dress material made with natural dyes are particular favourites, say the weavers. They have been producing environment-friendly dress material in a span of just three days. What makes some dress material special is that it carries seed remnants.

Guntur cotton

The weavers first came out with eco-friendly khadi shirting material for men. “Encouraged by the good response, we now make dress material — top, salwar and dupatta — from good quality cotton produced by farmers from neighbouring Guntur district,” said Indira Abhyudaya Silk Handloom Weavers Society president B. Shyam Sundar.

But saris are never out of fashion, and the target audience includes youth. “We will soon come out with khadi saris as well, anticipating a good demand from women of all ages,” adds S. Aruna, an expert at producing dress material from the Janarpeta area.

With elections round the corner, new demand is expected. We hope to bag orders from politicians as well as party workers, said B. Balashankar Rao, who takes his consignment of specially-made khadi dress material to “Neta Bazaar.”

Still mostly offline

Though these weavers had launched online marketing, the bulk of the sale happens through Neta Bazaar in Chirala.

The clothes are also popular at handloom expos organised by the Union and State Governments, according to weavers.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News>States> Andhra Pradesh / by S.Murali / Ongole – August 03rd, 2018

Golden jackal faces threat in its habitat

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion
A golden jackal in search of prey outside its habitat in the Bandar Reserve Forest area. | Photo Credit: T_APPALANAIDU
A golden jackal in search of prey outside its habitat in the Bandar Reserve Forest area. | Photo Credit: T_APPALANAIDU

Destruction of mangrove cover in Bandar Reserve Forest may trigger man-animal conflict

Destruction of mangrove cover in the Bandar Reserve Forest is forcing the golden jackal (Canis aureus) out of its habitat, triggering a conflict with the local communities.

Recently, The Hindu documented how a young golden jackal was swimming in the brackish waters out of its habitat for prey near the Palletummalapalem village in Machilipatnam mandal in Krishna district.

“We have recorded several golden jackals in the BRF through camera traps. The sighting out of its habitat is a sign of its destruction,” said A. Appa Rao, an expert engaged in the restoration of the mangrove cover.

Aqua ponds

The conservation status of the animal is the ‘least concern’ and it preys on wild crab and fish.

Amid uproar over the aqua ponds, the Vigilance authorities in 2017 recommended to the State government to hand over the 24,363 acres under the BRF and the BRF extension (I to IV) to the Forest department for protection.

Since 1970 (G.O.No. 2204), the BRF has been in the hands of the Revenue department as the final notification to de-reserve the forest land (25,259 acres) was still pending owing to various reasons.

The Revenue authorities, on the other hand, are helpless in preventing the encroachment of the mangrove along the Machilipatnam coastline.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by T. Appala Naidu / Machilipatnam – July 16th, 2018

A dependable ally of farmers, fishermen

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nature, Science & Technology
Reliance Foundation is bringing all the stakeholders of primary sector on one platform by using technology. | Photo Credit: SPECIALARRANGEMENT
Reliance Foundation is bringing all the stakeholders of primary sector on one platform by using technology. | Photo Credit: SPECIALARRANGEMENT

Reliance Foundation’s ICT initiative makes visible impact in East Godavari

Bridging the gaps among the stakeholders of the primary sector by making better use of the available Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is what the Reliance Foundation has been doing for the last six years.

From mere double digit, the number of its stakeholders has now touched the one million mark spreading in about 3,500 villages and hamlets. Launched as a pilot project in East Godavari district in 2012, the services of the foundation have now expanded to all the 13 districts of the State.

Weather updates

“We have been serving farmers and fisherfolk by making use of ICT. From providing weather updates and the satellite data pertaining to the potential fishing zones in the Bay of Bengal to arranging interactive sessions with scientists and subject experts in the video conferencing mode are the free services we are providing to the end users now,” says Chittibabu Nagulapalli, senior manager at the foundation.

Be it choosing the right time for plantation and harvest to the advice on the quantity of fertilizer and pesticide to be used, farmers are depending on the foundation’s call centre without any hesitation. Nearly 20% of the beneficiaries are from East Godavari district.

Video interaction

“Video interaction with the veterinary doctors is best among the services being provided by the foundation. Otherwise, it would be very difficult for us to cart the ailing cattle to the doctor and wait for our turn in the queue by postponing the day’s work,” explains Jalligampala Rambabu, who runs a mini-dairy at Kapavaram.

For fishermen, advance information about the potential zones is the major advantage. “It saves time and fuel as well. At the end of the day, we are able to get significant returns from fishing,” says Dooda Masenu, motorboat owner from Uppada. Information collected from the INCOIS is being disseminated to the stakeholders on their mobile phones. “We can also take the help of the call centre during the sudden climate change when we are in the sea,” he points out.

“All we are doing is to ensure coordination among the departments concerned and making better use of the available technology. Officials and scientists too are evincing interest in taking part in the virtual interactive sessions. We are playing the role of the facilitator,” explains Mr. Chitti Babu.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by K N Murali Sankar / Kakinada – July 03rd, 2018

Jasmine, A.P.’s official flower, spreads its fragrance far away

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, World Opinion
The point where jasmine is traded at Chandragudem of Mylavaram mandal in Krishna district. | Photo Credit: BYARRANGEMENT
The point where jasmine is traded at Chandragudem of Mylavaram mandal in Krishna district. | Photo Credit: BYARRANGEMENT

It’s big business with turnover touching IRs. 20 crore every year in Mylavaram mandal of Krishna district

The delicate and elegant flower of blissful fragrance from the tiny mandal of Mylavaram in Krishna district is spreading its scent in faraway places.

Jasmine (jasminum sambac or Bondu Malle in Telugu), and Andhra Pradesh State’s official flower, has become the centre-piece of the agri-economy bouquet of this small mandal as its exports are blooming.

Consider this. According to estimates, the jasmine business exceeds a whopping ₹20 crore during the season – January to September. “Jasmines contribute a significant share in the agriculture economy in Mylavaram mandal, where over 1,000 farmers are directly engaged in its cultivation. Annual turnover has crossed ₹20 crore, given the extent of land under cultivation,” Suresh Vesam told The Hindu.

Mr. Vesam is Director of Nestham, an NGO working on jasmine cultivation and marketing facilities in rural Krishna district.

According to estimates, over 200 acres in the mandal are under its cultivation.

Blooming grace

Realizing the huge demand for this small and graceful flower of fragrance, local farmers have been growing jasmines in big land parcels – up to four to five acres – basketing large quantities in key villages such as Pulluru, Chandragudem and Kothagudem.

On the land, “A majority of the farmers are going for the drip irrigation method which results in a bumper yield. Mylavaram farmers have learnt the technique from Tamil Nadu farmers by adopting best farming techniques,” Horticulture Department Assistant Director N. Sujatha told The Hindu.

“We want our farmers to take every opportunity that is available in the market. We are now witnessing that many traders in Hyderabad would wait for the arrival of jasmines from Mylavaram,” added Ms. Sujatha. Hyderabad is the prime market destination of the Mylavaram farmers, who transport their produce daily by road.

Going places

Looking beyond neighbouring Hyderabad,

“Plans are afoot to export jasmines directly to Singapore from next year through farmers producers’ associations from the Mylavaram area.

“Being Andhra Pradesh State’s official flower will help to tap marketing prospects in other states and abroad,” said Mr. Suersh Vesam.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by T. Appala Naidu / Machilipatnam – July 02nd, 2018

1st in south, tiles to be made from plastic waste

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, All
Scientists believe that the plastic tiles could be commercially viable as they are unbreakable and water-proof.

Visakhapatnam:

For the first time in South India, plastic waste will be recycled to manufacture tiles in Vizag.  The National Research Development Corporation’s Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre at Visakhapatnam and National Physical Laboratory of New Delhi has transferred the technology to the Vizag-based Vyzag Bio-Energy Fuel Private Limited, according to the centre’s Vizag head B.K Sahu.

Scientists believe that the plastic tiles could be commercially viable as they are unbreakable and water-proof. Promoting them would help combat the threat posed by plastic waste.  The technology was developed by scientist S.K. Dhawan and his team at the NPL, The technology was selected in the Smart Fifty innovations by the department of science and technology and IIM-Kolkata.   Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Dhawan said: “The idea was to evolve a solution to the huge threat looming on the environment due to plastic waste. Only 20 per cent of plastic waste is recycled and the rest is dumped, causing a huge impact all over including marine life. There is a huge scope to recycle these wastes.”

About 600 plastic bags are used to manufacture one tile and 42,000 plastic bags for a slab measuring seven foot by four foot. The plastic tiles cost Rs 50-60 per sq feet and could be used for pavements, jogger paths. Tiles are being manufactured with different designs and are commercially viable. “When plastic wastes are being recycled to lay roads, why we should not use them for tiles,” Mr Dhawan asked. “Plastic recycling is growing in India and the market is huge. We should focus more on how to get wealth from wastes,” said the scientist.

Waste plastic bags and bottles are shredded into small pieces. This is mixed with fillers and moulded into water-proof decorative colourful tiles. 600 plastic bags are used to make one standard size tile 42,000 plastic bags are used for a slab measuring seven foot by four foot. Plastic tiles cost Rs 50-60 per sq feet and could be used for pavements, jogger paths.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Viral & Trending / by Sumit Onka, Deccan Chronicle / June 29th, 2018